The potato farming industry in Europe is pivotal to food security and agricultural sustainability. It comprises various stakeholders, from large agricultural enterprises and cooperative structures to innovative agtech startups. Farmers grow numerous potato varieties, focusing on quality and yield, often adapting practices to address climate change. This shift towards sustainability fuels demand for new technologies and eco-friendly farming methods. With an increasing focus on health and nutrition, the industry is evolving, leveraging biotechnology and precision farming to enhance productivity. Notably, Europe is one of the global leaders in potato production, offering significant export opportunities.


This list presents twelve prominent investors specializing in potato farming in Europe. The investors consist of venture capital firms and private equity groups, predominantly located in France, Germany, and the UK. With firm sizes ranging from small teams of 11-50 to large corporations with over 10,000 employees, these investors have shown a substantial commitment to agriculture. Founded between 1963 and 2017, they collectively engaged in 70 investments in 2024, underscoring their active role in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability in the potato farming sector.


Top 12 Potato Farming Investors in Europe


1. Unigrains

  • Website: unigrains.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1963
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: unigrains

Unigrains is a Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notably, they have been involved in several key transactions within the agricultural sector, including Limagrain, a major player in seed production, which raised over $1.7 billion in 2011. They also invested in Axereal, a cooperative that focuses on grain and agricultural products, and Triskalia, which is involved in the supply of agricultural products and services. These transactions highlight Unigrains' commitment to enhancing the agricultural landscape, including potato farming, through strategic investments.


2. The Yield Lab

  • Website: theyieldlab.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlab

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2014. It specializes in agrifood technology investments, providing early-stage companies with venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The firm has been involved in several transactions, including investments in companies like Terviva and Covercress, which focus on innovative agricultural solutions. Terviva, for instance, raised significant funding in multiple rounds, indicating a strong interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Although these companies do not specifically target potato farming, their focus on agrifood technology aligns with the broader agricultural sector, which includes potato farming. This positions The Yield Lab as a potential investor in technologies that could enhance potato farming practices.


3. 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. In 2024, Leaps by Bayer participated in a $40 million Series C funding round for Pairwise Plants, a company dedicated to developing genetically enhanced fresh produce, which could include potatoes. Additionally, they were involved in earlier funding rounds for Pairwise, including a $90 million Series B and a $25 million Series A, highlighting their ongoing support for innovative agricultural solutions. Their investment in Covercress, which is also focused on agricultural advancements, further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing food production systems. By providing funding and active incubation, Leaps by Bayer supports the development of innovative solutions that can benefit the potato farming industry and agriculture as a whole.


4. Astanor

  • Website: astanor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: astanor-venture

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in the agrifood tech sector. They support innovative companies aiming to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. In 2024, Astanor has been involved in various transactions, including a seed round for Switch Bioworks, which focuses on developing sustainable biofertilizers. This aligns with the agricultural sector's need for sustainable practices, which can be beneficial for potato farming. Their previous investments in companies like Infarm, which is expanding global farming networks, also reflect their commitment to innovative agricultural solutions. Astanor's expertise in agrifood tech positions them as a potential investor in the potato farming industry, even if they do not exclusively focus on it.


5. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management firm based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) in their growth, particularly in sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, IDIA has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agro-food sector, including investments in Germicopa SAS, a company focused on seed potatoes, and Axereal, a major player in the agricultural sector. Other investments include Triskalia and Océalia, both of which are involved in agricultural production and distribution. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, IDIA Capital Investissement helps its clients navigate the complexities of investment and achieve sustainable growth in the agro-food industry.


6. Demeter

  • Website: demeter-im.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: demet

Demeter is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investments aimed at energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and projects that focus on sustainable development. In recent years, Demeter has actively invested in the Agtech sector, which is relevant to agriculture, including potato farming. Notable transactions include their investment in Kapsera, a startup that develops bioinputs for agriculture, which can enhance the sustainability and efficiency of potato farming practices. Additionally, their funding of AISPRID, a company creating autonomous robots for fruit picking, reflects their interest in agricultural innovations that could also be applicable to potato farming. Overall, Demeter's focus on sustainable agricultural technologies positions them as a relevant investor in the potato farming industry.


7. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. Notable transactions include investments in FarmDroid, which focuses on autonomous farming solutions, and Saia Agrobotics, which aims to scale up its technology for agricultural applications. These investments highlight Navus Ventures' commitment to advancing agricultural technology, making them a relevant player in the potato farming sector.


8. Grosvenor

  • Website: grosvenor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1677
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: grosvenor

Grosvenor Group Limited is a property development and investment company based in London, England, with a history dating back to 1677. The firm operates in urban property, food and agtech, and rural estate management, focusing on creating sustainable communities and enhancing customer wellbeing. Their philanthropic initiatives reflect a commitment to social responsibility. In recent years, Grosvenor has been involved in significant transactions within the agtech sector, notably their investment in AeroFarms, a US indoor farming company. This investment includes a restructuring effort to help AeroFarms emerge from bankruptcy, indicating Grosvenor's commitment to supporting innovative agricultural practices. Although AeroFarms primarily grows crops like rocket and baby kale, the technology and methodologies developed could be relevant to potato farming, showcasing Grosvenor's potential interest in diverse agricultural investments.


9. 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, that specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions that align with agricultural innovation, such as their investment in Spowdi, which focuses on energy-efficient water solutions for small-scale farming. This investment reflects Almi's commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, their involvement in Grönska, a startup specializing in indoor vertical farming, showcases their interest in innovative farming technologies. While Almi does not exclusively focus on potato farming, their investments in agricultural technology and support for small-scale farming initiatives indicate a relevant interest in the agricultural sector.


10. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a focus on mutuality and social responsibility. In recent years, Crédit Agricole has been active in the agricultural sector, participating in various funding rounds for companies that aim to innovate and improve farming practices. Notably, they have invested in Elicit Plant, an agtech company that raised €16M to develop solutions for farmers facing climate challenges, which could be beneficial for potato farming. Additionally, their involvement in funding urban aquaponics farms and other agricultural startups demonstrates their commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices, making them a potential ally for potato farmers looking for investment.


11. Naxicap Partners

  • Website: naxicap.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: naxicap-partners

Naxicap Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, focusing on mid-cap and small-cap companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and real estate. Notably, Naxicap has made significant investments in the agricultural sector, including Germicopa SAS and RAGT Semences SAS, both of which are involved in seed production, a vital aspect of potato farming. Additionally, their acquisition of Agro Service 2000 in 2014 highlights their interest in agricultural services, further supporting their relevance in the potato farming industry. By providing financial resources and strategic support, Naxicap Partners aims to help businesses scale and enhance their market presence, including those in the agricultural domain.


12. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is a corporate investor founded in 2001, focusing on innovation and sustainability across various industries, including agriculture. They have made significant investments in companies that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Notably, they co-led a $10 million Series B funding round for Hummingbird Technologies, a company that utilizes drones, AI, and satellite imagery to assist farmers in managing crop health and predicting yields. This technology is particularly relevant for potato farming, where monitoring crop stress and disease is crucial. Additionally, BASF has participated in funding rounds for Arcadia Biosciences, which develops products aimed at improving agronomic performance and product quality traits, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can benefit potato farmers.



Potato Farming Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
DemeterParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200511
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
GrosvenorLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100016775
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
Naxicap PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-20020050
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013


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