The agrochemicals industry in Benelux plays a vital role in supporting agriculture, focusing on fertilizers, pesticides, and plant protection products. Companies ranging from small startups to large multinationals are involved, offering innovative solutions to boost crop yield and sustainability. As agriculture faces increasing pressures from climate change and population growth, the sector is shifting towards sustainable practices and biopesticides. Noteworthy advancements include precision agriculture and bioengineering, which promise to enhance efficiency while reducing ecological footprints. This evolving paradigm showcases how agrochemicals are transforming to meet both economic needs and environmental stewardship in the region.

In 2024, the agrochemicals investment scene in Benelux witnessed robust participation from various investor types, primarily venture capital and corporate entities. The investors' profiles varied, including established firms like the European Innovation Council and niche players such as Astanor, with several founded in the last decade. Headquarters range from Brussels to Amsterdam, and 2024 deal counts show active engagement variably from 2 to 57 investments. This prominence of both seasoned and emerging investors emphasizes the region's attractiveness for agrochemical innovations, echoing a growing urgency for sustainable agricultural solutions.

Top 16 Agrochemicals Investors in Benelux

1. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website: eic.ec.europa.eu
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn: european-innovation-council-eic

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions within the agrochemicals sector, including grants to AgroSustain, which raised $2,891,688 in March 2021, and multiple funding rounds for Lithos Crop Protect, which raised undisclosed amounts in 2023 and $1,428,847 in June 2022. Additionally, the EIC supported Antofenol with a grant of $2,263,480 in October 2019. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in promoting innovation in agrochemicals, making it a significant player in this industry.

2. 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 is dedicated to 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. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Fyteko, which raised $13,537,690 in a Series B round in 2025, and also participated in earlier funding rounds for Fyteko, indicating a strong interest in innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, they have provided grants to companies like Nanomik Biotechnology and Antofenol, which are involved in biotechnology and agrochemical solutions, further demonstrating their engagement in the agrochemicals sector. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector, which includes agrochemicals as a critical component.

3. 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 aim to support innovative companies that are working towards creating sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions in the agrochemicals context, including leading funding rounds for companies like Aphea.Bio, which raised €70 million in Series C funding for agricultural technology, and Switch Bioworks, which focuses on sustainable biofertilizers and raised $17 million in a Seed round. Additionally, Astanor participated in a Series A funding round for MagGrow, an Irish agri-technology company, which raised €6 million. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to fostering advancements in agriculture and agrochemicals, aligning with their mission to drive growth and sustainability in the agrifood sector.

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. Notably, they have invested in Agurotech, which raised €1.5 million to enhance data-driven and efficient arable farming, and Saia Agrobotics, which is scaling up its technology for market readiness. These investments highlight Navus Ventures' commitment to advancing agricultural technology, making them a significant player in the agrochemicals sector.

5. 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 has been actively involved in the agrifood sector, supporting innovative companies seeking funding and expertise to tackle challenges in food systems. Notably, Anterra has participated in multiple funding rounds for Vestaron, a company that develops bioinsecticides, raising significant amounts in Series B and D rounds. Additionally, they were involved in a Series C funding round for Enko Chem, a crop health company, which raised $70 million to advance its product pipeline. This involvement highlights Anterra's commitment to investing in the agrochemicals industry and supporting advancements in crop health and sustainability.

6. 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. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In the agrochemicals context, Rockstart has made notable investments in companies like Nanomik Biotechnology, which raised funds in multiple seed rounds, focusing on biotechnological solutions that could enhance agricultural practices. Additionally, they invested in Nordetect, a company that develops technology for water quality monitoring and soil health, which is crucial for sustainable agriculture. These transactions highlight Rockstart's commitment to supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, making them a relevant player in the agrochemicals industry.

7. 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 investments in food and agriculture technology, focusing on early-stage startups in Western Europe. Their mission is to drive environmental impact through strategic investments in the food and agriculture sector. Notable transactions include leading a €2.5 million funding round for OlsAro, a Swedish agtech startup, which aims to scale its technological and commercial efforts. They also participated in a Series A funding round for Phenospex, a Dutch startup that develops technologies for agriculture, including robotics and automation. These investments highlight Future Food Fund's commitment to fostering innovation in the agricultural sector, which is closely related to agrochemicals.

8. 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 collaborates with businesses and organizations to fund projects that enhance natural carbon sinks and support regenerative agriculture. In 2023 and 2024, Edaphon participated in several significant funding rounds relevant to the agrochemicals sector. Notably, they invested in CropX Technologies, which raised $30 million in a Series C funding round aimed at developing innovative agronomic farm management systems. They also participated in the Series B funding round for Groundwork BioAg, which raised $18 million, indicating their commitment to supporting agricultural innovation. Furthermore, Edaphon has invested in BioPrime AgriSolutions and Soil Capital Belgium, both of which are involved in sustainable agricultural practices. This portfolio reflects Edaphon's strategic focus on enhancing agricultural sustainability through innovative solutions.

9. Azelis

• Website: azelis.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. Founded in 2001, the company serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial markets. Azelis focuses on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in the agrochemicals sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Agspec Australia Pty Ltd, which enhances their presence in the agricultural and horticultural markets, reflecting their commitment to innovation in crop nutrition and protection. Additionally, their acquisition of Lidorr Elements, a leading specialty chemical distributor in Israel, aims to strengthen their position in agriculture, industrial materials, and personal care markets. These transactions underscore Azelis's active role in the agrochemicals industry, complementing their broader portfolio in specialty chemicals.

10. Waterlemon Ventures

• Website: waterlemon.vc
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: waterlemon-ventures

Waterlemon Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2022. The firm is dedicated to empowering climate entrepreneurs by investing in early-stage startups that develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including the food chain, water cycle, and energy transition. In 2024, Waterlemon Ventures participated in a seed round for Exacta BioScience, raising $1,000,000, which may involve agricultural applications. They also invested in Verdant Robotics, Inc., which raised $46,500,000 in a Series A round in 2022, focusing on automation in agriculture. Notably, their investment in Ynsect, which raised $148,000,000 in a Series C round in 2019, highlights their commitment to sustainable food production through insect farming, a significant aspect of agrochemicals. Additionally, they supported ucrop.it with a seed investment of $4,437,228 in 2022, which may also relate to agricultural technology. Overall, Waterlemon Ventures is actively involved in sectors that intersect with agrochemicals, making them a relevant investor in this space.

11. Vib

• Website: vib.be
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: vib

VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie) is a public entity based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1995. It specializes in strategic research in life sciences and biotechnology, providing research and development services, technology transfer, and support for biotech startups. VIB collaborates with academic institutions and industry partners to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications. Notably, VIB has been involved in significant funding rounds for companies like Biotalys, which raised over $39 million in Series C funding in 2019, and Aphea.Bio, which raised over $21 million in Series B funding in 2021. These investments highlight VIB's role in supporting innovative solutions in the agrochemicals sector, particularly in the development of sustainable agricultural practices and biopesticides.

12. Pmv

• Website: pmv.eu
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity that acts as an investment company for the Flemish government, founded in 2001. It provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors such as real estate, clean tech, and life sciences. PMV also offers consulting services to help businesses navigate investment challenges and achieve sustainable growth. In the agrochemicals context, PMV has made significant investments in companies like Biotalys, which raised over $39 million in Series C funding in 2019, and Aphea.Bio, which raised over $21 million in Series B funding in 2021. These transactions highlight PMV's focus on supporting innovative agricultural solutions, particularly in the realm of biopesticides and sustainable farming practices.

13. Agri Investment Fund

• Website: aifund.be
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1890
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Agri Investment Fund, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, is a private equity investment fund established in 1890. The fund specializes in the agricultural sector, with a strong emphasis on Ag-Tech and Agro-Food companies. Their mission is to support innovation and sustainability in agriculture through financial backing and advisory services. Notably, Agri Investment Fund has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Biotalys, which raised over $16 million in post-IPO equity in October 2024 and previously secured $39 million in Series C funding in July 2019. Additionally, they have invested in Aphea.Bio, a Belgian agricultural technology firm that raised €70 million in Series C funding in July 2023, along with earlier investments in Series B rounds totaling over $25 million. These transactions highlight Agri Investment Fund's active role in supporting companies that are innovating within the agrochemical and agricultural technology sectors.

14. BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries

• Website: bio-invest.be
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: bio-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 Indorama Fertilizers, which raised $15,189,087 in debt financing in 2013, highlighting its commitment to the agrochemicals sector. Additionally, BIO has supported other companies like KF Bioplants, which raised $2,627,457 in 2014, and Proximity Finance, which raised $3,083,702 in 2020, indicating a broader interest in agricultural and related sectors. These investments reflect BIO's strategy to facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and enhance food security in developing regions.

15. Innovation Industries

• Website: innovationindustries.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn: innovationindustries

Innovation Industries is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in deep tech investments, focusing on catalyzing growth in technology companies that can transform industries. They provide capital and support to startups in various sectors, including industrial tech, med tech, and notably, food & agri tech. In 2023, they led a €70 million Series C funding round for Aphea.Bio, a Belgian agricultural technology company, showcasing their commitment to the agrochemicals sector. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Solynta, a hybrid potato breeding company, raising €21 million in Series C and €16 million in Series B, aimed at addressing challenges within the potato supply chain. Furthermore, their investment in Protealis, a sustainable protein seed startup, highlights their focus on innovative solutions in agriculture. Overall, Innovation Industries is actively engaged in the agrochemicals industry through strategic investments in relevant companies.

16. Louis Dreyfus Company

• Website: ldc.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 1851
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: louis-dreyfus-company

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a corporate investor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, with a rich history dating back to 1851. As a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor, LDC operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation. The company is dedicated to ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain for agricultural products, catering primarily to the food and beverage industry. In recent years, LDC has been involved in several notable transactions that reflect its interest in agricultural innovation. For instance, their investment in Benson Hill, which raised $150 million in a Series D funding round, highlights LDC's focus on sustainable food systems and healthier ingredient options. Additionally, their participation in the Series A funding of Grão Direto, which raised over $7.9 million, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. These transactions illustrate LDC's strategic approach to enhancing agricultural practices, making them a relevant player in the agrochemicals landscape.

Agrochemicals Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
EIT Food	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	2016	37
Astanor	Luxembourg	11-50	2017	10
Navus Ventures	Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands	11-50	2013	3
Anterra Capital	Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands	11-50	2013	9
Rockstart	Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands	11-50	2011	16
Future Food Fund	Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands	1-10	2016	5
Edaphon	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	1-10		2
Azelis	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
Waterlemon Ventures	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	1-10	2022	2
Vib	Ghent, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	1995	3
Pmv	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	2001	11
Agri Investment Fund	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	1-10	1890	3
BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	2001	4
Innovation Industries	Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands	11-50	2017	10
Louis Dreyfus Company	Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands	10001+	1851	5

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