Hydroponics farming in Europe represents a modern approach to agriculture, eliminating soil while utilizing nutrient-rich water. This method allows for year-round crop production, making it more efficient and sustainable. Companies in this sector range from startups focusing on vertical farming setups to established businesses offering innovative technology solutions, such as automated systems and advanced lighting. The European market is trending toward more sustainable practices, with interest in local food production surging in response to climate challenges. Future growth is expected as hydroponics gains traction among consumers and investors keen on efficiency and sustainability.


The list comprises a wide variety of investors, including venture capital firms, corporate players, and public entities, each with distinct focuses. Based in several locations across Europe—such as Stockholm, London, and Paris—these investors are crucial in driving innovation in hydroponics farming. Founded between 1958 and 2017, the firms vary in size, ranging from small entities with fewer than 10 employees to substantial corporate groups with over 10,000 staff. Notably, in 2024 alone, they collectively engaged in numerous deal-making efforts, signaling a robust interest in the future of agrifood technology.


Top 14 Hydroponics Farming Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout 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 across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in transactions relevant to the agricultural technology sector, such as funding for Saia Agrobotics, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions, and grants for companies like Crocus Labs and N2 Applied. These transactions suggest that the EIC is engaged in supporting technologies that could be applicable to hydroponics farming, although its primary focus is on a wider range of innovations.


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 a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in several companies relevant to hydroponics farming, including Babylone Growers, which raised $2,409,340 in a Series A round in March 2021, and Myfood, which secured $1,195,800 in a Seed Round in September 2017. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.


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 relevant to the hydroponics farming sector, including Yasai, which raised $1,689,544 in a convertible note in August 2022, and Zero Carbon Farms, which raised $5,704,109 through equity crowdfunding in April 2021. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting innovative agricultural practices, including hydroponics. Additionally, Crowdcube has facilitated funding for other companies like Futurepump and RootWave, which, while not exclusively hydroponics-focused, contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.


4. 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. Notable transactions include investments in Limagrain and MAS Seeds, which are key players in the agricultural sector. Recently, Unigrains participated in a $17 million Series A funding round for RED Horticulture, a company focused on developing high-performance lighting strategies for horticulture, indicating their interest in innovative agricultural technologies that can benefit hydroponics farming.


5. 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 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, EIT Food was involved in several transactions, including non-equity assistance for companies like Evja, Ficosterra, and MyEasyFarm, which may be exploring innovative agricultural technologies. They also provided a grant to Elaniti, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting agrifood innovation. Notably, EIT Food was involved with Arborea, a company that raised €3.6 million to scale its technology, which aligns with sustainable agricultural practices, potentially including hydroponics. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector, making them a relevant player in the agrifood investment landscape.


6. 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, including investments in companies like Terviva and Covercress, which focus on innovative agricultural solutions. Terviva, for instance, raised significant funding in multiple rounds, indicating strong investor interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Covercress, another company they invested in, is working on developing crops that can be used in sustainable farming systems. These transactions highlight The Yield Lab's commitment to supporting innovations in the agrifood sector, which may include hydroponics farming as part of their broader investment strategy.


7. 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 focus on tech startups that address global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been active in various sectors, including climate-tech and ocean-tech. Notably, they have invested in Johannas Stadsodlingar, which raised $374,037 in September 2022, indicating their interest in urban farming and sustainable agricultural practices. They also participated in the seed round for Complete Farmer, which aims to enhance farming efficiency. These transactions highlight Katapult's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in agriculture, including hydroponics, as part of their broader impact investment strategy.


8. 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, EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions, EIB provided debt financing to CrowdFarming, which raised $16,099,430 on September 13, 2023, indicating a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. While EIB has also financed other sectors, its engagement with CrowdFarming suggests an openness to supporting innovative agricultural solutions, potentially including hydroponics in the future.


9. 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 through tailored financial solutions and guidance. In recent years, Almi has made significant investments in the agricultural technology sector, particularly in hydroponics and sustainable farming. For instance, they supported Grönska, a startup focused on indoor vertical farming, which received funding to scale its GrowOff solution. Additionally, Almi invested in Spowdi, a manufacturer of energy-efficient solar-powered water pumps for small-scale farming, and Big Akwa, a land-based trout producer, showcasing their commitment to innovative agricultural practices. These transactions highlight Almi's active role in promoting advancements in hydroponics and related agricultural technologies.


10. 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Their focus is primarily on alternative proteins and sustainable practices, making them a key player in the sustainable food sector. Notable transactions include a $35 million investment in Tropic Biosciences, which is involved in agricultural biotechnology, and a seed investment in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company that aims to enhance chickpea production. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting innovative agricultural solutions that could potentially include hydroponics as part of sustainable farming practices.


11. 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 aim to support innovative companies that create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been actively involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the hydroponics and vertical farming space. For instance, they participated in Infarm's Series B and Series C funding rounds, which raised significant capital to expand its global network of vertical farms. Additionally, Astanor led a $23 million Series A funding round for Source.ag, a company that develops AI-powered solutions for greenhouse growers, further emphasizing their focus on technologies that enhance sustainable farming practices. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to driving growth and sustainability in the agrifood sector, aligning well with the goals of hydroponics farming.


12. 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 a London-based investment advisory firm founded in 2017, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. They focus on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to improve food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital has been involved in notable transactions in the hydroponics and indoor farming space, including leading funding rounds for AeroFarms, a prominent US indoor farming company known for growing leafy greens and planning to expand into berries. Additionally, they have acquired a Dutch sustainable greenhouse operator as part of their initiative to develop The Flavour Farm, which emphasizes renewable energy in indoor agriculture. Their investments reflect a strategic commitment to enhancing operations in the food and agriculture sectors, particularly through innovative farming techniques like hydroponics.


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 focus on mutuality and social responsibility. In recent years, Crédit Agricole has shown a commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices, as evidenced by its investments in hydroponics-related ventures. Notable transactions include a €2 million investment in Les Nouvelles Fermes, which aims to establish one of Europe's largest urban aquaponics farms, and a funding round for La Ferme Intégrale, which is expanding its aquaponics operations. These investments highlight Crédit Agricole's active role in promoting innovative agricultural solutions that address modern challenges in food production and sustainability.


14. L'Union Européenne (UE)

  • Website: europa.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: union-europ%c3%a9enne

L'Union Européenne (UE) is a public entity that serves as a political and economic union of member states, founded in 1993 and based in London, England. The EU plays a significant role in governance, legislation, and support for regional development, education, and research initiatives. In the context of hydroponics farming, the EU has been involved in several relevant transactions, including a seed round investment in Hydroponic Farms Uganda, which raised $1,178 in July 2021. Additionally, the EU has provided substantial grants to companies like Insolight, Flybox®, and Biome Makers, which focus on innovative agricultural technologies that could benefit hydroponics. These investments reflect the EU's commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and supporting sustainable farming solutions.



Hydroponics Farming Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
L'Union Européenne (UE)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+199334


Want to find more investors focusing on the hydroponics farming industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the hydroponics farmingindustry, 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!