The premium pet food industry in Europe is thriving, driven by increasing consumer demand for high-quality, nutritious products tailored to pets' specific needs. Companies range from established multi-nationals to innovative startups, offering gourmet foods, fresh meals, and organic treats. Many are responding to trends like sustainability and nutrition-focused formulations. With pet owners increasingly treating their pets like family members, the industry is seeing a shift toward human-grade ingredients and transparency in sourcing. Sustainability is of growing importance, with initiatives aimed at reducing packaging waste and utilizing alternative proteins gaining traction as the sector looks to future growth.

The list of premium pet food investors showcases a blend of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms. These investors hail from key European cities, including London, Stockholm, and Paris, and are of varying sizes—from small teams to major firms with thousands of employees. Established in the last few decades, many have been actively investing in the market, with 2024 seeing significant deal counts, highlighting the sector's investment appeal. Their commitment to pet health and innovation underlines a growing trend within the industry.

Top 14 Premium Pet Food 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. Crowdcube 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 premium pet food sector, including Poppy’s Picnic, which raised $802,553 in 2018, and HOWND, which raised $134,576 in 2021. Additionally, Aristopet and PitPat, both of which focus on pet products, also raised significant funds through Crowdcube, showcasing the platform's commitment to supporting businesses in the premium pet food industry.

2. 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 firm 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 firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions in the premium pet food context, particularly with Ynsect, a French insect farming startup that has raised substantial funding rounds, including $175 million in a Series D round in 2023 and $148 million in a Series C round in 2019. Ynsect is shifting its focus towards high-margin pet food, which aligns with Bpifrance's investment strategy in innovative sectors. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in earlier funding rounds for Ynsect, demonstrating a consistent interest in the company's growth and its potential in the premium pet food market.

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 provides funding and resources to mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy, particularly focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in several companies relevant to the premium pet food sector, including Wild Earth, which specializes in plant-based pet food, and Hail Merry Snacks, known for its healthy snacks that could appeal to pet owners looking for premium options. Additionally, their investment in Shaka Harry, a plant-based meat brand, further demonstrates their commitment to innovative and sustainable food solutions. Through these investments, Blue Horizon supports entrepreneurs aiming to create impactful change in the food industry, including the premium pet food market.

4. 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. The company offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, and operates globally with a commitment to sustainability. Notably, Nestlé has made significant investments in the premium pet food sector, acquiring Ralston Purina Company in 2001, which is a leading brand in pet food, and Waggin’ Train in 2010, known for its premium dog treats. Additionally, Nestlé acquired a majority stake in Wamiz in 2018, a French digital media platform for pet owners, further emphasizing its focus on the pet care market. These strategic acquisitions highlight Nestlé's dedication to enhancing its presence in the premium pet food industry.

5. 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 private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made significant strides in the premium pet food and pet care sectors through key acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Petco in March 2016 for $4.6 billion, a leading retailer in pet food and supplies. In November 2002, they acquired Provimi, a company focused on animal nutrition, which plays a crucial role in the pet food industry. More recently, in October 2021, CVC acquired a majority stake in Medivet, a veterinary group with over 350 branches in the UK, further emphasizing their commitment to the pet care market. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic focus on delivering sustainable value and growth in the premium pet food and pet care sectors.

6. 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 private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital, catering to institutional investors with diverse portfolios. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the pet industry, including the acquisition of Musti ja Mirri Group, a leading pet specialty retailer in the Nordic region, which operates 127 stores and generated pro forma sales of EUR 81 million in 2014. Additionally, EQT's investment in IVC Evidensia, Europe's largest veterinary care provider, further underscores their engagement in the pet care sector, which encompasses premium pet food. These strategic investments highlight EQT's expertise and commitment to the pet industry, positioning them as a relevant player in the premium pet food market.

7. CPT Capital

• Website: cptcap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: cpt-capital

CPT Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in the alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notable transactions include investments in companies like Good Catch, which raised $32 million for plant-based seafood products, and Memphis Meats, which has raised significant funding to develop lab-grown meat. Additionally, CPT Capital has invested in Gathered Foods, which produces plant-based seafood, and THIS, a brand focused on alternative meat products. These investments highlight their commitment to the alternative protein space, which is increasingly relevant to the premium pet food market as consumer demand for sustainable and innovative pet food options grows.

8. Bgf

• Website: bgf.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Scrumbles, a London-based natural pet food brand, raising £6M in funding in March 2023. This investment highlights BGF's active role in the premium pet food sector. Additionally, BGF has participated in various other food-related investments, including companies like MuscleFood and THIS, which, while not directly in the pet food space, showcase their broader interest in the food industry.

9. Ardian

• Website: ardian.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. The firm has a global presence and emphasizes sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the pet care sector, including a debt financing round for Ceva Santé Animale, which raised over $129 million, and a recent €100 million capital increase to acquire a minority stake in Mon Véto, a leading group of veterinary clinics in France. These transactions highlight Ardian's strategic interest in the pet care and premium pet food markets, aligning with their broader investment goals.

10. Kima Ventures

• Website: kimaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Dalma, a French pet insurance startup that raised €15 million in Series A funding in June 2022, and previously in a seed round in May 2021. This involvement in the pet sector highlights Kima Ventures' potential interest in the broader pet industry, including premium pet food, as they seek to support innovative companies that cater to pet owners' needs.

11. IK Partners

• Website: ikpartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made significant investments in the premium pet food sector, acquiring Forthglade Foods, a company known for its high-quality pet food products, in September 2020. Additionally, they acquired Ceva Santé Animale, a global player in animal health, in July 2003, which further emphasizes their commitment to the pet industry. More recently, they have shown interest in the food sector with the acquisition of GoodLife Foods, indicating a broader strategy that includes premium food products. These transactions highlight IK Partners' active role in the premium pet food market and their potential to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies in this sector.

12. 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 also 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 premium pet food industry, such as funding Deep Branch Biotechnology, which is scaling up the production of sustainable protein for animal feed, and supporting FarmInsect, a company focused on insect technology for animal feed production. These investments highlight the EIC's role in promoting sustainable and innovative solutions within the pet food sector.

13. Piper

• Website: piper.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: piper-private-equity

Piper is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in building and growing consumer brands, providing strategic investment and support to entrepreneurs in navigating challenges related to brand development and market positioning. Piper is committed to sustainability and inclusion, partnering with a diverse range of brands to foster growth and innovation in the consumer goods sector. Notably, Piper has made significant investments in the premium pet food industry, including the acquisition of Forthglade Foods in 2015 and participation in funding rounds for Barking Heads and Pet Food UK in 2017. These transactions highlight Piper's active role in the premium pet food market, demonstrating their capability and interest in this niche.

14. Kale United

• Website: kaleunited.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: kaleunited

Kale United is an investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2018. It specializes in sustainable food production through impact investments in plant-based and foodtech companies. The firm caters to both individual and institutional investors who are interested in supporting the transition to a plant-based lifestyle while achieving financial returns. Notably, Kale United has been involved in key transactions within the premium pet food sector, including investments in OMNI, a plant-based dog food startup that raised $1.5 million, and THE PACK, which secured $1.01 million for its oven-baked dried dog food. These investments highlight Kale United's commitment to promoting innovative and sustainable pet food solutions.

Premium Pet Food Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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