The poultry feed industry in the DACH region plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable food sources. It comprises companies that produce nutritious feed tailored for poultry, including broilers, layers, and breeders. This sector is responding to increasing consumer demand for healthy protein and environmental concerns by innovating in feed formulations, utilizing alternative ingredients like insects and legumes. Companies focus on enhancing feed efficiency and sustainability, crucial for reducing the ecological footprint of poultry production. As the industry adapts to market trends, expect growth in partnerships and investments aimed at integrating advanced technology and sustainability into poultry feed production.


The investors in our listing showcase a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms, primarily based in Germany and Switzerland. Their sizes vary from small boutique firms to large corporations, like BASF and Bayer, which wield significant resources. Founded between 1863 and 2024, these entities have collectively initiated numerous investments in 2024, focusing on innovative agricultural solutions. Their portfolios reflect a commitment to advancing poultry feed technology, as they support companies exploring sustainable practices and enhancing productivity in poultry farming.


Top 16 Poultry Feed 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 participated in several relevant transactions, including a seed investment in SuperMeat, an Israeli start-up developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, which highlights their engagement in the poultry sector. They also invested in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company focused on chickpea varieties with higher protein content, which could have implications for poultry feed. Other investments include companies like Wild Earth and No Evil Foods, which, while not directly related to poultry feed, reflect their commitment to sustainable food alternatives.


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 aim to achieve scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. The firm provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in several transactions relevant to the poultry feed industry, such as their investment in NuCicer, which focuses on chickpea varieties that offer 75% higher protein content, potentially benefiting poultry feed formulations. They also invested in Amfora, a biotech startup, which may contribute to advancements in agricultural practices that could impact feed production. Overall, their portfolio reflects a commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and food security, which is crucial for the poultry sector.


3. 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 a corporate investor that is part of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm invests in innovative companies across various industries, including agriculture, where it seeks to enhance product performance and sustainability. Notable transactions include investments in Arcadia Biosciences, which focuses on developing agricultural products with improved traits, potentially applicable to poultry feed. Additionally, BASF has invested in Advanced BioNutrition, which raised funds to develop nutritional products, further indicating their interest in agricultural innovations that could benefit the poultry sector. Their recent acquisition of a stake in Grão Direto, a digital grain trading platform, also highlights their commitment to enhancing agricultural supply chains, which is crucial for the poultry feed industry.


4. 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 focuses on sustainable food solutions, investing in startups and businesses that aim to reduce 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 funding rounds for companies like SuperMeat, which is developing lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, indicating their interest in the poultry sector. They have also invested in other innovative food startups such as Illucens, Meatable, and Libre Foods, which are exploring alternative protein sources and sustainable food production methods. This portfolio reflects their commitment to supporting advancements in food technology that could influence the poultry industry.


5. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals, along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas. Notably, Brenntag has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the food ingredients sector, such as the acquisition of JM Swank Co. in June 2021 for USD 304 million, which is expected to double their size in the Nutrition business in North America. This acquisition positions Brenntag as a leading distributor in the region with approximately USD 1 billion in revenue, indicating their commitment to the food sector, which encompasses poultry feed ingredients.


6. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. It focuses on sustainable investments in the bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF operates primarily within the EU and supports innovations across various sectors, including agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has invested in In Ovo, a Dutch AgTech company that raised €34 million in a Series B funding round, which aims to enhance sustainable practices in the poultry industry. This investment highlights ECBF's commitment to supporting advancements in poultry feed and related technologies. Additionally, they have invested in other agricultural technology companies, further solidifying their role in the bioeconomy and agricultural sectors.


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 investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a majority stake in Rovensa, a Portuguese producer of agricultural products, for €1 billion in July 2020. This company generates significant annual revenue and operates in over 70 countries, indicating a substantial footprint in the agricultural sector. Additionally, they have made investments in other food-related companies, such as Hortifruti, a Brazilian food retailer, which further demonstrates their engagement in the food supply chain. These transactions highlight Partners Group's active role in sectors that are relevant to poultry feed production.


8. 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 quality products and services to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. In the agricultural sector, BayWa has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its operations, such as the acquisition of Cargill Cereale, which expanded its agricultural trade activities in Romania. They also acquired Cefetra Group for €125 million, a trading house that manages agricultural commodities, further solidifying their presence in the agricultural supply chain. Additionally, BayWa participated in funding rounds for innovative agricultural companies like Neggst, which focuses on vegan egg alternatives, and AgroSustain, which develops biological antifungal solutions. These transactions highlight BayWa's commitment to advancing agricultural practices, including those related to poultry feed.


9. 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 collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Notable transactions include their participation in the funding rounds of companies like Neggst, which is developing vegan egg alternatives, and AgroSustain, which focuses on biological antifungal solutions. While these companies do not directly relate to poultry feed, their innovative approaches to food production and sustainability reflect the kind of forward-thinking investments that could impact the poultry feed industry. The firm aims to support startups seeking investment and expertise to develop and scale their solutions, positioning them as a potential contributor to advancements in poultry feed technologies.


10. 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 transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes diverse companies, such as Bond Pet Foods, which focuses on expanding meat protein portfolios, and Clever Carnivore, a biotech startup producing cultivated pork sausage. Notably, Thia Ventures has invested in Protealis, a leading innovator in seed solutions for sustainable plant proteins, which is relevant to the poultry feed industry as it seeks to enhance crop products that could be used in animal feed. Their involvement in these transactions indicates a commitment to sustainable food production and innovation, aligning with the needs of the poultry feed sector.


11. Bayer

  • Website: bayer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1863
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bayer

Bayer AG is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in Leverkusen, Germany, with a strong presence in both healthcare and agriculture. Founded in 1863, Bayer has evolved to provide innovative solutions across various sectors. In the agricultural domain, Bayer CropScience plays a crucial role in enhancing crop production and pest management. Notable transactions include the acquisition of AgraQuest, Inc. for approximately $425 million in 2012, which aimed to strengthen their position in biological pest management, a key aspect of agricultural productivity. Additionally, Bayer's acquisition of proPlant Gesellschaft für Agrar- und Umweltinformatik in 2016 further demonstrates their commitment to agricultural innovation. These activities highlight Bayer's strategic focus on improving agricultural practices, which can benefit the poultry feed industry by ensuring better crop yields and pest control.


12. 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 engaged in strategic partnerships, such as with SuperMeat, an Israeli start-up focused on lab-grown 'clean chicken' products, showcasing their interest in innovative poultry solutions. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Kynda and Mosa Meat, further indicating their active role in the poultry and alternative protein sectors.


13. Evonik Methionine SEA Pte Ltd


Evonik Methionine SEA Pte Ltd is a corporate investor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and is a subsidiary of Evonik Industries, a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer. Founded in 2007, Evonik focuses on providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including health care, animal nutrition, and performance materials. The company emphasizes sustainability and product performance, serving businesses in pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Although Evonik Methionine SEA Pte Ltd has not made any investments in 2024, its parent company has been active in acquiring businesses that enhance its portfolio. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Evonik Silco Materials LLC, which strengthens their silica portfolio, and the acquisition of Porocel International for $210 million, which enhances their catalyst business. While these transactions are not directly related to poultry feed, Evonik's commitment to animal nutrition positions them as a relevant player in the poultry feed industry.


14. Linamar Europe

  • Website: linamar.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Plettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: linamar-europe

Linamar Europe is an advanced manufacturing company based in Plettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in precision-engineered components and systems for the automotive, agricultural, and medical device industries. Founded in 1966, Linamar has established a global presence with a strong focus on innovation. In recent years, Linamar has made significant strides in the agricultural sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, the acquisition of Bourgault Industries in December 2023 for approximately $479 million enhances Linamar's agricultural capabilities, particularly in seeding technologies. Additionally, the acquisition of Salford Group for CAD $260 million in 2022 further solidifies Linamar's commitment to diversifying into agriculture. These transactions indicate Linamar's intent to expand its influence in agricultural technologies, which may encompass poultry feed production and related services.


15. Glencore

  • Website: glencore.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: glencore

Glencore plc is a multinational commodity trading and mining company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1978. The company operates across various sectors, including metals, minerals, and energy, supplying essential commodities such as copper, cobalt, and oil. Glencore is committed to responsible sourcing and sustainability in its operations. Notably, Glencore Agri, a subsidiary of Glencore, has made significant strides in the agricultural sector, including the acquisition of ILTA Grain in 2019, which enhances its involvement in grain handling and storage. This acquisition is particularly relevant to the poultry feed industry, as grains are a primary ingredient in poultry feed. Additionally, Glencore's acquisition of Biopetrol Industries and Astron Botswana reflects its broader investment strategy, although these transactions are less directly related to poultry feed. Overall, Glencore's activities in the agricultural sector position it as a relevant player in the poultry feed market.


16. Fly Ventures

  • Website: fly.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: fly-ventures

Fly Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies across Europe, with a strong emphasis on supporting technical founders who tackle complex challenges. Fly Ventures provides both capital and strategic guidance to help startups thrive in competitive markets. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Better Origin, a company that leverages insect farming technology, raising $3 million in a seed round in February 2021 and $16 million in a Series A round in April 2022. This involvement in insect farming is particularly relevant to the poultry feed industry, as insects are increasingly recognized as a sustainable protein source for poultry and other livestock. Additionally, Fly Ventures has invested in other technology-driven companies, such as Pyka, which focuses on autonomous crop-spraying drones, indicating a broader interest in agricultural technology.



Poultry Feed Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
BayWa AGFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19231
AgriFoodTech Venture AllianceMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020241
Thia VenturesPlan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020213
BayerLeverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18632
PHW GroupVisbek, Lower Saxony, Germany5001-1000019321
Evonik Methionine SEA Pte LtdEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5020070
Linamar EuropePlettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500019660
GlencoreBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19783
Fly VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020162


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