Top 14 Agribusiness Investors in Europe
Top 14 Agribusiness Investors in Europe
The agribusiness industry in Europe is vital, covering the span from crop cultivation to food processing, distribution, and retail. Companies involved range from large agritech firms developing cutting-edge agricultural technologies to SMEs focused on organic farming and sustainability. The industry is evolving, with a growing emphasis on sustainable practices and technology integration to address global food security challenges. Innovations like precision agriculture and vertical farming are gaining traction, aiding enhanced productivity and climate resilience. Additionally, EU policies support sustainable farming initiatives, pushing the sector toward greener methods and igniting collaboration among stakeholders.
This list highlights a range of investors in Europe’s agribusiness sector. Spanning venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate investors, these entities vary significantly in size, founding years, and investment strategies. Based in key locations such as Brussels, Berlin, and Paris, they aim to foster innovation and growth in agriculture and food production. For instance, in 2024 alone, these investors executed deals with notable transaction counts, showcasing their commitment to transforming the agribusiness landscape with financial backing and strategic support.
Top 14 Agribusiness 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 provided financial and strategic support to more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to promote growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notable transactions include investments in major agribusiness players such as Agrial, which raised approximately $64 million in 2014, and Axereal, which secured around $170 million in 2017. Other significant investments include Terrena, Arterris, and Océalia, showcasing Unigrains' active involvement in supporting the agribusiness sector through various funding rounds. Their expertise and focus on the agro-food industry make them a key player in fostering innovation and development within this vital sector.
2. 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 provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has invested in agritech companies such as xFarm Technologies, which raised €17 million in Series B funding to enhance its platform and expand its business reach. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants to companies like Insolight and xFarm Technologies, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovation in the agribusiness sector.
3. 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 actively involved in several notable transactions within the agribusiness context, including investments in Terviva, which raised $20 million in a Series D funding round in 2019 and $3.7 million in a Series B round in 2016. Additionally, The Yield Lab invested in Covercress, which raised $2.4 million in a venture round in 2017 and $2.5 million in a Series A round in 2015. They also supported Ascribe Bioscience, which raised nearly $3.2 million in a seed round in 2022. These transactions highlight The Yield Lab's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the agrifood sector.
4. 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 investor 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 institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agribusiness sector, such as Micropep Technologies, which raised approximately $29 million in a Series B round in July 2024, focusing on agricultural innovations. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in the Series A financing of Meiogenix, a company that is developing solutions for agricultural applications, further demonstrating its engagement in the agribusiness industry. Other transactions include investments in Aviwell and Feve, which also align with agricultural advancements.
5. 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 pursue scientific breakthroughs to tackle major global challenges in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for AgBiome, an agricultural research firm that has raised substantial capital to develop crop protection products. Their investments in AgBiome include a Series C round of $65 million in 2018, a Series B round of $34.5 million in 2015, and earlier funding rounds, demonstrating a consistent commitment to advancing agricultural innovation. Additionally, they invested $55 million in Oerth Bio, further emphasizing their focus on agribusiness 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 crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments. The platform connects these businesses with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the agribusiness sector, including Central Plains Group, which raised over $4.4 million, Zero Carbon Farms, which raised over $5.7 million, and Crover, which raised nearly $450,000. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative agribusiness ventures.
7. 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, England, 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 a significant investment in AeroFarms, a leader in indoor farming, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a Series D and Series E-K. They also acquired a minority stake in Saga Robotics, anticipating a transformation in farming robotics, and invested in Vive Crop Protection, which focuses on innovative crop protection solutions. These transactions highlight Cibus Capital's commitment to advancing the agribusiness sector through technology and sustainability.
8. 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 has a notable focus on sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Among their significant transactions in the agribusiness sector, they have invested in Agrial, which raised approximately $64.2 million in a private equity round in 2014, and Axereal, which raised about $170.2 million in 2017. They also participated in the funding of Océalia and Triskalia, further demonstrating their commitment to the agribusiness industry. These investments highlight IDIA's role in facilitating growth and innovation within the agro-food sector, making them a relevant player in the agribusiness investment landscape.
9. 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. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector. In 2024 alone, EIT Food was involved in 37 investments, showcasing their active role in the agribusiness landscape. Notable transactions include SeedForward, which received non-equity assistance, and significant funding rounds for Fyteko, which raised over $13 million in Series B funding in 2025, indicating their commitment to supporting innovative agrifood solutions. Additionally, EIT Food has provided grants to companies like Nanomik Biotechnology and Antofenol, further emphasizing their focus on advancing agribusiness through financial support and resources.
10. 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, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. In 2022, Katapult made several notable investments in the agribusiness sector, including Complete Farmer, which focuses on improving agricultural productivity, and GrowAgric, which raised funds for non-equity assistance aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. Other relevant transactions include Crop2Cash, which aims to streamline cash flow for farmers, Legendary Foods Africa, which is involved in innovative food production, and Afrikamart, a platform that connects farmers with markets. These investments highlight Katapult's active role in fostering innovation and sustainability within the agribusiness industry.
11. Aqua-Spark
- Website: aqua-spark.nl
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Founded year: 2013
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: aquaspark
Aqua-Spark is a holding company based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2013, that specializes in investing in innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry. The firm aims to promote sustainable practices and improve production efficiency in fish farms, feed mills, and hatcheries. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to address environmental challenges in aquaculture through research and development. Notable transactions include a $9 million investment in Sea6 Energy, a seaweed producer, which focuses on cultivating tropical seaweed for industrial purposes, and participation in multiple funding rounds for Calysta, a company that produces sustainable fish and livestock feed. These investments highlight Aqua-Spark's commitment to enhancing sustainability and innovation within the agribusiness sector.
12. Hatch Blue
- Website: hatch.blue
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: hatch-aquaculture-accelerator
Hatch Blue is a venture capital firm and consulting accelerator based in Cork, Ireland, founded in 2017. They specialize in aquaculture and alternative seafood, providing investment, mentorship, and innovation programs to entrepreneurs and startups in these sectors. Their services include market studies, intellectual property strategies, and access to a global network of industry experts. In 2024, Hatch Blue participated in a Series A funding round for Peptobiotics, raising $6.2 million to support advancements in aquaculture. Additionally, they have been involved in earlier funding rounds for Symbrosia, a startup focused on seaweed-based livestock feed additives, raising $1.35 million in 2019 and $7 million in 2022. These transactions underscore their active role in promoting sustainable practices within the agribusiness landscape.
13. 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 corporate investor based in London, England, with a rich history dating back to 1677. The company specializes in property development and investment, but it also has a notable focus on food and agtech, as well as rural estate management. Grosvenor aims to create sustainable communities and enhance the well-being of its customers through a diverse portfolio of services. In recent years, they have made significant investments in the agribusiness sector, including a notable investment in Benson Hill, which raised $85 million in post-IPO equity to advance its food innovation engine, CropOS™, aimed at developing healthier and more sustainable food options. Additionally, Grosvenor played a crucial role in the restructuring of AeroFarms, a leading indoor farming company, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with their support. This involvement highlights Grosvenor's commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and their strategic interest in the agribusiness industry.
14. 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, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm focuses on innovation and sustainability across various industries, including agriculture. BASF Venture Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in the agribusiness sector, such as their investments in Arcadia Biosciences, which raised funds to develop products that enhance agronomic performance and product quality traits. They also co-led a funding round for Hummingbird Technologies, a company that leverages drones and AI to provide farmers with critical insights into crop health and yield predictions. These investments highlight BASF's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies and solutions, reinforcing their role as a significant player in the agribusiness investment landscape.
Agribusiness Insights: Key Investors in Europe
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2015 | 198 |
Leaps by Bayer | Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 11-50 | 2015 | 16 |
Crowdcube | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2010 | 3 |
Cibus Capital | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2017 | 2 |
IDIA Capital Investissement | Montrouge, Île-De-France, France | 11-50 | 1980 | 1 |
EIT Food | Leuven, Flanders, Belgium | 51-200 | 2016 | 37 |
Katapult | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 2017 | 8 |
Aqua-Spark | Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands | 11-50 | 2013 | 2 |
Hatch Blue | Cork, Cork, Ireland | 11-50 | 2017 | 2 |
Grosvenor | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 501-1000 | 1677 | 5 |
BASF Venture Capital | Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany | 10001+ | 2001 | 3 |
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