The chemical manufacturing industry in Europe plays a crucial role in the continent’s economy, driving innovations across sectors. This industry includes various companies producing chemicals essential for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science. From specialty chemicals to biodegradable plastics, these firms are investing heavily in sustainable practices and green technologies. The industry is anticipated to grow as it adapts to changing regulations and consumer demands for more environmentally friendly products. Notably, European companies are at the forefront of biochemicals and are increasingly focusing on circular economy principles, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources.


Featuring a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors, the list showcases 13 key players in chemical manufacturing finance. Predominantly headquartered in major European cities such as Paris and Stockholm, these investors range in size from small firms to large corporations, with historical roots dating from 1945 to 2015. In 2024, these investors collectively completed over 420 transactions to support innovation and expansion within the chemical sector, highlighting their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancements.


Top 13 Chemical Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the chemical manufacturing industry, such as providing grants and equity investments to companies like Susphos, which is focused on upcycling phosphate from waste streams, and DEMETA, which is engaged in innovative chemical processes. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in the chemical sector, making it a significant player in this field.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the chemical manufacturing sector, such as the Series A funding for Pili, a French biotech company that specializes in biobased indigo production, raising $15.8 million in 2023. Additionally, Bpifrance has supported Pili in previous funding rounds, demonstrating a consistent interest in the chemical manufacturing space. Other transactions include the Series B investment in Calyxia and a grant to SurfactGreen, further showcasing Bpifrance's engagement with companies that contribute to the chemical industry.


3. 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 by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies such as Svenska Aerogel, which focuses on producing innovative aerogel materials, and Circhem, which operates in the chemical recycling space. Additionally, Almi participated in funding rounds for the Swedish Algae Factory, which is involved in sustainable chemical production through algae. These investments highlight Almi's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to the chemical manufacturing sector, particularly those emphasizing sustainability and innovation.


4. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in several notable transactions within the chemical manufacturing sector, including a significant debt financing of $547 million for Evonik Industries and $377 million for Umicore. These investments highlight the EIB's commitment to supporting key players in the chemical industry, facilitating their growth and innovation. Additionally, the EIB's involvement with other companies like Orlen and INERATEC further emphasizes its active role in financing initiatives that promote advancements in chemical manufacturing.


5. Sofinnova Partners


Sofinnova Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in life sciences investments, particularly in biopharma and medtech sectors, but has also made significant strides in the chemical manufacturing industry. Notably, they led a £15.4 million Series B funding round for Green Biologics, a UK-based chemicals producer, which highlights their commitment to supporting innovative chemical solutions. Additionally, they participated in a Series B investment round for Pyrowave, a company focused on developing technology for recycling plastics, and were involved in funding DMC Biotechnologies, which aims to advance biotechnological processes in chemical production. These transactions reflect Sofinnova Partners' strategic approach to fostering scientific advancements and sustainability in both healthcare and chemical manufacturing.


6. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, dedicated to economic development in Scotland. It provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a focus on enhancing Scotland's economic landscape, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in numerous transactions, particularly in the chemical manufacturing sector. Notably, it provided funding to NiTech Solutions, a Scottish developer and manufacturer of reactor systems for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, securing a £750,000 funding package to support their growth. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise has invested in CelluComp, a company specializing in sustainable materials, through its investment arm, the Scottish Investment Bank (SIB), showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative companies within the chemical sector. Overall, Scottish Enterprise plays a crucial role in fostering growth and innovation in the chemical manufacturing industry in Scotland.


7. 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, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments. The platform connects these businesses with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions within the chemical manufacturing context, including Celtic Renewables, which raised over $7 million across two crowdfunding rounds in 2020 and 2021, focusing on sustainable chemical production. Additionally, Oxi-Tech Solutions Ltd raised approximately $879,000 in 2023, indicating Crowdcube's engagement with innovative chemical solutions. Other transactions, such as those involving Stericile and Thermulon, further illustrate Crowdcube's involvement in the chemical sector, although their overall investment strategy spans multiple industries.


8. 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 focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has been active in the chemical manufacturing sector, with significant transactions such as the acquisition of acti-Chem, a Danish company specializing in sustainable water treatment solutions, and Tecno Plast, a German company focused on single-use tubing sets and hoses. These acquisitions highlight Indutrade's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the chemical manufacturing domain, making it a relevant player in this industry.


9. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers and users. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas. The company specializes in providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals, along with value-added services that simplify access to complex supply chains. Brenntag has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of ALTIVIA Corporation for $125 million in 2013, which allowed ALTIVIA's core businesses to join Brenntag's global distribution network. In 2024, they acquired Monarch Chemicals, a UK-based distributor of agricultural chemicals, enhancing their last-mile service capabilities. Additionally, their recent acquisition of the Aik Moh Group aims to strengthen their presence in Southeast Asia, further solidifying their role in the chemical manufacturing industry.


10. 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 founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the chemical manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Azelis, a global leader in specialty chemicals distribution, which had sales of approximately EUR 1.8 billion at the time of acquisition. Additionally, EQT has been involved in transactions such as the debt financing of PharmaZell and the acquisition of Leybold Optics, further showcasing their engagement in industries related to chemical manufacturing. These transactions highlight EQT's strategic interest and capability in the chemical sector, making them a relevant player in this field.


11. Azelis

  • Website: azelis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in the distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovation services. Founded in 2001, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across the life sciences and industrial sectors, focusing on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. In recent years, Azelis has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the chemical manufacturing industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of FRIENDSHIP CHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED and WWRC (CHINA) HOLDINGS LIMITED to enhance their presence in the Chinese industrial chemicals market, and the acquisition of Chemiplas, a distributor of specialty chemicals in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, they acquired YDS Chemicals NV, which bolstered their activities in the Personal Care and Chemical Industries in the Benelux region. These transactions reflect Azelis' commitment to expanding its footprint in the chemical sector and enhancing its service offerings.


12. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the chemical manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Azelis, a prominent distributor of specialty chemicals, in 2007. Additionally, they have invested in Metalysis, a company focused on advanced materials and chemical processes, through multiple funding rounds from 2005 to 2009. Furthermore, their agreement to acquire Alpharma's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients business in 2008 for approximately US$395 million highlights their commitment to the pharmaceutical chemicals market. These transactions demonstrate 3i Group's active role in the chemical manufacturing industry.


13. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to address the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in several transactions relevant to the chemical manufacturing context, such as the Seed funding rounds for FineCell, which focuses on developing FineCell technology and producing CellOx dry cellulose powder. This technology is significant in the chemical manufacturing sector as it relates to sustainable materials. Additionally, their investment in Catalyco, which raised funds for innovative solutions, further emphasizes their commitment to supporting advancements that can influence chemical processes and materials.



Chemical Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052


Want to find more investors focusing on the chemical manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the chemical manufacturingindustry, 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!