The aquaculture industry in Benelux is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing global demand for seafood. Companies engage in various activities, including fish farming, sustainable feed production, and innovative processing techniques. The focus on sustainability has prompted businesses to adopt practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing yield. Unique firms, like Aqua-Spark and Nutreco, invest in technology and methods improving production efficiency and traceability. Trends indicate a substantial shift toward alternative proteins and environmentally-friendly aquaculture solutions, positioning this sector to address challenges related to food security and climate change effectively.


The investors in this list represent a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities, primarily headquartered across the Netherlands and Belgium. Established from 1994 onwards, they vary in size, from small teams to firms with over 10,000 employees. With 2024 seeing deal counts ranging from 1 to 57, investors such as Astanor and Nutreco actively support the aquaculture sector, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions through their financial backing.


Top 18 Aquaculture Investors in Benelux


1. 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 holding company based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to investing in innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry, focusing on sustainable practices and improving production efficiency. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to address environmental challenges in aquaculture through research and development. Notable transactions include leading a $12.6 million Series A funding round for Shiok Meats, which aims to produce cell-based shrimp, and multiple investments in eFishery, totaling $90 million across Series A, B, and C rounds, which focuses on smart feeding solutions for fish farming. Additionally, they invested in Chicoa Fish Farm during its seed round, further emphasizing their commitment to the aquaculture sector.


2. 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. It 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 diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the aquaculture industry, such as a grant of approximately $2.5 million to Blue Planet Ecosystems, which focuses on sustainable aquaculture solutions. Additionally, the EIC participated in the Series A funding round for FarmInsect, a company that develops insect technology, which has potential applications in aquaculture as a sustainable feed source. These transactions highlight the EIC's role in supporting innovative solutions that can contribute to the aquaculture sector.


3. 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 leading animal nutrition company based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 1994. The company specializes in providing innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture, focusing on enhancing productivity and supporting animal health through sustainable practices. Nutreco's commitment to the aquaculture industry is evident through its strategic acquisitions, such as the 100% ownership of Skretting Nigeria, which aims to strengthen its position in the Nigerian aquaculture market. Additionally, Nutreco acquired Shihai Co Ltd., a fish and shrimp feed company in China, for approximately EUR 40 million, further establishing its footprint in the world's largest aquaculture feed market. These transactions highlight Nutreco's active role in the aquaculture sector, making it a relevant investor in this industry.


4. Astanor

  • Website: astanor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: astanor-venture

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that focuses on the agrifood tech sector. They support innovative companies aiming to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Current Foods, a company specializing in alt-protein solutions, and MicroHarvest, a biotech start-up that raised €8.5 million to commercialize its single-cell protein production process. These investments reflect Astanor's commitment to supporting sustainable food technologies, which may include aquaculture-related innovations. Their portfolio also includes Smallhold, which raised $25 million in a Series A round, further demonstrating their active role in the agrifood tech landscape.


5. 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 founded in 2016, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. It focuses on transforming 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. In 2024, EIT Food was involved in 37 investments, including notable transactions such as BioFeyn, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round, and BOB FoodTech, which received a grant. Additionally, they provided non-equity assistance to companies like Ficosterra and MATR Foods, which may have relevance to aquaculture due to their focus on sustainable food production. EIT Food's initiatives engage various stakeholders, fostering collaboration and driving change in the food sector, which includes potential applications in aquaculture.


6. Rabo Ventures


Rabo Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to established and transformative companies, as well as top-tier funds, primarily in the Food & Agri and Sustainability sectors. Rabo Ventures aims to support major transitions that positively impact society and the environment through strategic partnerships and investment management. Notably, Rabo Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the aquaculture industry, including a $14.6 million investment in The Kingfish Company in December 2024, which focuses on sustainable fish farming. Additionally, they played a key role in securing strategic funding for Kingfish Zeeland, facilitating its expansion plans in both the EU and US markets. These investments highlight Rabo Ventures' commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices and supporting companies that contribute to the growth of this vital industry.


7. Louis Dreyfus Company

  • Website: ldc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1851
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: louis-dreyfus-company

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a prominent corporate investor based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with a long history dating back to 1851. As a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor, the company operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation. In recent years, Louis Dreyfus Company has made notable investments in the aquaculture space, particularly through its participation in Aquaconnect, which raised $15 million in a Series A funding round. This investment highlights their interest in aquaculture technology and innovation. Additionally, their involvement with Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand, further emphasizes their commitment to sustainable seafood solutions. These transactions reflect Louis Dreyfus Company's strategic approach to diversifying its portfolio while supporting sustainable practices within the food industry.


8. DOB Equity

  • Website: dobequity.nl
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: dob-foundation

DOB Equity is an impact investment fund based in Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands, founded in 1997. The fund focuses on supporting innovative and scalable companies in Eastern Africa, aiming to create social impact alongside long-term profitability for its portfolio companies. Notably, DOB Equity has invested in Victory Farms, a Kenyan agritech company specializing in aquaculture, which raised $35 million in Series B funding in April 2023 to expand its operations in Kenya and Rwanda, and potentially into other East African countries. Additionally, they participated in an earlier seed round for Victory Farms in November 2020, further demonstrating their commitment to the aquaculture sector. Other investments include Natural Extracts Industries and Twiga Foods, showcasing their broader focus on agritech and food supply chains, but their direct involvement in aquaculture through Victory Farms highlights their relevance in this industry.


9. Hendrix Genetics


Hendrix Genetics is a corporate investor based in Boxmeer, North Brabant, Netherlands, specializing in animal breeding solutions across multiple species, including poultry, swine, and fish. Founded in 1991, the company has established itself as a leader in genetics solutions, providing high-quality breeding programs that enhance productivity for farmers and producers globally. Notably, Hendrix Genetics made a significant move into the aquaculture industry with the acquisition of UK-based Landcatch and Landcatch Natural Selection in June 2011, which allowed them to expand their breeding capabilities into fish. This acquisition reflects their strategic interest in aquaculture, complementing their existing operations in other animal breeding sectors. Additionally, their acquisition of Euribrid in 2007 further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing animal breeding research and development, although this transaction was more focused on poultry and swine. Overall, Hendrix Genetics is dedicated to sustainable practices and meeting the growing global demand for animal protein, making them a relevant player in the aquaculture investment landscape.


10. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Floating Farm, a company that operates in the aquaculture sector, raising funds in May 2018. This investment highlights their commitment to sustainable food production. Additionally, they have been involved in funding rounds for Mavasol and Saia Agrobotics, the latter of which focuses on agricultural technology, further showcasing their interest in innovative solutions within the food sector. Their diverse portfolio also includes investments in dairytech through MoooFarm, indicating a broader interest in sustainable food systems.


11. Goodwell Investments

  • Website: goodwell.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: goodwell-investments

Goodwell Investments is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2004. The firm is dedicated to creating a more inclusive economy by financing motivated entrepreneurs in Africa. Goodwell provides private equity funding and business expertise to scalable companies across various sectors, including financial services, food and agriculture, and logistics. Notably, Goodwell has made significant investments in the aquaculture sector, including a $1.5 million Series A funding round for Chicoa Fish Farm, a Mozambique-based agri-startup focused on tilapia production. This investment aims to enhance the aquaculture sector in Southern Africa. Additionally, Goodwell has been involved in other agricultural ventures, such as Good Nature Agro, which, while not directly related to aquaculture, indicates their broader commitment to the food and agriculture industry.


12. Future Food Fund

  • Website: futurefoodfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: future-food-fund

Future Food Fund is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in food and agriculture technology startups across Western Europe. Their mission is to drive environmental impact through strategic investments aimed at creating sustainable food systems. In 2023, they participated in a seed funding round for Extracellular, a UK-based company focused on the cultivated meat industry, which highlights their interest in innovative food production technologies. Additionally, they have invested in OlsAro, a Swedish agtech startup, which received funding to scale its technological efforts. These transactions reflect Future Food Fund's commitment to supporting advancements in food technology, including areas that may intersect with aquaculture.


13. NPM Capital

  • Website: npm-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1948
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: npm-capital

NPM Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized and large family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, providing capital and strategic advisory services to foster growth and sustainability. NPM Capital operates across various sectors, including technology, education, and agriculture. Notably, they have made significant investments in companies related to agriculture and aquaculture, such as Hendrix Genetics, which focuses on breeding and genetics for aquaculture species. Additionally, their acquisition of Agro Care, a leading tomato producer, and KUBO, a high-tech horticultural greenhouse developer, showcases their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. These transactions reflect NPM Capital's strategic approach to investing in sectors that contribute to food production and sustainability, including aquaculture.


14. PeakBridge


PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, specializing in FoodTech investments. The firm supports early-stage founders and businesses in the food industry by providing investment, consulting services, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Notably, PeakBridge has participated in significant transactions such as Forsea Foods, an Israeli startup that raised $5.2M to develop cultivated eel meat, which is particularly relevant to the aquaculture sector. This investment highlights PeakBridge's commitment to innovative solutions in food production, including sustainable aquaculture practices. Additionally, they have been involved in other food tech ventures, reinforcing their position as a key player in the FoodTech landscape.


15. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. Notably, Prosus has made significant investments in the aquaculture sector, particularly through its involvement with Aruna, an Indonesia-based fisheries and marine platform, which raised $35 million in a Series A investment round led by Prosus Ventures. Additionally, Prosus has invested in Captain Fresh, a company that raised substantial funding in multiple rounds, including a Series C round. These transactions highlight Prosus's strategy of partnering with local entrepreneurs to foster growth and innovation in the aquaculture industry, thereby contributing to sustainable business practices and community development.


16. Idh


IDH - the Sustainable Trade Initiative is a not-for-profit organization based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2008. It aims to transform markets for sustainable trade by collaborating with businesses, governments, and organizations to implement sustainable practices across various sectors, including agriculture and textiles. IDH provides consulting services, invests in sustainable agriculture, and publishes reports to support its mission of improving livelihoods and environmental outcomes. Notably, IDH has been involved in significant transactions within the aquaculture sector, such as their investment in Chicoa Fish Farm, which raised $200,000 in a venture round in March 2021. Additionally, they participated in Hatch Africa's debt financing round, which raised $9.5 million in January 2024, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting sustainable aquaculture initiatives.


17. Anterra Capital

  • Website: anterracapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: anterra-capital

Anterra Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in agrifood technology investments, focusing on startups that utilize biotechnology and digital solutions to improve food production and sustainability. Anterra Capital operates primarily in North America and Europe, supporting innovative companies in the agrifood sector. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding round for BiomEdit, a company that has a significant focus on animal nutrition, including aquaculture. This investment highlights Anterra's commitment to enhancing food systems through technology. In 2023, Nutreco, a European animal nutrition company, acquired a minority stake in BiomEdit, further emphasizing the relevance of Anterra's investments in the aquaculture context. Additionally, Anterra has been involved in various funding rounds for other agrifood startups, showcasing their active role in the sector.


18. Rabo Corporate Investments


Rabo Corporate Investments is a corporate investment firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to established and transformative companies, as well as top-tier funds, primarily in the Food & Agri and Sustainability sectors. They leverage their global network and industry expertise to build strong partnerships and support major societal transitions. Notably, Rabo Corporate Investments participated in a venture round for The Kingfish Company, raising approximately $59.6 million in November 2020, which is directly related to the aquaculture industry. Additionally, they were involved in a significant funding round for LIVEKINDLY Collective, which, while primarily focused on plant-based innovation, reflects their commitment to sustainable food systems. Their engagement in these transactions highlights their active role in sectors that intersect with aquaculture and sustainable food production.



Aquaculture Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
Rabo VenturesUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020024
Louis Dreyfus CompanyRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18515
DOB EquityVeessen, Gelderland, Netherlands1-1019971
Hendrix GeneticsBoxmeer, North Brabant, Netherlands1001-500019910
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
Goodwell InvestmentsAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020043
Future Food FundUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020165
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
IdhUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands201-50020084
Anterra CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020139
Rabo Corporate InvestmentsUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020020


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