The biofuel production industry in Europe is rapidly evolving, driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions. Companies in this sector range from large multinational corporations to innovative startups, all focused on producing cleaner fuels derived from organic materials. This includes bioethanol from crops, biodiesel from waste oils, and advanced biofuels made from non-food feedstocks. With increasing government support and consumer demand for green alternatives, the industry is anticipated to expand further. Notably, the European Biofuels Directive aims to ensure that at least 14% of the transport fuel comes from renewable sources by 2030.


In 2024, investors in the biofuel sector showcased varied approaches, with corporate giants like Shell and TotalEnergies leading substantial funding activities. Based in key European capitals such as London, Paris, and Stockholm, these investors range in size, but most are large entities with established track records. Founded between the late 19th and early 21st centuries, they participated in numerous transactions this past year, supporting companies committed to innovative biofuel technologies. From venture capital firms to private equity groups, their influence shapes the future of biofuels across the continent.


Top 18 Biofuel Production 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 also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding projects relevant to biofuel production, such as Electrochaea, which raised over $20 million in a venture round, focusing on innovative energy solutions. Additionally, the EIC provided grants to Carbo Culture, a startup specializing in CO2 removal, which is crucial for sustainable biofuel production. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting technologies that can contribute to the biofuel sector and sustainability initiatives.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, aiming to promote growth and job creation. In recent transactions, the EIB has been involved in significant debt financing for companies like Repsol Energy Ventures, which is engaged in energy production, and Ørsted, a leader in renewable energy. These transactions reflect the EIB's commitment to financing initiatives that align with sustainable energy goals, including potential investments in biofuel production as part of a broader renewable energy strategy.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions in the biofuel sector, such as providing $17.3 million in government funding to Global Bioenergies for its isobutene plant as part of the France 2030 plan. This funding included a substantial grant component, highlighting their commitment to supporting biofuel production initiatives. Additionally, they have participated in other funding rounds for companies like Elyse Energy and Aerleum, indicating a broader interest in energy innovation, which may encompass biofuels.


4. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, that operates in the energy and chemicals sectors. Founded in 1907, Shell provides essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to businesses and consumers globally. In recent years, Shell has made significant investments in the biofuel production sector, including an equity investment in FORGE Hydrocarbons to support the development of a commercial-scale biofuel production plant in Ontario, and a $46.4 million investment in Virent Energy Systems to scale its BioForming® process. Furthermore, Shell's acquisition of Nature Energy Biogas A/S for nearly USD $2 billion enhances its position as the largest producer of Renewable Natural Gas in Europe, showcasing its strategic focus on renewable energy sources and biofuels.


5. 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. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to biofuel production, including Ingelia, which raised $566,952 in a Series A round in 2020, and Meva Energy, which raised $1,213,359 in a Seed round in 2021. These investments highlight InnoEnergy's active role in promoting biofuel technologies and solutions.


6. 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 has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in significant transactions within the biofuel production sector, including Celtic Renewables, which raised $4,768,141 in October 2020 and $2,836,639 in November 2021 through equity crowdfunding on their platform. Additionally, they facilitated funding for Antaco, which raised $742,222 in November 2019, further demonstrating their involvement in biofuel-related ventures. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting the biofuel industry through its crowdfunding services.


7. TotalEnergies


TotalEnergies is a French energy company founded in 1924, focusing on producing and marketing a diverse range of energy solutions, including oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and serves both businesses and consumers with sustainable energy solutions. In recent years, TotalEnergies has made significant investments in the biofuel sector, including the acquisition of Polska Grupa Biogazowa, enhancing their biogas production capacity to 1.1 terawatt hours. Additionally, they acquired a 20% stake in Ductor, a Finnish start-up that processes high-nitrogen organic waste for biomethane production. These transactions highlight TotalEnergies' strategic focus on expanding its biofuel production capabilities and its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.


8. Equinor

  • Website: equinor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: equinor

Equinor ASA, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, is a public entity operating in the energy sector with a focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to become a net-zero emissions entity by 2050. Equinor serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. In recent years, Equinor has made significant investments in companies that align with its renewable energy goals. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Syzygy Plasmonics, a technology company focused on innovative energy solutions, raising $76 million in Series C and $23 million in Series B financing. These investments indicate Equinor's interest in advancing technologies that could be applicable to biofuel production. Additionally, their acquisition of a stake in Ørsted, a leader in renewable energy, further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the renewable sector.


9. 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, that specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the biofuel production industry, including investments in Biofrigas AB, which focuses on biofuels, and C-Green, which has raised significant funding for sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, Almi's investment in Cellfion, a startup developing sustainable membranes for energy storage, further demonstrates its commitment to supporting green technologies that may complement biofuel production efforts.


10. 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 investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the energy sector, including the acquisition of Synagro Technologies, Inc. for an enterprise value of USD 465 million, which focuses on organic residuals management—a key area related to biofuel production. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of EEW Energy from Waste further highlights its engagement in sectors that intersect with renewable energy and waste management. These transactions indicate EQT's potential interest in biofuel production, although its investment strategy encompasses a wider range of industries.


11. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a focus on mutuality and social responsibility. The group has been active in various sectors, including energy and biofuels. Notably, it has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Vicentin S.A.I.C., which raised substantial amounts in venture funding, indicating its engagement in the biofuel production industry. Additionally, their involvement with Methaneo, a company that operates in the bioenergy sector, further highlights their interest in biofuels. Overall, Crédit Agricole's diverse investment portfolio and specific transactions in the biofuel sector position it as a relevant investor in this field.


12. Engie

  • Website: engie.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1834
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: engie

ENGIE is a corporate energy company based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in renewable energy and energy solutions. Founded in 1834, ENGIE operates globally with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization. The company has made significant strides in the biofuel sector, particularly through its acquisitions of Ixora Energy and Vol-V Biomasse, enhancing its position as a leader in biomethane production. The acquisition of Ixora Energy for £64.8 million added three new production units to ENGIE's portfolio, strengthening its presence in the European biomethane market. Furthermore, ENGIE's commitment of €800 million over the next five years and €2 billion by 2030 for developing biomethane projects underscores its dedication to expanding biofuel production capabilities. These strategic investments and acquisitions highlight ENGIE's active role in the biofuel industry, particularly in the production of biomethane, which is a crucial component of the biofuels landscape.


13. 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. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses. Notably, it participated in funding rounds for companies like Carbogenics, which is developing green energy technology and plans to establish a production facility in Scotland. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise invested in FlexBio, an innovation center aimed at supporting biotech businesses, which may include biofuel production. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to enhancing Scotland's economic landscape through investments in sustainable energy solutions.


14. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. Founded in 1870, the bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. In 2024, Deutsche Bank has been actively involved in various transactions, including a notable $3.33 billion financing for Varo Energy, which is set to invest two-thirds of this amount into sustainable energies, including biofuels. Additionally, Deutsche Bank led a €335 million loan for Ignis Energía to develop solar projects, showcasing its engagement in the renewable energy sector. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's role in facilitating investments that support the growth of sustainable energy, including biofuels.


15. TotalEnergies Ventures


TotalEnergies Ventures is a corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, and is part of TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company founded in 2008. The firm focuses on a wide range of energy solutions, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy, with an emphasis on sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions. TotalEnergies Ventures has been involved in several significant transactions in the biofuel sector, notably investing in Gevo, a company specializing in renewable fuels and chemicals. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Gevo, including a $40 million venture round in 2009 and a post-IPO equity investment in 2013. Additionally, they invested in Renmatix, which is known for its technology in converting biomass into sugars for biofuel production. These investments highlight TotalEnergies Ventures' active role in supporting the biofuel production industry.


16. 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, founded in 1963. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains specializes in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors, providing financial and strategic support to businesses in these industries. They have supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notably, Unigrains has been involved in significant transactions such as Cristal Union, which raised approximately $1.88 billion in 2019 and is a key player in bioethanol production. Other investments include Axereal and Moret Industries, which also operate within the agricultural sector, further demonstrating Unigrains' commitment to supporting companies that may intersect with biofuel production. Their recent investment in SEEDERAL Technologies, which focuses on agricultural innovations, indicates a forward-looking approach that could encompass biofuel advancements.


17. EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative


EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative is a not-for-profit impact investment facility based in Belgium, founded in 2016. It focuses on financing renewable energy projects in developing countries, providing both equity and debt financing along with technical assistance to enhance access to clean energy. The organization targets renewable energy companies and projects, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to help them achieve sustainable energy solutions. Notably, EDFI ElectriFI has invested in Sistema.bio, which raised $15 million in a venture round in 2024 and has previously secured $12 million in Series A funding to develop affordable biogas equipment for small farms. This investment supports the production of biofuels, specifically biogas, which is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, EDFI ElectriFI provided $6 million in debt financing to Husk Power Systems to build solar hybrid microgrids, further demonstrating its commitment to renewable energy solutions that can complement biofuel production.


18. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is a global energy trading company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. It operates in the commodity markets with a focus on crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. Mercuria is committed to investing in sustainable projects and providing solutions for businesses transitioning to net zero. In recent years, Mercuria has made strategic investments in the biofuel sector, including a capital commitment to Arbor Renewable Gas, which focuses on renewable gas production, and the acquisition of Roadgas Limited, which operates bio-CNG and bio-LNG stations in the UK, enhancing the decarbonization of heavy transport fleets. Additionally, Mercuria's investment in ClearFlame Engine Technologies, which develops technology for renewable liquid fuels, further underscores its active role in the biofuel production industry. With a goal of having fifty percent of its investments directed towards energy transition by 2026, Mercuria is positioning itself as a key player in the renewable energy landscape.



Biofuel Production Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
TotalEnergiesFrance10001+192411
EquinorStavanger, Rogaland, Norway10001+19726
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
EngieParis, Île-De-France, France10001+18343
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
TotalEnergies VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20080
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing InitiativeBelgium11-5020162
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047


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