The berry farming industry in the DACH region thrives on innovative cultivation methods, emphasizing sustainability and quality produce. Companies ranging from small family farms to large commercial growers engage in various activities, from planting to distribution of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. In recent years, a rise in consumer demand for fresh and health-conscious options has pushed farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques, increasing yield while minimizing environmental impact. Technological advancements such as precision agriculture and organic farming practices are expected to reshape the industry, signaling a transition towards more sustainable, efficient production methods that cater to modern consumers.


This article explores 11 prominent investors within the DACH berry farming industry. The list features a mix of venture capital and private equity firms, ranging in size from agile startups to sizable institutional players. Established between 1863 and 2024, these firms have actively made 9 to 25 investments in 2024 alone, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture. Headquartered primarily in Germany and Switzerland, these investors aim to generate significant financial and environmental returns, underlining the increasing attractiveness of sustainable agricultural investments.


Top 11 Berry Farming Investors in DACH


1. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in funding rounds for Pairwise Plants, which is developing genetically enhanced fresh produce using CRISPR technology, and has been involved in multiple funding rounds for this company, including a $40 million Series C round in September 2024 and earlier rounds in 2021 and 2018. Additionally, they have invested in Covercress, which is working on agricultural innovations that could also impact the broader agricultural landscape. Through these investments, Leaps by Bayer supports the development of innovative solutions that can enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, including in the berry farming sector.


2. responsAbility Investments AG


ResponsAbility Investments AG is an impact investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in managing investments in emerging markets with a focus on generating positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns. They concentrate on sectors such as financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production. Notably, responsAbility has been involved in several relevant transactions in the agricultural sector, including a significant investment in Sahyadri Farms, which raised approximately $45.9 million in Series B funding in December 2024. This investment aligns with their mission to promote sustainability in agriculture. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for companies like Samunnati, which supports agricultural value chains, and Rising Farms, indicating their active role in the agricultural landscape. These transactions highlight responsAbility's commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices, making them a relevant player in the berry farming investment space.


3. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a 53.69% majority stake in Brazilian food retailer Hortifruti Hortigil, which operates in the food sector, potentially including berries. Furthermore, they acquired a majority stake in Rovensa, a Portuguese producer of agricultural products, for €1 billion, indicating their active role in the agricultural industry. These investments highlight Partners Group's engagement in sectors that are relevant to berry farming, making them a significant player in the agricultural investment landscape.


4. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across Europe, providing capital, mentorship, and resources to startups in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has invested in Infarm, a company that raised significant funding in multiple rounds (Seed, Series A, and Series B) to develop urban farming solutions, which could encompass berry farming practices. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for Planet A Foods, a company focused on sustainable food production, which may also relate to agricultural innovations. Their diverse investment portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative companies that aim to create lasting impacts in their industries, including agriculture.


5. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance


AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and supporting startups in the AgriFoodTech sector. The firm collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Notable transactions include their participation in AgroSustain's Series A funding, which focuses on biological antifungal solutions that could be beneficial for berry crops. They also invested in Spherag, which provides technological solutions for farmers, including precision irrigation that could enhance berry farming practices. Their investment in Planet A Foods, which raised $30 million in Series B funding, indicates their commitment to supporting sustainable food production technologies. Overall, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance aims to foster innovation in agriculture, which may encompass berry farming technologies.


6. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. It specializes in sustainable investments aimed at fostering a circular bio-based economy. ECBF provides funding and expertise to growth-stage companies in the EU, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Aphea.Bio, which focuses on agricultural technology, and Elicit Plant, which develops solutions to help farmers manage water stress and adapt to climate change. These investments reflect ECBF's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance agricultural practices, including those relevant to berry farming.


7. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In recent years, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its agricultural services, including the acquisition of Ware Care Group, which specializes in Integrated Pest Management, and BioVision Seed Research Limited, a seed and soil testing laboratory. These acquisitions demonstrate SGS's commitment to improving agricultural practices and supporting farmers, including those in the berry farming sector, by ensuring product quality and compliance with regulatory standards.


8. Bayer

  • Website: bayer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1863
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bayer

Bayer AG is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in Leverkusen, Germany, with a strong focus on healthcare and agriculture. Founded in 1863, Bayer has established itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions for various health conditions and agricultural challenges. In the agricultural sector, Bayer CropScience plays a crucial role in enhancing crop production and sustainability. Notably, Bayer has made significant investments in companies that align with its agricultural goals. For instance, the acquisition of AgraQuest, Inc. for approximately $425 million in 2012 aimed to bolster Bayer's capabilities in biological pest management, particularly in the fruits and vegetables market, which is strategically important for the company. This acquisition reflects Bayer's commitment to improving agricultural practices, including those relevant to berry farming. Additionally, Bayer's acquisition of proPlant Gesellschaft für Agrar- und Umweltinformatik further demonstrates its focus on agricultural innovation and technology, which can benefit berry farmers by providing advanced solutions for crop management and environmental sustainability.


9. Aenu

  • Website: aenu.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: pirate-impact

AENU is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on empowering climate tech founders by providing investment brokerage and advisory services, primarily targeting tech entrepreneurs addressing climate change and sustainability challenges in Europe. AENU aims to drive systemic change in venture capital through intentional investments in impactful technologies. Notably, AENU participated in a Series D funding round for Infarm, which raised $200 million to enhance urban farming solutions, including the cultivation of various crops, potentially including berries. Additionally, AENU was involved in a Series B funding round for Agreena, a climate-focused fintech firm that supports carbon farming initiatives, which may indirectly benefit sustainable agricultural practices. These transactions highlight AENU's commitment to innovative agricultural solutions, although their direct involvement in berry farming is not explicitly stated.


10. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in high-potential technology startups, providing not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help these startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, and is committed to empowering innovative companies to grow and succeed. Notably, they have invested in xFarm Technologies, an agtech company that raised significant funding in Series B and Series C rounds, focusing on enhancing agricultural practices through technology. This investment highlights their interest in the agricultural sector, which is relevant to berry farming. Additionally, their involvement in Ecorobotix, which develops smart agricultural solutions, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing technology in farming, making them a relevant player in the berry farming investment landscape.


11. Syngenta Group


Syngenta Group is an agricultural technology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2009. With over 10,000 employees, the company specializes in crop protection and seed production, offering a diverse range of products and services aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability for farmers and commercial growers. Syngenta Group operates globally, leveraging extensive research capabilities to address challenges in the agriculture sector. Notably, they participated in a Series D funding round for Sound Agriculture, which raised $75 million in December 2022, and also contributed to a pre-Series B bridge round for Tarfin, an agritech company focused on supporting farmers in Turkey, which raised $8 million in December 2021. These transactions reflect Syngenta's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can benefit various farming sectors, including berry farming.



Berry Farming Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
AgriFoodTech Venture AllianceMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020241
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
BayerLeverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18632
AenuBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020229
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Syngenta GroupBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+20090


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