Global segment ranking · Energy & climate › Resources
The world’s most valuable water tech startups
Companies built around water: treatment and reuse of industrial and urban water, removal of PFAS and other contaminants, desalination, water made from air, purifier subscriptions, leak detection and smart meters, and software for water utilities and water-risk management. Ranked worldwide by AI-estimated valuation, with listed water companies shown in grey at their market value for reference. The market sets the value; AI models estimate it.
Key metrics for this segment: key milestone. Figures as published by each company or the press, dated, not recalculated. The AIs weigh them alongside funding history and comparables.
Not in this segment. Listed, so not ranked: Xylem, Watts, Pentair, Zurn Elkay, Coway, Kurita, Badger Meter and Mueller (shown in grey), and VA Tech Wabag, Beijing Originwater, Organo, Ion Exchange, Energy Recovery, Fluence, 374Water, Aquaporin, Veolia, Ecolab and American Water Works. Bought or created by a group: Flo Technologies (Moen), Aquarius Spectrum (Aliaxis), Phyn. Closed: SOURCE Global. In other segments: irrigation and farm water tools (CropX, Kilimo) under Precision farming; bottled water and drinks brands (Liquid Death, Waterdrop) and reusable bottles (LARQ) outside this segment. A company appears in one segment only. Method
The segment at a glance
24companies ranked
4companies on the radar
9countries in the ranking
19listed benchmarks
Sources: Company announcements, Reuters, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, Axios, Calcalist, Globes, Sifted, Inc42, Entrackr, The Economic Times, Nikkei, Global Water Intelligence, and market data for listed companies. Intention counters will be shown above a threshold of amount and number of Backers.
Rankings by region
Filter the ranking and the Radar. Ranks stay worldwide. Regional pages: Asia · Europe · Middle East & North Africa · North America.Global ranking · Water
Snapshot17 Oct 2026A snapshot taken on 17 Oct 2026
This ranking shows the startups as they stood on 17 Oct 2026. Funding rounds, valuations and other events announced after that date are not included yet. They will be taken into account in the next edition, scheduled for 5 Dec 2026.
Spotted a more recent round? Tell us →First edition: no movements yet.
This ranking shows the startups as they stood on 17 Oct 2026. Funding rounds, valuations and other events announced after that date are not included yet. They will be taken into account in the next edition, scheduled for 5 Dec 2026.
Spotted a more recent round? Tell us →First edition: no movements yet.
World · 24 ranked companies
| # | Company | Last round · Key metrics | Estimated valuation (AI) · range | Pool of InterestsInterest: a free, non-binding declaration on a company, or on a sector within an area, made during the free phase of a pool. Pool: all the Interests declared on the same target. This column shows the number of Backers and the combined amount of their tickets, to validated members only. Terms for Backers → | BackBacking a startup on Uback (pronounced “you back”) can be done in two ways: Interest · free: a non-binding declaration that signals your demand for a company or a sector. You can move or withdraw it at any time, with up to 5 at once. Intention · coming soon: a paid, confirmed declaration, still non-binding. Once its pool reaches critical mass, it is presented to a company by a partner desk. Neither is an order nor a commitment to invest. Terms for Backers → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | XylemListed · NYSE · XYL | USD 24bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| — | Watts Water TechnologiesListed · NYSE · WTS | USD 12bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| — | PentairListed · NYSE · PNR | USD 8.6bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| — | Zurn Elkay Water SolutionsListed · NYSE · ZWS | USD 7.8bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| — | CowayListed · KRX · 021240 | USD 5.7bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| — | Kurita Water IndustriesListed · TSE · 6370 | USD 4.9bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| — | Badger MeterListed · NYSE · BMI | USD 3.7bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| — | Mueller Water ProductsListed · NYSE · MWA | USD 3.4bnMarket cap · Oct 2026Listed company · not ranked | |||
| 1 | GradiantDesigns, builds and operates water treatment and reuse systems for industrial clients such as semiconductor fabs, data centres, mining and power plants, combining proprietary processes with AI-driven operations. | Series E · May 2026Largest backlog and pipeline to date, driven by data centres and fabs · May 2026 | Last known equity round: Series E · May 2026 (Safar Partners, Hostplus); amount not disclosed Published valuation: USD 2bn (reported) (May 2026)Method |
Be the first | Back |
| 2 | MoleaerManufactures nanobubble generators that dissolve gases into water to improve wastewater treatment, lake and reservoir quality, aquaculture and crop irrigation. | Series C · USD 40M · Jun 2022Over 1,500 nanobubble systems deployed in 30+ countries · Jun 2022 | Last known equity round: Series C · USD 40M · Jun 2022 (Apollo-managed funds, Husqvarna)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 3 | WintUses AI and IoT flow sensors to detect leaks, shut off water automatically and cut waste in commercial buildings and construction sites. | Series C · USD 35M · Aug 2023Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Series C · USD 35M · Aug 2023 (Inven Capital, Insight Partners, Taronga Ventures)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 4 | LivpureMakes and sells RO water purifiers, including subscription-based purifiers, alongside air coolers, kitchen appliances and mattresses for Indian households. | Growth round · USD 28M · Aug 2024FY23 operating revenue of INR 294 crore (~USD 36M), over 80% from water purifiers · Mar 2023 | Last known equity round: Growth round · USD 28M · Aug 2024 (M&G Investments, Ncubate Capital Partners); INR 233 croreMethod | Be the first | Back |
| 5 | PuraffinityDevelops functionalised adsorbent media that selectively capture PFAS from drinking water, groundwater and industrial wastewater, for water utilities and industrial operators. | Series A · USD 22.8M · Sep 2024Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Series A · USD 22.8M · Sep 2024 (Octopus Ventures, BGF, HG Ventures); GBP 16.93M including the extensionMethod | Be the first | Back |
| 6 | OxyleDestroys PFAS and other persistent pollutants in industrial and municipal water with a catalytic treatment system paired with real-time monitoring. | Seed · USD 16M · Jan 2025Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Seed · USD 16M · Jan 2025 (360 Capital, Axeleo Capital, Founderful, SOSV)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 7 | AclarityDestroys PFAS and other persistent contaminants in concentrated water streams with electrochemical oxidation units, serving landfills, industrial sites and water utilities. | Series A · USD 15.9M · Nov 2023Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Series A · USD 15.9M · Nov 2023 (Aqualateral, HG Ventures)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 8 | MembrionMakes ceramic ion-exchange membranes that treat harsh industrial wastewater and recover water and metals, targeting semiconductor, mining and electroplating plants. | Series B · USD 12.5M · Aug 2023Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Series B · USD 12.5M · Aug 2023 (PureTerra Ventures, Samsung Venture Investment)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 9 | Epic CleantecInstalls and operates onsite greywater and blackwater recycling systems in commercial and residential buildings, reusing treated water for toilets, cooling and irrigation and recovering soil products. | Series B · USD 12M · Nov 2024Runs largest onsite blackwater system in a US commercial building (Salesforce Tower) · Nov 2024 | Last known equity round: Series B · USD 12M · Nov 2024Method | Be the first | Back |
| 10 | HydraloopProduces decentralised greywater recycling units that clean shower, bath and laundry water for reuse in toilets, washing machines and gardens in homes, hotels and buildings. | Series B · USD 11.4M · Mar 2024Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Series B · USD 11.4M · Mar 2024 (Invest-NL, Amavi Capital, NOM); EUR 10.5MMethod | Be the first | Back |
| 11 | WaterplanProvides a software platform that measures corporate water risk across sites and supply chains, combining satellite and hydrological data to plan and track water stewardship actions. | Series A · USD 11M · May 2023Customers include AB InBev, AWS, Danone, Diageo and Colgate · May 2023 | Last known equity round: Series A · USD 11M · May 2023 (Base10 Partners, Giant Ventures, Y Combinator)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 12 | KandoMonitors sewage networks with sensors and analytics that trace pollution sources and wastewater events in real time, helping utilities and municipalities manage wastewater quality and public health. | Growth round · USD 10M · Oct 2024Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Growth round · USD 10M · Oct 2024 (DC Thomson, LIP, Ram-On Investments)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 13 | KETOSProvides automated water quality monitoring hardware and analytics that test water on site for contaminants, serving utilities, industry and agriculture. | Growth round · USD 10M · May 2024Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Growth round · USD 10M · May 2024 (Tenfore Holdings, Danu Venture Group, Broadway Angels)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 14 | OnekaBuilds floating buoys that use wave energy to desalinate seawater without grid power or emissions, supplying fresh water to coastal communities, utilities and industry. | Series A · USD 9.2M · Sep 2023Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Series A · USD 9.2M · Sep 2023 (Hoffecker Family, Horizon Capital Holdings, AQC Capital); CAD 12.5MMethod | Be the first | Back |
| 15 | WaHaDevelops off-grid atmospheric water harvesters using metal-organic frameworks to pull water from dry air, targeting Gulf markets, HVAC integration and agriculture. | Series A-1 · USD 8M · Jul 2025Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Series A-1 · USD 8M · Jul 2025 (Berkeley Catalyst Fund)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 16 | DrinkPrimeRents IoT-connected water purifiers to Indian households on monthly subscription, handling installation, filter changes and maintenance while tracking water quality remotely. | Series A extension · USD 2.2M · Mar 2026FY25 revenue of INR 72.1 crore (~USD 8.5M), up 54% · Mar 2025 | Last known equity round: Series A extension · USD 2.2M · Mar 2026 (Mirabilis Investment Trust, Artha Continuum Fund); INR 20 crore Published valuation: INR 340 crore (reported) (Mar 2026)Method |
Be the first | Back |
| 17 | ASTERRAAnalyses satellite radar imagery to detect underground water leaks and soil moisture anomalies, giving water utilities and infrastructure operators prioritised areas for field inspection. | Growth round · USD 6M · Mar 2021New Mexico expanded its statewide satellite leak detection programme with ASTERRA · 2025 | Last known equity round: Growth round · USD 6M · Mar 2021 (Beringea)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 18 | HydroleapDevelops electrochemical water treatment systems that cut chemical use in cooling towers and industrial wastewater for data centres, semiconductor, pharmaceutical and agrifood sites. | Seed · USD 4.8M · Aug 2025Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Seed · USD 4.8M · Aug 2025Method | Be the first | Back |
| 19 | AquacyclTreats high-strength industrial wastewater on site with modular bioelectrochemical reactors, cutting sewer surcharges and energy use for food, beverage and other manufacturers. | Seed · USD 4M · Aug 2021Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Seed · USD 4M · Aug 2021 (The Roddenberry Foundation)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 20 | KumulusBuilds solar-compatible atmospheric water generators that produce drinking water from air humidity for schools, hotels, offices and remote communities in North Africa and Europe. | Seed · USD 3.5M · Jun 2025Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Seed · USD 3.5M · Jun 2025 (Bpifrance, PlusVC, Kalys Venture, Flat6Labs)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 21 | DigitalPaaniProvides AI software and remote operations that monitor and optimise industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants, improving compliance, water reuse and operating costs. | Seed · USD 2.5M · Sep 202695+ facilities treating over 150 million litres of water per day · Sep 2026 | Last known equity round: Seed · USD 2.5M · Sep 2026 (Navam Capital, Enzia Ventures); INR 22 croreMethod | Be the first | Back |
| 22 | Uravu LabsBuilds atmospheric water generation plants that use renewable heat and desiccants to harvest drinking water from air for hospitality, beverage and industrial customers in India. | Seed · USD 2.3M · Mar 2023Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Seed · USD 2.3M · Mar 2023 (Anicut Capital, Speciale Invest, Rocketship.vc)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 23 | BoonDesigns solar-powered smart water purification kiosks and connected purifiers, now sold under the Boon brand, delivering clean drinking water to communities, workplaces and homes. | Pre-Series A · USD 1.6M · Feb 2021Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Pre-Series A · USD 1.6M · Feb 2021 (Rajasthan Venture Capital Fund)Method | Be the first | Back |
| 24 | WEGoTProvides IoT water meters and analytics that measure and manage consumption flat by flat in residential and commercial buildings across India, enabling usage-based billing and recycling. | Pre-Series A · USD 1.5M · Dec 2021Key metrics not disclosed | Last known equity round: Pre-Series A · USD 1.5M · Dec 2021 (Gruhas Proptech); INR 11 croreMethod | Be the first | Back |
Back · Backing on Uback (pronounced “you back”) means declaring an Interest (free) or an Intention (coming soon). Backing does not mean that this company is raising funds or that a shareholder is selling shares, and it is not a commitment to invest. Any deal, through a funding round or a sale by an existing shareholder, is handled by a partner desk: the Fundraising Desk of the country for a round, the Secondary Sales Desk assigned to the company for a sale. · Terms
Corporate investor? Back the startups of your own segment
No ranked company in this region yet: see the Radar.
Ranking in descending order of AI-estimated valuation, based on public information, with no human intervention on the order. The valuations, ranges and brackets shown are editorial estimates produced by AI, purely indicative and imperfect by nature: neither a financial valuation, nor an offer, nor investment advice. Only the market sets a company’s value, through a funding round or a sale. Ranking established by Claude (Anthropic) from public information, following the published rules. A consensus of several AIs will apply from 1 December 2026. Eligibility: at least $1M raised in equity, non-listed company, main activity in this segment (water technology). Country shown is the country of main operations. Request a correction
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How to read this ranking
Rank
Companies are ranked by AI-estimated valuation, highest first. The market sets the value; AI models estimate it.
Estimate
An AI-estimated valuation, its uncertainty range and its order of magnitude. Indicative, and imperfect by nature.
- Hundreds of k$
- Millions $
- Tens of M$
- Hundreds of M$
- Unicorn
- Decacorn
- Hectocorn
Challengers
A registered company raising funds that is not in the ranking will be able, for a fee, to appear in a separate list labelled “Challengers”, for a set period, with a memo available to verified Backers. The listing has no effect on the ranking. Not open yet.
Sponsored space · no Challenger listed yet
Radar · known eligible companies, not ranked
Sorted by date of last round, with no judgement and no AI call.
- WOTA · Japan · AsiaApr 2026; amount not disclosedBack
- Membrane Group · India · AsiaOct 2025; USD 50M commitment, stake not disclosedBack
- Aquatech · United States · North AmericaApr 2025; amount not disclosedBack
- FIDO Tech · United Kingdom · EuropeOct 2024; amount not disclosedBack
No company on the radar in this region yet.
Listed benchmarks
Not ranked: no intention is possible on a listed company.
- Xylem · United StatesNYSE · XYL · USD 24bn (Oct 2026)
- Watts Water Technologies · United StatesNYSE · WTS · USD 12bn (Oct 2026)
- Pentair · United KingdomNYSE · PNR · USD 8.6bn (Oct 2026)
- Zurn Elkay Water Solutions · United StatesNYSE · ZWS · USD 7.8bn (Oct 2026)
- Coway · South KoreaKRX · 021240 · USD 5.7bn (Oct 2026)
- Kurita Water Industries · JapanTSE · 6370 · USD 4.9bn (Oct 2026)
- Badger Meter · United StatesNYSE · BMI · USD 3.7bn (Oct 2026)
- Mueller Water Products · United StatesNYSE · MWA · USD 3.4bn (Oct 2026)
- VA Tech Wabag · IndiaNSE · WABAG
- Beijing Originwater · ChinaSZSE · 300070
- Organo · JapanTSE · 6368
- Ion Exchange (India) · IndiaNSE · IONEXCHANG
- Energy Recovery · United StatesNasdaq · ERII
- Fluence Corporation · United StatesASX · FLC
- 374Water · United StatesNasdaq · SCWO
- Aquaporin · DenmarkNasdaq Copenhagen · AQP
- Veolia · FranceEuronext Paris · VIE
- Ecolab · United StatesNYSE · ECL
- American Water Works · United StatesNYSE · AWK
Sources and method for this segment
Calendar. Global segment rankings are published twice a year. Next edition: December 5, 2026.
Eligibility. At least $1M raised in equity, non-listed company, main activity in this segment (water technology). A company appears in one segment only.
Sources. Company announcements, Reuters, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, Axios, Calcalist, Globes, Sifted, Inc42, Entrackr, The Economic Times, Nikkei, Global Water Intelligence, and market data for listed companies.