The aquaculture industry in Europe is vibrant and growing, providing sustainable seafood solutions through a variety of farming practices. Companies range from innovative startups focused on alternative proteins to established players enhancing traditional fish farming methods. This sector includes technological advancements for efficiency and sustainability, such as precision farming and smart feeding systems. With a rising global demand for seafood and increasing environmental concerns, the industry is pivoting towards practices that emphasize sustainability and reduced ecological impact. Notable advances include breakthroughs in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and alternative seafood sources, pointing to a transformative future.


The investors featured in this list represent various types, including corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms, each with unique contributions to aquaculture. Their headquarters are spread across key European cities such as London, Paris, and Oslo, showcasing a strong regional presence. Sizes of these investors vary, with some housing substantial teams while others remain more nimble. Founded from the 1980s to recent years, they collectively executed several notable deals in 2024, reflecting an active engagement in sustainable practices and technologies aimed at enhancing aquaculture's future.


Top 18 Aquaculture Investors in Europe


1. Hatch Blue


Hatch Blue is a venture capital firm and accelerator based in Cork, Ireland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes 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 investments in Finless Foods, which focuses on cell-cultured seafood, and Gårdsfisk, which raised $4,993,393 in a Series A round to develop sustainable fish farming solutions. Other investments include C-Feed AS, which raised $75,000 in a seed round, and IctioBiotic, indicating a consistent focus on aquaculture-related ventures.


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 Utrecht-based venture capital firm founded in 2013, dedicated to investing in innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry. The firm focuses on sustainable practices and improving production efficiency by investing in fish farms, feed mills, and hatcheries. 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 aquaculture. These investments highlight Aqua-Spark's commitment to advancing the aquaculture industry and promoting sustainability.


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 address global challenges, particularly in sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, they have participated in several significant transactions in the aquaculture context, including a $1.7 million equity investment in Aquarech, Kenya's first fish farming platform, and multiple funding rounds for Ocean Rainforest, a multinational seaweed farmer. Their involvement in these ventures highlights their commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the aquaculture industry.


4. 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 private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. Founded in 1963, the firm has over 60 years of experience and has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Among its notable transactions, Unigrains invested in Groupe Grimaud La Corbière, which raised over $70 million in a private equity round in 2011 and is known for its activities in aquaculture, particularly in breeding fish and other aquatic species. This investment highlights Unigrains' commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to the aquaculture industry, alongside its broader focus on the agro-food sector.


5. 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 range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim 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 aquaculture sector, such as investing in Lisaqua, a European aquaculture start-up that raised €2.6 million to build a recirculating aquaculture system facility in France. Additionally, they participated in funding Agronutris, a biotech company focused on rearing black soldier flies for the aquaculture and pet food markets, which raised €100 million for its industrial unit. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting the aquaculture industry.


6. 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 aquaculture context, such as providing grants and seed funding to Blue Planet Ecosystems, which focuses on sustainable aquaculture solutions, and FarmInsect, a company that develops insect technology for sustainable food production, including applications in aquaculture. These investments highlight the EIC's role in promoting innovative solutions that can enhance the aquaculture industry.


7. 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 innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. Founded in 1994, Nutreco operates with a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is dedicated to sustainable practices to meet the increasing global demand for food. Notably, Nutreco has made significant investments in the aquaculture sector, including the acquisition of Skretting Nigeria, which solidified 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, further enhancing its aquaculture feed business. These strategic moves highlight Nutreco's active role in the aquaculture market, making it a relevant investor in this field.


8. 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, that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. Founded in 2010, Crowdcube connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the aquaculture context. For instance, Hooked Foods, a Swedish plant-based seafood brand, raised over $1 million through Crowdcube, highlighting the platform's engagement with the aquaculture industry. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported other companies like Novaton and Zero Carbon Farms, showcasing its commitment to diverse sectors, including sustainable food production and aquaculture-related ventures.


9. CREADEV - Creating for People

  • Website: creadev.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: creadev-investissements

CREADEV - Creating for People is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2002. The firm focuses on partnering with sustainable leaders across various sectors, including food, healthcare, and sustainable consumption. They provide growth equity funding and support to innovative entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and achieve significant impacts in their industries. Notably, CREADEV has participated in several transactions relevant to the aquaculture sector, including: 1. **The Kingfish Company** - CREADEV invested in this company during its venture round in November 2020, raising approximately $59.6 million, and again in December 2024, participating in a post-IPO equity round that raised about $14.6 million. The Kingfish Company is known for its sustainable fish farming practices. 2. **Kingfish Zeeland** - In December 2019, CREADEV led a funding round for Kingfish Zeeland, which is focused on expanding its production capacity for Yellowtail Kingfish, a species cultivated in aquaculture. This investment supports the company's growth initiatives in both the EU and US markets. 3. **Victory Farms** - Although primarily an agritech company, CREADEV's participation in the $35 million Series B funding round for Victory Farms in April 2023 indicates their interest in sustainable food production, which is closely related to aquaculture. These transactions highlight CREADEV's active role in the aquaculture industry and their commitment to sustainable food solutions.


10. 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 been involved in several significant transactions within the aquaculture context, including investments in companies like New School Foods, which specializes in plant-based seafood. Other relevant investments include Finless Foods and Ocean Hugger Foods, both of which focus on sustainable seafood alternatives. These transactions highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in the food sector, particularly in areas that intersect with aquaculture.


11. 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 London-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in investments within the alternative protein sector. The firm partners with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support, aiming to revolutionize food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notably, CPT Capital has invested in several key players in the aquaculture space, including BlueNalu, which raised $60 million in a convertible note in January 2021 and $20 million in a Series A round in September 2019, both aimed at developing cell-cultured seafood products. Additionally, they participated in a seed funding round for Bluu Biosciences, which is dedicated to cultivating seafood species and raised €7 million (~$8.25 million) in March 2021. These transactions highlight CPT Capital's commitment to advancing aquaculture through innovative biotechnology solutions.


12. 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. Among their notable transactions, they participated in a venture round for Poiscaille, raising approximately $7.8 million, which is relevant to the aquaculture industry. They also invested in Invers, contributing to a €15 million funding round, and have been involved in other agro-food related investments, indicating their active role in sectors that intersect with aquaculture.


13. Ocean 14 Capital

  • Website: ocean14capital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: ocean-14-capital

Ocean 14 Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2020, that focuses on transforming the blue economy through sustainable investments. The firm provides capital and strategic support to late-stage venture and growth ocean businesses, particularly in aquaculture, fisheries, and circular plastics. Their mission is to drive measurable impact while achieving market-leading returns. Notably, Ocean 14 Capital has invested €10 million in Tilabras, a sustainable fish farmer specializing in tilapia, and has acquired a controlling stake in SyAqua, a shrimp genetics company, for USD 12 million. They also invested €11 million in The Kingfish Company to support the expansion of its aquaculture facilities, demonstrating their active role in the aquaculture industry.


14. Cibus Capital

  • Website: cibusfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cibus-fund

Cibus Capital LLP is an investment advisory firm based in London, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to enhance food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital has been involved in several significant transactions within the aquaculture sector, including a $59.6 million investment in The Kingfish Company, which is dedicated to sustainable aquaculture practices. They also participated in a $20 million Series A funding round for BlueNalu, a company innovating in cell-based seafood, which directly impacts the aquaculture market. Furthermore, their investment in Moleaer, which develops nanobubble technology applicable to aquaculture, showcases their commitment to advancing technologies that benefit the industry. Overall, Cibus Capital's portfolio reflects a strong alignment with sustainable practices in food production, including aquaculture.


15. 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 aquaculture sector, including a venture round for Gårdsfisk, which raised $1,231,100 in February 2018, and multiple funding rounds for Big Akwa, a Swedish land-based trout producer, which raised significant amounts through equity sales and loans in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Almi participated in a venture round for Ostrea Aquaculture in 2016, further demonstrating their engagement in the aquaculture industry.


16. Benchmark Holdings plc


Benchmark Holdings plc is a corporate investor based in Sheffield, England, specializing in aquaculture solutions with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Founded in 2000, the company provides critical products and services in Genetics, Advanced Nutrition, and Health, catering to aquaculture producers globally. With over 750 customers in 70 countries, Benchmark has established itself as a key player in the aquaculture industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Inve Aquaculture, a shrimp food manufacturer, for $342 million, which enhances their product offerings in aquaculture nutrition. Additionally, they acquired SalmoBreed, a salmon genetics company, and Stofnfiskur, a salmon breeding company in Iceland, further solidifying their expertise in aquaculture genetics. Their acquisition of TomAlgae, a company specializing in microalgae for aquaculture feed, also underscores their commitment to advancing animal health in aquaculture. These strategic investments reflect Benchmark's dedication to improving aquaculture practices and sustainability.


17. AKVA group

  • Website: akvagroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Norway
  • Founded year: 1974
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: akva-group-asa

AKVA group is a corporate investor based in Norway, founded in 1974, specializing in aquaculture technology and services. The company provides comprehensive solutions for both sea-based and land-based fish farming, including infrastructure, feeding systems, and advisory services aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency for fish farmers. In 2023, AKVA group acquired a 51% majority stake in Submerged AS, a strategic move to bolster its digital offerings in precision fish farming. Additionally, AKVA has made significant investments in the past, such as acquiring Plastsveis in 2013 and Sperre AS in 2016, both of which contribute to its technological capabilities in aquaculture. Furthermore, their agreement to acquire at least 70% of Newfoundland Aqua Service in 2020 highlights their intent to expand their presence in regions with growth potential for salmon farming. These transactions underscore AKVA group's active role in the aquaculture industry and its commitment to driving innovation within the sector.


18. 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 specializes in 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 MicroHarvest, a biotech start-up that raised €8.5 million in a Series A funding round to commercialize its single-cell protein production process, which is relevant to the aquaculture industry. Additionally, they have invested in Current Foods, an alt-protein company, which, while not directly aquaculture, indicates their interest in sustainable protein sources. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation in food production, making them a significant player in the agrifood tech landscape.



Aquaculture Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Hatch BlueCork, Cork, Ireland11-5020172
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
CREADEV - Creating for PeopleParis, Île-De-France, France11-5020022
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Ocean 14 CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020203
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Benchmark Holdings plcSheffield, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100020000
AKVA groupNorway1001-500019742
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710


Want to find more investors focusing on the aquaculture industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the aquacultureindustry, 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!