Inge Watertechnologies
Country: Germany
Region: Bayern
Investors: Emerald Technology Ventures
Back in 2004, inge watertechnologies had a ground-breaking ultrafiltration technology, capable of delivering a stable source of drinking water, but needed support to achieve its global potential. inge did not simply need cash to commercialise its technology, it needed long-term investment and expertise.
Emerald Technology Ventures invested alongside Next47 (formerly Siemens Venture Capital), and over seven years provided continued capital for investment in R&D, helped build the management, brought in new investors, made decisions on international growth and led expansion into industrial and other applications. In 2011, the business was acquired by BASF, a strong corporate owner that gave inge access to the distribution network it needed to grow further.
Bruno Steis
CEO - inge watertechnologies
The company is appreciative of the dedication and financial support of the Emerald team in creating a world leader in water treatment membranes.
5x
increase in number of employees
10x
increase in turnover during investment period
What did the business need?
Achieve profitability
Cut cost of sales
Grow internationally
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Brought in other investors including BayTech Venture Capital, Entrepreneurs Fund and Stone Fund
Made changes to management including new CEO and independent chairman
Expanded into new areas including industrial applications
Provided continued capital for R&D, driving down cost of sales by a factor of five
Expanded into China, with some success in US and Middle East
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Grew revenues by a factor of ten and achieved profitability
Employment levels rose from around 25 in 2004 to more than 120 during the investment period
Sold to large corporate, where inge could leverage sales and marketing to reach next growth stage
Achieved strong return for investors in Emerald
Investors
