The premium pet food industry in Benelux focuses on providing high-quality nutritional products for pets, prioritizing sustainability, health, and innovation. Companies in this sector specialize in gourmet, organic, and tailored pet foods, catering to discerning pet owners seeking the best for their companions. As pet humanization trends rise, brands are increasingly emphasizing transparent sourcing, advanced ingredients, and customized nutrition plans. With ongoing market growth fueled by a rising awareness of pet health and wellness, the industry's future looks promising. Notable developments, such as advances in biotechnology and environmentally-friendly practices, suggest a significant evolution in the way we feed our pets.


This list features 15 prominent investors engaged in the premium pet food space within Benelux. These investors range from venture capital firms like Astanor and Verlinvest to private equity giants like CVC and JAB Holding Company. With headquarters scattered across Luxembourg, Brussels, and Amsterdam, these firms vary in size and investment strategies. Founded between 1820 and 2022, they are actively investing in the pet food sector, with 2024 deal counts highlighting a significant commitment to innovation in this market.


Top 15 Premium Pet Food Investors in Benelux


1. 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 made significant strides in the premium pet food and pet care sectors through key acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Petco in March 2016 for $4.6 billion, a leading retailer in pet food and supplies. In November 2002, they acquired Provimi, a company focused on animal nutrition, which plays a crucial role in the pet food industry. More recently, in October 2021, CVC acquired a majority stake in Medivet, a veterinary group with over 350 branches in the UK, further expanding their footprint in the pet care market. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic focus on delivering sustainable value and growth in the premium pet food and pet care sectors.


2. 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. Notably, the EIC has been involved in transactions relevant to the premium pet food industry, such as funding Deep Branch Biotechnology, which focuses on producing sustainable protein for animal feed, and supporting FarmInsect, a company that raises insects for animal feed. These investments highlight the EIC's engagement with innovative solutions that could enhance the premium pet food market.


3. Verlinvest

  • Website: verlinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across multiple sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has made significant investments in the premium pet food industry, including a Series A funding round for KatKin, a fresh food and pet healthtech platform, which raised $22 million to enhance its growth and R&D efforts. Additionally, Verlinvest led a $37 million Series A funding for Heads Up For Tails, a company focused on pet wellness and care in India, aimed at expanding its distribution and product development. These transactions highlight Verlinvest's active role in the premium pet food sector, alongside its diverse portfolio of consumer brands.


4. 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 focuses on the agrifood tech sector. They aim to support innovative companies that create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been actively involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the premium pet food context. For instance, they led funding rounds for Ynsect, a French startup that is shifting its focus from insect farming for animal feed to high-margin pet food. Ynsect has raised substantial amounts, including $175 million in a Series D round in 2023 and €190.6 million in a Series C extension round in 2020, showcasing Astanor's commitment to the premium pet food market. Additionally, Astanor's investment in MicroHarvest, a biotech startup focused on protein production, further emphasizes their interest in innovative food solutions that could extend to pet food. Overall, Astanor's portfolio reflects a dedication to sustainable and premium food systems, making them a relevant player in the premium pet food investment landscape.


5. PeakBridge


PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, specializing in FoodTech investments. The firm supports early-stage founders and businesses in the food industry by providing investment, consulting services, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Their focus is on innovative solutions that address significant challenges in the global food system. Notable transactions include their lead investment in Rival Foods, which raised €6 million to develop new protein sources and formulations, potentially relevant to the premium pet food market. Additionally, their involvement in various food-related ventures indicates a broader interest in the food ecosystem, which could encompass premium pet food innovations in the future.


6. Jab Holding Company LLC

  • Website: jabholco.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: jab-holding-company-llc

JAB Holding Company LLC is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in consumer goods and services, operating across various sectors including coffee, fast casual dining, pet care, and beauty. JAB focuses on long-term investments and sustainable value creation, catering to consumers seeking quality products and services. In the pet care sector, JAB has made notable acquisitions, including Pumpkin Insurance Services and Figo Pet Insurance, which reflect its commitment to expanding its presence in the pet care market. These strategic moves indicate JAB's interest in the pet industry, which encompasses premium pet food as a key area of growth.


7. Sofina

  • Website: sofinagroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1898
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: sofina

Sofina is a venture capital investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1898. It specializes in providing patient capital to growing businesses across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and energy. Sofina partners with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, offering strategic advice and long-term investment solutions to foster sustainable growth. Notably, Sofina has invested in Petkit, a Chinese manufacturer of smart devices for pets, which raised $50 million in a Series D funding round led by Sofina. This investment highlights Sofina's interest in the pet industry, particularly in innovative products that cater to pet owners. Additionally, while Sofina has made investments in other sectors, their engagement in the pet technology space positions them as a relevant player in the broader premium pet food market.


8. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the pet food industry, acquiring Tetra in December 2002 and Semper in June 2003, both of which are recognized brands in the premium pet food market. More recently, in April 2021, Triton acquired Geia Food, further expanding its portfolio in the food sector. Triton partners with management teams to address challenges and drive growth, providing operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, including those in the premium pet food space.


9. V3 Ventures

  • Website: v3.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: v3-venture

V3 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in early-stage consumer businesses across various sectors, including wellness, food, and lifestyle. V3 Ventures aims to support founders by providing capital and strategic guidance to help them build strong brands and achieve growth. Notably, V3 Ventures has invested in KatKin, a fresh food and pet healthtech platform, which raised $22 million in Series A funding. This investment highlights their engagement in the premium pet food industry, showcasing their commitment to innovative consumer brands in this space. Additionally, V3 Ventures has participated in other funding rounds for companies like Go Zero and Ugaoo, further demonstrating their active role in the consumer market.


10. AAC Capital Partners


AAC Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in supporting mid-sized businesses in the Benelux region by providing growth capital and strategic guidance to help them achieve their international growth ambitions. AAC Capital focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable growth through partnerships with management teams. Notably, they acquired Yarrah Organic Pet Food in January 2017, marking a significant investment in the premium pet food sector. This acquisition reflects their commitment to the industry and their strategy of investing in companies that align with sustainable and organic practices. In addition to Yarrah, AAC Capital has been involved in various other acquisitions, but their investment in premium pet food specifically highlights their relevance in this market.


11. Exor N.V.

  • Website: exor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. Recently, Exor has shown interest in the premium pet food industry, notably through its investment in Lupa Pets, which raised $4 million in a Seed Round in November 2024. This investment highlights Exor's commitment to exploring opportunities within the pet food market, alongside its other ventures. Additionally, Exor has been involved in various funding rounds across different industries, showcasing its broad investment strategy while still making targeted investments in emerging sectors like premium pet food.


12. Astorg

  • Website: astorg.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: astorg

Astorg is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1998, with a focus on creating long-term value through disciplined investment processes and strong partnerships with entrepreneurs. With €22 billion in assets under management, Astorg specializes in investments in global B2B companies across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and business services. Notably, Astorg has been involved in transactions such as the acquisition of Animalis, a company in the pet food sector, which highlights their engagement in the premium pet food market. Additionally, they acquired Solina Group, a food ingredients producer, which may also relate to the broader food industry context. Their diverse investment portfolio demonstrates their capability and interest in various sectors, including premium pet food.


13. 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, specializing in agrifood technology investments. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on supporting startups that leverage biotechnology and digital solutions to enhance food production and sustainability. Anterra Capital operates primarily in North America and Europe, targeting innovative companies in the agrifood sector. Notably, Anterra has invested in Invetx, a Boston-based animal health biopharmaceutical company that raised significant funding to develop monoclonal antibody therapeutics for chronic and serious diseases in dogs and cats. This involvement in the animal health sector highlights Anterra's commitment to improving pet health, which is closely related to the premium pet food industry. Their investments in companies like Invetx demonstrate a strategic interest in the well-being of pets, making them a relevant player in the premium pet food investment landscape.


14. Vendis Capital

  • Website: vendiscapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Machelen, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: vendis-capital

Vendis Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Machelen, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in consumer scale-ups, providing capital and strategic support to help businesses grow internationally and implement effective digitalization strategies. Vendis Capital focuses on collaboration with entrepreneurs to enhance market presence and achieve sustainable growth. Notably, they have invested in Yarrah Organic Petfood, a provider of organic cat and dog food, which highlights their involvement in the premium pet food industry. This investment, made in April 2012, reflects their commitment to supporting companies in the pet food sector. Additionally, Vendis Capital has engaged in various other transactions, including a majority stake acquisition in Skins Cosmetics, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


15. DLF Venture

  • Website: dlfventure.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: dlfventure

DLF Venture is a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in supporting consumer-oriented brands across various sectors, including food & beverage and health & care. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, providing both investment and hands-on support to ambitious founders. Notably, DLF Venture has participated in significant funding rounds for Edgard & Cooper, a leading manufacturer of premium dog and cat food, contributing to their Series B and Series C rounds. This involvement highlights DLF Venture's interest in the premium pet food market, as Edgard & Cooper aims to expand its presence in the Pan-European pet food sector. Additionally, DLF Venture has invested in other food-related startups, reinforcing their commitment to the food and beverage industry.



Premium Pet Food Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
Jab Holding Company LLCAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+20071
SofinaBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-20018984
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
V3 VenturesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium1-1020229
AAC Capital PartnersAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019821
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
AstorgLuxembourg51-20019988
Anterra CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020139
Vendis CapitalMachelen, Flanders, Belgium11-5020093
DLF VentureLuxembourg1-1020160


Want to find more investors focusing on the premium pet food industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the premium pet foodindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

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!