New water investor perspectives: Lessons from the field3 New water investors encourage others to consider how water can drive value in diverse areas, beyond the traditional utility models. Water innovation represents a high-potential yet distinct investment landscape, one that requires a shift in mindset to navigate effectively. This section outlines strategies for approaching water investments from a new perspective and offers insights from first-time investors who are helping to shape this emerging space. To invest effectively in water, investors need to shift their perspective: –Think systems, not silos: Water is rarely a standalone investment. The most promising solutions often lie at the intersections with climate tech, agriculture, energy or public health. –Focus on enabling technologies: Look for scalable tech-enabled solutions that support monitoring, efficiency, leak detection, water reuse or decentralized treatment. –Understand the value chain: From source to tap, and from wastewater to resource recovery, solutions to water challenges exist across the full value chain. Each segment has different risk– return profiles. –Invest in resilience and impact: Solutions that secure water access, improve quality or reduce risk are increasingly critical in a changing climate. These investments offer a direct path to measurable climate adaptation and social impact. –Partner with domain experts: Success in water investing often depends on deep technical and policy understanding. Investors benefit from partnering with those with experience, including seasoned water investors, as well as specialized market intelligence firms.3.1 How to approach water investments differently This section presents first-hand insights from those who have recently entered the sector, highlighting the opportunities they have identified, the challenges they have faced and the advice they offer to others exploring the potential of investing in water.3.2 Lessons from new water investors Investing in Water: Aligning Investment Strategies with Water Innovation 21

Investing in Water Aligning Investment Strategies with Water Innovation 2025