The fish processing industry in Europe plays a critical role in the continent's food supply, providing a wide range of seafood products to consumers. This sector includes companies involved in fishing, aquaculture, and processing operations, which turn raw fish into consumable products like fillets, frozen goods, and canned varieties. The industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and innovation, with firms exploring alternative protein sources and efficient harvesting practices. Consumer demand for traceability and quality continues to shape market trends, compelling companies to adopt eco-friendly practices while ensuring product safety and taste.


The investors in this list reflect a dynamic mix of private equity and venture capital firms, with headquarters spanning from London to Zurich. Founded between 1994 and 2017, these firms vary in size, from small teams to global powerhouses. In 2024 alone, they collectively made notable investments, ranging from general funding to specific projects targeting aquaculture and seafood alternatives, illuminating a growing appeal in the market for sustainable food solutions.


Top 15 Fish Processing Investors in Europe


1. Hatch Blue


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 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 significant pre-seed investment in The Plant Based Seafood Co., which focuses on expanding its product line in the seafood market, and investments in companies like Gårdsfisk and Finless Foods, which are involved in sustainable seafood production. These transactions highlight Hatch Blue's active role in promoting sustainable innovations within the fish processing industry.


2. 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 venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within the aquaculture industry by investing in innovative solutions such as fish farms, feed mills, and hatcheries. Aqua-Spark has a global network of investors and aims to tackle environmental challenges through research and development. Notable transactions include leading a $2.5 million investment in Matorka, an Icelandic Arctic char producer, which is focused on expanding its operations and enhancing production capabilities. They also led a $12.6 million Series A funding round for Shiok Meats, a company producing cell-based shrimp, showcasing their commitment to innovative seafood production. Additionally, Aqua-Spark invested in Wanda Fish Technologies, a FoodTech startup, further emphasizing their focus on the fish processing industry. Overall, Aqua-Spark manages $19.25 million with a goal of reaching $400 million by 2025, aiming to make further investments in aquaculture.


3. 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 particularly active in sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech, which includes a focus on sustainable seafood solutions. Notable transactions include their investment in UMAMI Bioworks, which is developing cultivated seafood, and Hooked Foods, a company creating plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to innovation in the fish processing industry, making them a significant player in this space.


4. 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 London-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in investments in the alternative protein sector. The firm partners with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support, aiming to revolutionize food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products with sustainable alternatives. Notable transactions include significant investments in companies like BlueNalu, which focuses on cell-cultured seafood, and Bluu Biosciences, the only startup in Europe dedicated to cultivating seafood species. These investments highlight CPT Capital's commitment to supporting sustainable solutions in the fish processing industry, particularly through biotechnology and alternative protein innovations.


5. 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 an investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to supporting sustainable food systems and focuses on 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 been involved in several significant transactions in the fish processing context, including investments in New School Foods, a plant-based seafood maker that raised $12 million in a seed funding round in February 2023. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Ocean Hugger Foods, Gathered Foods, Finless Foods, and Happy Ocean Foods, all of which are focused on sustainable seafood alternatives. This portfolio reflects their commitment to fostering impactful change in the food sector, particularly in the realm of seafood alternatives.


6. 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, founded in 1963. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains specializes in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors, providing financial and strategic support to businesses to help them adapt to market changes and foster growth. The firm has supported more than 1,000 companies and manages significant assets aimed at promoting sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notably, Unigrains has been involved in several transactions relevant to the food industry, including investments in companies like Weishardt, which raised over $136 million in 2011, and Cooperl, which raised approximately $820 million in 1995. While specific transactions directly related to fish processing are not detailed, their focus on the agro-food sector implies a potential interest in fish processing investments as part of their broader portfolio.


7. 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 while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the fish processing sector. For instance, it supported Hooked Foods, a Swedish plant-based seafood brand, which raised over €1.2 million to develop new products and expand in the Nordic region. Additionally, Crowdcube facilitated funding for Fishy Filaments, which raised $35,932 in November 2023, indicating its commitment to innovative solutions in the fish industry. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting the growth of companies within the fish processing sector, alongside its broader investment management services.


8. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies aimed at replacing animal-derived products. Notable transactions include investments in BlueNalu, which raised $20 million in a Series A round for developing cell-based seafood, and Ocean Hugger Foods, which is known for its plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments highlight Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models within the fish processing context, particularly in the realm of sustainable seafood alternatives.


9. 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 sustainable practices to meet the growing global demand for food. Notably, Nutreco has made strategic investments in the aquaculture sector, including the acquisition of Skretting Nigeria, which aims to bolster its presence in the Nigerian aquaculture industry. Additionally, Nutreco acquired Shihai Co Ltd., a fish and shrimp feed company in China, for approximately EUR 40 million, further enhancing its aquaculture feed business. These transactions highlight Nutreco's commitment to the fish processing industry, as they directly support the production of feed essential for fish farming and processing operations.


10. 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, offering investment management services and strategic guidance. IDIA focuses on sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, they participated in the funding of Poiscaille, a company in the fish processing sector, which raised approximately $7.8 million in a venture round in October 2022. This investment highlights their engagement in the fish processing industry, alongside other transactions in the agro-food sector, such as their involvement with Invers, which raised €15 million, and other companies like Olives & Co and Comtesse Du Barry, indicating a broader interest in food-related investments.


11. Ocean 14 Capital

  • Website: ocean14capital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: ocean-14-capital

Ocean 14 Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2020, that is dedicated to transforming the blue economy through sustainable investments. They provide capital and strategic support to late-stage venture and growth ocean businesses, particularly in aquaculture, fisheries, and circular plastics. Their mission is to drive measurable impact while achieving market-leading returns. Notable transactions include a €10 million investment in Tilabras, a sustainable tilapia farming company in Brazil, and an €11 million investment in The Kingfish Company, which is expanding its fish farming facilities in Zeeland. Additionally, they invested €10 million in Ava Ocean, a Norwegian company awarded a license to harvest scallops in the Barents Sea, and acquired a controlling stake in SyAqua, a shrimp genetics company. These investments highlight their active role in the fish processing industry.


12. 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 by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the fish processing context, including investments in Gårdsfisk, which raised $1,231,100 in a venture round in 2018, and Big Akwa, a Swedish land-based trout producer that has secured multiple rounds of funding, including a recent investment of 4.75 million SEK in May 2023. Additionally, Almi has supported Ostrea Aquaculture in a venture round in 2016. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to fostering growth in the fish processing industry.


13. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


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 by providing various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the fish processing context, such as its investment in Lisaqua, which raised €2.6 million to establish a recirculating aquaculture system in France. This investment highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting the aquaculture industry, which is closely related to fish processing. Additionally, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for Umiami, a foodtech company, although this is less directly related to fish processing. Overall, Bpifrance's involvement in aquaculture projects positions it as a relevant investor in the fish processing sector.


14. 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. The company 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, serving both consumers and businesses. Notably, Orkla has made significant strides in the fish processing sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Vesterålen Marine Olje AS, where it acquired 95% of the shares. This company specializes in producing residual raw materials from white fish, aligning with Orkla's health and sustainability initiatives, particularly for its Möller’s Tran cod liver oil brand. This acquisition reflects Orkla's strategy to enhance its portfolio in the food industry, particularly in areas related to fish processing and health-oriented products.


15. Lion Resource Advisors Limited


Lion Resource Advisors Limited, also known as Lion Capital, is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in consumer brands and provides investment management services aimed at unlocking growth potential through strategic guidance and financial support. Lion Capital manages a diverse portfolio of over 175 brands, primarily in Europe and North America. Notably, they have made significant investments in the fish processing industry, including the acquisition of Bumble Bee Seafoods, North America's largest branded seafood company, for $980 million in 2010, and Young's Seafood, which raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in 2008. These transactions highlight Lion Capital's active role in the seafood sector, alongside their broader investment strategy in consumer brands.



Fish Processing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Hatch BlueCork, Cork, Ireland11-5020172
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Ocean 14 CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020203
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
Lion Resource Advisors LimitedLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020040


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