Top 15 Agribusiness Investors in the Nordics
Top 15 Agribusiness Investors in the Nordics
The agribusiness industry in the Nordics is a vital sector focusing on food production, processing, and distribution. Companies involved range from traditional farms to biotech and agritech innovators, enhancing crop yield and sustainability. As consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly and locally sourced products, the industry evolves with cutting-edge technologies like precision agriculture and vertical farming. The Nordics are also increasingly tied to sustainability goals, fostering investments in renewable resources and waste reduction processes. This forward-thinking attitude prepares the agribusiness landscape for global contributions while ensuring regional food security and environmental stewardship.
The investors featured in this list represent a mix of corporate and venture capital firms, headquartered mostly in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. With firm sizes ranging from small microfunds to large corporate investors, they were established between 1955 and 2021 and varied significantly in their 2024 deal count. Collectively, these investors participated in approximately 79 deals across the agribusiness sector, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering innovation and growth within this vital industry.
Top 15 Agribusiness Investors in the Nordics
1. 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, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. In 2022, Katapult made significant strides in the agribusiness sector by investing in several startups. For instance, they participated in the seed round for Complete Farmer, which focuses on agricultural technology, and provided funding to Legendary Foods Africa, which aims to innovate food production in Africa. Additionally, they supported GrowAgric, which offers non-equity assistance to agribusinesses, and invested in Crop2Cash and Afrikamart, both of which are involved in enhancing agricultural supply chains and market access. These transactions highlight Katapult's commitment to fostering innovation in agribusiness, aligning with their broader mission of addressing global challenges through impactful investments.
2. Finnfund
- Website: finnfund.fi
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1980
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: finnfund
Finnfund is a not-for-profit development financier and impact investor based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1980. The organization focuses on creating sustainable futures by investing in companies that address global development challenges, primarily in developing countries. Finnfund provides investment and advisory services to promote economic growth and sustainability across various sectors. Among their notable transactions, Finnfund invested in Twiga Foods, which raised $50 million to improve agricultural supply chains in Kenya, and Proximity Finance, which aims to support farmers in Myanmar with $14 million in equity funding. Additionally, they have engaged in debt financing with companies like ETG and Valency International, further showcasing their involvement in the agribusiness sector.
3. 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. In addition to its focus on healthcare solutions, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in agribusiness-related ventures. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for BioPhero, which raised $17 million in Series A funding to produce pheromones for pest control in agriculture, and a $3.5 million seed investment round for the same company. Furthermore, they invested in AgNext, which raised nearly $8 million in a venture round, and in Vestaron, which focuses on biological pest control solutions, raising $10 million in Series C funding. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' engagement in the agribusiness sector, particularly in innovative agricultural technologies.
4. 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 provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several notable transactions within the agribusiness sector, including a SEK 20 million investment in Spowdi, a manufacturer of energy-efficient, solar-powered water pumps designed for small-scale farming. Additionally, Almi supported Grönska, a startup focused on indoor vertical farming, in scaling up its innovative GrowOff solution. These investments highlight Almi's active role in fostering agribusiness innovation and sustainability.
5. Yara Growth Ventures
- Website: yaragrowthventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 2021
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: yara-growth-ventures
Yara Growth Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2021. The firm is dedicated to investing in innovative startups and funds within the agriculture and clean hydrogen sectors. Yara Growth Ventures aims to provide financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses in these industries develop and scale their solutions. They leverage an extensive network to facilitate advancements in sustainable agriculture and energy. Notable transactions include a $40 million Series B investment in Apollo Agriculture, a $52.7 million Series C investment in Agrolend, and participation in funding rounds for Tarfin and Agrofy, which focus on enhancing agricultural offerings and e-commerce platforms for farmers. These investments highlight Yara Growth Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation in the agribusiness sector.
6. Yara International
- Website: yara.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 2004
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: yara
Yara International ASA, founded in 2004 and based in Oslo, Norway, is a leading agricultural company specializing in crop nutrition and industrial solutions. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Yara produces and distributes a diverse range of nitrogen-based, phosphate, and potash fertilizers, alongside digital farming solutions aimed at optimizing crop yields and promoting sustainability in food production. Yara has been actively involved in various significant transactions within the agribusiness sector, including leading a Series A investment in Boost Biomes, a U.S. agbiotech startup focused on developing innovative crop protection and nutrition products. Additionally, Yara acquired a 60% stake in Brazil's Galvani for $318 million, enhancing its presence in the fertilizer market. The company also recently acquired the organic-based fertilizer business of Agribios Italiana to bolster its organic product offerings in Europe, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable agriculture. Yara's acquisition of Saskferco for $1.3 billion in 2008 marked a strategic expansion into North America, solidifying its role as a key player in the global agribusiness landscape.
7. Munters
- Website: munters.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1955
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: munters
Munters is a climate control solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1955. The company specializes in energy-efficient products designed for both industrial and agricultural applications, including dehumidifiers, air cleaning systems, and cooling solutions. Munters serves a diverse range of customers, with a significant focus on the food agriculture sector, where precise climate control is essential for enhancing productivity and sustainability. In 2024, Munters announced the acquisition of Hotraco, a Dutch company that develops control systems and sensors for agriculture, as part of its strategy to strengthen its FoodTech portfolio. This acquisition is expected to enhance their capabilities in the agribusiness sector. Additionally, Munters has been involved in funding rounds for AgriWebb and FarmSee, both of which are agritech companies, further solidifying their commitment to the agricultural industry. Their previous acquisitions, such as MTech Systems and Reventa, which focus on climate control systems for livestock, further illustrate their strategic direction towards agribusiness solutions.
8. 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. Among their notable transactions in the agribusiness context, EQT partnered with AMFRESH Group and Paine Schwartz Partners to acquire International Fruit Genetics (IFG), merging it with AMFRESH's SNFL Group to create BLOOM FRESH International, a global breeding entity focused on table grape and cherry genetics. Additionally, EQT Opportunity's acquisition of Granngården, the largest retail chain of its kind in Sweden, highlights their engagement in the agribusiness sector. These transactions reflect EQT's strategic interest in agribusiness, making them a relevant player in this industry.
9. Mudcake
- Website: mudcake.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2020
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: trellisroad
Mudcake is an investment microfund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in supporting startups in the food industry, providing investment in pre-seed and seed rounds. Mudcake aims to help founders innovate in food production, distribution, and consumption, operating globally with a diverse portfolio. Notably, Mudcake participated in the seed funding round for OlsAro, a Swedish agtech startup, which raised €2.5 million to scale its technological and commercial efforts. Additionally, they were involved in funding rounds for NuCicer, an agri-food technology company focused on enhancing chickpea varieties, showcasing their commitment to agribusiness innovation. Their investments reflect a strategic focus on startups that are poised to make significant impacts in the food and agribusiness sectors.
10. Swedfund International
- Website: swedfund.se
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1979
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: swedfund-international
Swedfund International is a public entity based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1979, that focuses on development finance aimed at reducing poverty through sustainable investments in developing countries. The organization supports small and medium enterprises and public sector projects, enhancing access to essential services and promoting economic growth. In recent years, Swedfund has been involved in several notable transactions in the agribusiness sector. For instance, it invested USD 10 million in Apollo Agriculture to support the expansion of initiatives that empower small-scale farmers in Kenya, enabling them to adopt sustainable practices and improve food security. Additionally, Swedfund participated in funding Hima Seafood, which is building the world's largest trout farm, showcasing its commitment to sustainable aquaculture. These investments highlight Swedfund's role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security in developing regions.
11. Industrifonden
- Website: industrifonden.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1979
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 9
- LinkedIn: industrifonden
Industrifonden is a venture capital fund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the fields of Deep Tech, Life Science, and Transformative Tech. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to startups, helping them scale their innovative solutions. Notably, Industrifonden has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agribusiness sector, including Gårdsfisk, which raised $4,993,393 in a Series A funding round in March 2025, focusing on sustainable aquaculture. Additionally, they have invested in biotech companies like Arevo, which, while not strictly agribusiness, may have applications in agricultural biotechnology. Their approach emphasizes creating long-term value through partnerships with passionate founders, which can also benefit agribusiness innovations.
12. AKVA group
- Website: akvagroup.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Norway
- Founded year: 1974
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: akva-group-asa
AKVA group is a corporate investor based in Norway, founded in 1974, specializing in aquaculture technology and services. The company provides comprehensive solutions for both sea-based and land-based fish farming, including infrastructure, feeding systems, and advisory services aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency for fish farmers. In 2024, AKVA group was involved in significant transactions, including the acquisition of Observe Technologies, a UK-based AI solutions firm, to bolster its digital capabilities in aquaculture. Additionally, they acquired a 51% stake in Submerged AS, a strategic move to enhance their precision fish farming offerings. These transactions highlight AKVA group's active role in advancing technology within the aquaculture sector, reinforcing its relevance in the agribusiness industry.
13. Pale blue dot
- Website: paleblue.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Malmo, Skåne, Sweden
- Founded year: 2020
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 9
- LinkedIn: palebluedot-vc
Pale Blue Dot is a venture capital firm based in Malmo, Skåne, Sweden, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups that focus on climate change solutions, providing both funding and support to visionary founders. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Notably, Pale Blue Dot has invested in Phytoform Labs, a startup developing gene-edited crops using AI, and Improvin', which is creating a sustainability performance platform for the food industry. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting advancements in agribusiness and sustainable food production.
14. Altor Equity Partners
- Website: altor.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: altor
Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has made significant investments in various sectors, including agribusiness. Notably, they acquired Hamlet Protein, a Danish producer of animal and aquaculture feed, aiming to position it as a global leader in high value-add young animal feed. Additionally, Altor, in partnership with Bain Capital, acquired EWOS, a company specializing in feed for aquaculture, further demonstrating their commitment to the agribusiness sector. These transactions highlight Altor's strategic focus on the agribusiness industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.
15. Summa Equity
- Website: summaequity.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: summa-equity
Summa Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in thematic investments that address global challenges, focusing on sustainable investment solutions across various sectors, including resource efficiency and technology. Summa Equity's recent transactions highlight their active role in the agribusiness sector, particularly with their acquisition of Nutris, a Croatian factory that produces sustainable plant-based protein from fava beans, and STIM, a supplier of fish health products for aquaculture. These investments reflect their commitment to aligning financial returns with positive societal impact, particularly in the context of sustainable food production and resource management.
Agribusiness Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katapult | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 2017 | 8 |
| Finnfund | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 51-200 | 1980 | 7 |
| Novo Holdings | Hellerup, Denmark | 51-200 | 1999 | 45 |
| Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
| Yara Growth Ventures | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 1-10 | 2021 | 4 |
| Yara International | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 10001+ | 2004 | 0 |
| Munters | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1955 | 4 |
| EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
| Mudcake | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1-10 | 2020 | 3 |
| Swedfund International | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 1979 | 6 |
| Industrifonden | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1979 | 9 |
| AKVA group | Norway | 1001-5000 | 1974 | 2 |
| Pale blue dot | Malmo, Skåne, Sweden | 1-10 | 2020 | 9 |
| Altor Equity Partners | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2003 | 6 |
| Summa Equity | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2016 | 6 |
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