Dutch WaterTech startup HULO has raised €2.3 million in a seed funding round to scale its AI-driven leak detection technology and accelerate its mission to reduce global water loss. The round was led by VP Capital and LUMO Labs, with additional participation from Vanagon, Rabobank, the Frisian Development Fund (FOM), and the Netherlands Enabling Water Technology Fund (NEW-ttt).
Based in the Netherlands with operations across Europe, the UK, and emerging markets in Latin America, HULO is developing a SaaS platform that uses pressure and flow data from existing utility systems to detect, localize, and prioritize water leaks and anomalies. By combining artificial intelligence with physics-based modeling, the company provides utilities with deep insight into network behavior—without requiring new hardware or the establishment of district metered areas.
The technology aims to address one of the world’s most critical resource challenges: nearly 30% of treated water globally is lost before it reaches consumers, mainly due to aging infrastructure. HULO’s software integrates directly into existing operations to help utilities pinpoint and prevent water loss efficiently, combining speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
The new capital will fund further expansion in focus markets and accelerate product development in areas such as AI modeling, network analytics, cybersecurity, and customer success. The company projects that by 2030, its technology could help save the equivalent of more than 4 million Olympic-size swimming pools of water every year.
HULO’s platform represents a shift from traditional reactive leak detection—reliant on manual inspections and hydraulic modeling to proactive and data-driven water management. By continuously learning from real-time signals, the software empowers utilities to act before problems escalate, improving sustainability and operational resilience.
The investment also reflects growing recognition of water infrastructure as critical to Europe’s environmental and economic security. German venture capital firm Vanagon noted that with 30% of drinking water in the EU lost due to leakages, the need for AI-powered monitoring is urgent. Dutch backers FOM and NEW-ttt highlighted the company’s roots at Wetsus, the Institute for Sustainable Water Technology in Leeuwarden, and its potential for global impact.
Rabobank joined the round to support HULO’s mission of integrating digital innovation into water systems, emphasizing the startup’s alignment with sustainability goals and its origins in a key innovation hub.
KEY QUOTES:
“Water scarcity is emerging as one of the world’s most pressing environmental constraints, with around 30% of treated water lost globally, often through ageing water network infrastructure,” said Erica van Eeghen, Senior Manager Ventures, VP Capital. She continued, “HULO’s ability to detect leaks early, using advanced AI rather than expensive sensors, is exactly the kind of lean, scalable innovation that fits our investment lens. This is a domain where measurable environmental impact and efficiency go hand in hand. We’re glad to join forces with such thoughtful co-investors and a technically sharp founding team.”
Erica van Eeghen
“Based on the measurable environmental impact they are already making: the company is on track to help save the equivalent of over 4 million Olympic-size swimming pools every year by 2030.”
Dagmar van Ravenswaay Claasen, Senior Partner LUMO
“The future of water infrastructure requires that digital innovation integrates with the operational reality of today’s networks,” said Robbert Lodewijks, co-founder of HULO. “We’re building solutions that are both powerful and practical — enabling water utilities to take action without overhauling their systems.”
Robbert Lodewijks, co-founder of HULO
“Water systems are critical infrastructure — and a resilient Europe depends on transparency and fast reaction to prevent malfunctions or even attacks. With 30% of drinking water in the EU lost due to leakages, the need for AI-powered monitoring is urgent. At Vanagon, we invest in AI-native DeepTech teams tackling exactly these challenges, and HULO is a great example: a team using cutting-edge digital tools to solve one of Europe’s most pressing infrastructure problems.”
Axel Roitzsch, Co-Founder & General Partner Vanagon
“NEW-ttt and FOM have a focus on accelerating innovation in water technology and we are proud to be part of the success of HULO, a great example of Dutch innovation capacity originated from Wetsus, the institute for Sustainable Water technology in Leeuwarden. We believe HULO has both the team and the technology to make lasting impact in saving water globally.”
“Rabobank supports groundbreaking innovations that contribute to sustainable water management. Hulo.ai, developed within the innovation hub Wetsus in Leeuwarden – a strategic Rabobank partner – is creating technology that helps reduce global water losses. We proudly support their mission to make a lasting impact.”
Sybo Zijlstra – Investment Manager
