Inside WaterEquity's US$5m Clean Water Investment

WaterEquity has launched its Water & Climate Resilience Fund with a landmark first investment of US$5m into Savant Group, parent company of SunCulture. 

The move represents a turning point in financing for climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure. 

WaterEquity's fund is designed to back growth-stage companies and infrastructure projects that close water access gaps, strengthen resilience and create long-term sustainable value.

The role of global investors

SunCulture, a Kenya-based social enterprise, produces solar-powered water pumps that reduce reliance on diesel and manual systems. Used for both irrigation and household needs, the technology improves rural water security and reduces the burden of water collection, which disproportionately falls on women and girls. 

WaterEquity's investment will enable SunCulture to scale its impact, expanding access to millions of farmers and families across Africa.

The Water & Climate Resilience Fund has already attracted more than US$100m in commitments from a broad coalition of investors. 

Microsoft, through its Climate Innovation Fund, joined as anchor investor, while Starbucks and Xylem came in as strategic partners. 

Additional supporters include Ecolab, Reckitt and Gap, whose participation underscores the critical role of the private sector in financing water and sanitation solutions.

"Water is at the core of every major global challenge we face today,” says Matt Damon, Co-founder of WaterEquity and Water.org.

“Addressing the global water and sanitation crisis is not just about providing access to safe water; it’s about building resilience to climate change, advancing global gender equality and transforming health and education outcomes for millions of people. 

“Investing in water infrastructure is one of the most powerful ways we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone."

Ecolab’s focus on corporate water stewardship

For Ecolab, participation in the fund reinforces its wider mission: helping companies navigate the increasing intersection of water, energy and climate. 

“As Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab, I see every day the power of water in improving business, operational and environmental impact,” says Emilio Tenuta, SVP and Chief Sustainability Office at EcoLab.

“By leaning into this potential and leveraging technology, we can drive greater performance and positive impact in 2025.” 

Ecolab’s work with Digital Realty is a prime example. By implementing AI-driven water efficiency solutions, Ecolab is helping data centres reduce water consumption by 15%, saving 126 million gallons annually. 

Elsewhere, collaboration with Exelon Generation has delivered water savings exceeding 1.5 billion gallons in a single year. 

These practical outcomes show how technology and smart strategies can transform water use from a challenge into a performance advantage.

Building climate resilience

WaterEquity, co-founded by Gary White and Matt Damon alongside Water.org, is uniquely positioned to channel private capital into underfunded but critical areas of the water value chain. 

Through the new fund, the organisation expects to reach 15 million people across Africa, Asia and Latin America with safe water and sanitation. 

Technical support from Water.org, including water quality education programmes and emissions audits for SunCulture, complements financial investment with operational resilience.

"By bringing together a diverse group of committed water and climate partners, we are directly addressing the need for water and sanitation solutions in communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” comments Paul O’Connell, President and CEO of WaterEquity.

“Our hope is the Water & Climate Resilience Fund will become a testament to the powerful role that strategic collective investments can play in building resilience, protecting lives and ensuring a sustainable future."

Ecolab’s involvement in this coalition highlights how corporate leadership can amplify impact when paired with innovative financing and local solutions. 

With climate change intensifying water scarcity and infrastructure stress, the US$100m+ already raised represents a significant step towards scaling resilient water systems.

The coming years will determine whether collective investment of this kind can achieve the scale required to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6, clean water and sanitation for all. 

“Our investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure and innovative solutions are not just intended to meet for immediate needs but also to build long-term resilience for millions of people in low-income populations,” says  Marlene Hormes, Former Chief Investment Officer at WaterEquity and current Chair of the Investment Committee at African Development Bank Group.

“This strategy has the power to transform communities, secure water resources and create lasting impacts for generations. 

“The Water & Climate Resilience Fund will exemplify how private investment can tackle the most urgent water and sanitation challenges in emerging markets."