The horticulture industry in the Nordics combines technology and sustainability, focusing on innovative farming practices and plant cultivation. Companies engage in various sectors, including urban farming, greenhouse production, and agri-tech solutions, often prioritizing environmental concerns. Consumer interest in organic and local produce has spurred growth in this sector. Nordic countries are also integrating advanced technologies, such as vertical farming and hydroponics, creating a more efficient food production ecosystem. The industry is headed toward increased sustainability, with a future strengthened by investments in agri-tech that promote eco-friendly practices and enhance food security in the region.


Investors in the Nordic horticulture space come from different backgrounds, including venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate investors. With headquarters primarily in Oslo and Stockholm, firms like EQT Group and Yara Growth Ventures engage with a range of companies, focusing on the sustainable evolution of agriculture. The deal counts for 2024 highlight active interest, with counts varying from four to thirty. Since their founding in the 1990s to 2020s, these investors are determined to enhance the growth trajectory of horticulture businesses in the Nordics, blending tradition with modernity.


Top 12 Horticulture Investors in the Nordics


1. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They specialize in supporting tech startups that tackle global challenges, particularly in sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Complete Farmer and Rural Farmers Hub, both of which focus on agricultural solutions. Additionally, they supported Johannas Stadsodlingar, which is involved in urban farming initiatives. These investments highlight Katapult's engagement in the horticulture industry, aligning with their mission to foster innovation that addresses pressing environmental issues.


2. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several notable transactions within the horticulture sector, including a recent investment in Grönska, a startup focused on indoor vertical farming, which received financial support to scale its innovative GrowOff solution. Additionally, Almi invested in Spowdi, a company that produces energy-efficient, solar-powered water pumps designed for small-scale farming, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices. These transactions highlight Almi's active role in fostering advancements in the horticulture industry.


3. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among its notable transactions in the horticulture context, EQT acquired Plantasjen Group, a leading Nordic garden super-store chain, which operates 27 outlets across Norway and Sweden, showcasing impressive sales growth and plans for further expansion. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Granngården, the largest retail chain of its kind in Sweden, highlights its commitment to the horticulture retail sector. Furthermore, EQT's partnership in acquiring International Fruit Genetics (IFG) to create BLOOM FRESH International emphasizes their involvement in horticultural genetics, particularly in table grape and cherry breeding. These transactions reflect EQT Group's active role in the horticulture industry, making it a significant player in this sector.


4. Yara Growth Ventures


Yara Growth Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups and funds within the agriculture and clean hydrogen sectors. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to help their portfolio companies develop and scale their solutions. Notably, Yara Growth Ventures has participated in several significant transactions in the agriculture space, including:1. **Tarfin**: A Turkey-based agritech company that raised $8 million in a pre-Series B round to enhance its offerings to farmers and expand into Romania.2. **Apollo Agriculture**: This company raised $40 million in Series B funding, aimed at improving agricultural productivity in Africa.3. **Agrofy**: An Argentine farmer marketplace that secured $30 million in Series C funding to strengthen its e-commerce platform and expand operations in Brazil.4. **Ecorobotix**: This company raised $52 million for its AI-powered smart sprayer system, which is relevant for precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.Through these investments, Yara Growth Ventures aims to facilitate significant advancements in sustainable agriculture, making them a key player in the horticulture investment landscape.


5. Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd


Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, with a rich history dating back to 1689. The company is a leading manufacturer and retailer of outdoor power equipment, specializing in products designed for forest, park, and garden maintenance. Their extensive product range includes chainsaws, lawn mowers, and robotic mowers, catering to both professional and consumer markets. Husqvarna has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the horticulture industry, including the acquisition of Gardena AG, a prominent player in gardening tools, and Orbit Irrigation, which specializes in residential watering solutions. These acquisitions aim to create a global leader in residential watering and gardening solutions. Furthermore, Husqvarna has invested in innovative companies like Soil Scout Ltd, which develops wireless soil moisture sensors to help manage water resources effectively, and Moleaer, which focuses on nanobubble technology to address climate change and water scarcity. These activities highlight Husqvarna's commitment to providing high-performance, innovative solutions in the horticulture sector.


6. Finnfund

  • Website: finnfund.fi
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: finnfund

Finnfund is a not-for-profit development financier and impact investor based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1980. The organization focuses on creating sustainable futures by investing in companies that address global development challenges, primarily in developing countries. Finnfund provides investment and advisory services to promote economic growth and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Finnfund has been involved in transactions that support agricultural initiatives, such as its investment in Proximity Finance, which raised $14 million to support farmers in Myanmar by providing loans to enhance their agricultural practices. Additionally, Finnfund has engaged with companies like ETG and Valency International, which are involved in agricultural supply chains, further emphasizing its commitment to the sector. These transactions highlight Finnfund's role in fostering sustainable agricultural development, making it a relevant player in the horticulture investment landscape.


7. Yara International

  • Website: yara.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: yara

Yara International ASA is a leading agricultural company based in Oslo, Norway, specializing in crop nutrition and industrial solutions. Founded in 2004, Yara produces and distributes a wide range of nitrogen-based, phosphate, and potash fertilizers, along with digital farming solutions aimed at optimizing crop yields and sustainability in food production. The company has been actively involved in several significant transactions that enhance its position in the horticulture sector. Notably, Yara's acquisition of a 60% stake in Brazil's Galvani for $318 million in 2014 and the acquisition of the organic-based fertilizer business of Agribios Italiana in December 2023 highlight its commitment to expanding its product offerings in organic and sustainable fertilizers. Furthermore, Yara's acquisition of Saskferco for $1.3 billion in 2008 and its contract to acquire the blending unit of Adubos Sudoeste in Brazil demonstrate its strategic efforts to strengthen its operations in key agricultural markets. These transactions underscore Yara's focus on supporting farmers and agricultural businesses globally, making it a relevant player in the horticulture industry.


8. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment. Accent Equity aims to create sustainable growth and superior returns for its clientele, which spans various sectors. Notably, Accent Equity has made significant investments in the horticulture sector, including the acquisition of Blomsterboda, a company involved in the flower industry, and Rydells Försäljning, which also operates within the horticulture space. Additionally, their acquisition of S:t Eriks, a company that may have connections to landscaping and horticultural products, further emphasizes their engagement in this field. Through these transactions, Accent Equity demonstrates its commitment to supporting and growing businesses within the horticulture industry.


9. Green Landscaping

  • Website: greenlandscaping.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Skegrie, Skåne, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn:

Green Landscaping Group, founded in 2009 and based in Skegrie, Skåne, Sweden, is a corporate investor specializing in landscaping and outdoor environment services. The company operates through various subsidiaries across multiple countries, focusing on sustainability and quality in their service delivery. In recent years, Green Landscaping has made significant acquisitions in the horticulture sector, including the purchase of Bengtssons Trädgårdsanläggningar AB in October 2020, which enhances their landscaping capabilities. They also acquired Rainset Oy, a Finnish landscaping company, in January 2022, further solidifying their presence in the Nordic landscaping market. Other notable acquisitions include Thormans Entreprenad AB and Braathen Landskapsentreprenør AS, both of which are leading companies in the landscaping industry. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Green Landscaping's commitment to expanding its footprint in the horticulture sector and enhancing its service offerings.


10. Mudcake

  • Website: mudcake.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: trellisroad

Mudcake is an investment microfund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in supporting startups in the food industry, providing investment in pre-seed and seed rounds to help founders innovate in food production, distribution, and consumption. Mudcake operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies across multiple continents. Notably, Mudcake has participated in several relevant transactions in the horticulture context, including a pre-seed investment in hexafarms, a German agtech startup focused on AI and machine learning for agriculture, and a growth round for OlsAro, a Swedish agtech startup aimed at scaling technological and commercial efforts in food production. These investments highlight Mudcake's commitment to fostering innovation in the horticulture sector.


11. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that emphasizes the development and acquisition of companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial solutions. Notably, Indutrade has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its portfolio in areas relevant to horticulture. For instance, the acquisition of Crysberg A/S in July 2016, which specializes in electronic control solutions for irrigation systems, highlights Indutrade's commitment to providing innovative solutions that support horticultural practices. This acquisition is expected to positively impact Indutrade's earnings and reflects its strategy of integrating companies that can contribute to its Measurement & Sensor Technology business area. Other acquisitions, such as Senmatic A/S and Geoteam, further demonstrate Indutrade's focus on enhancing its technical capabilities, which can also benefit the horticulture industry indirectly.


12. Industrifonden

  • Website: industrifonden.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: industrifonden

Industrifonden is a venture capital fund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1979. The fund specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the fields of Deep Tech, Life Science, and Transformative Tech. Industrifonden provides financial support and strategic guidance to startups, helping them scale their innovative solutions. Notably, they have invested in Heliospectra, which raised $4,485,967 in a post-IPO equity round in 2011, focusing on advanced lighting solutions for horticulture. Additionally, they contributed SEK 35 million to Arevo AB in 2024, a biotech company that may have applications in various sectors, including agriculture. These transactions highlight Industrifonden's engagement with companies that have relevance to the horticulture industry, showcasing their potential as a partner for innovative horticultural solutions.



Horticulture Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Yara Growth VenturesOslo, Oslo, Norway1-1020214
Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., LtdStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden501-100016890
FinnfundHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019807
Yara InternationalOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20040
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
Green LandscapingSkegrie, Skåne, Sweden201-50020090
MudcakeStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020203
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
IndustrifondenStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019799


Want to find more investors focusing on the horticulture industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the horticultureindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!