The nutritional snack industry in the DACH region is rapidly evolving, characterized by a thriving market for healthier alternatives to traditional snacks. Companies ranging from startups to multinational corporations are focusing on products that combine taste and nutrition, catering to increasingly health-conscious consumers. Innovations include protein-packed bars, organic chips, and plant-based options. Driven by trends in wellness and sustainability, this sector is projected to expand significantly as consumers seek nutritious snacks that offer convenience without compromising their dietary goals. With a strong emphasis on clean ingredients, the demand for transparency and quality is reshaping how products are formulated and marketed.

The investors in this list present a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms, primarily located across Switzerland and Germany. Many boast substantial workforce sizes of 11 to over 10,000 employees, showcasing both established and emerging players in the food investment space. Founded between 1999 and 2024, these firms have collectively made significant strides in 2024, with a notable focus on nutritional snack investments. Their deal counts highlight an active interest, with funds backing innovative concepts and startups in the evolving space of nutritious snacks catering to health-minded consumers.

Top 12 Nutritional Snack 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 a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to supporting sustainable food systems. The firm provides funding and resources to mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy, particularly focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in several companies within the nutritional snack space, including Hail Merry Snacks and Outstanding Foods, both of which are known for their health-conscious snack products. Additionally, their investment in Alpha Foods, which offers plant-based snacks like chik'n nuggets and burritos, highlights their commitment to innovative food solutions that cater to health-conscious consumers. Through these investments, Blue Horizon aims to create impactful change in the food industry by supporting entrepreneurs who prioritize sustainability and nutrition.

2. Nestlé

• Website: nestle.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. The company has made significant strides in the nutritional snack industry through various acquisitions. In 2000, Nestlé acquired PowerBar, a brand specializing in energy snacks, for $375 million. In 2006, it acquired Uncle Tobys, an Australian cereals and snacks group, for AUS$890 million, enhancing its presence in the nutritious snacks market. More recently, in 2017, Nestlé acquired Garden of Life, a health and wellness brand known for organic and non-GMO products, further emphasizing its focus on nutritious offerings. These strategic acquisitions reflect Nestlé's dedication to providing nutritious and convenient food options globally.

3. FoodLabs

• Website: foodlabs.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: atlantic-food-labs

FoodLabs is a Berlin-based venture capital firm and food technology incubator founded in 2016. They focus on supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notably, FoodLabs participated in the seed financing round for Naughty Nuts, a company that specializes in nut-based snacks, indicating their engagement in the nutritional snack industry. They also invested in Bosque Foods, which develops mycelium-based meat alternatives, showcasing their interest in innovative food products. Overall, FoodLabs is actively involved in the food tech landscape, including sectors relevant to nutritional snacks.

4. Nestlé Health Science

• Website: nestlehealthscience.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: nestle-health-science

Nestlé Health Science is a health and nutrition company founded in 2011 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland. As a corporate investor with over 10,000 employees, it specializes in medical nutrition, active lifestyle nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. The company aims to improve health outcomes for patients and consumers through science-based solutions. Notably, Nestlé Health Science has made significant investments in the nutritional snack sector, including the acquisition of Orgain, a plant-based nutrition company known for its clean, all-natural products, and Puravida, a Brazilian brand that offers drink mixes, protein powders, and nutrition bars. These strategic acquisitions reflect Nestlé Health Science's commitment to enhancing its product offerings in the nutritional snack market, catering to the growing demand for healthier snack alternatives.

5. Beyond Impact VC

• Website: beyondimpact.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: beyond-impact-advisors

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, providing funding to early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Their investment strategy is aligned with supporting innovative and compassionate business models. Notable transactions include investments in Wicked Foods, which focuses on plant-based food products, and Renewal Mill, which aims to create a sustainable food ecosystem by diverting food waste and developing new products. Additionally, their investment in Les Nouveaux Affineurs highlights their commitment to expanding plant-based alternatives, which can be relevant to the nutritional snack market.

6. 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 aim to address significant global challenges in health and food security. The firm provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in several relevant transactions, including a seed investment in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company that is scaling production of chickpea varieties with higher protein content, which is directly relevant to the nutritional snack market. Additionally, they have invested in Pairwise Plants, which is working on genetically enhanced fresh produce, further demonstrating their commitment to improving food quality and nutrition. Their diverse portfolio reflects a strong interest in enhancing the nutritional aspects of food products, making them a significant player in the nutritional snack investment landscape.

7. Purple Orange Ventures

• Website: purpleorange.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: purpleorange

Purple Orange Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments in the food and biotechnology sectors. The firm is particularly focused on alternative proteins and cellular agriculture, providing funding and support to startups that aim to innovate in sustainable food production. Notable transactions include investments in Wild Earth, a company developing no-meat food for dogs, and OMNI, which produces plant-based dog food and treats targeting health issues in pets. These investments highlight Purple Orange Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative food solutions that align with the growing demand for sustainable and health-conscious products, making them a relevant player in the nutritional snack industry.

8. Tet Ventures

• Website: tet.vc
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: tetvc

Tet Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in teams that are dedicated to transforming the global food system, with a strong emphasis on food technology. They provide both financial support and advisory services to startups tackling significant challenges in the food industry. Notable transactions include their investment in Black Sheep Foods, a San Francisco-based foodtech startup that raised $12.3 million in Series A funding, focusing on plant-based alternatives. This aligns with the growing demand for healthier snack options. Additionally, their involvement with Planet A Foods, which raised $6 million in a seed round, further demonstrates their interest in innovative food solutions that could encompass nutritional snacks.

9. SevenVentures

• Website: sevenventures.de
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: 10262962

SevenVentures is a corporate investment firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in media investments and partnerships with consumer-oriented startups, providing media-for-equity and media-for-revenue investments to enhance brand visibility through tailored advertising strategies. In 2023, SevenVentures participated in several funding rounds, including a Series A investment in mybacs, a Swiss startup focused on health and nutrition, which raised 5.6 million euros. They also invested in Greenforce, a company that is likely involved in the nutritional sector, although the details of the funding are undisclosed. Their investment portfolio includes companies like Matsmart and Motatos, which, while not strictly nutritional snacks, are related to food sustainability and consumer goods, indicating a broader interest in the food industry.

10. TA Ventures

• Website: taventures.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech. TA Ventures provides capital and strategic support to help startups grow and succeed in competitive markets. They have a global presence and actively engage in building networks for their portfolio companies. Notably, TA Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to the nutritional snack industry, including Green Chef, which focuses on healthy meal kits, and nu3, a health food brand. Additionally, their investment in OVO, a service that delivers fruits and vegetables, highlights their commitment to promoting health-oriented food options. These transactions illustrate TA Ventures' interest in the nutritional snack sector, making them a significant player in this space.

11. Project A

• Website: project-a.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups, including consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has participated in several transactions related to the nutritional snack industry, including their investment in nu3, a German superfood e-commerce platform, which raised funds to expand its product offerings. Additionally, they have invested in Yababa, a grocery delivery service that plans to cater to multicultural communities, which may include nutritional snacks. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their interest in the food and nutrition sector, despite their primary focus on technology.

12. Thia Ventures

• Website: thiaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: thia-ventures

Thia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies that operate at the intersection of food, biotech, and health. Thia Ventures aims to support innovative startups that are working to transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, such as Bond Pet Foods, which focuses on expanding its meat protein portfolio, and Clever Carnivore, which is developing cultivated pork sausage. Additionally, they have invested in Chromologics, a company that is commercializing natural food colors, further emphasizing their involvement in the food sector. Through these investments, Thia Ventures demonstrates a clear interest in the nutritional aspects of food innovation, making them a relevant player in the nutritional snack industry.

Nutritional Snack Insights: Key Investors in DACH

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