The functional foods industry in Europe focuses on products that promote health and wellness beyond basic nutrition. Companies involved range from startups developing innovative dietary supplements to established giants like Nestlé and Unilever, offering everything from plant-based proteins to nutraceuticals. With increasing consumer awareness surrounding health benefits and sustainability, this sector is evolving rapidly. The demand for transparency in sourcing and ingredient quality is growing. As more people seek health-oriented choices, the functional foods market is poised for steady growth, with future innovations likely emphasizing personalization and advanced science to enhance nutritional value and consumer appeal.


This list features a varied array of investors active in the functional foods sector. The group includes venture capital powerhouses, corporate investors, and private equity firms from notable cities such as Paris, London, and Zurich. With firms founded from 1963 to 2016, they bring experience in investment strategies that nurture growth in companies striving for sustainable food solutions. Collectively, these investors made significant contributions in the last year and are committed to supporting industry transformation, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem focused on health-centric food innovations.


Top 14 Functional Foods Investors in Europe


1. 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 has been instrumental in 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 functional foods sector, including significant investments in Heura Foods, a Barcelona-based plant-based startup that raised over €4 million in a crowdfunding campaign and has completed multiple funding rounds through Crowdcube. Additionally, Crowdcube supported The Smarter Food Company and iLOVE SNACKS, both of which are aligned with the functional foods market, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative food companies.


2. 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 organization aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In the context of functional foods, Bpifrance has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Nutripure, a company specializing in organic dietary supplements, and ØZERS NUTRITION, which focuses on microalgae sports supplements. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in the functional foods sector, alongside its broader mission to support diverse industries.


3. Blue Horizon

  • Website: bluehorizon.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions in the functional foods space, such as a significant investment in Impossible Foods, which focuses on plant-based meat alternatives, and Heartbest Foods, a supplier of plant-based cheese and milk. Additionally, Blue Horizon has invested in Apparo, which develops sunflower protein ingredients, and NuCicer, an agri-food technology company working on high-protein chickpea varieties. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in the sustainable food sector, particularly through functional foods.


4. Seventure Partners

  • Website: seventure.fr
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies primarily in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. The firm focuses on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Among their notable transactions, Seventure Partners has invested in companies relevant to the functional foods industry, such as MycoTechnology, which raised $39 million in a Series D round to develop mycelia-based products through mushroom fermentation. They also invested in BAOUW / Outdoor Organic Nutrition, which raised $1,942,291 in a Seed Round, emphasizing organic nutrition. These investments highlight Seventure Partners' engagement in the functional foods sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


5. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while also focusing on nutritious and convenient food options. In recent years, Nestlé has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the health and nutrition sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Garden of Life in 2017, a brand recognized for its commitment to organic and non-GMO products, and The Bountiful Company in 2021, which integrates vitamins and supplements into Nestlé Health Science. Additionally, their acquisition of Gerber Products Company enhances their presence in the baby food market, further solidifying their commitment to nutrition. These transactions highlight Nestlé's focus on functional foods and health-oriented products, making them a significant player in this industry.


6. 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. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company provides a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Notably, dsm-firmenich has made significant investments in the functional foods sector, particularly through its involvement with NutriLeads. They participated in multiple funding rounds for NutriLeads, including a €4.5 million Series C funding round in December 2023 aimed at commercializing the prebiotic ingredient BeniCaros, as well as earlier Series A and B rounds that supported the development of immune-modulating ingredients. These transactions highlight dsm-firmenich's commitment to enhancing product offerings in the functional foods market and addressing sustainability challenges within the industry.


7. Novo Holdings

  • Website: novoholdings.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In the context of functional foods, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in companies such as Kate Farms, which focuses on nutritional products, and The Protein Brewery, which raised €22 million to develop alternative protein sources. They also invested in BIOMILQ, a startup creating lab-grown human breast milk, and Deep Branch Biotechnology, which produces alternative feed ingredients. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' active role in the functional foods sector, emphasizing their commitment to innovative food solutions that promote health and sustainability.


8. Unilever Ventures

  • Website: unileverventures.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: unileverventures

Unilever Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within the beauty and wellness sectors. They provide capital and leverage Unilever's extensive network to help startups grow. Notable transactions include investments in What's Up Wellness, a digital wellness brand that raised USD 1.7 million in seed funding, and YOU (Youvit), an Indonesia-based vitamin brand that secured $6 million in Series B funding. These investments highlight Unilever Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative health-focused brands, making them a significant player in the functional foods space.


9. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and functional foods. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has invested in companies like Nuritas, a biotech firm that raised €16 million in Series A funding, which aims to explore new health solutions through its innovative platform. Additionally, it has been involved in funding rounds for other companies in the functional foods sector, such as Good4U and Revive Active, indicating its active role in supporting the growth of businesses in this industry.


10. 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 supported more than 1,000 companies, providing financial and strategic support to help them adapt to market changes. The firm manages significant assets aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Among its notable transactions, Unigrains invested in Sill Entreprises, a major player in the dairy sector, and Genuine Coconut, which focuses on coconut-based products that align with health and wellness trends. Additionally, their investment in Maître Prunille, known for its fruit-based products, further emphasizes their involvement in the functional foods space. These transactions highlight Unigrains' commitment to supporting innovative food companies that cater to evolving consumer preferences for health-oriented products.


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 based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2016. It focuses on 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. In 2024 alone, EIT Food has been involved in 37 investments, showcasing its active role in the agrifood sector. Notable transactions include MaGie Creations, which raised funds in a seed round, and MATR Foods, which received non-equity assistance. These investments reflect EIT Food's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food industry, including those related to functional foods. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector.


12. Unilever

  • Website: unilever.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1872
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products across food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, serving consumers globally. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Unilever aims to make sustainable living commonplace through its product offerings. In recent years, Unilever has made significant strides in the functional foods sector through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Mãe Terra, a leading Brazilian natural and organic food brand, which aligns with their sustainable nutrition strategy. They also acquired The Vegetarian Butcher, a company specializing in plant-based food products, and Graze, a healthy snack brand, enhancing their presence in the healthy snacking market. Additionally, the acquisition of Pukka Herbs, a fast-growing organic tea brand, further solidifies Unilever's commitment to health-focused products. These investments reflect Unilever's strategy to cater to the growing demand for functional foods and sustainable nutrition.


13. 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, the company serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial applications. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in the functional foods market through strategic acquisitions. Notably, the acquisition of Hortimex, a Polish distributor in the food ingredients and nutraceuticals segments, aims to enhance Azelis' footprint in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, the acquisition of Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, further solidifies Azelis' position in the food market. These transactions reflect Azelis' focus on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to the functional foods industry.


14. 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. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the functional foods industry, with key transactions including the acquisition of Findus Sverige, a well-known food brand, and leading a $50 million Series A funding round for Formo, an innovative producer of animal-free cheese. Additionally, EQT participated in a $135 million venture round for LIVEKINDLY, a company focused on plant-based food products. These transactions highlight EQT's commitment to investing in companies that align with the growing demand for functional and sustainable food options.



Functional Foods Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Seventure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199721
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Unilever VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020029
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
UnileverLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18720
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430


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