The future of Water Tech

Resilient Water Club Five

We seek five core characteristics in the companies we support. While more will be required to earn our backing, we believe these traits form the foundation of a water company built to last.

01 — Sharp Focus

We’re looking for founders with deep, rare insights into niche market areas that few others know about—founders who have lived and breathed their industry for years. They understand the waters they swim in, as this sector has a way of punishing those who don’t truly grasp its intricacies.

02 — Pinpoint the Pain and Prioritize It

Water companies thrive by addressing pain points—by solving problems for dissatisfied customers. Great founders spend time with their customers, identifying and deeply understanding a specific pain point. They focus on solving the most pressing issue for a core group of customers and aren’t afraid to say “not yet” to other problems.

03 — Deliver a Complete Solution

Creating a product is one thing, but building a business around it is what truly matters. Even brilliant inventions can languish if they aren’t paired with a strong business model. Successful startups obsess over every detail—from the first interaction to end-of-life—to ensure they deliver on the value they promise.

04 — Account for the Pace of the Industry

The water sector moves slowly, and it’s wise to plan accordingly. Customer acquisition can be challenging, so pricing strategies need to be thoughtfully designed from the start. Slow progress isn’t a barrier if you build with that in mind—just ask any enterprise SaaS unicorn.

05 — The Unfair Advantage

Although we wish it weren’t true, the quality of leadership communication matters. Charisma, thoughtfulness, and the ability to tell a compelling story make a big difference. While no one wants a repeat of Theranos, charisma makes it much easier to win over three key groups: team members, customers, and investors—listed in that order of importance.