The berry farming industry in Europe is vibrant, marked by a variety of players from small farms to large corporations. Companies are focused on cultivating strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, utilizing traditional farming and innovative techniques like vertical farming. Sustainability is crucial, with many farmers adopting eco-friendly practices to meet increasing consumer demand for organic produce. As this sector evolves, it’s seeing growth in technology integration and investment, particularly in areas enhancing yield efficiency. Europe benefits from diverse climates that support year-round berry production which is significant for both local consumption and export markets.


This list showcases the top 16 investors in the European berry farming sector, ranging from venture capital firms to private equity groups. They hail from various cities, including Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Established between 1948 and 2017, these firms vary in size from small teams of under 50 employees to large groups with thousands. Over the past year, these investors reported 57 deals, highlighting their commitment to shaping the future of agriculture. Their portfolio includes key players, dedicated to advancing agrifood technologies in the berry farming industry, demonstrating strong potential for growth moving forward.


Top 16 Berry Farming Investors in Europe


1. 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 Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, providing financial and strategic support to help them grow and adapt to market changes. Their investment portfolio includes significant transactions in the agricultural sector, such as the $1.7 billion raised by Limagrain, a major player in the seed and agricultural production industry, and the $145 million raised by Innatis Group, which focuses on fruit and vegetable production. Additionally, their investment in Compagnie Fruitiere, a company involved in fruit production, further highlights their engagement in sectors related to berry farming. This diverse investment strategy positions Unigrains as a key player in the agro-food industry, making them a relevant investor for berry farming ventures.


2. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout 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 provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to agriculture, such as providing grants to AgroSustain, which raised $2,891,688 for sustainable agricultural solutions, and Arborea, which secured $2,727,876 for its innovative agricultural technologies. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in agricultural practices, which could encompass berry farming.


3. The Yield Lab

  • Website: theyieldlab.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlab

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2014. It specializes in agrifood technology investments, providing early-stage companies with venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Terviva, which focuses on sustainable agriculture, and Ascribe Bioscience, a startup dedicated to environmentally-friendly crop protection solutions. These investments reflect The Yield Lab's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance agricultural practices, potentially including those relevant to berry farming. Their focus on agrifood technology positions them as a valuable player in the agricultural investment landscape.


4. Cibus Capital

  • Website: cibusfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cibus-fund

Cibus Capital LLP is an investment advisory firm based in London, England, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to improve food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients are primarily businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and enhance their operations. Notably, Cibus Capital has invested in AeroFarms, a US indoor farming company that is planning to start growing berries, indicating their interest in the berry farming sector. Additionally, they have made acquisitions in other agricultural areas, such as PSB Producción Vegetal and Duijvestijn Tomaten, which further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing agricultural practices through technology and innovation.


5. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity 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, particularly in sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. IDIA Capital Investissement provides investment management services and strategic guidance to help clients navigate investment complexities and achieve sustainable growth. Notable transactions include investments in Compagnie Fruitiere, which operates in the fruit sector, and Agrial, a cooperative involved in food production, both of which are relevant to the agro-food industry. These investments indicate IDIA's engagement in sectors that could overlap with berry farming, making them a potential player in this market.


6. 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 specializes in biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle major global challenges in health and food security. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in several funding rounds for Pairwise Plants, a company dedicated to developing genetically enhanced fresh produce, including berries, using CRISPR technology. They were involved in Pairwise's Series A, B, and C funding rounds, showcasing their commitment to innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, their investment in NuCicer, which focuses on scaling production of chickpea varieties, reflects their broader interest in agri-food technology that could have implications for various crops, including berries. By providing funding and active incubation, Leaps by Bayer supports the development of innovative solutions in agriculture, making them a relevant player in the berry farming sector.


7. 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 through tailored financial solutions and guidance. In recent years, Almi has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to supporting innovative agricultural practices. For instance, it provided financial support to Grönska, a startup focused on indoor vertical farming, which could potentially include berry cultivation in its operations. Additionally, Almi participated in funding rounds for Nordic SeaFarm, a company aiming to produce plant-based crops, which may align with sustainable agricultural practices relevant to berry farming. These transactions reflect Almi's broader interest in the agricultural sector, making it a potential investor for berry farming initiatives.


8. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a focus on mutuality and social responsibility. In recent years, Crédit Agricole has been active in funding agricultural startups, such as Les Nouvelles Fermes and La Ferme Intégrale, which are focused on innovative farming practices like aquaponics. Additionally, their investment in Omie & Cie, a sustainable food startup, highlights their commitment to supporting agricultural partnerships and sustainable food production. These activities suggest that Crédit Agricole is engaged in the agricultural sector, which may include berry farming as part of its broader investment strategy.


9. 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 focus on supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including significant investments in Infarm, a Berlin-based startup that has raised substantial funding to expand its global farming network, which may include berry production through vertical farming techniques. Additionally, they invested in Smallhold, which raised $25 million to support its mission of providing local, sustainable farming solutions. These investments reflect Astanor's commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture, including potential applications in berry farming.


10. Grosvenor

  • Website: grosvenor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1677
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: grosvenor

Grosvenor Group Limited is a corporate investor based in London, England, with a rich history dating back to 1677. The firm specializes in property development and investment, with a diverse portfolio that includes urban property, food and agtech, and rural estate management. Grosvenor is dedicated to creating sustainable communities and enhancing customer wellbeing through its various services. Notably, they have invested in AeroFarms, a US indoor farming company that is expanding its operations to include berry cultivation. This investment reflects Grosvenor's interest in innovative agricultural practices and their commitment to supporting the growth of sustainable food sources. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for AeroFarms, which has plans to supply berries, indicating their active role in the berry farming sector.


11. Demeter

  • Website: demeter-im.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: demet

Demeter is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investments aimed at energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and projects that promote sustainable development. Notably, Demeter has invested in Kapsera, a French Agtech startup that raised €700K in a seed round to develop bioinputs for agriculture, which can be particularly beneficial for berry farming. Additionally, they invested in Viti-Tunnel, which raised $2,181,451 in a seed round, indicating their interest in agricultural innovations. These transactions highlight Demeter's active role in the agricultural sector, particularly in technologies that can enhance sustainability and efficiency in farming practices.


12. CREADEV - Creating for People

  • Website: creadev.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: creadev-investissements

CREADEV - Creating for People is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2002. The firm partners with sustainable leaders across various sectors, including food, healthcare, and sustainable consumption, providing growth equity funding and support to innovative entrepreneurs. Notable transactions include their participation in Victory Farms, a Kenyan agritech company that raised $35 million in Series B funding to expand operations in East Africa. This investment reflects CREADEV's commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovation in food production. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Gotham Greens and The Jackfruit Company, which, while not directly related to berry farming, demonstrate their engagement in the broader food industry and sustainable practices.


13. responsAbility Investments AG


ResponsAbility Investments AG is an impact investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in managing investments in emerging markets, with a strong focus on financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production. They aim to generate positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Notable transactions include their investment in Sahyadri Farms, which raised $45.9 million in Series B funding in December 2024, and their participation in the funding rounds for Samunnati, a company that enables agricultural value chains. These investments highlight responsAbility's commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices, which may encompass berry farming as part of their broader agricultural focus.


14. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, they have been involved in transactions with companies relevant to the berry farming industry, such as La Fraiseraie, which raised funds in 2015 and is recognized for its berry products. Other transactions include investments in Sill Entreprises and Domaine Tariquet, which, while not directly related to berry farming, indicate a diverse portfolio that includes agricultural interests. Their clientele consists of business leaders seeking to enhance operations and navigate market challenges, making them a valuable partner for companies in the berry farming sector.


15. 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 family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, providing both capital and strategic advisory services to foster growth and sustainability. NPM Capital operates across various sectors, including technology, education, and agriculture. Notably, they have made significant investments in the agricultural sector, such as acquiring a stake in Agro Care, Europe's largest tomato producer, which highlights their engagement in the agricultural industry. Additionally, their investment in KUBO, a high-tech horticultural greenhouse developer, underscores their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. These transactions reflect NPM Capital's strategic focus on enhancing the capabilities and growth potential of its portfolio companies in the agricultural domain.


16. 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 specializes in empowering early-stage founders across sectors such as AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology. Rockstart provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. Their business model emphasizes supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs to drive positive change. Notably, Rockstart has been involved in various transactions, including investments in Nanomik Biotechnology, which focuses on biotechnology solutions that could have applications in agriculture, and Nordetect, which develops technology for water quality monitoring and soil health—critical factors in berry farming. These transactions indicate Rockstart's engagement in sectors that could intersect with berry farming, making them a potentially relevant investor in this field.



Berry Farming Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
GrosvenorLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100016775
DemeterParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200511
CREADEV - Creating for PeopleParis, Île-De-France, France11-5020022
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116


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