The fish processing industry in DACH is a dynamic sector focused on transforming raw fish into various products for consumer markets. It includes companies that range from traditional processors to innovative startups specializing in sustainable and plant-based seafood. This industry not only caters to local demand but also aims to meet an increasing global appetite for ethical food options. With rising environmental concerns, there's a push for greener practices. Many businesses are experimenting with alternative protein sources and adopting new technologies, indicating a significant shift toward sustainability and efficiency in fish processing.


The DACH region hosts a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors operating at various scales, from startups to larger firms. Hailing from cities like Zurich, Munich, and Bielefeld, these investors represent a blend of innovation and strategy. Founded between 1891 and 2021, they have collectively engaged in numerous deals in 2024, supporting the growth of the fish processing sector. Their active involvement reflects a growing recognition of the value in sustainable seafood alternatives and traditional fish processing practices.


Top 12 Fish Processing Investors in DACH


1. Blue Horizon

  • Website: bluehorizon.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is an investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. They primarily focus on entrepreneurs in the sustainable food sector, aiming to create impactful change. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in several seed funding rounds for companies related to fish processing, including Ocean Hugger Foods, Finless Foods, Happy Ocean Foods, and New School Foods, which specifically produces plant-based seafood. Their commitment to sustainable practices in the food industry aligns with their investment strategy, making them a significant player in the fish processing investment landscape.


2. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notable transactions include investments in BlueNalu, which raised $20 million in a Series A round for cell-based seafood, and Ocean Hugger Foods, which is developing plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments highlight Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models within the fish processing context, particularly in the realm of sustainable seafood alternatives.


3. Good Seed Ventures

  • Website: goodseedventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: good-seed-ventures

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in sustainable food solutions, investing in startups and businesses that aim to reduce the environmental impact of food production. They provide financial support, strategic guidance, and foster collaboration among industry players to drive innovation in the food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has invested in Finless Foods, which raised $10 million in a Series A round in 2020, focusing on cultured seafood products. Additionally, they have supported Current Foods, which raised $3 million in a Seed Round in 2021, also targeting sustainable seafood alternatives. These transactions highlight their engagement in the seafood industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable approaches to fish processing.


4. PHW Group


PHW Group, founded in 1932 and based in Visbek, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a corporate investor primarily specializing in poultry production and alternative protein sources. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation in food production, catering to both retail and consumer markets. In addition to their core business, PHW Group has participated in several notable transactions that highlight their interest in alternative protein sectors. For instance, they were part of the $8.7 million Series A funding round for Good Catch, a company dedicated to providing ocean-friendly, plant-based seafood options. This investment reflects PHW Group's commitment to diversifying their portfolio into the seafood alternative market. Furthermore, they have formed strategic partnerships with companies like SuperMeat, which focuses on lab-grown chicken products, showcasing their broader interest in innovative food technologies.


5. 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, focusing on financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production. They provide investment solutions aimed at generating positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Notably, responsAbility has been involved in significant transactions such as eFishery, which raised USD 108 million in a Series D funding round, indicating their commitment to the aquaculture sector. This investment highlights their interest in sustainable practices within the fish processing context. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Koa Switzerland and Sahyadri Farms, further showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a focus on sustainability.


6. Dr. Oetker

  • Website: oetker.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1891
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: dr--oetker

Dr. Oetker is a prominent food manufacturer based in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in a diverse range of baking and frozen food products. Founded in 1891, the company has established a strong presence in the global food market, catering to both consumers and businesses with quality ingredients and ready-to-eat meals. Dr. Oetker is committed to innovation and sustainability, adapting to changing consumer preferences. Notably, in June 2023, Dr. Oetker participated in a Series A funding round for BLUU Seafood, which raised EUR 16 million to support its regulatory approval and market entry for seafood products. This investment highlights Dr. Oetker's interest in the fish processing sector, alongside its acquisitions in the frozen bakery and ready-to-eat dessert segments, such as Coppenrath & Wiese and Kuppies.


7. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Hannover Finanz focuses on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services, helping businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring. Notably, they have been involved in several acquisitions, including GETI WILBA GmbH & Co. KG in 2008 and VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH in 1990. Their acquisition of Schiller Fleisch GmbH in 2016 highlights their engagement in the food processing sector, which may extend to fish processing as part of their broader investment strategy.


8. Delivery Hero Ventures

  • Website: dhventures.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: dx-ventures

Delivery Hero Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2021. It is backed by Delivery Hero, a leading global food delivery service, and focuses on supporting startups in the food delivery, e-commerce, and fintech sectors. The firm aims to leverage its unique ecosystem to create value for its portfolio companies, helping them scale their businesses globally. Notably, Delivery Hero Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Bluu Seafood, a company dedicated to cultivating seafood species through biotechnology. They contributed to Bluu Seafood's seed funding in May 2021 and a Series A round in June 2023, which raised EUR 16 million to support regulatory approval and pilot production of cell-cultured fish products. This involvement highlights their interest in the fish processing industry and commitment to sustainable seafood solutions.


9. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. In recent years, Siemens has made strategic investments in various sectors, including the fish processing industry. Notably, in August 2021, Siemens participated in a Series A funding round for Singapore Aquaculture Technologies, raising $6.8 million. This investment highlights Siemens' interest in the aquaculture sector, which is integral to fish processing. Additionally, Siemens acquired Bennex AS in March 2011, further expanding its portfolio in related industries. These transactions reflect Siemens' commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various sectors, including fish processing.


10. Nucleus Capital

  • Website: nucleus-capital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: k16-ventures

Nucleus Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are addressing systemic challenges to planetary health. Nucleus Capital provides venture capital and support to startups primarily in sectors such as Programmable Biology, Food Technology, and Green Industrials, mainly in Europe and the US. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Ordinary Seafood, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round on May 30, 2022. This investment highlights their engagement in the fish processing industry. Additionally, they have invested in Planet A Foods, which, while not directly related to fish processing, showcases their commitment to innovative food technologies. Overall, Nucleus Capital's investment in Ordinary Seafood positions them as a relevant player in the fish processing sector.


11. Oyster Bay Venture Capital

  • Website: oysterbay.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: oysterbayvc

Oyster Bay Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the food and beverage technology sector, providing financial resources and strategic support to founders aiming to innovate along the food value chain. They focus on impact-driven startups that address societal challenges related to food production and consumption. Notably, they have invested in Hooked Foods, which raised $4.52 million in a seed round in September 2021, indicating their involvement in the fish processing industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for Goodbytz, a foodtech startup specializing in robotic kitchens, which, while not directly related to fish processing, demonstrates their broader interest in food technology innovations.


12. Capvis AG

  • Website: capvis.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology. Capvis partners with institutional investors, such as pension funds, to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. The firm focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Orior AG in 2006 and Benninger in 2006. More relevantly, in 2017, Capvis acquired a majority stake in ProXES Group, a leader in process technology for the food industry, which underscores their involvement in the food processing sector, including fish processing.



Fish Processing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
PHW GroupVisbek, Lower Saxony, Germany5001-1000019321
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
Dr. OetkerBielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18910
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Delivery Hero VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020212
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Nucleus CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020215
Oyster Bay Venture CapitalHamburg, Hamburg, Germany1-1020183
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900


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