The cattle feed industry in Europe is a vital segment of the agricultural sector, focusing on the production of feed nutrition tailored for dairy and beef cattle. Companies include large corporations like Nutreco and smaller, innovative startups pushing for sustainable practices. Recent trends emphasize the development of alternative protein sources and additives aimed at enhancing livestock health and productivity while prioritizing eco-friendly practices. As consumer demand for high-quality protein increases, the industry is shifting towards integrating technology that boosts yield efficiency while addressing environmental concerns, ensuring its relevance in the evolving agricultural ecosystem.

This list showcases a variety of investors engaged in the cattle feed sector across Europe, including private equity firms, venture capital entities, and corporate investors. They originate from key locations such as France, Germany, and the UK, with firm sizes ranging from small teams to global corporations with 10,000+ employees. Established from the late 20th century and beyond, these investors collectively completed over 210 transactions in 2024, highlighting their robust engagement in fostering growth and innovation within the cattle feed industry.

Top 18 Cattle Feed Investors in Europe

1. 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. The firm 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 has invested in companies such as Cooperl, which raised $820,137,900 in 1995, and Agrial, which raised approximately $64,243,983 in 2014. These investments indicate Unigrains' active role in the agricultural sector, which encompasses cattle feed production and related activities.

2. 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. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the cattle feed industry, including Breedr, which raised $2,894,382 in October 2021. Breedr focuses on livestock management, which is integral to the cattle feed sector. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported The Ethical Butcher, which, while primarily focused on ethical meat sourcing, also intersects with the agricultural supply chain. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's engagement with businesses that have a direct or indirect impact on the cattle feed industry.

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 prominent animal nutrition company based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. Founded in 1994, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is dedicated to sustainable practices that meet the growing global demand for food. Nutreco has been actively involved in the cattle feed industry through several key acquisitions. Notably, in 2017, Nutreco acquired Hi-Pro Feeds, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance animal feed in North America, which significantly bolstered its presence in the cattle feed market. Additionally, the acquisition of Bellman Nutriçao Animal Ltda. in 2012, a Brazilian company focused on farm minerals and supplements for ruminants, further emphasizes Nutreco's strategic focus on enhancing its offerings in the cattle feed sector. Other relevant acquisitions include Nutrimin in Denmark and Animal Nutrition and Health in South Africa, both of which contribute to Nutreco's comprehensive portfolio in animal nutrition. Overall, Nutreco's investments and acquisitions reflect its commitment to advancing livestock health and productivity through high-quality feed solutions.

4. IDIA Capital Investissement

• Website: ca-idia.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: idia-capital-investissement

IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity 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, particularly in sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. IDIA Capital Investissement provides investment management services and strategic guidance to help clients navigate investment complexities and achieve sustainable growth. Notably, the firm has participated in significant transactions within the agro-food sector, including investments in Agrial, a major player in the agricultural industry, and Sodiaal, a prominent dairy cooperative. These investments highlight IDIA's commitment to the agro-food sector, which is closely related to cattle feed production, thereby reinforcing its relevance as an investor in this field.

5. Seventure Partners

• Website: seventure.fr
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies primarily in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. The firm focuses on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Notably, Seventure has made significant investments in the agricultural and animal health sectors, including funding for String Bio, which develops proteins for the feed industry, and Proteon Pharmaceuticals, which aims to reduce antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Their investment in Animab, which focuses on improving livestock health through monoclonal antibodies, further highlights their engagement in the cattle feed context. Seventure's diverse portfolio reflects their commitment to fostering innovation that can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of livestock production.

6. 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. Notable transactions include investments in Wild Earth and No Evil Foods, both of which focus on plant-based alternatives, and significant funding rounds for Mosa Meat, a company pioneering cultured meat technology. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to transforming the food industry towards more sustainable practices, which can have implications for the cattle feed sector by promoting alternatives that reduce reliance on traditional livestock farming.

7. 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 firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in funding rounds for companies like Covercress, which is involved in developing crops that can enhance agricultural sustainability, and Amfora, a biotech startup that aims to improve crop yields. Their investments in Apollo Agriculture also highlight their interest in innovative agricultural solutions that can impact food production systems, including cattle feed. By providing funding and active incubation, Leaps by Bayer supports the development of innovative solutions that can benefit the cattle feed industry.

8. 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 leading funding rounds for Ynsect, a French startup that raised significant capital to develop insect farming, initially aimed at animal feed. Although Ynsect is now shifting towards pet food and food ingredients, their early focus on animal feed aligns with Astanor's investment strategy. Additionally, Astanor led a €12 million Series A round for Standing Ovation, a startup working on animal-free casein and cheese substitutes, which could also have implications for cattle feed alternatives. Their investments reflect a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the agrifood sector, making them a relevant player in the cattle feed industry.

9. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website: eib.org
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn: european-investment-bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing diverse initiatives. Notably, the EIB made a significant investment of €40 million in Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company focused on research and development in optimized animal nutrition, which is crucial for the cattle feed industry. This funding supports the establishment of a Global Innovation Centre aimed at enhancing food innovation and sustainability in animal nutrition. Additionally, the EIB has participated in financing other companies in the agricultural sector, such as Carbery Group, which also aligns with the cattle feed context. These transactions highlight the EIB's commitment to fostering growth and innovation in sectors that impact cattle feed production.

10. dsm-firmenich

• Website: dsm-firmenich.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, operating primarily in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. Notably, dsm-firmenich has participated in significant transactions relevant to the cattle feed context, such as leading a Series A investment in Deep Branch Biotechnology, a UK-based alternative feed ingredient producer. This investment highlights their commitment to advancing sustainable feed solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Meatable, a cultivated meat company, which, while not directly cattle feed, indicates an interest in the broader meat production and sustainability landscape. Their involvement in Phytolon, which focuses on food applications, further emphasizes their engagement in the food and agricultural sectors.

11. Grosvenor

• Website: grosvenor.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1677
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: grosvenor

Grosvenor Group Limited, founded in 1677, is a corporate investor based in London, England. The company is primarily known for its property development and investment activities, but it also operates in the food and agtech sectors, as well as rural estate management. Grosvenor aims to create sustainable communities and enhance customer wellbeing through its diverse portfolio. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions in the agtech space, such as investing in Benson Hill, which focuses on sustainable food innovation, and GrowSafe Systems, which is involved in agricultural technology. These investments reflect Grosvenor's commitment to advancing sustainable practices in food production, making them a relevant player in the cattle feed industry.

12. Scottish Enterprise

• Website: scottish-enterprise.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn: scottish-enterprise

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on 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 has made 55 investments, reflecting its active role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Notably, they have invested in Beta Bugs Limited, which is working on sustainable feed alternatives, injecting over £1.72 million into the company. This investment aligns with the cattle feed industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this sector. Additionally, their involvement with ENOUGH, a mycoprotein start-up, further emphasizes their interest in alternative food sources that could impact animal feed production. Overall, Scottish Enterprise plays a crucial role in supporting businesses that contribute to the agricultural and food sectors in Scotland.

13. Novo Holdings

• Website: novoholdings.dk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in companies related to alternative feed solutions, such as Deep Branch Biotechnology, which raised €8M in a Series A funding round to develop alternative feed ingredients. This investment highlights Novo Holdings' engagement in the cattle feed sector, showcasing its commitment to innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, Novo Holdings has invested in Bactolife, which, while not directly related to cattle feed, indicates a broader interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, Novo Holdings' investment strategy reflects a willingness to support advancements in the agricultural and feed industries.

14. NWF Group PLC

• Website: nwf.co.uk
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Wardle, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1871
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: nwf-group-plc

NWF Group PLC is a corporate investor based in Wardle, England, specializing in logistics and distribution across the UK. Founded in 1871, the company operates in three main sectors: fuels, food, and feeds, connecting suppliers with over 111,525 customers. A significant part of their operations includes ruminant animal feed distribution, which positions them as a key player in the cattle feed market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of NWF Agriculture in December 2004, which expanded their agricultural capabilities, and the acquisition of Jim Peet (Agriculture) Ltd in March 2016, further enhancing their presence in the agriculture sector. Additionally, their acquisition of New Breed UK in June 2015, a high-quality agricultural nutritional advisory business, indicates a strategic focus on expanding their expertise and offerings within the agriculture and cattle feed sectors.

15. Nestlé

• Website: nestle.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company serves both consumers and businesses, providing nutritious and convenient food options while operating globally with a commitment to sustainability. Notably, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions that enhance its position in the nutrition sector. In 2001, it acquired Ralston Purina Company, a major player in pet food and animal nutrition, which aligns with the cattle feed industry. This acquisition indicates Nestlé's involvement in animal nutrition, which is relevant to cattle feed. Other acquisitions, such as the Carnation Company and Gerber Products Company, focus more on dairy and baby food, respectively, but they reflect Nestlé's broader strategy in the food sector.

16. IK Partners

• Website: ikpartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has been active in the animal health and nutrition space, acquiring companies such as Innovad, Kersia, and CID LINES, which are involved in animal health products and services. These transactions indicate a strategic interest in sectors that could overlap with cattle feed, as they enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies in related industries.

17. Rockstart

• Website: rockstart.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They focus on empowering early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology. Rockstart provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. Notably, they have participated in several funding rounds for MoooFarm, a dairytech startup, which raised significant amounts in its Seed and Series A funding rounds. This involvement highlights Rockstart's commitment to the agricultural sector, particularly in dairy and cattle-related innovations. Additionally, they have invested in Harvesto, further showcasing their interest in AgriFood ventures.

18. Demeter

• Website: demeter-im.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: demet

Demeter is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investments aimed at energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and projects that focus on sustainable development. In 2024, Demeter has made 11 investments, showcasing their active role in the investment landscape. Notably, they have invested in Kapsera, a French Agtech startup that raised funds to develop bioinputs for agriculture, which can be crucial for improving cattle feed efficiency and sustainability. This aligns with their mission to support ecological innovations. Additionally, their investment in Ynsect, a company focused on insect farming, also ties into sustainable feed solutions, as insects can serve as an alternative protein source for livestock. These transactions highlight Demeter's commitment to fostering advancements in agricultural practices, making them a relevant player in the cattle feed sector.

Cattle Feed Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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