The livestock farming industry in DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) plays a crucial role in food production and agriculture. Companies range from large-scale farms to innovative startups focused on sustainable practices, animal welfare, and alternative protein sources. With rising demand for eco-friendly methods and healthier food options, the industry is shifting towards more technology-driven solutions. In this evolving landscape, trends like cultivated meat and regenerative agriculture are gaining traction. Notably, Europe has strict regulations, which can foster innovation but also challenges traditional farming operations, pushing them towards efficiency and environmental consciousness.


This article examines 16 investors funding the livestock farming sector in the DACH region. These investors include venture capital firms, corporations, and private equity groups based in key cities like Munich and Zurich. They range in size from small teams to large corporate entities and have made significant investments in 2024, reflecting their commitment to sustainable food solutions. Founded in various years, these investors focus on technologies and innovations that drive the future of livestock farming.


Top 16 Livestock Farming Investors in DACH


1. 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. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in significant transactions within the livestock farming context, such as multiple funding rounds for Mosa Meat, a company focused on lab-grown meat production. Mosa Meat has raised substantial amounts, including $75 million in a Series B round, aimed at scaling production capabilities and securing regulatory clearances. Additionally, Blue Horizon's investment in SuperMeat, which is developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, further emphasizes their commitment to transforming the livestock sector through sustainable alternatives. Their focus on entrepreneurs in the sustainable food sector positions them as a key player in the evolution of livestock farming.


2. 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 significant global challenges in health and food security. In 2021, Leaps by Bayer participated in the Series B funding round for Amfora, a biotech startup that focuses on enhancing crop yields and sustainability, which can have implications for livestock feed. They also invested in Covercress, a company that develops crops that can improve soil health and provide sustainable feed options. Their investment strategy includes providing funding and active incubation to support innovative solutions in agriculture, making them a relevant player in the livestock farming sector.


3. FoodLabs

  • Website: foodlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-food-labs

FoodLabs is a venture capital firm and food technology incubator based in Berlin, founded in 2016. The firm focuses on supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing both investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and tackle global challenges related to food security and health. Notably, FoodLabs has participated in several relevant transactions, including a $3.5 million seed investment in Meatable, a company specializing in cultured meat, and a $3 million seed investment in Bosque Foods, which is developing mycelium-based whole-cut meat alternatives. These investments highlight FoodLabs' commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the livestock farming context.


4. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has made 9 investments in 2024. While their primary focus is on fintech through their investment in OwnHome, they have also shown a significant interest in the food and agriculture sectors. Notably, Possible Ventures participated in a $1.8 million pre-seed funding round for Number 8 Bio, a company developing proprietary feed aimed at reducing methane emissions in cows, highlighting their commitment to sustainable livestock practices. Additionally, they were involved in a $47 million Series A funding round for Meatable, a cultivated meat startup, which aligns with innovative approaches to meat production. These investments reflect Possible Ventures' engagement with the livestock farming industry, particularly in areas that promote sustainability and innovation.


5. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm invests in innovative companies across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and enhancing product performance. Notable transactions include investments in Arcadia Biosciences, which focuses on developing agricultural technologies that improve crop traits and could potentially impact livestock feed quality. They also invested in Advanced BioNutrition, which may relate to animal nutrition. Their recent acquisition of a stake in Grão Direto, a digital grain trading platform, indicates a strategic move to enhance their agricultural services, which could indirectly support livestock farming through improved feed supply chains. Overall, BASF Venture Capital's investments reflect a commitment to agricultural innovation, which is relevant to the livestock sector.


6. Good Seed Ventures

  • Website: goodseedventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: good-seed-ventures

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in sustainable food solutions, investing in startups and businesses that aim to minimize the environmental impact of food production. Their services include financial support, strategic guidance, and fostering collaboration among industry players to innovate in the food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has participated in several relevant transactions, including a $7 million seed round for Meatable, a company focused on lab-grown meat, and involvement in SuperMeat, which develops lab-grown 'clean chicken' products. These investments highlight their commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the livestock farming context, particularly through innovative technologies that could reshape the industry.


7. 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, focusing on financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production. They provide investment solutions aimed at generating positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Notably, responsAbility has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the livestock farming sector, such as their investment in Sahyadri Farms, which raised approximately $45.9 million in Series B funding in December 2024. This investment highlights their commitment to sustainable food production. Additionally, their participation in funding rounds for Samunnati, a company that supports agricultural value chains, further emphasizes their engagement in the agricultural sector, which may include livestock farming. Their investments aim to promote sustainability and transform lives, aligning with the goals of responsible agricultural practices.


8. Thia Ventures

  • Website: thiaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: thia-ventures

Thia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in early-stage investments at the intersection of food, biotech, and health, aiming to support innovative startups that seek to transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, particularly in the cultivated meat sector. Notable transactions include their investment in Clever Carnivore, a startup producing cultivated pork sausage, and Gourmey, which raised significant funding to develop cultivated meat products. Additionally, Thia Ventures invested in Bond Pet Foods, which focuses on expanding meat protein offerings. These investments highlight their commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the livestock farming industry, particularly through the lens of biotechnology and alternative protein sources.


9. GEA Group

  • Website: gea.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1881
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: geagroup

GEA Group AG is an industrial technology supplier based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in machinery and systems for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Founded in 1881, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of production processes for its business customers. In recent years, GEA Group has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the livestock farming industry, particularly in dairy farming. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Bellucci Orlando e c. S.r.l., a supplier of dairy farming solutions in Italy, and Venture Dairy Services, a dealership serving dairy producers in Devon and Cornwall. Additionally, GEA has acquired South West Dairy Services and Milfos International Group, further expanding its footprint in the dairy technology market. These acquisitions reflect GEA's dedication to supporting dairy farmers and improving their operational capabilities.


10. Seedstars

  • Website: seedstars.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: seedstars

Seedstars is an investment and education company based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and the operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has been involved in transactions relevant to the livestock farming sector, such as Cowtribe, which received funding to expand its delivery infrastructure in Ghana, and AgroCenta, which raised significant amounts in seed funding to enhance agricultural practices. These investments highlight Seedstars' engagement in the agricultural landscape, particularly in areas that intersect with livestock farming.


11. PHW Group


PHW Group, founded in 1932 and based in Visbek, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a corporate investor specializing in poultry production and alternative protein sources. The company offers a diverse range of poultry products and plant-based alternatives, catering to both retail and consumer markets. PHW Group emphasizes sustainability and innovation in food production, aiming to meet the growing demand for diverse and healthy dietary options. Notably, they have been involved in several relevant transactions, including a strategic partnership with SuperMeat, an Israeli start-up focused on lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, and investments in companies like Mosa Meat and Redefine Meat, which are also exploring innovative protein solutions. These activities highlight PHW Group's active role in the livestock farming sector and its commitment to advancing sustainable food production.


12. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance


AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in and supporting startups within the AgriFoodTech sector. The firm aims to promote sustainable technologies in food production, collaborating with innovative businesses to help them develop and scale their solutions. Notable transactions include investments in Greenforce, a foodtech company that raised 13 million euros to expand its product range, and Neggst, which raised €5 million for its vegan egg product. These investments highlight the firm's engagement with food production technologies that could relate to livestock farming, particularly in the context of alternative protein sources. Their involvement with various startups indicates a commitment to advancing agricultural innovation, which may include livestock-related technologies.


13. BayWa AG

  • Website: baywa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 1923
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: baywa

BayWa AG is a diversified corporate investor based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1923. The company operates across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and renewable energy, providing a wide range of products and services to farmers, construction firms, and consumers. In the agricultural sector, BayWa AG has made significant investments that align with livestock farming. Notably, they acquired Cargill Cereale, enhancing their agricultural trade activities, which can include livestock feed and related products. They also participated in funding rounds for companies like Greenforce and Neggst, which, while focused on plant-based products, indicate a broader interest in agricultural innovation. Their acquisition of Cefetra Group further solidifies their role in the agricultural supply chain, which is crucial for livestock farming. Overall, BayWa AG's diverse investments and strategic acquisitions position it as a relevant investor in the livestock farming industry.


14. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In the agricultural sector, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Ware Care Group, which provides Integrated Pest Management services, and BioVision Seed Research Limited, a seed and soil testing laboratory. These acquisitions aim to strengthen SGS's agricultural services, which are crucial for livestock farming. Additionally, their acquisition of NviroCrop, a precision agriculture services company, further demonstrates their commitment to improving agricultural practices that can benefit livestock farming. Overall, SGS's focus on agricultural services positions them as a relevant player in the livestock farming industry.


15. 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, serving both consumers and businesses globally. Notably, Nestlé has made significant investments in the livestock farming sector, including the acquisition of the Carnation Company, a major dairy and foods company, for approximately $3 billion in 1984, marking one of the largest non-oil mergers in history. In 2001, Nestlé acquired Ralston Purina Company, further solidifying its presence in the pet food market, which is closely tied to livestock. Additionally, the acquisition of Waggin’ Train in 2010 highlights Nestlé's focus on pet care products derived from livestock. These transactions reflect Nestlé's strategic interest in sectors that are integral to livestock farming, particularly dairy and pet food production.


16. AlphaMundi Group Ltd


AlphaMundi Group Ltd is an impact investment firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on financing scalable ventures primarily in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as Financial Inclusion and Renewable Energy. Their investment strategy integrates gender analysis to enhance social impact, targeting SMEs seeking growth capital. Notably, AlphaMundi has been involved in significant transactions that support livestock farming and agricultural practices. For instance, their investment in Sistema.bio, which raised $12 million in Series A and $15.6 million in Series B, aims to provide affordable bio-gas equipment to farmers, enhancing their productivity and sustainability. Additionally, their investment in Complete Farmer, which raised $3.4 million in debt financing, further underscores their commitment to supporting agricultural ventures that benefit farmers directly. These transactions highlight AlphaMundi's role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices, making them a relevant investor in the livestock farming sector.



Livestock Farming Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
FoodLabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201611
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
Thia VenturesPlan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020213
GEA GroupNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18811
SeedstarsCarouge, Geneva, Switzerland201-50020126
PHW GroupVisbek, Lower Saxony, Germany5001-1000019321
AgriFoodTech Venture AllianceMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020241
BayWa AGFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19231
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
AlphaMundi Group LtdGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020075


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