The poultry farming industry in the DACH region includes a range of activities from breeding and raising birds to processing and distributing poultry products. Companies operate along different stages of the supply chain, from large-scale producers to niche businesses offering organic and free-range options. Sustainability is becoming a key focus, with innovations aimed at reducing environmental impacts and improving animal welfare. Additionally, the rise of alternative protein sources, such as lab-grown chicken, is shaping the sector. Overall, the industry is evolving, and its significance in the European food system is increasingly recognized.


The investor landscape in the DACH poultry farming sector showcases a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities. These investors, based in major hubs like Zurich and Berlin, vary in size from small teams to large corporate structures. Since their inception, many have focused on sectors aligning with sustainability, contributing to meaningful advancements in poultry farming. In 2024, a combined total of over 50 investments were made by these firms, reflecting a vigorous interest in the future of food production amid shifting consumer preferences for healthier and ethically sourced options.


Top 12 Poultry 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 aim to achieve scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. In 2024, Leaps by Bayer has made 16 investments, demonstrating its active role in the investment landscape. Among its relevant transactions, the investment in NuCicer stands out, as it aims to scale production of chickpea varieties with enhanced protein content, which could have implications for animal feed in poultry farming. Additionally, their involvement in other agricultural technology companies indicates a commitment to supporting innovations that may benefit the poultry industry indirectly. Overall, Leaps by Bayer's investment strategy is aligned with enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, making it a relevant player in the broader agricultural investment space.


2. 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Notably, Blue Horizon has participated in several significant transactions relevant to the poultry farming industry. For instance, they invested in SuperMeat, an Israeli start-up developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, highlighting their commitment to alternative protein sources. Additionally, they have been involved in funding rounds for companies like Mosa Meat, which, while primarily focused on beef alternatives, reflects their interest in the broader context of sustainable meat production. Their investments in companies like NuCicer, which enhances chickpea protein content, also indicate a focus on improving protein sources that could complement poultry farming practices. Overall, Blue Horizon's investment strategy aligns with the evolving landscape of sustainable poultry farming.


3. responsAbility Investments AG


Responsability Investments AG is an impact investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in managing investments in emerging markets. Founded in 2003, the firm focuses on financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production, providing investment solutions to both professional and retail investors. Their operations aim to generate positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Notably, responsAbility has invested in Sahyadri Farms, which raised $45.9 million in a Series B funding round, indicating their interest in the agricultural sector. They also participated in funding for Rising Farms, which raised $11 million, further showcasing their commitment to agricultural investments. Additionally, their involvement with Agro Vision Corp and Samunnati highlights their focus on enhancing agricultural value chains, which can include poultry farming. These transactions reflect responsAbility's dedication to promoting sustainability and growth in the agricultural sector, making them a relevant investor in poultry farming.


4. 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 innovate in the food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has been involved in several relevant transactions, including a seed funding round for SuperMeat, an Israeli startup developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, which highlights their interest in poultry-related innovations. They also participated in funding rounds for Meatable and Chunk Foods, both of which focus on meat alternatives, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable food production. Through these investments, Good Seed Ventures is actively contributing to the evolution of the poultry industry towards more sustainable practices.


5. 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 focuses on sustainable investments in the bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF operates primarily within the EU and supports innovations in sectors such as agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has invested in In Ovo, a Dutch AgTech company that is developing solutions for poultry farming, highlighting its commitment to the poultry sector. Additionally, their involvement with other agricultural technology companies like Aphea.Bio further demonstrates their interest in sustainable agricultural practices, which are relevant to poultry farming.


6. PHW Group


PHW Group, founded in 1932 and based in Visbek, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a corporate investor specializing in poultry production and alternative protein sources. The company offers a diverse range of poultry products and plant-based alternatives, catering to both retail and consumer markets. PHW Group emphasizes sustainability and innovation in food production, aiming to meet the growing demand for diverse and healthy dietary options. Notably, they have engaged in significant transactions such as a strategic partnership with SuperMeat, an Israeli start-up focused on lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, which highlights their commitment to innovation in the poultry sector. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Mosa Meat, further demonstrating their active role in the evolving landscape of poultry and alternative protein production.


7. 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 are innovating at the intersection of food, biotech, and health. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, such as Clever Carnivore, a biotech startup focused on cultivated meats, which recently raised $7 million to scale production of its cultivated pork sausage. This indicates Thia Ventures' interest in alternative protein sources, which can encompass poultry products. Additionally, they have invested in Protealis, a company that develops sustainable plant proteins, further showcasing their commitment to transforming food systems. Thia Ventures also participated in funding rounds for Switch Bioworks, which, while not directly related to poultry, reflects their active engagement in the food innovation space. Overall, Thia Ventures is positioned as a forward-thinking investor in the food sector, with potential relevance to poultry farming through their focus on sustainable and innovative food solutions.


8. 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. Notably, they have invested in xFarm Technologies, a Milan-based agtech company that raised €17 million in Series B funding in 2022, which aims to enhance agricultural practices, potentially including poultry farming. Their investment in xFarm Technologies, along with their participation in other agtech-related funding rounds, suggests a commitment to supporting innovations that could benefit the agricultural sector, including poultry farming.


9. Bell Food Group AG


Bell Food Group AG, founded in 1869 and based in Basel, Switzerland, is a prominent food manufacturer specializing in meat and convenience food production. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fresh meat, poultry, charcuterie, and seafood, catering to both consumers and businesses across multiple European countries. With a strong commitment to quality and sustainability, Bell Food Group AG has been involved in various investment transactions, including notable investments in Mosa Meat, which raised significant funding in Series A and Series B rounds. While Mosa Meat focuses on cultured meat, the company's involvement in such innovative ventures reflects Bell Food Group's interest in the future of meat production, including poultry. Additionally, their operations in the poultry sector further solidify their relevance as an investor in this industry.


10. Evonik Venture Capital

  • Website: venturing.evonik.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hanau, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: evonik

Evonik Venture Capital is a corporate venture capital unit of Evonik Industries, founded in 2012 and based in Hanau, Hesse, Germany. The firm specializes in investments in innovative start-ups within the specialty chemicals sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovative technologies. Notably, Evonik has participated in multiple funding rounds for In Ovo, a Dutch AgTech company that aims to revolutionize the commercial egg industry by providing solutions to male chick culling through automated gender determination of fertilized eggs. This involvement highlights Evonik's commitment to supporting advancements in poultry farming practices. In addition to their focus on poultry-related innovations, Evonik also invests in various sectors, showcasing their broad investment strategy while maintaining a core interest in sustainable agricultural technologies.


11. BackBone Ventures

  • Website: backbone.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: backbone-ventures

BackBone Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly focusing on underrepresented founders in Germany and Switzerland. They provide funding and support to entrepreneurs across various industries, including HealthTech and B2B SaaS. Notably, BackBone Ventures participated in a seed funding round for SuperMeat, an Israeli startup that is developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products. This investment aligns with their interest in innovative and sustainable solutions within the poultry farming sector, showcasing their potential relevance to the industry despite their broader investment focus.


12. Seier Capital

  • Website: seiercapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Jonschwil, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: seiercapital

Seier Capital is a private family office based in Jonschwil, St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investment services, particularly in the blockchain sector, while also providing grants and support to high-impact potential projects. Notably, Seier Capital participated in a seed funding round for SuperMeat, an Israeli startup focused on developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products. This investment highlights their interest in innovative solutions within the poultry farming context, as SuperMeat has formed strategic partnerships with established poultry producers, indicating a commitment to advancing sustainable poultry alternatives.



Poultry Farming Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
PHW GroupVisbek, Lower Saxony, Germany5001-1000019321
Thia VenturesPlan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020213
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Bell Food Group AGBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+18690
Evonik Venture CapitalHanau, Hesse, Germany11-5020123
BackBone VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-10201810
Seier CapitalJonschwil, St. Gallen, Switzerland1-1020156


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