The sports nutrition industry in DACH focuses on providing health products to enhance physical performance and wellness among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It features a multitude of companies, including startups and established brands, that offer supplements, protein bars, beverages, and meal replacements tailored for different fitness needs. The market is experiencing a shift towards natural and plant-based products, driven by rising consumer awareness about health and nutrition. As more individuals prioritize fitness, the demand for personalized nutrition solutions continues to grow, positioning DACH as a key player in the evolving global sports nutrition landscape.


The investors in this list vary in type, including venture capital firms and corporate investors, all contributing to the vibrant DACH startup ecosystem. Headquartered in dynamic cities like Berlin, Zurich, and Lausanne, these firms range in size from small teams to large organizations with significant asset bases. Established between 1866 and 2020, they collectively made 177 investments in 2024, demonstrating a robust commitment to supporting innovation in the sports nutrition sector, which thrives on athletic performance and health trends.


Top 15 Sports Nutrition Investors in DACH


1. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. It offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while also focusing on nutritious and convenient food options. In recent years, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions in the sports nutrition sector, including PowerBar in 2000, which is well-known for its energy bars targeted at athletes. In 2021, Nestlé Health Science acquired Nuun Hydration, a leader in functional hydration, further enhancing its portfolio of active lifestyle nutrition brands. Additionally, the acquisition of Garden of Life in 2017 and The Bountiful Company in 2021, which includes vitamins and supplements, reflects Nestlé's commitment to health and wellness, although the latter excluded sports nutrition brands. These transactions highlight Nestlé's active role in the sports nutrition market, making it a notable investor in this field.


2. Nestlé Health Science


Nestlé Health Science is a health and nutrition company founded in 2011, based in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. It specializes in medical nutrition, active lifestyle nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, offering a diverse range of products aimed at improving health outcomes for patients and consumers. The company serves various customer segments, including healthcare professionals and individuals seeking nutritional support. Notably, Nestlé Health Science has made significant acquisitions in the sports nutrition space, including Orgain, a plant-based nutrition company known for its clean, all-natural products, and Puravida, a Brazilian brand specializing in drink mixes, protein powders, and nutrition bars. These strategic acquisitions reflect Nestlé's focus on science-based solutions and its commitment to meeting the nutritional needs of active individuals. Additionally, their acquisition of Vital Proteins further enhances their portfolio in the sports nutrition domain, as Vital Proteins is recognized for its collagen-based products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.


3. 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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include investments in Wild Earth, which raised funds for its plant-based pet food products, and Geltor, which focuses on producing animal-free proteins. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food sector, which can also extend to sports nutrition as the demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources grows among athletes and health-conscious consumers.


4. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures participated in the Series A funding for her1, a female wellness brand, which indicates their interest in health and wellness sectors. They have also invested in SkillYoga, a company that promotes yoga practices, further emphasizing their focus on health and fitness. Additionally, their investment in sporTrade GmbH suggests a connection to the sports industry, which may encompass aspects of sports nutrition. Overall, IBB Ventures demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovative startups that align with health, wellness, and potentially sports nutrition.


5. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. In 2024, SICTIC has been active in various funding rounds, including investments in companies like Alip Training and Muuvr Labs, which are involved in health and fitness technologies. Notably, they also invested in BEAT Fitness, a company that aligns closely with the sports nutrition and fitness industry, indicating their interest in this sector. Their diverse portfolio and focus on early-stage startups make them a significant player in the investment landscape.


6. Calm/Storm

  • Website: calmstorm.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: calm-storm

Calm/Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in health tech startups, emphasizing purpose-driven founders. They provide capital, support, and networking opportunities to help these companies thrive in a competitive landscape. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Train Fitness, which raised $600,000 in a Pre-Seed round in March 2022, indicating their interest in fitness-related ventures. This aligns with the sports nutrition sector, as fitness and nutrition are closely linked. Additionally, their portfolio includes diverse teams addressing sensitive health issues, further showcasing their commitment to health and wellness.


7. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been actively involved in various funding rounds, including notable investments in Urban Sports Club, a company that promotes health and fitness through a network of gyms and wellness services. Their participation in multiple funding rounds for Urban Sports Club, including a €95 million funding round in December 2023 and earlier rounds in 2015, 2017, and 2021, highlights their commitment to the health and fitness sector, which is closely related to sports nutrition. This strategic focus on health-oriented companies positions HV Capital as a potential investor in the sports nutrition industry.


8. Ringier

  • Website: ringier.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1833
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: ringier

Ringier AG is a media company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1833. It operates in media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions, serving both consumers and businesses. Ringier has a diverse portfolio of brands and plays a significant role in the media landscape across Europe and Africa. Notably, Ringier has participated in funding rounds for Foodspring, an active nutrition startup, contributing to its growth in the superfood market. In 2017, Ringier participated in a €6 million investment round for Foodspring, and in 2018, it was involved in another funding round for the company. Additionally, Ringier invested in Regimen, a healthtech startup focused on personalized health solutions, which further emphasizes its interest in health and wellness sectors. The acquisition of Sportal Media Group in 2021 highlights Ringier's strategy to enhance its sports media presence, potentially linking its media operations with the sports nutrition market.


9. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has participated in funding rounds for Foodspring, an active nutrition startup, which raised €6 million in 2017 and is part of the growing active nutrition market. Additionally, they have invested in Urban Sports Club, a company that offers sports memberships, further demonstrating their interest in the sports and wellness sectors. These transactions highlight b2venture's engagement with the sports nutrition industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


10. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. The firm actively incubates its portfolio companies, providing funding and support for innovative solutions. Notable transactions include their investment in NuCicer, which is developing chickpea varieties with 75% higher protein content, directly relevant to sports nutrition. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other biotech firms, such as Amfora, which also aligns with enhancing food production and nutritional value. Their diverse investment strategy, while primarily focused on biotech and agriculture, includes aspects that are crucial for the sports nutrition industry.


11. Econa Ag

  • Website: econa.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: econa-ag

Econa AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing investment and consulting services to startups across various industries, including healthcare, food technology, and pet care. Notably, Econa has participated in funding rounds for Foodspring, an online superfood seller, which raised €6 million in 2017, indicating their engagement in the nutrition sector. Additionally, they led a funding round for XbyX – Women in Balance, a healthtech startup focused on female health, which further showcases their interest in health-related investments. While their portfolio includes diverse sectors, their involvement in nutrition-related companies suggests a potential alignment with the sports nutrition industry.


12. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Their investment strategy aligns with the increasing demand for plant-based nutrition, which is a significant trend in the sports nutrition industry. Notable transactions include investments in Geltor, which focuses on alternative proteins, and Paleo, a startup that raised €12M to scale its technology for GMO-free products. These investments indicate Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models that could contribute to the sports nutrition market.


13. APX Talent Pool

  • Website: apx.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: apx-talent-pool

APX Talent Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2018, that specializes in earliest-stage investments in startups with digital business models. Backed by prominent entities like Axel Springer and Porsche, APX provides funding and growth assistance to ambitious pre-seed startups, helping them navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the funding of Flow Lab, a Berlin-based mental fitness startup that raised €1 million with the involvement of strategic partners from the sports industry, including VfL Wolfsburg. This indicates APX's engagement with companies that intersect with health and fitness, which is relevant to the sports nutrition sector. Other transactions include investments in various pre-seed rounds for startups like GetEase and YOLAWO, showcasing their active role in supporting early-stage ventures.


14. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups, including consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has invested in nu3, a German superfood e-commerce platform, which is relevant to the sports nutrition market. They also participated in funding rounds for other companies like Pets Deli, which, while primarily focused on pet nutrition, showcases their broader interest in health-related sectors. Their diverse investment portfolio indicates a willingness to explore opportunities in the nutrition space, including sports nutrition.


15. Döhler Ventures


Döhler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on empowering early-stage startups in the Nutrition & Technology sectors, providing both investment and support to help these startups grow and navigate financial challenges. Their approach is characterized by a long-term commitment to fostering innovation within these industries. Notably, Döhler Ventures has participated in significant transactions relevant to sports nutrition, including a $10 million Series B investment in Your Super, a company that specializes in health-focused products, and multiple funding rounds for ahead® | The Human Performance Company, which emphasizes human performance and wellness. These investments highlight Döhler Ventures' active role in the sports nutrition landscape, making them a relevant player in this field.



Sports Nutrition Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Nestlé Health ScienceLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland10001+20112
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Calm/StormVienna, Vienna, Austria1-10202013
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
Econa AgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1019990
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
APX Talent PoolBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020187
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Döhler VenturesDarmstadt, Hesse, Germany1-1020143


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