The nutritional snack industry in Europe focuses on healthier alternatives for on-the-go eating. Companies range from well-known multinationals like Nestlé to innovative startups creating unique plant-based or functional snack options. This sector embraces everything from protein bars to fruit-infused snacks, catering to changing consumer preferences toward health and sustainability. With growing awareness of nutrition and wellness, the industry is projected to expand, supporting diverse flavors and organic ingredients. Trends such as clean labeling and functional snacks, which provide additional health benefits, are increasingly popular, indicating that the market is set to thrive in the coming years.


This list features a mix of investors in Europe's nutritional snack industry, including corporate giants like Nestlé and venture capital firms such as Bpifrance. Operating in various regions, mainly from France, Switzerland, and the UK, these investors vary in size, from nimble teams of fewer than ten to large entities with over 10,000 employees. Since their establishments from 1866 to 2017, these investors closed over 300 deals in 2024, reflecting a robust commitment to nurturing the nutritional snack sector amidst rising consumer demand.


Top 17 Nutritional Snack 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. Crowdcube has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has supported several companies in the nutritional snack sector, including Pip&Nut, a natural nut butter brand that raised £120,000 in 2014; iLOVE SNACKS, which raised $202,987 in 2021; TRIBE, which secured $1,021,890 in 2022; and Real Handful, which raised $542,610 in 2019. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in funding innovative and health-focused snack brands.


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, dedicated to supporting sustainable food systems. The firm provides funding and resources to mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy, particularly focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include investments in Hail Merry Snacks and Outstanding Foods, both of which are involved in the nutritional snack industry. Additionally, Blue Horizon participated in funding rounds for Alpha Foods, a company known for its plant-based snacks, further emphasizing their commitment to the nutritional snack sector. Their portfolio reflects a strong alignment with innovative solutions aimed at creating impactful change in the food industry.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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 a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the nutritional snack industry, such as investing in Jimini's, a company that raised over $1 million for its insect-based snacks, and Nutripure, which specializes in organic dietary supplements. Additionally, they have supported ØZERS NUTRITION, a startup focused on microalgae sports supplements, indicating their interest in innovative nutritional products. These investments highlight Bpifrance's role in promoting growth within the nutritional snack sector.


4. 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. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. The company has made significant investments in the nutritional snack sector, including the acquisition of PowerBar in 2000, which is known for its energy bars. In 2006, Nestlé acquired Uncle Tobys, an Australian brand specializing in cereals and snacks, enhancing its presence in the nutritious snacks market. More recently, in 2020, Nestlé acquired Mindful Chef, a meal kit service that emphasizes healthy eating. Additionally, the acquisition of Garden of Life in 2017, a brand recognized for its organic and non-GMO products, further underscores Nestlé's focus on health and nutrition. These strategic acquisitions reflect Nestlé's commitment to providing nutritious and convenient food options globally.


5. Unigrains

  • Website: unigrains.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1963
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: unigrains

Unigrains is a Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, providing financial and strategic support to help them adapt to market changes. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Genuine Coconut, a company that raised funds for coconut-based snacks, and Maître Prunille, which focuses on fruit-based products. Other relevant investments include Biscuits Bouvard and BRETZEL BURGARD, both of which are involved in snack production. Unigrains manages significant assets aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production, making them a key player in the nutritional snack industry.


6. dsm-firmenich

  • Website: dsm-firmenich.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, operating in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company provides a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. As a venture capital investor, dsm-firmenich has been involved in several significant transactions in the nutritional snack context. Notably, they participated in the Series B financing of Frontier Nutrition, a fortified snacks company, and led a funding round for Panaceutics Nutrition, which focuses on scaling production capabilities for nutritional products. These investments highlight their active role in supporting innovation and development within the nutritional snack industry.


7. CPT Capital

  • Website: cptcap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cpt-capital

CPT Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in the alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notable transactions include their participation in Yofix, which raised $2.5 million for soy-free plant-based dairy products, and THIS, a London-based alternative meat brand that raised £11 million to expand its product offerings. Additionally, CPT Capital was involved in the Series C funding of Miyoko’s Creamery, which focuses on plant-based dairy alternatives, further emphasizing their commitment to the nutritional snack and alternative protein markets.


8. EIT Food

  • Website: eitfood.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: eit-food

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2016. It aims to transform the food system through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. EIT Food supports agrifood startups and entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding opportunities, and educational programs aimed at creating healthier and sustainable food solutions. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector. In 2024, EIT Food was involved in several transactions relevant to the nutritional snack context, including a Series A investment in Gavan, which raised $8 million, and non-equity assistance for startups like MATR Foods and Neggst. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting innovative food solutions that could include nutritional snacks.


9. 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 provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the nutritional snack industry, including a significant investment in Infinite Roots, a mycelium company that raised $58 million in a Series B funding round led by the EIC. This investment highlights the EIC's engagement in innovative food technologies that could intersect with the nutritional snack market. Additionally, the EIC has supported other companies through grants, indicating its commitment to fostering innovation in various fields, including food and nutrition.


10. Unilever Ventures

  • Website: unileverventures.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: unileverventures

Unilever Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. They specialize in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within the beauty and wellness sectors. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to build strong consumer brands. In recent years, Unilever Ventures has participated in various funding rounds that align with health and wellness, such as the $6 million Series B funding for YOUVIT, an Indonesia-based vitamin brand, which indicates their interest in health-oriented products. They also led a seed funding round for What’s Up Wellness, a digital wellness brand, further showcasing their commitment to supporting health-focused startups. While their primary focus may not be solely on nutritional snacks, their investments in health-related brands suggest a potential interest in this category.


11. Unilever

  • Website: unilever.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1872
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, serving consumers globally. Unilever has a strong focus on sustainability, aiming to make sustainable living commonplace through its product offerings. In recent years, Unilever has made significant strides in the nutritional snack sector, acquiring brands such as Graze, a British healthy snack brand, for £150 million in 2019, which enhances its presence in the healthy snacking market. Additionally, Unilever's acquisition of Yasso, a low-calorie frozen snacks company, aims to bolster its premium ice cream portfolio, indicating a clear interest in health-focused snack options. Other relevant acquisitions include Mãe Terra, a Brazilian organic food business, and SlimFast, which further align with their strategy of promoting healthier eating habits. These transactions highlight Unilever's commitment to expanding its footprint in the nutritional snack industry.


12. 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 Berlin-based venture capital firm and food technology incubator founded in 2016. They focus on supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notably, FoodLabs participated in the seed financing round for Naughty Nuts, a company specializing in nut-based snacks, which highlights their engagement in the nutritional snack market. Additionally, they have invested in other food-related ventures, such as Bosque Foods, which develops alternative food products, showcasing their commitment to innovative food solutions.


13. 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 made significant investments in the nutritional snack sector, including a $75 million Series C investment in Kate Farms, which specializes in nutritional products. They also led a €22 million Series A investment in The Protein Brewery, a company focused on developing alternative protein sources. Additionally, they participated in seed rounds for MATR Foods and Reduced, both of which are working on innovative nutritional products. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' commitment to supporting advancements in nutrition and health.


14. 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 in the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the nutritional snack context, including MuscleFood, which raised over $13 million in 2018, and Dublin Meat Company, known for its Fit Foods range, which received investment for expansion in 2022. Additionally, BGF's investment in Revive Active, an Irish vitamin supplements business, further highlights their commitment to the health and nutrition sector. These transactions demonstrate BGF's active role in supporting businesses that align with nutritional and health-focused products.


15. JamJar Investments


JamJar Investments is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage consumer tech brands, providing both financial backing and strategic support to help these companies grow and succeed in the market. JamJar has a strong focus on building relationships with consumer brands, leveraging their experience from previous successful ventures. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the nutritional snack sector, including Graze, a healthy snack subscription service, and popchips, a brand known for its healthier snack alternatives. Their investment in Propercorn, a low-calorie popcorn brand, involved a £7 million venture funding round, indicating their commitment to supporting innovative snack brands. This diverse portfolio showcases their ability to identify and nurture brands that cater to health-conscious consumers.


16. 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 has invested in Feed., which raised $3,567,878 in a seed round aimed at providing nutritional meal replacements. They also participated in the funding of Foodvisor, a French nutrition application that raised one million euros, indicating their commitment to supporting innovations in the nutritional space. Additionally, Kima Ventures invested in Numi, a milktech startup, and Fooducate, which focuses on nutrition education, further showcasing their engagement in the food and nutrition industry.


17. 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. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the food sector, including the acquisition of BackWerk, a German bakery chain, and Findus Sverige, a well-known food brand. Additionally, they invested in Fertin Pharma, a Danish company that produces medicated chewing gum, which aligns with the nutritional snack category. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their strategic interest in the food industry, particularly in products that can be classified as nutritional snacks.



Nutritional Snack Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Unilever VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020029
UnileverLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18720
FoodLabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201611
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
JamJar InvestmentsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020136
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430


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