The biofuels industry in Europe focuses on producing renewable fuels for vehicles and other energy needs, tapping into diverse feedstocks like agricultural residues and waste materials. Companies range from innovative startups specializing in advanced biofuels to established energy giants integrating renewables into their portfolios. As Europe's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 strengthens, the sector is expected to grow rapidly. Key insights reveal that biofuels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advancements in technology continue to make them more efficient and sustainable. The industry is pivoting towards biotech applications and circular economy concepts to enhance its impact on energy transition.


In the realm of biofuels investment, a noteworthy collection emerges, comprising venture capital firms, private equity players, and corporate investors. These entities are primarily headquartered in major cities like Paris, London, and Stockholm and span a wide range of sizes, from smaller firms to industry behemoths with tens of thousands of employees. Many were founded in the last couple of decades, reflecting the sector's evolution. Throughout 2024, these investors engaged in a significant number of deals, signaling their active interest in shaping the renewable energy landscape and driving innovation in biofuels.


Top 14 Biofuels Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


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 significant transactions in the biofuels sector, such as providing $17.3 million in government funding to Global Bioenergies for its isobutene plant, as part of the France 2030 plan. This funding includes a substantial grant and debt financing, highlighting Bpifrance's commitment to advancing biofuel technologies. Additionally, Bpifrance has supported Global Bioenergies through various funding rounds, including a post-IPO equity investment, further solidifying its role in the biofuels industry.


2. 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 funding transactions relevant to the biofuels context, such as Electrochaea, which raised over $20 million in a venture round, and Carbo Culture, which received grants for its carbon removal technology. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that can impact the biofuels industry and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.


3. 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 within the biofuels sector, including significant investments in Celtic Renewables, which raised over $4.7 million in October 2020 and $2.8 million in November 2021. Additionally, Antaco, a company focused on biofuels, raised over $742,000 through Crowdcube in November 2019. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting the biofuels industry.


4. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in 99 investments, demonstrating its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notable transactions include debt financing for companies like INERATEC, which focuses on innovative energy solutions, and Enel Green Power, which is involved in renewable energy generation. Additionally, the EIB has supported major energy players such as Ørsted and Repsol Energy Ventures, indicating its commitment to financing sustainable energy projects, which may encompass biofuels as part of its broader investment portfolio.


5. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, with a history dating back to 1907. While primarily known for its operations in the energy and chemicals sectors, Shell has been actively investing in the biofuels industry. Notable transactions include a $46.4 million investment in Virent Energy Systems to scale their BioForming® process, and an equity investment in FORGE Hydrocarbons to support the development of a commercial-scale biofuel production plant. Furthermore, Shell's acquisition of Nature Energy Biogas A/S for nearly $2 billion enhances its position as the largest producer of Renewable Natural Gas in Europe. These strategic investments highlight Shell's commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and advancing biofuel technologies.


6. 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. It is dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations and offers a marketplace for energy solutions, 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 biofuels industry, including a Series A investment in Ingelia, which focuses on biomass conversion technologies, and multiple seed rounds for Meva Energy, which is engaged in bioenergy solutions. Additionally, their recent investment in Phoenix BioPower further emphasizes their active role in the biofuels sector.


7. BloombergNEF

  • Website: about.bnef.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: bloombergnef

BloombergNEF is a research firm based in London, specializing in the energy and commodity markets. Founded in 2004, they provide strategic insights and analysis to help businesses navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Their offerings include comprehensive research reports, summits, and a pioneering program that identifies innovative technologies for decarbonization. Notably, BloombergNEF has been involved in several grant transactions with companies in the biofuels sector, including Renmatix, which focuses on converting biomass into sugars for biofuels, Green Biologics, which develops renewable chemicals and fuels from biomass, and Twelve, which aims to transform CO2 into useful products. These transactions highlight their engagement with biofuels and related technologies, reinforcing their role as an investor in this field.


8. 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. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the biofuels sector, including investments in Biofrigas AB, which focuses on biofuels production, and C-Green, which is engaged in innovative solutions for sustainable energy. Additionally, Almi has supported Cellfion, a startup developing sustainable membranes for energy storage and conversion, which aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and renewable energy. These investments highlight Almi's active role in promoting advancements in the biofuels industry.


9. TotalEnergies


TotalEnergies is a corporate investor based in France, founded in 1924, with a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The company is dedicated to producing and marketing a wide range of energy solutions, including oil, gas, and renewable energy, with a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In recent years, TotalEnergies has made significant investments in the biofuels sector. Notably, they acquired a 20% stake in Ductor, a Finnish start-up focused on processing organic waste for biomethane production, in May 2023. Additionally, they acquired Polska Grupa Biogazowa, a Polish company involved in biogas production, enhancing their biogas production capacity to 1.1 terawatt hours. Furthermore, TotalEnergies has invested in Renmatix, which specializes in cellulosic sugar production, indicating their interest in advanced biofuel technologies. These transactions highlight TotalEnergies' strategic focus on expanding their biofuels capabilities within their broader energy portfolio.


10. Equinor

  • Website: equinor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: equinor

Equinor ASA, founded in 1972 and based in Stavanger, Norway, is a public entity operating in the energy sector with a focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to become a net-zero emissions entity by 2050. Equinor serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. In recent years, Equinor has made significant investments in companies that align with its renewable energy goals. For instance, they participated in the Series B and Series C funding rounds for Syzygy Plasmonics, a company developing innovative photocatalytic technology, which could have applications in biofuels. Additionally, Equinor's involvement in Booster, a mobile energy delivery platform that connects fleets to various fuels, further demonstrates their interest in alternative energy solutions, including biofuels. Their acquisition of a stake in Ørsted, a leader in renewable energy, also highlights their strategic focus on sustainable energy investments.


11. 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 based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among its notable transactions, EQT Infrastructure has acquired Synagro Technologies, Inc. for an enterprise value of USD 465 million, which focuses on organic residuals management—a sector that plays a significant role in the biofuels industry. Additionally, EQT has engaged in various infrastructure projects, including the acquisition of Midland Cogeneration Venture, which, while not directly related to biofuels, indicates their active participation in energy-related investments. Their strategic focus on enhancing operational flexibility and capitalizing on market opportunities aligns with the evolving landscape of renewable energy, including biofuels.


12. EEP Africa

  • Website: eepafrica.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eepafrica

EEP Africa is a not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2010. It is dedicated to clean energy financing, providing early-stage grants and support for innovative clean energy projects in Southern and Eastern Africa. The organization aims to enhance energy access and investment, collaborating with various funding partners to facilitate sustainable development in the region. Among its notable transactions, EEP Africa has supported companies like Sistema.bio, which focuses on bioenergy solutions, and Mandulis Energy, which is involved in renewable energy initiatives. These transactions highlight EEP Africa's engagement in the biofuels sector, making it a relevant player in the clean energy landscape.


13. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a strong commitment to mutuality and social responsibility. As an investor, Crédit Agricole has been involved in various transactions that touch upon the biofuels industry. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Methaneo, a company focused on renewable energy and biofuels, and Vicentin S.A.I.C., which operates in the agricultural sector, potentially linking to biofuel production. Their diverse investment portfolio and active engagement in sectors related to biofuels position them as a relevant player in this industry.


14. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to economic development in Scotland. Based in Glasgow, it provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, demonstrating its active role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Notably, it participated in funding rounds for companies like Carbogenics, which raised £1M to develop green energy technology, and Ulemco, which secured over £5M to expand its hydrogen dual fuel and zero-carbon emission combustion initiatives. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to sustainable energy solutions, including biofuels.



Biofuels Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
BloombergNEFLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020040
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
TotalEnergiesFrance10001+192411
EquinorStavanger, Rogaland, Norway10001+19726
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
EEP AfricaHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland11-5020100
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155


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