The seed production industry in Europe plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector, focusing on the development and distribution of high-quality seeds for various crops. Companies within this space range from large-scale corporations to innovative startups, each contributing unique technologies and sustainable practices. As farmers face climate challenges, increased investments aim to foster genetic advancements, improve yields, and enhance sustainability. Notable trends include the rise of biotechnology and organic seed production, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. With continuous innovation, the industry is set to meet the growing global food demand while addressing environmental concerns.


The investors in Europe’s seed production sector showcase an array of types, including corporate venture holders and private equity firms. Their headquarters span across major cities like Brussels, Paris, and London, revealing a concentrated effort in the region. Sizes range from small teams to large organizations with thousands of employees, reflecting varying operational standards. Founded in various decades, the investors demonstrate substantial experience, collectively engaging in numerous transactions; 2024 alone saw significant deal counts, showcasing their strategic commitment to agriculture’s future.


Top 14 Seed Production 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 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 significant transactions related to seed production, such as its investment in Alkion BioInnovations, which raised funds through both a seed round and grants. Additionally, the EIC supported Kern Tec, a company focused on products derived from stone fruit seeds, through various funding rounds, including a recent Series A round. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the seed production industry.


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 variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The organization aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In 2024, Bpifrance was involved in 198 investments, including notable seed rounds such as Veragrow, which raised $1,096,467 on May 9, 2023, and Dr. Jonquille & Mr. Ail, which raised $928,328 on July 12, 2024. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting seed-stage companies, particularly in the context of agricultural innovation and technology.


3. 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. Unigrains has been involved in several notable transactions in the seed production context, including a substantial investment in Limagrain, which raised over $1.7 billion in 2011, and RAGT Semences SAS, which raised approximately $256 million in 2001. Additionally, their investment in MAS Seeds further emphasizes their focus on the seed production industry. Through these investments, Unigrains provides both financial and strategic support to enhance the development and adaptation of businesses within the agro-food sector.


4. 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, supporting 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 in the seed production context, including a Seed Round investment in Agribody Technologies, Inc. for $1.6 million in December 2017, which focuses on agricultural biotechnology. Additionally, they participated in a Seed Round for Plastomics, Inc. in September 2017, a company working on soybean trait chloroplast transformation, which is crucial for seed production innovation. These investments highlight The Yield Lab's commitment to advancing technologies that enhance seed production and agrifood systems.


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. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the seed round for Fyteko, which raised an undisclosed amount in September 2022, indicating their support for early-stage companies in the agrifood sector. Additionally, they have engaged in non-equity assistance for startups like SeedForward and Ficosterra, further demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation in the food system. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector, which includes seed production.


6. 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 facilitated several transactions relevant to the seed production context, including Carbon Gold, which raised funds through equity crowdfunding. Other transactions include Yasai, which raised capital through a convertible note, and Central Plains Group, which also utilized equity crowdfunding. These investments indicate Crowdcube's involvement in sectors that can impact seed production, making it a versatile player in the investment landscape.


7. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management firm based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) in their growth, particularly in sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. IDIA Capital Investissement provides financial support and strategic guidance to help its clients navigate investment complexities and achieve sustainable growth. Notably, the firm has been involved in several transactions relevant to the seed production context, including investments in Germicopa SAS, a company focused on seed production, and Invers, which raised €15M to enhance agricultural technology. These investments highlight IDIA's commitment to the agro-food sector and its potential role in seed production.


8. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm is dedicated to investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs in biotechnology and agriculture, with a strong emphasis on addressing global challenges in health and food security. In 2024 alone, Leaps by Bayer has made 16 investments, showcasing its active role in the investment landscape. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Pairwise Plants, which focuses on agricultural gene editing to enhance fresh produce using CRISPR technology, and Covercress, which is working on new crop varieties. These transactions highlight Leaps by Bayer's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in seed production and agricultural technology.


9. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, the EIB aims to promote growth and job creation by funding initiatives that align with sustainability goals. In recent years, the EIB has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agricultural sector, including a €40 million investment in Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company focused on research and development in animal nutrition and food innovation. This investment supports the establishment of a Global Innovation Centre and emphasizes the EIB's commitment to funding projects that enhance agricultural sustainability. Other transactions, such as those involving Greenlight Biosciences and CrowdFarming, indicate the EIB's broader engagement in financing innovative agricultural solutions, further supporting its relevance to the seed production industry.


10. 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 are working towards creating sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several significant transactions, including a recent investment in Switch Bioworks, which raised $17 million in a seed round for developing sustainable biofertilizers. They also participated in earlier funding rounds for Aphea.Bio, a Belgian agricultural technology company focused on improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to fostering advancements in seed production and related agricultural technologies, making them a key player in the agrifood tech landscape.


11. 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's clients primarily include businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and enhance their operations. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Withcott Seedlings, a leading vegetable seedlings grower in Australia, which underscores their commitment to seed production. Additionally, they acquired Duijvestijn Tomaten, a tomato producer, as part of their initiative to establish The Flavour Farm, further demonstrating their engagement in high-tech agricultural practices. Their investment in companies like Vive Crop Protection also highlights their interest in enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative solutions.


12. 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 specialize in supporting tech startups that tackle global challenges through investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship. Katapult has been active in various sectors, including climate-tech and ocean-tech, but they have also made significant investments in the seed production context. Notable transactions include Rural Farmers Hub, which raised $200,000 in a seed round, and Afrikamart, which raised $150,000 in a seed round. These investments highlight Katapult's engagement in the agricultural sector, particularly in initiatives that can enhance food production and sustainability. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Legendary Foods Africa, which also aligns with their focus on impactful solutions. Overall, Katapult's investment strategy reflects a commitment to fostering innovation in areas that contribute to sustainable development and food security.


13. 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, with the goal of enhancing their growth and competitiveness. Almi has been involved in several notable transactions in the seed production context, including investments in Plantvation, which secured SEK 5.8 million in seed funding, and Spowdi, a manufacturer of solar-powered water pumps for small-scale farming that raised SEK 20 million. Additionally, Almi has made multiple investments in Tebrito, a company that has raised significant amounts in seed rounds over the years. These transactions highlight Almi's active role in supporting innovative agricultural solutions and seed production-related businesses.


14. 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. Notably, Blue Horizon has made significant investments in the agri-food technology space, including a Seed investment in NuCicer, which focuses on developing chickpea varieties with 75% higher protein content. They also participated in a Series C funding round for Tropic Biosciences, which is involved in agricultural biotechnology, and in a Series A round for Apparo, which develops sunflower protein ingredients. These transactions highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and their active role in seed production-related investments.



Seed Production Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162


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