Top 13 Horticulture Investors Across Europe
Top 13 Horticulture Investors Across Europe
Europe's horticulture industry thrives on innovation, combining science and sustainability to enhance food production. It includes a variety of players such as greenhouse operators, sustainable nurseries, and agritech firms focusing on efficiency and ecological solutions. Driven by consumer demand for fresh, locally sourced produce, the industry embraces vertical farming, organic methods, and advanced technologies. Notably, the rise of urban farming is transforming cities into lush environments. Expected industry trends include increased investment in smart agriculture, integration of AI technologies, and a stronger focus on climate resilience, as greener practices become a priority for food security and environmental stability.
The group of investors featured in this list represents a blend of venture capital and private equity firms, headquartered primarily in major European cities such as London, Paris, and Brussels. Ranging in size, these investors are all relatively new, having been founded between 1963 and 2017. In 2024, they collectively executed a notable number of deals, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovation in horticulture. With varying focus areas—from sustainable agriculture to revolutionary agrifood technologies—these investors are critical players in shaping the future of the horticultural sector across Europe.
Top 13 Horticulture Investors in Europe
1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération
- Website: bpifrance.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 198
- LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration
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 various 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. Among its notable transactions, Bpifrance has invested in 'Compagnons des Saisons', which raised $1,268,731 in a venture round, and 'Myfood', which secured $1,195,800 in a seed round. Additionally, 'Babylone Growers' raised $2,409,340 in a Series A round, further highlighting Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the horticulture sector.
2. 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 private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. Founded in 1963, the firm has over 60 years of experience and has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Among their notable transactions, Unigrains participated in a $17 million Series A funding round for RED Horticulture in November 2023, which focuses on developing high-performance lighting strategies for horticulture. They also invested in Limagrain, a significant player in the seed industry, which has implications for horticulture. These transactions highlight Unigrains' active role in supporting businesses that contribute to the horticulture sector.
3. European Innovation Council (EIC)
- Website: eic.ec.europa.eu
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Founded year: 1958
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: 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 also 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 horticulture industry, such as providing grants to AgroSustain, which raised $2,891,688 in March 2021, and Saia Agrobotics, which received $2,477,966 in October 2022. Additionally, Crocus Labs, another company in the horticulture context, raised $2,094,005 in grants from the EIC in March 2022. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in supporting innovation within the horticulture sector.
4. 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 notable transactions relevant to horticulture, including CowPots, which focuses on biodegradable pots made from composted cow manure, and Holganix, which develops organic fertilizers and soil amendments. Additionally, they invested in Botanical Solutions, which works on plant-based solutions for agriculture. These investments highlight The Yield Lab's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance horticultural practices and sustainability in the agrifood sector.
5. Cibus Capital
- Website: cibusfund.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: cibus-fund
Cibus Capital LLP is an investment advisory firm based in London, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to improve food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients primarily include businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and enhance their operations. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Alba Trees Limited, a sustainable forestry nursery that supplies around 20 million trees annually, and a Dutch sustainable greenhouse operator as part of their initiative to develop The Flavour Farm, which emphasizes renewable energy in indoor agriculture. Additionally, they have invested in Withcott Seedlings, a significant vegetable seedlings grower in Australia, showcasing their commitment to horticulture and sustainable agricultural practices.
6. 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. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the horticulture industry, including Carbon Gold, which raised significant funds in both 2020 and 2022 for its innovative soil enhancement products. Additionally, Shoot, a company focused on gardening and horticulture, also raised funds through Crowdcube, showcasing the platform's engagement with the horticulture sector. Other relevant transactions include Crate to Plate and Petalon, which, while not exclusively horticulture-focused, contribute to the broader context of sustainable and local food systems.
7. IDIA Capital Investissement
- Website: ca-idia.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 1980
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: 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, offering investment management services and strategic guidance. IDIA Capital Investissement focuses on various sectors, including agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notable transactions relevant to horticulture include investments in Compagnie Fruitiere, which is involved in fruit production, and Bioline AgroSciences, which specializes in agricultural solutions. These investments reflect IDIA's commitment to enhancing the agro-food sector, thereby supporting the horticulture industry indirectly through their focus on sustainable growth and innovation in agriculture.
8. 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. The firm 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 alone, Leaps by Bayer has made 16 investments, showcasing their active role in the investment landscape. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Pairwise Plants, a company dedicated to developing genetically enhanced fresh produce through CRISPR technology, with investments in Series A, B, and C rounds totaling $115 million. Additionally, they have invested in Apollo Agriculture, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa, further emphasizing their commitment to innovative solutions in the horticulture sector. By providing funding and active incubation, Leaps by Bayer supports the development of transformative technologies that can significantly impact food production and security.
9. Katapult
- Website: katapult.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 8
- LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator
Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They specialize in supporting tech startups that tackle global challenges, particularly in sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, they have invested in several companies relevant to horticulture, including Complete Farmer, which focuses on enhancing agricultural practices, and Rural Farmers Hub, which supports farmers with resources and technology. Additionally, they have engaged with GrowAgric, which received funding aimed at improving agricultural productivity. These transactions highlight Katapult's active role in fostering innovation within the horticulture industry.
10. 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 focus on supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions in the horticulture context, including Infarm, a Berlin-based startup that raised significant funding to expand its vertical farming network, and Source.ag, which closed a Series A funding round to develop AI-powered solutions for greenhouse growers. These investments highlight Astanor's dedication to fostering growth and sustainability in the horticulture industry.
11. EIT Food
- Website: eitfood.eu
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 37
- LinkedIn: eit-food
EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2016, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. It is dedicated to transforming the food system through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. EIT Food supports agrifood startups and entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding opportunities, and educational programs aimed at creating healthier and sustainable food solutions. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the horticulture context, such as Fyteko, which raised significant funding in both Seed and Series B rounds, indicating strong investor confidence in innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, they have supported SENCROP, a micro-climate technology startup, which raised substantial funds, showcasing their commitment to advancing technology that can benefit horticulture practices. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector, further emphasizing their relevance to horticulture.
12. 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 promote sustainable development. Notably, Demeter has invested in several horticulture-related companies, including RED Horticulture, which focuses on dynamic lighting solutions for agriculture, and crop.zone, a German agritech startup. These investments highlight Demeter's engagement in the horticulture sector, particularly in enhancing agricultural practices through technology and sustainability. In 2024, they also participated in funding for Viti-Tunnel, which indicates their ongoing interest in horticultural innovations.
13. Nurture Group
- Website: nurture-group.co.uk
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Windlesham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2008
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 8
- LinkedIn: nurture-landscapes
Nurture Group is a corporate investor based in Windlesham, England, founded in 2008. The company specializes in landscaping services, offering grounds maintenance, landscape construction, pest control, and plant display services to a diverse clientele. In recent years, Nurture Group has significantly expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Tivoli Group Ltd, which is a major player in the grounds maintenance and landscaping sector with an annual turnover exceeding £70 million. This acquisition marked Nurture's 50th and largest acquisition to date, enhancing their market position with a combined annual revenue of £245 million. Additionally, Nurture Group has acquired Gristwood & Toms, an arboricultural contractor, which further strengthens their services in the arboriculture market. Other notable acquisitions include Spacecare Ltd and Rokill, both of which contribute to their integrated service offerings in landscaping and pest control. These transactions highlight Nurture Group's commitment to enhancing outdoor spaces and ensuring environmental stewardship, making them a relevant player in the horticulture industry.
Horticulture Insights: Key Investors in Europe
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2015 | 198 |
Unigrains | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 51-200 | 1963 | 4 |
European Innovation Council (EIC) | Brussels, Brussels, Belgium | 201-500 | 1958 | 57 |
The Yield Lab | Killiney, Dublin, Ireland | 11-50 | 2014 | 2 |
Cibus Capital | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2017 | 2 |
Crowdcube | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2010 | 3 |
IDIA Capital Investissement | Montrouge, Île-De-France, France | 11-50 | 1980 | 1 |
Leaps by Bayer | Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 11-50 | 2015 | 16 |
Katapult | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 2017 | 8 |
Astanor | Luxembourg | 11-50 | 2017 | 10 |
EIT Food | Leuven, Flanders, Belgium | 51-200 | 2016 | 37 |
Demeter | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 11-50 | 2005 | 11 |
Nurture Group | Windlesham, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 1001-5000 | 2008 | 8 |
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