The cattle feed industry in Benelux plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector, providing nutrition essential for livestock health and productivity. Operating companies span across production, distribution, and research, focusing on quality feeds that support animal growth and improve meat and dairy yields. As consumer demand for sustainable and organic products grows, the industry is increasingly adopting innovative practices, such as insect-based feeds and alternative proteins. Collaboration among technology firms, feed manufacturers, and agricultural scientists is paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, indicating a promising future for cattle feed production in the region.


This list showcases a variety of investors involved in the cattle feed industry within Benelux. Ranging from corporate giants like Nutreco and Eurofins to venture capital firms like Rockstart and Astanor, these entities vary in size from small teams to companies employing over 10,000 people. Founded between 1851 and 2017, they have collectively engaged in significant investments in 2024. The investor types reflect a mix of private equity, venture capital, and corporate investments, illustrating a strong interest in advancing technology and sustainability efforts in cattle feed production.


Top 14 Cattle Feed Investors in Benelux


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 transactions such as funding Aviwell, which received grants to support its innovative solutions, and FarmInsect, a German insect technology company that raised significant funding through a Series A round, with the EIC contributing to this investment. These transactions indicate the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative agricultural technologies, which could have implications for the cattle feed industry.


2. Nutreco

  • Website: nutreco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: nutreco

Nutreco is a prominent animal nutrition company based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. Founded in 1994, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has made significant strides in the agricultural sector. Nutreco's focus on sustainable practices aligns with the increasing global demand for food, making it a key player in the industry. Notably, Nutreco has engaged in several relevant transactions in the cattle feed sector, including the acquisition of Hi-Pro Feeds, which enhances its capabilities in high-performance animal feed in North America, and Bellman Nutriçao Animal Ltda., a Brazilian company that specializes in farm minerals and supplements for ruminants. Additionally, Nutreco has expanded its presence in Africa through the acquisition of Animal Nutrition and Health (ANH), further solidifying its commitment to the livestock feed market.


3. 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 focuses on the agrifood tech sector. They support innovative companies aiming to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including leading a €12 million Series A financing round for Standing Ovation, a startup developing animal-free casein and cheese substitutes, which could have implications for cattle feed alternatives. They also led multiple funding rounds for Ynsect, a French insect farming startup that initially focused on producing insect protein for animal feed before shifting towards pet food and food ingredients. Their investment in MicroHarvest, which is working on single-cell protein production, further demonstrates their commitment to innovative food solutions that could intersect with the cattle feed industry. Astanor's expertise and focus on sustainability position them as a significant player in the agrifood tech landscape.


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. The EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has been involved in significant transactions within the agricultural sector, such as a €40 million investment in Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company focused on research and development in optimized animal nutrition. This funding is aimed at establishing a Global Innovation Centre and advancing projects related to food innovation and sustainability. Additionally, the EIB has participated in financing for other companies in the food and agriculture space, such as Carbery Group, which further underscores its engagement in sectors that impact cattle feed and animal nutrition.


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 primarily in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. Notably, dsm-firmenich has participated in significant transactions relevant to the cattle feed context, such as leading an investment in Deep Branch Biotechnology, a UK-based alternative feed ingredient producer. This investment highlights their engagement in the development of sustainable feed solutions. Additionally, their involvement in other food-related ventures, such as Meatable, which focuses on cultivated meat, further underscores their interest in the food production ecosystem, including aspects that may relate to cattle feed.


6. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. In the context of the cattle feed industry, Rockstart has participated in several funding rounds for MoooFarm, a dairytech startup that focuses on improving dairy farming operations. MoooFarm raised significant amounts in various funding rounds, including $13 million in Series A funding in November 2022, $2.87 million in a Seed round in December 2021, and earlier rounds totaling $588,100 and $100,000. These transactions highlight Rockstart's commitment to supporting innovations in the dairy sector, which is closely linked to cattle feed production and management. Additionally, Rockstart's focus on purpose-driven entrepreneurs aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.


7. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company based in Luxembourg, founded in 1987. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees and a global presence across 62 countries, Eurofins specializes in a wide array of analytical and testing services that cater to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental sectors. The company has made significant strides in expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2021, Eurofins acquired Alliance Technical Laboratories Ltd, which bolstered their food, water, and feed testing services in the South East of the UK. This acquisition is part of Eurofins' strategic growth agenda, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing quality assurance in the feed industry. Additionally, their previous acquisitions, such as Nab Labs Group Oy and EUROFINS Food Analytica, further demonstrate their focus on food and feed testing, reinforcing their relevance in the cattle feed sector.


8. 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 specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider founded in 2001, headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium. The company serves over 63,000 customers across the life sciences and industrial sectors, focusing on high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations. In recent years, Azelis has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its market presence. Notably, the acquisition of Agspec Australia Pty Ltd, announced in November 2023, reflects Azelis' commitment to enhancing its offerings in agricultural markets, particularly in crop nutrition and protection, which are critical components of cattle feed production. Additionally, the acquisition of Tunçkaya, a distributor of food ingredients and additives, further strengthens Azelis' position in the food market, potentially linking to cattle feed through the supply of feed additives. These transactions highlight Azelis' strategic focus on sectors that intersect with agricultural and livestock needs.


9. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. Notably, they have invested in MoooFarm, a dairytech startup, participating in multiple funding rounds including a $13 million Series A round in 2022, a $2.87 million Seed round in 2021, and a $588,100 Pre-Seed round in 2020. These investments highlight their commitment to advancing technologies that support the dairy industry, which is closely related to cattle feed. Additionally, they have been involved with Floating Farm and Mavasol, further indicating their interest in innovative solutions within the agricultural sector.


10. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the animal nutrition sector, including the acquisition of Provimi in 2002, which is a key player in the cattle feed industry. This acquisition highlights CVC's commitment to the agricultural and livestock sectors. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes investments in various industries, such as veterinary services with Medivet and other sectors, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in the cattle feed market.


11. Anterra Capital

  • Website: anterracapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: anterra-capital

Anterra Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializing in agrifood technology investments. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on supporting startups that leverage biotechnology and digital solutions to enhance food production and sustainability. Anterra Capital operates primarily in North America and Europe, targeting innovative companies in the agrifood sector. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions such as BiomEdit's Series A funding, where Nutreco, a European animal nutrition company, acquired a minority stake, highlighting their connection to animal nutrition. Additionally, their investment in Ashish Life Science, an Indian animal health startup, further emphasizes their commitment to improving animal health and nutrition, which is directly relevant to the cattle feed industry.


12. Louis Dreyfus Company

  • Website: ldc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1851
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: louis-dreyfus-company

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor founded in 1851, headquartered in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands. The company operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation, supplying a wide range of agricultural products to businesses in the food and beverage industry. In recent years, LDC has been involved in several notable transactions, such as acquiring a significant stake in Namoi Cotton, which indicates their strategic interest in agricultural commodities. Additionally, their investment in companies like Benson Hill, which focuses on food innovation and sustainable ingredient options, aligns with trends in agricultural sustainability that could impact cattle feed production. Their diverse investment portfolio suggests a commitment to enhancing agricultural supply chains, which may include cattle feed as part of their broader operations.


13. Pmv

  • Website: pmv.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2001. It acts as an investment company for the Flemish government, providing a range of financing solutions including loans and co-financing to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors. PMV has been involved in several relevant transactions in the livestock sector, such as a €3.4 million seed investment in Animab, a company developing monoclonal antibodies aimed at improving the health and performance of livestock animals, including cattle. Additionally, PMV participated in a funding round for ViroVet, a biopharmaceutical company focused on veterinary products, which further emphasizes its involvement in the livestock health sector. These transactions highlight PMV's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance livestock management and productivity, making it a relevant player in the cattle feed industry.


14. ForFarmers

  • Website: forfarmersgroup.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lochem, Gelderland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: forfarmers-b.v.

ForFarmers N.V. is an agricultural company based in Lochem, Gelderland, Netherlands, specializing in complete feed solutions for livestock farming. Founded in 2007, the company emphasizes sustainable practices and provides tailored advice and support to farmers, ensuring the health and productivity of their animals. ForFarmers operates across multiple European countries and plays a crucial role in the agricultural supply chain. Notably, ForFarmers has been involved in significant transactions within the cattle feed context, including the acquisition of Tasomix in February 2018, which enhanced its feed offerings. In June 2024, ForFarmers announced an agreement to acquire Van Triest Veevoeders, a company specializing in trading residual flows and co-products, further solidifying its position in the feed market. Additionally, the planned acquisition of Piast Pasze Sp. z.o.o. in July 2023 aims to merge feed activities and increase volume, showcasing ForFarmers' strategic focus on expanding its cattle feed operations.



Cattle Feed Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Anterra CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020139
Louis Dreyfus CompanyRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18515
PmvBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-200200111
ForFarmersLochem, Gelderland, Netherlands1001-500020071


Want to find more investors focusing on the cattle feed industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the cattle feedindustry, 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!