The horticulture industry in Benelux is vibrant and innovative, encompassing various sectors such as floriculture, nursery products, and modern agricultural technologies. Companies range from small family-owned businesses to large enterprises specializing in greenhouse solutions and sustainable practices. As consumer preferences shift towards food sustainability and local sourcing, the industry is rapidly integrating cutting-edge technology, including vertical farming and automation. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, reproduction, and efficiency, the sector is poised for growth, leveraging advancements to meet increasing demand for fresh produce and ornamental plants.


The list includes a mix of corporate venture firms, private equity investors, and development agencies widely spread across Brussels, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg. Founded over the decades with team sizes varying from small to large, these entities have actively engaged with a total of 261 horticulture-related investments in 2024. Investors like the European Innovation Council and Synergia Capital Partners have been notable contributors, showcasing their commitment to sustainable agriculture and food technology through strategic funding.


Top 15 Horticulture 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 various 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 foster innovation across different sectors. In the horticulture context, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions such as providing a grant of $2,891,688 to AgroSustain, a company focused on sustainable agricultural solutions, and a grant of $2,477,966 to Saia Agrobotics, which is developing technology for agricultural automation. These investments highlight the EIC's role in promoting advancements that can benefit the horticulture industry.


2. 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 support innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several significant transactions in the horticulture context, including leading a $23 million Series A funding round for Source.ag, a company that provides AI-powered solutions to greenhouse growers, and participating in multiple funding rounds for Infarm, a startup focused on vertical farming. These investments reflect Astanor's dedication to driving growth and sustainability in the agrifood sector, particularly in horticulture-related technologies.


3. 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. Their initiatives 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 horticulture, such as Fyteko, which raised significant funding in both Seed and Series B rounds, indicating strong investor confidence in innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, their support for SENCROP, a micro-climate technology startup, highlights their commitment to advancing agricultural technology that can benefit horticulture practices. These activities demonstrate EIT Food's active role in promoting innovation within the horticulture industry.


4. 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. In 2024, they have already made three investments, including notable transactions in the horticulture sector. For instance, they invested in Blue Radix, a company that specializes in autonomous growing and AI-driven greenhouse technology, which raised funds to expand its product line and global presence. Additionally, they led a financing round for Saia Agrobotics, which is working on scaling its technology for market readiness. Their investment in MetoMotion, which focuses on R&D and production for horticultural applications, further highlights their commitment to the industry. Overall, Navus Ventures is actively engaged in supporting innovations that enhance the horticulture sector.


5. 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 early-stage investments in food and agriculture technology startups across Western Europe. Their mission is to drive environmental impact through strategic investments aimed at creating sustainable food systems. Notable transactions include a €1 million investment in AvL Motion, which focuses on developing an autonomous selective asparagus harvesting robot, and a €2 million Series A funding for Phenospex, a company expanding its agricultural technology offerings. Additionally, Future Food Fund has invested in Plantik Biosciences and OlsAro, both of which are involved in agtech solutions that can benefit horticulture. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovations that enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability.


6. Synergia Capital Partners


Synergia Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Veenendaal, Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and management buy-outs, primarily targeting mid-sized enterprises across various sectors, including food, agriculture, industry, software, services, and healthcare. Notably, Synergia has been involved in several transactions relevant to the horticulture industry, such as their investment in Van der Arend Tropical Plantcenter, which focuses on tropical plants, and Pokon, a company known for its gardening products. Additionally, they have invested in Viscon Group, which provides innovative solutions for the horticulture sector, and Van Wamel, which specializes in agricultural machinery. These transactions highlight Synergia's active role in supporting businesses within the horticulture context, alongside their broader investment strategy.


7. 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 across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology. Rockstart provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to horticulture, such as Harvesto, which raised funds in a seed round, and Agranimo, which secured a convertible note. Additionally, they have invested in Nanomik Biotechnology, which has raised multiple rounds of funding. These investments reflect Rockstart's commitment to supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, making them a significant player in the horticulture investment landscape.


8. BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries


BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries is a not-for-profit organization established in 2001, based in Brussels, Belgium. It focuses on providing investment support and development financing to private sector companies in developing countries, aiming to empower these businesses to thrive and contribute to their local economies. Among its notable transactions, BIO has invested in KF Bioplants, which raised $2,627,457 in debt financing in December 2014, indicating a direct involvement in the horticulture sector. Additionally, BIO has supported Indorama Fertilizers, which raised $15,189,087 in February 2013, highlighting its engagement in agricultural inputs that can benefit horticulture. Other transactions include Proximity Finance, Bancop S.A., and CIDRE IFD, all of which reflect BIO's commitment to fostering sustainable development in various sectors, including agriculture and horticulture.


9. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing diverse initiatives. Among its transactions, EIB participated in the funding of CrowdFarming, which raised approximately $16 million in debt financing in September 2023, focusing on sustainable farming practices. This aligns with EIB's mission to promote growth and job creation in sectors that include agriculture and horticulture. Additionally, EIB's involvement with Farm Credit Armenia, which raised over $2.6 million in debt financing in November 2024, further emphasizes its commitment to supporting agricultural financing, thereby reinforcing its relevance in the horticulture context.


10. 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 investment in LemnaTec, which develops research platforms for plant analysis, and participation in funding rounds for Enko Chem, a crop health company, which raised significant capital to advance its product pipeline. Additionally, Anterra Capital is involved with ProducePay, a company focused on improving the fresh produce supply chain, highlighting their commitment to addressing challenges in horticulture and food systems.


11. 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 firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized and large companies, particularly family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, by providing capital and strategic advisory services aimed at fostering growth and sustainability. NPM Capital has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various sectors, including technology and education. Notably, they have made significant investments in the horticulture sector, acquiring a minority stake in KUBO, a leading Dutch high-tech horticultural greenhouse developer, to enhance its global leadership in advanced greenhouse concepts. Additionally, they have invested in Agro Care, Europe's largest tomato producer, to provide growth capital for expansion and technological advancements. These horticulture-focused transactions highlight NPM Capital's commitment to supporting innovation and development within the industry.


12. 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to horticulture, such as their investments in 30MHz, a company that focuses on agricultural technology and data platforms aimed at enhancing productivity in the sector. In 2019, they participated in a €3.5 million investment round for 30MHz to accelerate product development and distribution. Additionally, they invested in Saia Agrobotics, which focuses on robotics for agriculture, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the horticulture space. Their mission is to contribute to sustainability by helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively, making them a significant player in the horticulture investment landscape.


13. Edaphon

  • Website: edaphon.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: edaphon

Edaphon is an impact fund based in Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity. The firm invests in projects that enhance natural carbon sinks and support regenerative agriculture, collaborating with businesses and organizations to fund sustainable practices aimed at combating global warming. Notably, Edaphon has participated in several significant transactions relevant to the horticulture industry, including: 1) **CropX Technologies** - In April 2023, Edaphon joined a $30 million Series C funding round to support the development of innovative agronomic farm management systems, which are essential for modern horticulture. 2) **Soil Capital Belgium** - Edaphon invested in a Series A funding round in February 2023, focusing on improving soil health and agricultural practices, which are vital for sustainable horticulture. These investments reflect Edaphon's commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and supporting the horticulture sector through innovative solutions.


14. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM focuses on supporting startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to enhance business growth. Among its various programs, BOM emphasizes innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. Notably, BOM has invested in AvL Motion, which raised €1 million to develop an autonomous asparagus harvesting robot, showcasing its commitment to advancing technology in horticulture. Additionally, BOM has been involved in other transactions, such as Kind Technologies and Trabotyx, although these are less directly related to horticulture. Overall, BOM's engagement in the horticulture sector through specific investments makes it a relevant player in this field.


15. Oikocredit

  • Website: oikocredit.coop
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1975
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: oikocredit

Oikocredit is a not-for-profit social investment organization based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 1975. It focuses on providing financial support to organizations in the financial inclusion, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors. Oikocredit aims to enhance the social impact of its partners, particularly those serving low-income communities, by offering loans and equity investments. Notably, Oikocredit has been involved in several significant transactions within the agriculture sector, including a USD 8.5 million Series B investment in Good Nature Agro, which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices. They also invested in Chetna Organic Agriculture Producer Company, which supports organic farming, and provided $1.5 million to Farmerline, an agritech startup in Ghana that aids farmers with technology and resources. These transactions highlight Oikocredit's commitment to supporting agricultural initiatives, including those relevant to horticulture.



Horticulture Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
Future Food FundUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020165
Synergia Capital PartnersVeenendaal, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5019990
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing CountriesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-20020014
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Anterra CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020139
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
EdaphonBrussels, Brussels, Belgium1-102
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
OikocreditAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands201-500197512


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