The seed production industry in Benelux plays a pivotal role in agriculture and food supply. It consists of companies engaged in developing, producing, and marketing seeds that support various crops. These firms range from large corporations to innovative startups, focusing on enhancing seed genetics and sustainable practices. Recent trends show a rising interest in multifunctional seeds, which not only improve yield but also contribute to environmental sustainability. With increasing global challenges such as climate change, this industry is embracing technology and research to bolster food security. Innovations in biotechnology are set to capture the spotlight, propelling growth in the coming years.


The Benelux region features a blend of investors dedicated to seed production, including corporate giants and venture capital firms. With headquarters ranging from Brussels to Amsterdam and Luxembourg, these investors vary in size, employing between 11 and over 10,000 individuals. Established from 1851 to 2017, the investor group collectively engaged in 299 transactions in 2024. Notable figures include the European Investment Bank, which led 99 deals, and Astanor, making a significant impact with 10 transactions. This broad cohort illustrates the multifaceted approach to financing and supporting innovation in seed production.


Top 14 Seed Production 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 a range of 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 promote innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions within the seed production context, such as providing seed funding to Alkion BioInnovations, which raised $645,377 in a seed round in December 2021, and supporting Kern Tec, a company focused on products derived from stone fruit seeds, which received funding in various rounds including a pre-seed round and grants. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in nurturing innovative companies within the seed production industry.


2. 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. They engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector. Notably, EIT Food has been involved in several transactions relevant to seed production, including their investment in Fyteko during its seed round in September 2022, which raised an undisclosed amount. This indicates their active role in supporting early-stage companies in the agrifood space. Additionally, they have provided non-equity assistance to companies like SeedForward and Ficosterra, further demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation in the agrifood sector.


3. 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. Among its notable transactions, the EIB provided a pioneering investment of €40 million to Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company focused on research and development in animal nutrition and sustainability. This investment is part of a larger funding round aimed at establishing a Global Innovation Centre and advancing innovation-related projects. Additionally, the EIB has engaged in debt financing for other agricultural-related companies, such as MATR Foods and CrowdFarming, indicating its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, which includes seed production.


4. 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 are dedicated to supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor's portfolio includes notable transactions such as their investment in Switch Bioworks, which raised $17 million in a seed round in September 2024, focusing on sustainable biofertilizers. They also participated in earlier funding rounds for Aphea.Bio, a Belgian agricultural technology company, which raised significant amounts in Series B and C funding. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to fostering advancements in agricultural technology and sustainable practices, making them a key player in the seed production landscape.


5. 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. The firm empowers early-stage founders in sectors such as AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. Rockstart's business model emphasizes supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs to drive positive change. Notably, Rockstart has been involved in several seed funding rounds, including investments in Harvesto and Nanomik Biotechnology, both of which are relevant to the seed production industry. Harvesto raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round in August 2022, while Nanomik Biotechnology secured $850,040 in December 2022 and previously raised additional funds in earlier rounds. Furthermore, Rockstart's investment in Nordetect, which focuses on soil health and water quality monitoring, highlights their commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance agricultural practices and seed production.


6. 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. Their investment strategy is particularly relevant to businesses in the food and energy sectors seeking funding and strategic assistance. Notably, Navus Ventures has been involved in several transactions that highlight their commitment to seed production and agricultural technology. For instance, they participated in a seed round for Ekobot, which focuses on automating agricultural processes. Additionally, their investment in Agurotech, which received €1.5 million to enhance data-driven arable farming, showcases their dedication to improving agricultural efficiency. These transactions reflect Navus Ventures' strategic focus on sustainable agricultural innovations, making them a relevant player in the seed production industry.


7. Future Food Fund

  • Website: futurefoodfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: future-food-fund

Future Food Fund is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investments in food and agriculture technology, focusing on early-stage startups in Western Europe. Their mission is to drive environmental impact through strategic investments aimed at creating sustainable food systems. In 2024, Future Food Fund led a seed funding round for OlsAro, a Swedish agtech startup, raising €2.5 million to scale its technological and commercial efforts. Additionally, they participated in the seed round for Thatchtec BV, which raised over $1.6 million, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovations in agriculture. Other notable transactions include investments in Plantik Biosciences and NoPalm Ingredients, showcasing their diverse portfolio within the food and agriculture sector.


8. 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, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. They provide 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, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to seed production, including a Seed Round investment in FertigHy, which raised funds on November 19, 2024. Additionally, they participated in Pre-Seed funding for FertigHy earlier in June 2023, and they have also supported NitroCapt through various funding rounds, including Pre-Seed and Grant transactions. These activities highlight their engagement in early-stage investments that could intersect with seed production initiatives.


9. 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. With over 10,000 employees, LDC operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain for agricultural products. In recent years, LDC has made strategic investments that align with the agricultural sector, such as acquiring nearly 47.66% of Namoi Cotton, which highlights their commitment to the cotton industry and seed production. Additionally, their involvement in the funding rounds of companies like Benson Hill, which focuses on developing sustainable food and ingredient options through genetic diversity, further emphasizes their interest in agricultural innovation and seed production. These transactions reflect LDC's active role in shaping the future of agriculture and seed production.


10. 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, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial markets. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in the agricultural sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Agspec Australia Pty Ltd, which enhances their presence in the agricultural and horticultural markets, focusing on crop nutrition and protection. Additionally, their acquisition of Lidorr Elements, a specialty chemical distributor in Israel, aims to strengthen their position in agriculture. These transactions reflect Azelis' commitment to innovation and diversification in the agricultural sector, making them a relevant player in seed production.


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, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in agrifood technology investments, focusing on startups that leverage biotechnology and digital solutions to enhance food production and sustainability. Anterra Capital operates primarily in North America and Europe, supporting innovative companies in the agrifood sector. Notable transactions include a €5M equity investment in LemnaTec, a company that provides research platforms and analysis software for plants, which aims to expand its global reach. Additionally, Anterra participated in funding rounds for Enko Chem, a crop health company, contributing to their Series B and Series C rounds, which totaled $115 million. These investments highlight Anterra's commitment to advancing technologies that can improve agricultural practices and seed production.


12. NPM Capital

  • Website: npm-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1948
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: npm-capital

NPM Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized and large family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, providing both capital and strategic advisory services to foster growth and sustainability. NPM Capital operates across various sectors, including technology and education, but has made significant strides in the agricultural sector. Notably, NPM Capital acquired a stake in Agro Care, the largest tomato producer in Europe, to provide growth capital for expansion and technological advancements. Additionally, the firm invested in KUBO, a leading developer of advanced greenhouse concepts, further emphasizing its commitment to innovation in horticulture. These transactions highlight NPM Capital's strategic focus on enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural domain, making it a relevant player in the seed production industry.


13. SHIFT Invest

  • Website: shiftinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: shift-invest

SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in impact investing, targeting innovative enterprises with significant potential for environmental impact. They provide funding and support to early-stage companies across various sectors, including energy transition, smart food & agriculture, and sustainable mobility. Notably, SHIFT Invest has participated in several relevant transactions in the agricultural sector, such as ChainCraft, which raised EUR 11 million to scale its operations in sustainable food production, and 30MHz, which focuses on agricultural data platforms. These investments demonstrate SHIFT Invest's commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture, making them a suitable candidate for inclusion in a list of seed production investors.


14. PeakBridge


PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in FoodTech investments. The firm supports early-stage founders and businesses in the food industry by providing investment, consulting services, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Their focus is on innovative solutions that address significant challenges in the global food system, making them a key player in the FoodTech sector. Notably, PeakBridge has participated in several seed funding rounds, including investments in Kern Tec, which focuses on products derived from stone fruit seeds, and Vanilla Vida, a food tech company. In 2021, they invested in Kern Tec during its seed round, and they also participated in the seed round for Vanilla Vida. Additionally, they supported Myconeos Limited in a seed round in 2022. These transactions highlight PeakBridge's active role in seed production and their commitment to fostering innovation in the food industry.



Seed Production Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
Future Food FundUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020165
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
Louis Dreyfus CompanyRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18515
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
Anterra CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020139
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188


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