The aquarium fish food industry in Europe is dynamic and rapidly evolving. It includes a variety of companies producing high-quality food tailored for both freshwater and saltwater species. Manufacturers offer innovations like sustainable fish formulations and nutritionally balanced pellets enriched with vitamins and minerals. As consumer awareness grows, there’s increasing demand for eco-friendly and nutritious options that benefit aquatic health. Trends point towards the incorporation of alternative proteins in food production, driven by sustainability and environmental concerns that aim to feed the rising number of hobbyists and professional aquarists alike.

The list of investors in the aquarium fish food sector reveals a mix of venture capitalists and corporate powerhouses, hailing from Zurich to Oslo. Combining large firms and smaller players, these investors range in size from companies with over 10,000 employees to agile teams of less than ten. Many were established recently, around 2015 to 2018, but are already active with significant deal counts in 2024, highlighting the industry's growth potential. With diverse innovations on the horizon, these investors are eager to support strategies focusing on sustainability and technological advancement.

Top 15 Aquarium Fish Food Investors in Europe

1. 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 specializes in investing in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy. They provide funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in several companies that focus on seafood alternatives, such as Happy Ocean Foods, which raised funds in 2021, and New School Foods, a plant-based seafood maker that raised $12 million in early 2023. These investments highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the food industry, including sectors that may intersect with aquarium fish food.

2. Hatch Blue

• Website: hatch.blue
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cork, Cork, Ireland
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: hatch-aquaculture-accelerator

Hatch Blue is a venture capital firm and consulting accelerator based in Cork, Ireland, founded in 2017. They specialize in aquaculture and alternative seafood, providing investment, mentorship, and innovation programs to entrepreneurs and startups in these sectors. Their services include market studies, intellectual property strategies, and access to a global network of industry experts. Notable transactions include a seed investment in C-Feed AS, which focuses on sustainable fish feed solutions, and Finless Foods, which is involved in alternative seafood production. These investments highlight Hatch Blue's commitment to supporting sustainable practices in the aquatic food industry, making them a relevant player in the aquarium fish food sector.

3. Aqua-Spark

• Website: aqua-spark.nl
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: aquaspark

Aqua-Spark is a Netherlands-based venture capital firm founded in 2013, focused on innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry. The firm invests in various aspects of aquaculture, including fish farms, feed mills, and hatcheries, with a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable practices and improving production efficiency. Notable transactions include a €2 million investment in Molofeed, which specializes in micro-encapsulation technology for aquafeed, highlighting their commitment to the aquarium fish food sector. They also led a $2.5 million investment in Matorka, an Arctic char producer, and participated in funding for Wanda Fish Technologies, a FoodTech startup, further demonstrating their active role in the aquaculture ecosystem. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to address environmental challenges in aquaculture through research and development, aiming to make five additional aquaculture investments by the end of the year.

4. 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 within the aquarium fish food context, such as investing in Lisaqua, a European aquaculture start-up that raised €2.6 million to build a recirculating aquaculture system in France, and Agronutris, which raised €100 million to rear black soldier flies for aquaculture and pet food markets. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting the development of sustainable food sources for aquatic life.

5. 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. Notably, CPT Capital has invested in Bluu Biosciences, a startup dedicated to cultivating seafood species through biotechnology, which received €7 million in seed funding to advance its research and development in cell-cultured fish. This investment highlights CPT Capital's involvement in the seafood sector, making them a relevant player in the aquarium fish food industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other companies like Avant Meats and BlueNalu, which are also focused on alternative protein sources, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable food technologies.

6. 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 involved in several relevant transactions in the aquarium fish food context, notably their investment in AquaRech, Kenya's first fish farming platform, where they participated in a $1.7 million equity investment round in November 2023. They also invested in AquaRech in a previous seed round in November 2022, raising $150,000. Additionally, Katapult has invested in Hooked Foods, a company that develops plant-based seafood alternatives, which, while not directly aquarium fish food, indicates their interest in sustainable food sources related to aquatic life. These transactions highlight Katapult's engagement in the aquaculture and sustainable seafood sectors.

7. Nutreco

• Website: nutreco.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: nutreco

Nutreco is a corporate investor based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in animal nutrition with a strong focus on innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. Founded in 1994, the company has established itself as a leader in the animal nutrition industry, serving farmers and feed producers with sustainable practices to meet the growing global demand for food. Notably, Nutreco has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the aquaculture sector, including the acquisition of Skretting Nigeria, which aims to enhance its commitment to the Nigerian aquaculture industry. Additionally, Nutreco acquired Shihai Co Ltd., a fish and shrimp feed company in China, for approximately EUR 40 million, further solidifying its position in the world's largest aquaculture feed market. These transactions highlight Nutreco's dedication to developing and supplying high-quality feed for aquatic species, making it a relevant player in the aquarium fish food industry.

8. 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 a diverse portfolio, with notable transactions including the acquisition of Petco in 2016 for $4.6 billion, which positions them strongly in the pet supply market. They also acquired Provimi in 2002, a company focused on animal nutrition, which is relevant to the aquarium fish food industry. More recently, CVC has invested in veterinary group Medivet, indicating their ongoing commitment to the pet care sector. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic focus on delivering sustainable value and growth through investments in industries that include aquarium fish food.

9. 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 founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Musti ja Mirri Group, a leading pet specialty retailer in the Nordic countries, which operates 127 stores and generates significant sales. This acquisition highlights EQT's involvement in the pet industry, which encompasses various products, including aquarium fish food. Additionally, EQT has made other acquisitions in related sectors, such as Granngården, a retail chain that may also offer pet supplies, further indicating their interest in the pet market.

10. 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. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the aquaculture sector, including investments in Big Akwa, a Swedish land-based trout producer, which raised funds through equity sales and loans facilitated by Almi. Additionally, Almi has invested in Ostrea Aquaculture, further demonstrating their engagement in the aquaculture industry, which is relevant to the aquarium fish food market.

11. Orkla ASA

• Website: orkla.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: orkla-asa

Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. It operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, including food, snacks, health, and personal care items. Notably, Orkla Health acquired 95% of Vesterålen Marine Olje AS, a company that produces residual raw materials from white fish, as part of its strategy to enhance health and sustainability initiatives, particularly for its Möller’s Tran cod liver oil brand. This acquisition reflects Orkla's commitment to the food industry and its potential relevance to the aquarium fish food market. Additionally, Orkla has shown interest in the pet nutrition sector through its involvement with BioCraft Pet Nutrition, which raised funds in a seed round, further indicating its engagement in animal nutrition markets.

12. Agronomics Limited

• Website: agronomics.im
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: agronomics-limited

Agronomics Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in biotechnology investments, particularly in cellular agriculture, aiming to provide sustainable food production solutions. Agronomics has been involved in several significant transactions, including investments in BlueNalu, which raised $60 million in a convertible note in January 2021 and $20 million in a Series A round in September 2019. BlueNalu focuses on producing cell-cultured seafood, which aligns with sustainable aquaculture practices. Additionally, Agronomics invested in Shiok Meats, which raised $3 million in a convertible note in June 2020, and Meatly, which raised $4.5 million in a seed round in May 2023. These investments reflect Agronomics' commitment to innovative food technologies that enhance sustainability and animal welfare, potentially impacting the aquarium fish food sector.

13. CREADEV - Creating for People

• Website: creadev.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: creadev-investissements

Creadev - Creating for People is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2002, focusing on sustainable leaders across various sectors, including food, healthcare, and sustainable consumption. The firm provides growth equity funding and support to innovative entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses for significant impact. Notably, Creadev has participated in several transactions relevant to the aquarium fish food industry, such as its involvement with Kingfish Zeeland, which is expanding its production of Yellowtail Kingfish, and The Kingfish Company, which has raised substantial funds for growth in aquaculture. Additionally, Creadev's investment in InnovaFeed, a company specializing in insect protein, highlights its commitment to sustainable food sources that can benefit the aquaculture sector. These investments demonstrate Creadev's alignment with the goals of sustainable fish production and food supply, making it a relevant player in the aquarium fish food industry.

14. Scottish Enterprise

• Website: scottish-enterprise.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn: scottish-enterprise

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Notably, it has invested in companies like Ace Aquatec, which raised nearly $10 million for its innovative solutions in aquaculture, and Beta Bugs Limited, which received over £1.72 million for developing sustainable feed alternatives. These investments highlight Scottish Enterprise's engagement in the aquarium fish food industry, supporting businesses that aim to improve sustainability and innovation in this sector.

15. 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. Notably, Kima Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the aquarium fish food context. For instance, they invested in nextProtein, which raised €1.3 million to develop a bioconversion process for producing sustainable feedstock protein, significantly impacting the fish feed industry. They also invested in Fishtripr, a startup that has raised €500k, indicating their engagement in the fish-related market. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the aquarium fish food sector.

Aquarium Fish Food Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Want to find more investors focusing on the aquarium fish food industry?

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!