The meteorological sensor industry is in the midst of a hasty wave of consolidations by investment firms ever since global warming has become their latest fad. What does this mean for consumers? Consolidation at this unprecedented pace (see tables below), together with a hasty investment rush, results in a reduction in market competition. While market consolidation can be a good thing, the current pace of consolidation of established players, not startups, can be a sign of concern. In the long-term, reduction in market competition can only lead to lower quality overpriced products and strengthens barriers to entry for small independent players. Having experienced it first hand, it is the case today. Only large players have enough lobbying power to “guide” government tender specifications in their favor through corrupt practices in the developing world. One company, Varysian, is aiming to change that by opening up the conversation with meteorological departments’ leadership and technical personnel at the local level while adhering to the work of WMO, the Alliance for Hydromet Development and the wider UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 mandate.

The following tables list just some of the latest consolidations in the industry. 13 independent companies are now owned by 3. You be the judge, whether it is good or bad for the industry.

Data for these tables was acquired from https://www.crunchbase.com.