Aquius Fund Launches to Bridge Water Sector Investment Gap
Amsterdam, Thursday, 18 September 2025.
Henk Nieboer and Thomas Peutz introduce Aquius, a new fund to address the $150 billion annual investment shortfall in water innovation, emphasizing private financing for sustainable solutions.
Addressing the Funding Deficit
Henk Nieboer, renowned for his leadership at Witteveen+Bos, has collaborated with investment advisor Thomas Peutz to launch Aquius. This fund aims to mitigate the $150 billion annual investment gap identified by the World Bank in the water sector by fostering private financing solutions [1]. By targeting investments in startups that have demonstrated market viability and possess a technology readiness level of 7 or higher, Aquius seeks to catalyze advancements in sustainable water management and innovation [1].
Strategic Focus and Objectives
Aquius is designed to focus on five key missions: enhancing water reuse, improving water efficiency and quality, promoting nature-based solutions, addressing the water-energy nexus, and advancing water access and climate adaptation strategies [1]. This strategic emphasis aligns with the urgent need for sustainable practices as part of the global response to climate change. The fund’s goal is to raise 50 million euros, investing in 15 to 25 startups to drive impactful innovation within the sector [1].
Innovative Financing Models
In a landscape where private investment funds dedicated to the water sector are scarce, particularly in the Netherlands and Northwest Europe, Aquius stands out by offering diversified investment opportunities across various water themes [1]. Nieboer emphasizes the importance of innovative financing models to bridge the existing investment gap, highlighting how private investment can complement traditional public funding sources to maintain public norms and values [1]. Potential investors include government-related entities, private funds, and individuals willing to contribute a minimum of 100,000 euros [1].
Broader Implications for Innovation
The launch of Aquius complements broader European initiatives to enhance innovation, such as Prosus and MIT’s focus on AI development funding opportunities in the Netherlands [2]. These efforts underscore a continental shift towards prioritizing research and development, with significant investments to align with strategic goals. Furthermore, the TNO Innovatiemonitor 2025 highlights the critical role of innovation in national growth agendas, echoing the necessity of funds like Aquius to drive sustainable technological advancements [2].