Investing in Water Aligning Investment Strategies with Water Innovation 2025

Images: Getty Images Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. This paper is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment or legal advice. Readers should consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. © 2025 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Contents Forewords Executive summary Introduction 1 The current landscape of water investing 1.1 The environmental, economic and social imperative of investing in water 1.2 The water investment opportunity 1.3 The growing drivers for water demand 1.4 Growing investor interest 1.5 Current realities of investing in water 1.6 Investing in early-stage water innovation 2 Water innovation investment spectrum 2.1 Water innovation as a strategic investment for different investor types 2.2 Water innovation in everyone’s investment thesis 3 New water investor perspectives: Lessons from the field 3.1 How to approach water investments differently 3.2 Lessons from new water investors 4 Call to action Contributors Acknowledgements Endnotes3 5 6 7 8 9 9 11 12 13 17 18 20 21 21 21 28 29 29 30 Investing in Water: Aligning Investment Strategies with Water Innovation 2