The agrochemicals industry in the DACH region encompasses the development and production of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides vital for agriculture. Companies range from large multinational corporations, like BASF and Bayer, to smaller innovative startups aiming to create sustainable farming solutions. With increasing pressure for food security and environmental responsibility, the sector is increasingly focused on biological products and precision agriculture technologies. As regulatory frameworks tighten and consumer preferences shift toward organic options, the industry is pivoting towards sustainable practices that benefit farmers and the environment alike. This evolution is poised to enhance productivity while reducing ecological footprints.


The list highlights a mix of venture capital, corporate, and private equity investors primarily headquartered in Germany and Switzerland. Comprising companies of varied sizes, from small firms to major corporations, these investors were active in cutting-edge agrochemicals funding in 2024, spearheading projects that promote agricultural innovation. From Leaps by Bayer in Berlin to Partners Group in Zug, each brings unique expertise and capital solutions to the burgeoning agrochemicals sector. With 16 to 19 investments reported, they reveal an enthusiasm for advancing sustainable agricultural methods and technologies.


Top 18 Agrochemicals Investors in DACH


1. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in biotechnology and agriculture, focusing on early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several relevant transactions, including multiple funding rounds for AgBiome, a company dedicated to agricultural research and the development of crop protection products. AgBiome raised significant amounts in Series B and C financing rounds, with participation from various notable investors, indicating the potential impact of their innovations in the agrochemicals market. Additionally, Leaps by Bayer invested in Oerth Bio, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies.


2. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including agriculture, automotive, and construction. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has made significant investments in the agrochemicals space, such as its participation in Provivi's Series B and C funding rounds, which aim to develop pheromone-based crop protection solutions. Additionally, BASF has invested in Arcadia Biosciences, a company dedicated to enhancing agricultural traits and product quality, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation. Through these investments, BASF Venture Capital supports the development of sustainable and effective agricultural solutions, aligning with its overarching goals of innovation and sustainability.


3. Syngenta

  • Website: syngenta.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: syngenta

Syngenta is a prominent agricultural technology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2000. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Syngenta specializes in crop protection and seed production, providing innovative solutions to farmers and agricultural producers worldwide. The company operates in more than 150 countries, focusing heavily on research and development to enhance agricultural productivity. In recent years, Syngenta has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the agrochemicals market, including the acquisition of Agro Jangada Ltda in Brazil, which aims to expand their operational footprint in the region. Additionally, they acquired Produtécnica, an agricultural inputs distributor, to bolster their retail presence in Brazil. These strategic moves highlight Syngenta's commitment to enhancing its offerings in the agrochemicals sector, making it a key player in the industry.


4. 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 investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has participated in several significant transactions relevant to the agrochemicals industry. For instance, they co-led a $116 million Series D funding round for AgBiome, a company focused on developing innovative agricultural products. They also invested $35 million in Tropic Biosciences, which is involved in crop improvement technologies. Additionally, Blue Horizon's investment in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company, highlights their commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative solutions. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's strategic focus on companies that are making impactful changes in the agrochemical space.


5. Deg

  • Website: deginvest.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: deg

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1962. As a development finance institution, DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a strong focus on sustainable development and job creation. DEG supports businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Notably, DEG has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agrochemicals sector, such as the $1.25 billion debt financing for Indorama Fertilizers, which highlights their commitment to supporting agricultural enterprises. Additionally, they have participated in smaller investments in agricultural startups like Kilifi Moringa and agriBORA, indicating a diverse approach to fostering growth in the agricultural sector.


6. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. ECBF focuses on sustainable investments in the bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. The firm operates primarily within the EU and supports innovations in various sectors, including agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has been involved in significant transactions in the agrochemicals context, such as leading funding rounds for Aphea.Bio, a Belgian agricultural technology company, which raised €70 million in Series C funding in July 2023, and participated in Elicit Plant's funding rounds, including a €16 million Series A round in February 2022 and a $48 million Series B round in November 2024. These investments highlight ECBF's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies and solutions that are crucial for sustainable farming practices.


7. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, with a history dating back to 1878. The company provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries, including agriculture. In recent years, SGS has made significant strides in the agrochemicals sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired BioVision Seed Research Limited, a Canadian seed, grain, and soil testing laboratory, to strengthen their presence in the Canadian agricultural market. Additionally, the acquisition of NviroCrop, a South African precision agriculture services company, highlights their commitment to enhancing agricultural services in Southern Africa. Furthermore, their acquisition of TraitGenetics GmbH, which specializes in molecular markers for plant breeding research, underscores their focus on advancing agricultural genetics. These transactions reflect SGS's dedication to improving agricultural practices and compliance, positioning them as a relevant player in the agrochemicals industry.


8. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across various industries. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence and capabilities. Notably, Brenntag acquired the chemical distribution business of Desbro Group in 2019, which operates in Kenya and the UAE, indicating a focus on expanding its reach in regions where agrochemicals are critical. Additionally, their acquisition of ALTIVIA Corporation for $125 million in 2013 further solidified their position in the chemical distribution market. These transactions highlight Brenntag's commitment to serving diverse chemical needs, including those relevant to the agrochemical industry.


9. Seedstars

  • Website: seedstars.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: seedstars

Seedstars is a venture capital firm based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and the operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has made investments in companies like agriBORA, which raised $103,934 in a grant aimed at agricultural innovation, highlighting their engagement in the agrochemicals sector. Additionally, their investment in Jiye Technologies and Mimosatek, while not directly agrochemical-focused, reflects their commitment to supporting technology-driven solutions that can benefit agricultural practices. Overall, Seedstars' diverse investment portfolio and focus on emerging markets position them as a relevant player in the agrochemicals industry.


10. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a majority stake in Rovensa, a Portuguese producer of agricultural products, for €1 billion in July 2020. This company generates approximately €360 million in annual revenue and operates in over 70 countries, highlighting Partners Group's significant footprint in the agrochemicals sector. Additionally, their investment activities span various industries, showcasing their versatility and strategic approach to private market investments.


11. EuroChem

  • Website: eurochemgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: eurochem

EuroChem Group is a prominent corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. As a leading manufacturer in the fertilizer industry, EuroChem provides a wide range of agricultural and industrial products aimed at enhancing crop yield and quality. The company operates globally, serving the agriculture sector to meet the increasing demand for food. Notable transactions include a $15 million equity investment in Agrinos Inc. to support their business growth and R&D efforts, and the acquisition of BASF's fertilizer assets in Antwerp for approximately €830 million, which significantly expanded EuroChem's market presence. Additionally, EuroChem acquired Agricola Bulgaria, further solidifying its commitment to the agrochemicals sector.


12. Bayer

  • Website: bayer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1863
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bayer

Bayer AG is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in 1863, Bayer offers a diverse range of products in healthcare and agriculture, serving healthcare providers, farmers, and consumers. In the agrochemicals sector, Bayer has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings. Notably, in July 2012, Bayer CropScience acquired AgraQuest, Inc. for approximately $425 million, aiming to strengthen its position in biological pest management and the fruits and vegetables market. Additionally, Bayer acquired proPlant Gesellschaft für Agrar- und Umweltinformatik in February 2016, further expanding its capabilities in agricultural informatics. These transactions highlight Bayer's active role in the agrochemicals industry, alongside its broader focus on healthcare and biotechnology.


13. Amathaon Capital


Amathaon Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2020, specializing in AgTech and AgBioTech. The firm invests in innovative agricultural solutions, providing entrepreneurs with capital, industry expertise, and operational guidance. Their focus is on sustainable practices within the food value chain, addressing challenges in agriculture through a synergetic portfolio approach. Notable transactions include a seed investment in Lucent BioSciences, which raised $4.2M to develop AgTech solutions, and a minority stake acquisition in Computomics, a bioinformatics company aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity through data-driven insights. Additionally, Amathaon has participated in seed rounds for AgXeed and constellr, further solidifying their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies.


14. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at facilitating the energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. With a strong focus on sustainable development, Demeter manages a diverse portfolio that includes investments in the agrochemicals context. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Ynsect, which raised over $6 million in Series A and B rounds, focusing on sustainable protein production for animal feed. Additionally, they led a seed funding round for Hyperplan, a company utilizing satellite and meteorological data to enhance food security, showcasing their commitment to agricultural innovation. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their interest in promoting ecological solutions within the agricultural sector.


15. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in high-potential technology startups across various sectors, including AI and Fintech. In the agrochemicals context, Swisscom Ventures has made significant investments in companies like Ecorobotix, which raised $52 million for its AI-powered smart sprayer system, and xFarm Technologies, which raised €17 million in Series B funding to enhance its agtech platform. These investments highlight Swisscom Ventures' strategic focus on empowering innovative companies that are transforming agricultural practices and improving efficiency in the agrochemical industry.


16. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance


AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in and supporting startups within the AgriFoodTech sector. The firm collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions such as AgroSustain's Series A funding round, where they supported the development of natural coatings and biological antifungal solutions, directly linking them to the agrochemicals industry. They have also invested in Evologic Technologies and Amfora, further showcasing their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. Their focus on startups seeking investment and expertise positions them as a key player in fostering innovation in the agricultural sector.


17. AlphaMundi Group Ltd


AlphaMundi Group Ltd is an impact investment firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on financing scalable ventures in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong emphasis on social impact. They manage investment funds such as the SocialAlpha Fund and AlphaJiri Fund, targeting sectors including Financial Inclusion and Renewable Energy. Notably, AlphaMundi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agrochemicals context. For instance, they invested in Sistema.bio, which raised funds to develop affordable bio-gas equipment for small and remote farms, enhancing environmental sustainability and profitability for farmers. Additionally, their investment in Complete Farmer, which raised $3.4 million in debt financing, further demonstrates their commitment to supporting agricultural innovation. These transactions highlight AlphaMundi's role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, making them a relevant player in the agrochemicals sector.


18. Linamar Europe

  • Website: linamar.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Plettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: linamar-europe

Linamar Europe is a corporate investor based in Plettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in advanced manufacturing. Founded in 1966, Linamar focuses on producing precision-engineered components and systems for various industries, including automotive, agricultural, and medical devices. In recent years, Linamar has made significant strides in the agricultural sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Bourgault Industries for approximately $479 million in December 2023, which enhances its agricultural capabilities, particularly in seeding technologies. Additionally, the acquisition of Salford Group for CAD $260 million in April 2022 further solidifies Linamar's position in the agriculture market. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Linamar's commitment to expanding its footprint in the agrochemicals industry, making it a notable player in this sector.



Agrochemicals Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
SyngentaBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+20002
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
SeedstarsCarouge, Geneva, Switzerland201-50020126
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
EuroChemZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+20010
BayerLeverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18632
Amathaon CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020200
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
AgriFoodTech Venture AllianceMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020241
AlphaMundi Group LtdGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020075
Linamar EuropePlettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500019660


Want to find more investors focusing on the agrochemicals industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the agrochemicalsindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!