The fish processing industry in the Nordics is a vital sector dedicated to transforming raw fish products into value-added offerings ranging from fillets to frozen seafood. This industry features companies specializing in various processing techniques, including freezing, smoking, and canning, aiming to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable and healthy seafood options. Nordic nations, rich in marine resources, invest significantly in innovative practices that enhance sustainability and reduce waste. With increasing emphasis on eco-friendly production and technology integration, the industry is poised for growth, targeting both regional and international markets while tapping into trends like plant-based alternatives and clean-label products.


The investment scene in the Nordics features a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors, all aiming for growth in diverse sectors. These investors range in size from small firms with a handful of employees to large corporations with thousands on their staff. Established from 1983 to 2017, they have collectively made 81 investments in 2024, signaling a robust interest in fish processing. Each firm contributes its unique expertise and resources to foster innovation within the industry, underscoring the commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology across the Nordic countries.


Top 17 Fish Processing Investors in the Nordics


1. 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, particularly in climate-tech and ocean-tech sectors. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the fish processing industry, including investments in UMAMI Bioworks, which focuses on cultivated seafood, and Hooked Foods, a company developing plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments reflect Katapult's commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the seafood sector, making them a significant player in the fish processing investment landscape.


2. 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 by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the fish processing sector, including investments in Gårdsfisk, which raised $1,231,100 in a venture round in 2018, and Big Akwa, a Swedish land-based trout producer that has secured multiple rounds of funding, including a recent investment of 4.75 million SEK in May 2023. Additionally, Almi has supported Ostrea Aquaculture in a venture round in 2016. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to fostering growth in the fish processing industry.


3. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Findus Sverige in 2000, a significant player in the frozen food market, which includes fish products. This acquisition highlights EQT's involvement in the fish processing industry. Additionally, EQT has made various investments across different sectors, showcasing their broad investment strategy while maintaining a notable presence in the food sector through companies like Findus.


4. 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. Notably, Orkla has made significant strides in the fish processing industry, particularly through its acquisition of Vesterålen Marine Olje AS, where it acquired 95% of the shares. This company specializes in producing residual raw materials from white fish, which supports Orkla's health and sustainability initiatives, especially for its Möller’s Tran cod liver oil brand. This acquisition reflects Orkla's commitment to enhancing its product offerings in the food sector, particularly in health-oriented products derived from fish. Additionally, Orkla has made other acquisitions in the food industry, such as Arne B. Corneliussen and Hamé, which further solidify its position in the broader food market.


5. AKVA group

  • Website: akvagroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Norway
  • Founded year: 1974
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: akva-group-asa

AKVA group is a corporate investor based in Norway, specializing in aquaculture technology and services since its founding in 1974. The company provides comprehensive solutions for both sea-based and land-based fish farming, including infrastructure, feeding systems, and advisory services aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency for fish farmers. In 2023, AKVA group acquired a 51% majority stake in Submerged AS, an aquaculture technology firm, with plans to enhance its digital offerings in precision fish farming. This acquisition is strategically important as it aligns with the growing demand for advanced technology in fish farming, which is crucial for the fish processing industry. Additionally, in 2020, AKVA signed an agreement to acquire at least 70% of Newfoundland Aqua Service, a leading supplier of fish farming services in Canada, further expanding its footprint in the fish farming sector. These transactions highlight AKVA group's commitment to supporting and advancing the aquaculture industry, making it a relevant player in the fish processing investment landscape.


6. Altor Equity Partners

  • Website: altor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has a diverse portfolio, with notable transactions in the fish processing industry, including the acquisition of EWOS from Cermaq ASA, which is a significant player in fish feed production. They also acquired a majority interest in Haarslev Industries, a company involved in food processing technology, and invested in Meyn Food Processing Technology, which provides solutions for the food processing sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Nova Austral, an aquaculture company, further highlights their commitment to the fish processing industry.


7. Marel

  • Website: marel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Garðabær, Garðabær, Iceland
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: marel

Marel is a leading food processing equipment manufacturer based in Garðabær, Iceland, specializing in advanced solutions for the poultry, meat, fish, and prepared foods industries. Founded in 1983, Marel has established itself as a key player in the food processing sector, providing a range of products including processing machinery, software solutions, and maintenance services. The company aims to improve efficiency and product quality for its customers through automation and innovative technology. Notably, Marel has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the fish processing market, including a 50 percent stake in Curio, a whitefish processing equipment manufacturer, which was announced on October 26, 2019. This acquisition highlights Marel's dedication to expanding its footprint in the fish processing industry. Additionally, Marel's acquisition of Wenger Manufacturing LLC, which focuses on aqua feed, further emphasizes its commitment to the aquatic sector. Overall, Marel's diverse portfolio and targeted investments in fish processing equipment make it a relevant investor in this industry.


8. Investinor

  • Website: investinor.no
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: investinor

Investinor AS is a venture capital investment company based in Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway, founded in 2008. It specializes in providing funding to promising startups and companies, helping them grow and achieve market leadership. Investinor collaborates with entrepreneurs and other investors, managing state interests in seed and venture funds. Among its notable transactions, Investinor invested in Nordic Halibut, which raised funds in 2010, indicating its engagement in the fish processing industry. This investment highlights Investinor's role in supporting companies within the fish sector, alongside its broader investment strategy that includes various industries such as technology and biotechnology.


9. Norvestor

  • Website: norvestor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: norvestor-equity-as

Norvestor is a private equity firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on partnering with medium-sized Nordic businesses to support their growth and development. Norvestor emphasizes sustainability and invests across various sectors, including IT services and property maintenance. Notably, Norvestor has made significant investments in the fish processing industry, acquiring Aalesundfisk in 1996 and MMC First Process in 1997. These transactions highlight their involvement in the sector, showcasing their capability to enhance operational efficiency and market presence in fish processing. Additionally, they acquired PG Group (dba PG Flow Solutions) in 2014, further diversifying their portfolio while maintaining a connection to industries that may intersect with fish processing.


10. Nordea

  • Website: nordea.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1820
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: nordea

Nordea Bank Abp is a prominent financial services company based in Helsinki, Finland, providing a comprehensive range of banking and investment management services to both individual and corporate clients. Founded in 1820, Nordea has established a strong presence in the Nordic region, offering personal banking, business banking, and asset management solutions. In 2023, Nordea participated in notable transactions within the fish processing industry, including a significant post-IPO debt investment of $148,758,067 in Salmon Evolution, a company focused on sustainable salmon farming. This investment highlights Nordea's engagement in the fish processing sector, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


11. Summa Equity

  • Website: summaequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: summa-equity

Summa Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in thematic investments that address global challenges, focusing on sustainable investment solutions across various sectors, including resource efficiency and technology. Their clients include institutional investors and companies seeking capital for growth, emphasizing a commitment to aligning financial returns with positive societal impact. Notably, Summa Equity has made significant strides in the fish processing context, particularly with their acquisition of STIM in 2024, a company that supplies fish health products and services for the aquaculture sector, which reported gross revenue exceeding €150 million. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance STIM's growth and product development capabilities, showcasing Summa Equity's commitment to the fish processing industry. Additionally, their involvement in other sectors, such as technology and resource efficiency, reflects their diverse investment approach while still maintaining a focus on sustainability.


12. 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, focused on managing the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Founded in 1999, the firm primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In 2024, Novo Holdings has been particularly active, with 45 investments. Notably, they entered into a binding agreement to acquire the genetics business of Benchmark Holdings plc for up to £260 million, which includes a focus on the salmon sub-segment. This acquisition highlights their interest in the fish processing industry, as it relates to the genetics and breeding of fish, which is a critical aspect of aquaculture and fish processing. Additionally, they have participated in various seed funding rounds for biotech companies, such as Chromologics, which, while not directly related to fish processing, showcases their commitment to innovative solutions in the life sciences sector.


13. Momentum


Momentum Partners is a venture capital firm based in Bergen, Vestland, Norway, founded in 2013. The firm focuses on sustainable growth and climate impact, investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including ocean industries, agriculture, renewables, and construction. In the context of fish processing, Momentum has been involved in notable transactions such as their investment in Molofeed, a company that has developed proprietary micro-encapsulation technology for aquafeed, which is crucial for sustainable fish farming and processing. Additionally, they participated in funding Remora Robotics, which aims to provide services for maintaining clean nets, an essential aspect of fish processing operations. By providing both capital and strategic support, Momentum helps startups and SMEs scale their operations and achieve their sustainability goals, making them a relevant player in the fish processing industry.


14. Industrifonden

  • Website: industrifonden.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: industrifonden

Industrifonden is a venture capital fund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the fields of Deep Tech, Life Science, and Transformative Tech. Industrifonden provides financial support and strategic guidance to startups, helping them scale their innovative solutions and create long-term value through partnerships with passionate founders. Notably, Industrifonden has been involved in several transactions related to the fishing industry, including significant investments in Fishbrain, a Stockholm-based sports fishing app. Fishbrain raised $6 million in 2023, $3.7 million in 2017, and $13.5 million in 2018, with Industrifonden participating in these funding rounds. This involvement highlights Industrifonden's interest in the fishing sector, which may extend to fish processing, as it supports companies that enhance the fishing experience and ecosystem.


15. Chalmers Ventures


Chalmers Ventures is a venture builder and tech investor based in Sweden, founded in 2015. They specialize in supporting researchers and entrepreneurs in commercializing deep tech innovations through various programs that provide business guidance, financing, and community networking. Chalmers Ventures emphasizes active ownership and investment in startups to help them scale and succeed in the market. Notably, they have made significant investments in Aquafood AB, which raised funds in both 2021 and 2023, indicating a commitment to the fish processing industry. Additionally, they have invested in Micvac and the Swedish Algae Factory, showcasing their broader interest in innovative food technologies, including those that may intersect with fish processing.


16. Fabricom AS

  • Website: endur.no
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: fabricomas

Fabricom AS, based in Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway, is a corporate investor specializing in marine infrastructure and aquaculture solutions. Founded in 1992, the company has established itself as a key player in constructing and maintaining marine structures, with a focus on innovative solutions for land-based fish farming. Their clientele includes businesses in the marine and aquaculture sectors, relying on Fabricom for high-quality services tailored to their operational needs. Notably, Fabricom AS participated in a significant financing round for GeoSalmo, an Icelandic company developing a hybrid flow-through salmon farm, which highlights their commitment to advancing fish farming technologies. Additionally, their acquisition of Artec Aqua AS for NOK 600 million underscores their strategy to enhance their capabilities within the aquaculture sector, further aligning them with the fish processing industry.


17. Procuritas

  • Website: procuritas.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: procuritas-ab

Procuritas is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, partnering with entrepreneurs and business owners to provide capital and strategic guidance aimed at achieving market leadership. Procuritas has a diverse portfolio that includes various industries such as e-commerce and healthcare. Notably, they have made significant investments in the fish processing context, including the acquisition of DSI Freezing Solutions A/S in 2017, which specializes in freezing technology relevant to the fish processing industry. Additionally, they acquired Norvida AB in 2006, further indicating their engagement in sectors related to fish processing. Their investment in Gram Equipment AS, a supplier of ice cream machines, also reflects their involvement in food processing technologies, although it is not directly related to fish processing. Overall, Procuritas demonstrates a commitment to fostering long-term growth across various sectors, including those relevant to fish processing.



Fish Processing Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
AKVA groupNorway1001-500019742
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
MarelGarðabær, Garðabær, Iceland5001-1000019830
InvestinorTrondheim, Trøndelag, Norway11-5020084
NorvestorOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5019893
NordeaHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland10001+18206
Summa EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020166
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
MomentumBergen, Vestland, Norway1-1020132
IndustrifondenStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019799
Chalmers VenturesSweden11-50201526
Fabricom ASStavanger, Rogaland, Norway501-100019921
ProcuritasStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019860


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