The polymeric materials industry in Europe revolves around the development, production, and application of polymers, which are vital in numerous sectors including automotive, construction, and healthcare. Companies range from innovative startups to established manufacturers, focusing on applications such as biodegradable plastics, high-performance composites, and advanced coatings. Industry growth is fueled by increasing demand for sustainable materials and recycling technologies. Insights reveal that bio-based and recyclable polymers are gaining traction, poised to shape the future of the industry. With a robust research and development focus, Europe is increasingly seen as a hub for innovation in polymeric applications.


This article highlights 17 prominent investors in the polymeric materials sector across Europe. These investors include venture capital firms, corporate entities, and private equity groups, each contributing to an expanding network of financial support. Headquartered in countries like the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, these investors vary widely in size, from small firms to major corporations managing thousands of employees. Founded between 1972 and 2015, their deal activities in 2024 range widely, with some participating in numerous transactions. Each investor plays a crucial role in advancing the field through both capital and strategic input.


Top 17 Polymeric Materials 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 provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials industry, such as providing grants to B4Plastics, which focuses on innovative plastic solutions, and Gr3n Recycling, which specializes in recycling technologies for plastics. Additionally, Lactips, a company developing biodegradable plastic alternatives, has also received funding from the EIC. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in supporting advancements in the polymeric materials sector.


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 a variety of 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 several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials sector, including Lactips, which raised $16,901,599 in a venture round, and Hainaut Plast Industry, which raised $336,499 in a seed round. These investments highlight Bpifrance's engagement in supporting companies that are innovating within the polymeric materials industry, further solidifying its role as a key player in this field.


3. 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 provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi Invest, a branch of Almi, has been active in the Green Tech sector, making significant investments in companies like Biofiber Tech Sweden, which focuses on sustainable fiber materials, and GAIA BioMaterials, which is involved in the development of bio-based materials. These transactions highlight Almi's engagement in the polymeric materials industry, particularly in the context of sustainable and innovative material solutions.


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. Crowdcube 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 polymeric materials industry, including Graphene Composites, which raised significant funds through equity crowdfunding in 2023 and 2021. Additionally, Aeropowder, which raised funds in 2022, is also linked to innovative materials. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting companies that are engaged in the development of polymeric materials and advanced composites.


5. 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. In 2024, EIB was involved in 99 investments, demonstrating its active role in financing growth and innovation. Among its notable transactions, EIB provided a EUR 435 million bilateral loan to Stora Enso to support its investment in renewable, fiber-based consumer packaging board, which is directly relevant to the polymeric materials industry. Additionally, EIB participated in a significant debt transaction with Evonik Industries, a key player in the specialty chemicals and polymer sector, raising over $547 million. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to supporting advancements in materials that align with sustainability goals, making it a relevant investor in the polymeric materials space.


6. Saint-Gobain

  • Website: saint-gobain.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1665
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: saint-gobain

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. is a leading construction materials manufacturer based in Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France, with a history dating back to 1665. The company operates in 76 countries and focuses on providing innovative solutions for the construction and industrial sectors, emphasizing sustainability and performance. Saint-Gobain's recent transactions highlight its strategic direction: the acquisition of Applied Bioprocess Containers in 2013 suggests a commitment to polymeric materials, particularly in bioprocessing applications. Furthermore, the acquisition of Adfil NV in 2023, a company specializing in reinforcement fibers for concrete, enhances Saint-Gobain's portfolio in sustainable and high-performance materials, which may include polymeric components. These transactions reflect Saint-Gobain's ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its offerings in the construction materials market, making it a relevant investor in the polymeric materials sector.


7. 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. Notably, Novo Holdings has participated in significant funding rounds for companies involved in polymeric materials, such as AMSilk, a German producer of silk biopolymers, which raised €25 million in a Series C round with participation from Novo Holdings. Additionally, they have invested in MycoWorks, which focuses on mycelium-based materials, further showcasing their interest in innovative materials that intersect with life sciences. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' role in advancing the development of polymeric materials, particularly those with applications in sustainable and biobased products.


8. 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. They provide a marketplace for energy solutions, training programs, and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to address the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, they have invested in companies like FineCell, which develops CellOx dry cellulose powder, indicating a focus on advanced materials relevant to the polymeric sector. Additionally, their investments in NAWA Technologies, which is advancing ultracapacitor technology, further highlight their engagement with innovative materials that could have applications in polymeric technologies. In 2024 alone, InnoEnergy has made 52 investments, showcasing their active role in fostering innovation across various sectors, including polymeric materials.


9. 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 across the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Among their notable transactions, BGF invested in MIP Diagnostics, which has developed a proprietary process for manufacturing synthetic polymer alternatives to antibodies, highlighting their involvement in the polymeric materials sector. Additionally, BGF's investment in Prodrive Composites, a company specializing in carbon fibre composites, further showcases their engagement in the polymeric materials industry. Other investments, such as in Magma Global, a manufacturer of carbon fibre pipe, also reflect their interest in materials that fall within the polymeric category.


10. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000, it provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. Notably, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to supporting sustainable materials and innovation. For instance, it participated in funding rounds for CelluComp, a company specializing in sustainable materials, contributing to their growth and development in the polymeric materials sector. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise has invested in QuickBlock, a start-up that is also focused on innovative materials, further demonstrating its engagement in the polymeric materials industry. Through its investment arm, the Scottish Investment Bank (SIB), Scottish Enterprise plays a crucial role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape by supporting businesses that are pushing the boundaries of material science.


11. 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 biopharma and medtech sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to innovative healthcare startups. In addition to their primary focus, Sofinnova has made significant investments in companies related to polymeric materials. For instance, they participated in a Series B investment round for Pyrowave, a company that is pioneering recycling technologies for plastics, and they have also invested in Werewool, which is developing biodegradable fibers with protein-based properties. Furthermore, their follow-on investment in CelluComp, a sustainable materials company, highlights their commitment to supporting advancements in sustainable materials. These transactions illustrate Sofinnova's broader investment strategy that includes a focus on sustainability and innovation in materials science.


12. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notable transactions relevant to the polymeric materials sector include the acquisition of ALH Systems Ltd, a UK-based supplier of formulated polyurethane and epoxy encapsulants, and Bramming Plast-Industri A/S, a Danish company involved in plastic manufacturing. These acquisitions highlight Indutrade's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities and offerings in the polymeric materials industry.


13. 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 corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2000. As a startup incubator, Agoranov provides personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs to early-stage startups across various innovative sectors. They have been involved in several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials context, such as Fairbrics, which focuses on sustainable materials, and FAIRMAT, which is also related to innovative material solutions. In 2024, they supported Syntetica, further indicating their engagement with startups that may be involved in polymeric materials. Their diverse portfolio and focus on technology and science startups make them a significant player in the innovation landscape, including the polymeric materials industry.


14. 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 private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing varied investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the polymeric materials sector, highlighted by their acquisition of Zeus Industrial Products in December 2023, a company known for its advanced polymer solutions. Furthermore, their acquisition of DEVA-Plastics Technology GmbH, part of the EIS Aircraft Group, underscores their commitment to investing in companies that operate within the polymeric materials domain, particularly in applications for civil and military aviation. These strategic investments reflect EQT's focus on enhancing their portfolio with companies that contribute to the polymeric materials industry.


15. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired Taminco in 2007 for approximately $1.09 billion, a company that produces specialty chemicals relevant to polymeric applications. In 2018, CVC acquired AOC, a resin company known for its expertise in resin chemistries, further solidifying their footprint in the polymeric materials sector. Additionally, their investment in Evonik Industries, a major player in specialty chemicals, also highlights their engagement in industries related to polymeric materials. These transactions demonstrate CVC's active role in the polymeric materials industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


16. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, assisting them in their growth and transformation while integrating economic and ESG considerations into their strategies. Notable transactions include investments in companies such as Schappe Techniques, Aplix, and Minafin, which may have connections to the polymeric materials industry. For instance, Minafin is known for its expertise in specialty chemicals, which can include polymeric applications. Through these investments, Crédit Mutuel Equity demonstrates its commitment to supporting innovative companies that could potentially impact the polymeric materials sector.


17. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, providing tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Among their notable transactions, Ardian acquired Revere Plastics Systems, a leading U.S. plastic injection molding manufacturer, highlighting their commitment to the polymeric materials sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Italmatch Chemicals, an Italian chemical company, further emphasizes their engagement in the chemical and polymer industries. Ardian's investment in DRT, a green chemistry group, also reflects their interest in sustainable materials, which can intersect with polymeric applications. Overall, Ardian's diverse portfolio and strategic investments in relevant companies position them as a significant player in the polymeric materials market.



Polymeric Materials Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Saint-GobainCourbevoie, Île-De-France, France10001+166514
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621


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