The sports nutrition industry in Europe focuses on developing products that support athletes and fitness enthusiasts in achieving their health goals. Companies in this sector offer a wide range of products, including protein supplements, energy bars, hydration solutions, and organic options designed to enhance performance and recovery. Market trends show a growing interest in natural ingredients and sustainable practices, with consumers increasingly seeking clean-label products. This upward trajectory is driven by heightened awareness of health benefits and the role of nutrition in athletic performance, making innovation a critical factor for companies aiming to thrive in this competitive market.


The roster of investors in Europe's sports nutrition market showcases a mix of venture capital and corporate players. These entities, headquartered across major cities like Paris, London, and Zurich, vary in size but share a commitment to innovation. Many, like Bpifrance and Seventure Partners, are well-established, investing significantly in emerging companies. With 2024 yielding numerous deals, including Crowdcube's funding rounds, these investors are focused on nurturing future trends in sports nutrition, making a substantial impact on the industry.


Top 12 Sports Nutrition Investors in Europe


1. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the sports nutrition sector, including 33Fuel, which raised $502,489 in April 2021, Neat Nutrition, which raised $220,263 in March 2020, TRIBE, which raised $1,021,890 in August 2022, and VITL, which raised $3,829,970 in July 2022. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting the growth of companies that specialize in sports nutrition products.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports nutrition sector, including investments in Nutripure, a company specializing in organic dietary supplements, and ØZERS NUTRITION, which focuses on microalgae sports supplements. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting the growth of companies within the sports nutrition industry.


3. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports nutrition sector, such as their investments in Output Sports, which raised €1.3 million in seed funding, and Revive Active and Nualtra, both of which are likely to be involved in health and nutrition products. Their participation in these funding rounds demonstrates their commitment to supporting innovation in the sports nutrition industry.


4. 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. Notably, Nestlé has made significant investments in the sports nutrition sector, acquiring PowerBar in 2000 for $375 million, which established its presence in the energy bar market. In 2021, Nestlé Health Science acquired Nuun Hydration, a leader in functional hydration, further enhancing its portfolio of active lifestyle nutrition brands. Additionally, the acquisition of Garden of Life in 2017 and The Bountiful Company in 2021, although primarily focused on health and wellness, also align with the growing demand for nutrition products that support active lifestyles. These transactions highlight Nestlé's strategic focus on expanding its influence in the sports nutrition market.


5. dsm-firmenich

  • Website: dsm-firmenich.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, operating in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. As a venture capital investor, dsm-firmenich has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the sports nutrition industry. For instance, they led a Series A funding round for Momentous, a human performance company, raising $6.5 million to support the launch of new products and technology developments. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for other companies like OK Capsule and Vivici, which further emphasizes their commitment to investing in innovative solutions within the nutrition sector. Their focus on enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges positions them as a significant player in the sports nutrition market.


6. Seventure Partners

  • Website: seventure.fr
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies primarily in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. The firm focuses on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Among their notable transactions, Seventure Partners invested in BAOUW, a company that raised $1,942,291 in a seed round for outdoor organic nutrition, highlighting their interest in the sports nutrition market. They also participated in funding TargEDys, which raised €5.8M to develop products targeting appetite regulation, relevant for both general nutrition and specific dietary needs. Furthermore, their investment in Polaris, a foodtech company developing sustainable Omega-3 solutions, showcases their commitment to health-oriented food innovations. These transactions illustrate Seventure Partners' active role in the sports nutrition industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


7. Frasers Group

  • Website: frasers.group
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: frasers-group

Frasers Group plc is a prominent retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates a variety of brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills. The company offers a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, catering to consumers seeking diverse retail options and fitness solutions. In 2024, Frasers Group made significant acquisitions, including Wiggle, a cycling retailer, which enhances its portfolio in the sports sector. This acquisition, along with its ownership of the Everlast Fitness Club chain, underscores its commitment to the fitness and sports nutrition market. Additionally, the acquisition of Umbro in 2005 further solidifies its presence in the sports apparel segment. Overall, Frasers Group's strategic focus on premium brands and its investments in fitness-related services position it as a relevant player in the sports nutrition industry.


8. Nestlé Health Science


Nestlé Health Science is a health and nutrition company founded in 2011, based in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. It specializes in medical nutrition, active lifestyle nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, offering a diverse range of products aimed at improving health outcomes for patients and consumers. The company serves various customer segments, including healthcare professionals and individuals seeking nutritional support. Notably, Nestlé Health Science has made significant acquisitions in the sports nutrition space, including Orgain, a plant-based nutrition company known for its clean, all-natural products, and Puravida, a Brazilian brand specializing in drink mixes, protein powders, and nutrition bars. These strategic acquisitions reflect Nestlé's focus on science-based solutions and its commitment to meeting the nutritional needs of active individuals. Additionally, their acquisition of Vital Proteins further enhances their portfolio in the sports nutrition domain, as Vital Proteins is recognized for its collagen-based products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.


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, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in MyMOWO, a digital training service that raised 2.8 million in venture capital, indicating a focus on fitness and training solutions. Additionally, Almi's investment in Racefox, which raised $698,727 in a seed round, suggests an interest in sports performance technologies. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in sectors that intersect with sports nutrition, making it a relevant player in this industry.


10. Glanbia

  • Website: glanbia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Ireland
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: glanbia

Glanbia plc is a nutrition company based in Kilkenny, Ireland, founded in 1997. It specializes in providing high-quality food supplements and sports nutrition products, catering to health-conscious consumers and businesses in the food industry. Glanbia is known for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, aiming to meet the evolving nutritional needs of its customers. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the sports nutrition market, including:1. **Optimum Nutrition, Inc.** - Acquired for €213 million in 2008, this US-based firm is a leading name in nutritional supplements, generating significant revenue and operating profit.2. **The Isopure Company** - Acquired for US$153 million in 2014, Isopure is recognized for its premium, protein-based sports nutrition products, further enhancing Glanbia's performance nutrition offerings.3. **Nutramino** - Acquired for approximately €20 million in 2014, Nutramino serves a large portion of the Danish fitness market with its energy drinks and protein shakes.4. **Amazing Grass** - Acquired in 2017 for approximately €181 million, this company focuses on plant-based nutrition, expanding Glanbia's reach in the direct-to-consumer market.5. **SlimFast** - Acquired for $350 million in 2018, SlimFast adds to Glanbia's diverse portfolio in the nutrition sector.Through these acquisitions, Glanbia has established itself as a key player in the sports nutrition industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.


11. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Notably, Kima Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to the sports nutrition context, including Feed., which raised $3,567,878 in a seed round, and Foodvisor, a French nutrition application that secured funding to enhance its offerings. Additionally, they invested in Fooducate, which focuses on nutrition education. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the nutrition sector, aligning with the interests of sports nutrition.


12. 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 investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include investments in Wild Earth, which raised funds for its plant-based pet food products, and Geltor, which focuses on animal-free proteins. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food sector, which can also extend to sports nutrition as the demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources grows among athletes and health-conscious consumers.



Sports Nutrition Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
Seventure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199721
Frasers GroupLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+198220
Nestlé Health ScienceLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland10001+20112
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
GlanbiaKilkenny, Kilkenny, Ireland5001-1000019971
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162


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