The burger fast food industry in Europe is a vibrant sector characterized by a mix of traditional chains and innovative newcomers. Major players offer a range of items from classic beef burgers to plant-based options, catering to changing consumer preferences and health trends. The market is steadily evolving, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and quality ingredients. Fast casual dining is also gaining popularity, blending the speed of fast food with a more curated dining experience. With new brands embracing technology for delivery and personalization, the industry looks set for exciting growth.


The investors in this list represent a mix of corporate entities, venture capitalists, and private equity firms, predominantly based in the UK, France, and Switzerland. Founded between 1985 and 2017, these investors range from small firms with under 10 employees to large corporations employing thousands. In 2024, they completed a total of 125 deals across various food-related businesses, indicating a strong interest in the burger fast food sector, driven by changing consumer tastes and the rise of new food concepts.


Top 16 Burger Fast Food Investors in Europe


1. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. In 2023, Crowdcube was involved in significant transactions within the burger fast food sector, including Honest Burgers, which raised $3,543,304 on September 5, 2023, and PNY BURGER, which raised $476,825 on December 2, 2023. Additionally, they supported VEGAN SHACK, which raised $247,607 on June 2, 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active participation in the burger fast food industry, alongside their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within their workforce and providing investment management services to clients.


2. 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, specializing 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. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in companies like The Vurger Co., which focuses on plant-based burgers, and Impossible Foods, known for its meat alternatives that appeal to burger lovers. Additionally, they have backed Alpha Foods, which offers plant-based chicken products, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable and innovative food solutions. Their investments reflect a dedication to supporting entrepreneurs who are creating impactful change in the food industry, particularly in the burger fast food context.


3. 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 investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant acquisitions in the fast food sector, including QSR Brands, a major player in the quick-service restaurant industry, and TelePizza, a well-known pizza chain with 800 units across Europe. These transactions highlight CVC's active role in the burger fast food market, showcasing their capability to enhance and expand food service brands.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Taster, which raised $1,000,000 in a Pre-Seed round in September 2017. Taster is known for its focus on delivering high-quality meals, including burgers, through a cloud kitchen model. This investment highlights Kima Ventures' engagement in the food industry, particularly in the fast food segment. Other transactions include investments in companies like Popchef and Fraiche, which also operate in the food sector, further demonstrating their interest in food-related startups.


5. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services to help businesses scale. Notably, BGF has invested in Barburrito, a fast-casual dining chain, providing £3.6 million in 2014 to support its expansion. They also participated in an earlier funding round for Barburrito in 2012. Additionally, BGF has invested in Mission Mars, a company that operates bars and pizza restaurants, indicating their involvement in the broader food and beverage sector. Their investment in Dublin Meat Company further showcases their interest in food production, although not directly related to burgers. Overall, BGF's portfolio reflects a diverse interest in the food industry, including fast-casual dining, but not exclusively in the burger segment.


6. Gibbons

  • Website: just-eat.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Borehamwood, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: gibbons

Gibbons, founded in 2016 and based in Borehamwood, England, operates Just Eat, a prominent food delivery service that connects consumers with a wide range of local restaurants. The platform allows users to order various food items online, catering to the growing demand for convenient meal solutions. In recent years, Just Eat has made significant acquisitions to enhance its service offerings, including the acquisition of several top London food spots, such as Gordon Ramsay's collection of restaurants, which likely includes burger establishments. Additionally, Just Eat acquired City Pantry, a corporate catering marketplace, to expand its market reach. These transactions reflect Just Eat's commitment to diversifying its restaurant partnerships, including those in the burger fast food sector, thereby positioning Gibbons as a relevant player in this industry.


7. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group has acquired Pacific Bells and World Wide Wings, both of which are involved in the fast food sector. These acquisitions highlight their engagement in the burger fast food industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio that includes retail and infrastructure assets.


8. M Capital

  • Website: mcapital.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Toulouse, Occitanie, France
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: midi-capital

M Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Toulouse, Occitanie, France, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private debt, focusing on responsible investment strategies that align with economic, environmental, and social values. M Capital caters to a diverse clientele, including private investors, institutional clients, and public organizations. Notably, M Capital has made significant investments in the burger fast food sector, including a seed round investment in Les Burgers de Papa in January 2015 and a venture round investment in Tommy's Diner in September 2013. These transactions highlight M Capital's commitment to the burger fast food industry, alongside their broader investment strategy that aims to create value through impactful investments and enhance investor knowledge through training services.


9. 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 strategies. Notably, they have invested in several food service companies, including La Croissanterie, which raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in 2017, and La Mie Câline, which raised approximately $16.8 million in 2008. Additionally, they have invested in La Pizza de Manosque, which raised over $2.5 million in 2018. These transactions highlight their engagement in the food industry, particularly in businesses that could be associated with the fast food sector, making them a relevant player in this market.


10. Just Eat


Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V. is a leading global online food delivery marketplace based in London, England, that connects consumers with over 699,000 restaurant partners across 19 countries. Founded in 2000, the company has made several significant acquisitions to enhance its market position. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Grubhub for $7.3 billion, which significantly expanded Just Eat's presence in the U.S. market, a region rich in burger fast food options. Other acquisitions, such as Lieferando and 10bis, have also contributed to their extensive network of food delivery services. Just Eat's platform caters to both individual consumers and businesses, making it a key player in the food delivery industry, including the burger fast food segment.


11. Orkla ASA

  • Website: orkla.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: orkla-asa

Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. The company operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, including food, snacks, health, and personal care items, catering to both consumers and businesses. Notably, Orkla has made significant strides in the foodservice sector through various acquisitions. In 2018, they announced the acquisition of Kotipizza Group, a prominent Finnish restaurant chain, for approximately €146.1 million, enhancing their presence in the Finnish restaurant market. Additionally, in 2021, Orkla acquired an 80% stake in Seagood Oy Fort Deli, a Finnish foodservice company, further solidifying their strategy to invest in foodservice and out-of-home markets. These transactions highlight Orkla's commitment to expanding its footprint in the fast food and restaurant industry, particularly in the burger segment.


12. Groupe Bertrand


Groupe Bertrand is a prominent hospitality and restaurant company based in Levallois-Perret, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1997. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company operates a diverse range of dining establishments, luxury hotels, and event catering services, focusing on high-quality experiences in the French hospitality sector. Notably, Groupe Bertrand has made significant strides in the fast food industry by acquiring Quick, a major player in the burger fast food market, in September 2015. This acquisition has allowed them to expand their footprint in the fast food sector. Additionally, in January 2023, they acquired Pitaya, a street food brand, further diversifying their portfolio in the food industry. Their commitment to human values and sustainability complements their strategic investments, including the acquisition of Frères Blanc in December 2023, which enhances their overall restaurant offerings.


13. Piper

  • Website: piper.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: piper-private-equity

Piper is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 1985. They specialize in building and growing consumer brands, providing strategic investment and support to entrepreneurs in navigating challenges related to brand development and market positioning. Piper is committed to sustainability and inclusion, partnering with a diverse range of brands to foster growth and innovation in the consumer goods sector. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Turtle Bay, a Caribbean restaurant chain, and Loungers, a café bar chain that likely includes burger offerings. Additionally, they have invested in Flat Iron, a steakhouse that may also serve burgers, and Old Hickory Smokehouse, which focuses on smoked meats. These investments highlight Piper's active role in the food and beverage industry, particularly in segments that overlap with burger fast food.


14. TriSpan

  • Website: trispanllp.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: trispan-corp

TriSpan is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in lower middle market investments. Founded in 2015, the firm provides capital and operational support to businesses across various sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing. TriSpan partners with entrepreneurial owners to enhance business value and achieve growth, leveraging its extensive experience and network. Notably, TriSpan has made investments in the food sector, including Thunderbird Fried Chicken, which raised funds in January 2019, indicating their engagement in the fast food industry. Additionally, they have acquired other restaurant chains such as Pho, Mowgli Street Food, and Rosa Mexicano, showcasing their active role in the broader restaurant market, which includes fast food concepts.


15. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made several investments in the food and restaurant sector, including a $10 million investment in Giraffe, a casual dining restaurant chain, and a venture round for Las Iguanas, a Latin American restaurant chain. These transactions highlight 3i's engagement in the food industry, which includes fast food and casual dining, making them a relevant player in the burger fast food investment landscape.


16. 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, with a focus on long-term investments and sustainable value creation. JAB has made significant acquisitions in the food and beverage sector, including Panera Bread, which it acquired for over $7 billion in 2017, and the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group for $347 million in 2014. Additionally, JAB acquired Krispy Kreme for $1.35 billion in 2016, further demonstrating its commitment to the food industry. The firm's diverse portfolio also includes investments in coffee and fast casual dining, making it a key player in the fast food landscape.



Burger Fast Food Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
GibbonsBorehamwood, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020160
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
M CapitalToulouse, Occitanie, France51-20020021
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Just EatLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000020000
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
Groupe BertrandLevallois-Perret, Île-De-France, France10001+19970
PiperLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019852
TriSpanLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020151
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Jab Holding Company LLCAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+20071


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