The environmental biotechnology industry in Europe focuses on using biological processes to develop sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. Companies in this field range from startups to established firms, working on innovative methods like waste-to-energy, bioremediation, and biofuels. The industry is gaining momentum as governmental policies incentivize greener practices, reflecting an increasing demand for eco-friendly technologies. Notably, the European Commission has set ambitious climate goals, paving the way for accelerated growth in this sector. Innovations are not only reducing carbon footprints but also fostering circular economies, indicating a promising trajectory for firms committed to a sustainable future.


The investors listed in this article vary in type, ranging from venture capital firms to public entities, all primarily situated across key European cities. These investors, founded between 1991 and 2017, embrace different strategies, with many focusing on supporting early-stage companies. In 2024, these investors collectively made nearly 500 deals, indicating robust activity in the environmental biotechnology sector. Notably, larger firms, like Scottish Enterprise and European Investment Bank, are significantly driving investment amounts, while emerging firms such as Katapult provide personalized support to startups. Their diverse approaches contribute to evolving innovation in the sector.


Top 17 Environmental Biotechnology Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across 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 also 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 environmental biotechnology, such as funding Deep Branch Biotechnology with £2.2 million to scale up sustainable protein production for animal feed, and supporting UVera with over $2.9 million to create a pilot bioproduction plant for environmentally safe sunscreen derived from cyanobacteria. These investments highlight the EIC's role in promoting sustainable and innovative solutions within the biotechnology landscape.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the environmental biotechnology sector, such as providing funding to Global Bioenergies for its isobutene plant, which is part of the France 2030 plan. This project received substantial government funding, highlighting Bpifrance's role in supporting sustainable and innovative technologies. Additionally, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for other companies like AFYREN, which focuses on sustainable bioprocesses, further emphasizing its commitment to the environmental biotechnology industry.


3. Novo Holdings

  • Website: novoholdings.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In recent years, Novo Holdings has actively participated in the environmental biotechnology sector, making notable investments in companies such as LanzaTech, which focuses on carbon capture and utilization, and Genomatica, known for its sustainable bioprocesses. They also invested in Biomason, a company that produces sustainable building materials using biotechnology, and Biosyntia, which is pioneering the production of biobased vitamins. These transactions demonstrate Novo Holdings' commitment to supporting innovative companies that contribute to environmental sustainability through biotechnology.


4. 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. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the environmental biotechnology sector, including Celtic Renewables, which raised over $7 million in two rounds of equity crowdfunding in 2020 and 2021, focusing on sustainable biofuel production. Additionally, Seafields Solutions raised nearly $700,000 in 2023, working on innovative solutions for ocean health. Other relevant transactions include Oxi-Tech Solutions Ltd and Earthly, both of which are engaged in environmentally focused initiatives, further demonstrating Crowdcube's role in supporting the environmental biotechnology landscape.


5. Sofinnova Partners


Sofinnova Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in life sciences investments, particularly in the biopharma and medtech sectors, while also emphasizing sustainability in healthcare. Sofinnova Partners has been actively involved in funding innovative startups that contribute to scientific advancements. Among their notable transactions in the environmental biotechnology context are their investments in Green Biologics, where they led a £15.4m Series B funding round and participated in a $42m Series C round, supporting the development of sustainable chemical production. Additionally, they have invested in EnginZyme, a company focused on cell-free synthetic biology, participating in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, which aim to accelerate the development of environmentally friendly biotechnological processes. These investments reflect Sofinnova Partners' commitment to fostering innovation in the environmental biotechnology sector.


6. 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, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, 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 align with environmental biotechnology, including investments in Swedish Algae Factory, which focuses on sustainable algae production, and C-Green, a company that develops innovative waste management solutions. Almi's participation in these funding rounds demonstrates its commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable technologies and businesses, making it a significant player in the environmental biotechnology investment landscape.


7. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, it provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. The organization primarily serves businesses aiming to grow and enhance their operations, playing a vital role in shaping Scotland's economic landscape. In recent years, Scottish Enterprise has made significant investments in the environmental biotechnology sector, including a £1M funding round for Carbogenics, a developer of green energy technology, and participation in funding for CuanTec, a company creating biodegradable food wraps from waste shells. Additionally, they have supported Solasta Bio, which focuses on sustainable food production. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to promoting environmentally friendly technologies and innovations.


8. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. With a focus on early-stage startups, Agoranov has been involved in various innovative sectors. Among their notable transactions, they have supported Neoplants, which aims to develop plant-based solutions for environmental challenges, and Fairbrics, which is focused on sustainable materials. These transactions highlight Agoranov's commitment to fostering innovation in the environmental biotechnology space, alongside their broader investment activities.


9. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. With a focus on promoting growth and job creation, the EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that align with sustainability goals. Among its notable transactions, the EIB provided a R900 million grant to Cape Bio Pharms to fast-track the production of affordable plant-based rapid diagnostic COVID-19 test kits, facilitating the construction of a new facility in Mauritius. This project not only addresses health needs but also incorporates environmental biotechnology by utilizing plant-based proteins. Additionally, the EIB has engaged in various debt transactions with companies like Greenlight Biosciences and Umicore, which are involved in biotechnology and sustainable materials, further emphasizing its commitment to supporting innovative and environmentally friendly technologies.


10. BloombergNEF

  • Website: about.bnef.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: bloombergnef

BloombergNEF is a corporate research firm based in London, specializing in the energy and commodity markets. Founded in 2004, they provide strategic insights and analysis to help businesses navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Their offerings include comprehensive research reports, summits, and a pioneering program that identifies innovative technologies for decarbonization. Notably, BloombergNEF has been involved in several grant transactions with companies in the environmental biotechnology sector, such as Genomatica, Green Biologics, Cemvita, Pivot Bio, and Renmatix. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting advancements in sustainable technologies and practices, reinforcing their relevance in the environmental biotechnology landscape.


11. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They specialize in supporting tech startups that tackle global challenges through investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship. Katapult has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to environmental biotechnology, including Carbonwave, which raised $5M to produce sustainable cosmetics emulsifiers, and Ecospears, which focuses on environmental cleanup technologies. They also participated in the funding of BioFeyn, a startup working on biotechnological solutions, and UMAMI Bioworks, which is developing cultivated seafood to promote sustainable food production. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to fostering innovation in sectors that contribute to environmental sustainability and biotechnology.


12. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, providing training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in several transactions that highlight its focus on environmental biotechnology. For instance, they participated in funding rounds for Swedish Algae Factory, which is engaged in algae cultivation for sustainable energy solutions, and FineCell, a company developing cellulose-based materials. These investments reflect InnoEnergy's commitment to fostering innovations that contribute to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.


13. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400 million in assets and focus on impact-led investments that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their investment strategy includes supporting high-growth companies across various sectors, including environmental biotechnology. Notable transactions include investments in HydRegen, a biotechnology company focused on clean technologies, and Solasta Bio, which is involved in innovative biotechnological solutions. These investments highlight Future Planet Capital's commitment to fostering companies that address pressing environmental challenges through biotechnology.


14. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, with a history dating back to 1907. While primarily recognized for its operations in the energy and chemicals sectors, Shell has increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental technologies. In 2024, Shell participated in a Series A funding round for Avnos, a company working on advanced energy solutions, and previously invested in RepAir, an Israeli startup dedicated to carbon removal technologies. Additionally, Shell led a Series C funding round for Virent Energy Systems, which is developing innovative biofuel production methods. These transactions highlight Shell's strategic shift towards supporting environmental biotechnology initiatives, positioning them as a significant player in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.


15. Seventure Partners

  • Website: seventure.fr
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies primarily in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. They focus on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Among their notable transactions, Seventure has invested in Global Bioenergies, which raised over $30 million in post-IPO equity, and METabolic EXplorer, which has received multiple rounds of funding, including a Series C round of over $6 million. These companies are engaged in developing sustainable biotechnological solutions, highlighting Seventure's involvement in the environmental biotechnology space. Additionally, their recent investment in Allozymes, which raised $15 million in Series A funding, further emphasizes their interest in innovative biotechnological advancements that can have environmental benefits.


16. 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, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Among their notable transactions, BGF has invested in Arborea, which focuses on scaling technology for sustainable food production, and MoA Technology, which develops crop protection products aimed at enhancing food security and resilience against weed resistance. Additionally, BGF's investment in Puraffinity, a company dedicated to environmental remediation, highlights their commitment to supporting innovations that have a positive environmental impact. In 2024, BGF also participated in funding rounds for Descycle, further emphasizing their engagement in the environmental biotechnology space.


17. M Ventures

  • Website: m-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: merck-ventures

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm invests in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, focusing on supporting startups in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. M Ventures provides funding and strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs achieve commercial success and drive innovation in their portfolio companies. Notably, M Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Mosa Meat, which raised substantial amounts in Series A and Series B rounds, focusing on sustainable meat production. This involvement highlights M Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions that can positively impact the environment, particularly in the biotechnology space.



Environmental Biotechnology Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BloombergNEFLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020040
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
Seventure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199721
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918


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