The seafood processing industry in Europe is a dynamic sector that focuses on transforming harvested seafood into market-ready products. It plays a crucial role in various supply chains, with companies ranging from small family-run enterprises to major corporations. They produce an array of items, including canned fish, frozen products, and prepared meals. The industry's future is influenced by growing consumer demand for sustainable practices, plant-based alternatives, and innovations in aquaculture. As environmental concerns rise, companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly processing methods to remain competitive and meet regulatory standards, pushing the industry toward more sustainable horizons.


This article presents a list of 17 seafood processing investors active in Europe, showcasing a mix of venture capital and corporate firms. Headquartered across key locations including Cork, London, and Paris, these investors vary in size from small teams to large entities employing thousands. Most were founded in the last decade, positioning them at the forefront of modern investment. Their deal activity in 2024 highlights an active commitment to sustainable seafood initiatives, with transactions spanning from early-stage startups to established firms. Each investor is playing an integral role in shaping the future of this vital industry.


Top 17 Seafood Processing Investors in Europe


1. Hatch Blue


Hatch Blue is a venture capital firm and consulting accelerator based in Cork, Ireland, founded in 2017. They specialize in aquaculture and alternative seafood, providing investment, mentorship, and innovation programs to entrepreneurs and startups in these sectors. Their services include market studies, intellectual property strategies, and access to a global network of industry experts. Notable transactions include a pre-seed investment in The Plant Based Seafood Co, which focuses on plant-based seafood alternatives, and a seed investment in Finless Foods, a company dedicated to producing lab-grown seafood. These investments highlight Hatch Blue's commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the seafood processing industry.


2. Aqua-Spark

  • Website: aqua-spark.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: aquaspark

Aqua-Spark is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the aquaculture industry by investing in innovative solutions that enhance production efficiency. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to address environmental challenges through research and development. Notable transactions include leading a $12.6 million Series A funding round for Shiok Meats, which focuses on cell-based shrimp production, and a $2.5 million investment in Matorka, an Icelandic Arctic char producer, aimed at supporting expansion and construction of new facilities. Additionally, Aqua-Spark's recent investment in Wanda Fish Technologies, a FoodTech startup, highlights their ongoing commitment to advancing seafood processing technologies. With a goal of raising $400 million by 2025, Aqua-Spark is poised to make further investments in the aquaculture sector.


3. 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, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been involved in several notable transactions in the seafood processing context, including: 1) **Umami Bioworks** - A Singapore-based food tech startup that raised $2.4 million in pre-seed funding for cultivated seafood, co-led by Katapult Ocean. 2) **Ocean's Balance** - A company that raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round, focusing on sustainable seafood solutions. 3) **Hooked Foods** - A Swedish company that has secured funding for its plant-based seafood products, with Katapult Ocean as an investor. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to fostering innovation in the seafood industry, particularly in sustainable and alternative seafood 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 crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments by connecting them with potential investors. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the seafood processing industry, including Hooked Foods, a Swedish plant-based seafood brand that raised over $1 million in its latest funding round. This transaction highlights Crowdcube's role in supporting innovative seafood processing ventures. Additionally, Crowdcube has facilitated funding for other companies, such as Smokin' Brothers and Waterhaul, further showcasing its broad investment portfolio while maintaining a presence in the seafood sector.


5. 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 in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in transactions relevant to the seafood processing industry, such as its investments in Alginor ASA, which raised significant funding for algal product development, and Blue Planet Ecosystems, which focuses on sustainable aquaculture solutions. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative projects that can enhance the seafood processing sector.


6. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally by offering a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the seafood processing context, such as its investment in Lisaqua, a European aquaculture start-up that raised €2.6 million to establish a recirculating aquaculture system in France. This investment highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the seafood sector. Additionally, Bpifrance's involvement in other funding rounds, such as those for Ostrea and L'Angélys, further demonstrates its active role in sectors related to seafood and aquaculture.


7. 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, focusing on innovative solutions in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in several companies within the seafood processing context, including New School Foods, which specializes in plant-based seafood alternatives. Other relevant transactions include investments in Ocean Hugger Foods, Happy Ocean Foods, Gathered Foods, and Finless Foods, all of which are involved in creating sustainable seafood products. This portfolio reflects Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in the food sector, particularly through sustainable seafood innovations.


8. 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. Notably, CPT Capital has made significant investments in the seafood processing context, including a $7 million seed funding round for Bluu Biosciences, the only startup in Europe dedicated to cultivating seafood species through biotechnology. They also participated in funding rounds for Good Catch, a producer of plant-based seafood products, and Gathered Foods, which raised over $32 million to expand its distribution of plant-based seafood. These transactions highlight CPT Capital's active role in supporting the development of sustainable seafood alternatives.


9. 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. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses across various sectors. Notably, it has invested in Ace Aquatec, which raised $9,970,328 in a venture round aimed at enhancing seafood processing technologies. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise has supported CuanTec, a Scottish start-up focused on creating biodegradable food wraps from waste shells, highlighting its commitment to sustainability in the seafood industry. These transactions reflect Scottish Enterprise's strategic interest in promoting innovation and growth within the seafood processing sector.


10. 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 seafood processing context, 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 raised multiple rounds of funding, including 4.75 million SEK in 2023 through equity sales and loans facilitated by Almi. Additionally, Almi has supported Ostrea Aquaculture in a venture round, further solidifying their involvement in the seafood sector.


11. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management firm based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) in their growth, offering investment management services and strategic guidance. IDIA Capital Investissement focuses on sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, they have invested in Poiscaille, which raised $7,813,904 in a venture round in October 2022, indicating their involvement in the seafood sector. Other transactions include investments in companies like Olives & Co and Comtesse Du Barry, which, while not directly related to seafood, showcase their broader investment strategy in the food industry. Their recent funding of Invers with €15M also highlights their active role in supporting growth in various sectors, including agro-food.


12. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notable transactions include investments in BlueNalu, which is developing cell-based seafood products, and Ocean Hugger Foods, known for its plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments highlight Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models in the seafood processing context.


13. Nutreco

  • Website: nutreco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: nutreco

Nutreco is a corporate investor based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in animal nutrition with a strong emphasis on aquaculture. Founded in 1994, the company has established itself as a leader in providing innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. Notably, Nutreco has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the seafood processing sector, including the acquisition of Skretting Nigeria, which aims to strengthen its commitment to the Nigerian aquaculture industry. Additionally, Nutreco acquired Shihai Co Ltd., a fish and shrimp feed company in China, for approximately EUR 40 million, enhancing its aquaculture feed business in a key market. Their investment in BlueNalu, an innovative food company focused on seafood, further illustrates their engagement in the seafood processing industry. Overall, Nutreco's focus on sustainable practices and innovative feed solutions positions them as a significant player in the seafood processing landscape.


14. 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 investment firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, the firm manages approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse investment portfolio, with notable acquisitions including Heiploeg Beheer, a seafood processing company, which they acquired in 1995. This acquisition highlights CVC's historical involvement in the seafood processing industry. Additionally, they have made significant investments in other sectors, such as Kalle and Continental Foods Belgium SA, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in the food sector, including seafood.


15. 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 is known for its commitment to sustainable finance and creating lasting value for its clients. The firm has made significant investments in the food processing sector, including the acquisition of Solina Group, a company that provides food solutions, and Florida Food Products, which specializes in food ingredients. These transactions reflect Ardian's strategy to invest in companies that enhance their portfolio in the food industry, indicating a potential interest in seafood processing as part of their broader investment approach.


16. 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 strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the food industry. One significant transaction is the acquisition of Vesterålen Marine Olje AS, where Orkla Health acquired 95% of the shares to enhance its health and sustainability initiatives, particularly for its Möller’s Tran cod liver oil brand. This acquisition highlights Orkla's commitment to the seafood processing sector. Additionally, Orkla Food Ingredients has acquired Arne B. Corneliussen, a Norwegian ingredients company, further demonstrating its focus on the food industry. Overall, Orkla serves both consumers and businesses, providing high-quality branded goods and solutions across various markets, including seafood processing.


17. Agronomics Limited

  • Website: agronomics.im
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: agronomics-limited

Agronomics Limited is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2018, specializing in biotechnology investments with a focus on cellular agriculture. The firm aims to provide investors with exposure to innovative companies that are developing sustainable food production technologies. Notably, Agronomics has invested in BlueNalu, which raised significant funds to develop cell-cultured seafood products, and Shiok Meats, which focuses on cultured shrimp. These investments highlight Agronomics' commitment to enhancing sustainability and animal welfare in the seafood industry. Additionally, they have invested in Meatly, a company working on cultured meat alternatives, further demonstrating their focus on sustainable food production. Overall, Agronomics Limited is positioned as a key player in the emerging field of cellular agriculture, particularly in seafood processing.



Seafood Processing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Hatch BlueCork, Cork, Ireland11-5020172
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
Agronomics LimitedLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020184


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