The livestock farming industry in the Nordics plays a crucial role in the region's agricultural economy, producing meat, dairy, and other animal products. It imports modern technology and best practices to boost productivity while emphasizing sustainability and animal welfare. Companies in this sector range from large processing firms to innovative startups focusing on food tech and aquaculture. As consumer preferences shift towards ethical and environmentally-friendly practices, many are exploring alternative proteins and smarter farming techniques. This trend is supported by significant investments and collaborations with research institutions, paving the way towards a more sustainable future in livestock production.


The investors in this list are primarily from venture capital and private equity backgrounds, with a range of sizes from small corporate funds to large institutions. Most firms are headquartered in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, reflecting the strong financial ecosystems in these countries. They have been actively investing since the late 20th century, with deal counts in 2024 varying between 2 to 45 investments per firm. This commitment illustrates a growing interest in the livestock farming sector, where innovative solutions and sustainable practices are gaining traction.


Top 18 Livestock Farming Investors in the Nordics


1. 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. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi has invested in Kloverbergsgarden, which is involved in livestock farming, and Agricam AB, which also has connections to agricultural practices. Additionally, Almi has supported Tebrito through multiple seed rounds, indicating their active role in fostering innovation within the agricultural sector. These investments reflect Almi's commitment to supporting the growth of businesses in the livestock farming industry.


2. 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. Among its notable transactions, EQT has invested in IVC Evidensia, the largest veterinary care provider in Europe, which plays a crucial role in livestock health and management. Additionally, EQT Ventures led a Series A funding round for Formo, an innovative company producing animal-free cheese, highlighting their interest in sustainable food production. Furthermore, EQT's acquisition of Granngården, a retail chain that likely offers products related to farming and livestock, further emphasizes their involvement in the agricultural sector. These transactions reflect EQT's strategic focus on sectors that intersect with livestock farming, making them a significant player in this space.


3. 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. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In recent years, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in the livestock farming context, including a Series A investment in Roslin Technologies, an Edinburgh-based food and ag tech company that aims to become a leading provider of animal cell lines for the cultivated meat sector. This investment highlights their commitment to innovative solutions in livestock farming. Additionally, they invested in Deep Branch Biotechnology, which focuses on producing alternative feed ingredients, further demonstrating their engagement in the livestock industry. These strategic investments reflect Novo Holdings' broader interest in enhancing agricultural and food technologies, particularly those that intersect with livestock farming.


4. Mudcake

  • Website: mudcake.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: trellisroad

Mudcake is an investment microfund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in supporting startups within the food industry, providing capital and resources primarily in pre-seed and seed rounds. Mudcake operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies across multiple continents. Notably, they have invested in Mission Barns, a cellular agriculture company, which raised $24 million in a Series A funding round, indicating a focus on innovative food production methods that could disrupt traditional livestock farming. They also participated in the funding of Nutropy, a startup producing animal-free French cheeses, showcasing their interest in alternatives to conventional livestock products. These investments highlight Mudcake's role in fostering innovation within the food sector, including areas that relate to livestock farming.


5. Danish Crown


Danish Crown is a corporate investor based in Randers, Denmark, founded in 1887. It is one of the largest meat processing companies in Europe, specializing in the production and sale of pork and beef products. The company serves a diverse customer base, including food retailers and wholesalers, providing high-quality meat for a significant number of meals globally. Danish Crown emphasizes food safety and sustainability in its operations. Notably, the company has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the livestock sector, including the acquisition of Teterower Fleisch, the fifth-largest cattle slaughterhouse in Germany, aimed at enhancing its beef division. Additionally, Danish Crown acquired SPF-Danmark, a company involved in the trading and transportation of piglets and breeding animals, further solidifying its role in livestock farming. These transactions reflect Danish Crown's commitment to expanding its influence in the livestock industry.


6. Finnfund

  • Website: finnfund.fi
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: finnfund

Finnfund is a not-for-profit development financier and impact investor based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 1980. The organization focuses on creating sustainable futures by investing in companies that address global development challenges, primarily in developing countries. Finnfund provides investment and advisory services to promote economic growth and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Finnfund has made significant investments in the livestock farming sector, including a US$5 million investment in EthioChicken, an Ethiopian chicken company, through the OP Finnfund Global Impact Fund I, which aims to enhance job creation and food security. Additionally, Finnfund previously invested $10 million in EthioChicken in 2016 through debt financing. These transactions highlight Finnfund's commitment to supporting sustainable livestock farming initiatives and addressing food security challenges in developing regions.


7. Munters

  • Website: munters.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1955
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: munters

Munters is a climate control solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in energy-efficient products for industrial and agricultural applications. Founded in 1955, the company offers a range of products including dehumidifiers, air cleaning systems, and cooling solutions. Munters serves various sectors, including food agriculture, where precise climate control is essential for enhancing productivity and sustainability. In recent years, Munters has made significant investments in the livestock farming sector, including the acquisition of Reventa, a German company that specializes in climate control systems for livestock buildings, aimed at strengthening their position in the swine segment. Additionally, they acquired MTech Systems, which specializes in software for poultry and swine production, further integrating advanced data analytics with climate control solutions. These strategic moves highlight Munters' commitment to improving livestock farming operations through innovative climate control technologies.


8. Yara Growth Ventures


Yara Growth Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups and funds within the agriculture and clean hydrogen sectors. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to help their customers, primarily businesses in these industries, develop and scale their solutions. Notably, Yara Growth Ventures has participated in several significant transactions relevant to agriculture, including a $40 million Series B investment in Apollo Agriculture, which aims to improve farming practices in Africa. They also invested in Agrolend, a Brazilian agribusiness capital provider, which raised $52.7 million in Series C funding, indicating their commitment to supporting agricultural financing. Additionally, their investment in Tarfin, a Turkey-based agritech company, and Agrofy, an Argentine farmer marketplace, highlights their focus on enhancing agricultural operations and providing financial solutions to farmers, which can include livestock operations. By leveraging their extensive network, Yara Growth Ventures aims to facilitate significant advancements in sustainable agriculture and energy.


9. Altor Equity Partners

  • Website: altor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has made several notable investments in the livestock farming context, including the acquisition of Hamlet Protein, a Danish company focused on high value-add young animal feed, which underscores their commitment to the livestock sector. They also acquired Haarslev Industries, a company that processes animal by-products, and EWOS, a leading supplier of feed for aquaculture, further demonstrating their active role in industries related to livestock and animal nutrition. These strategic investments reflect Altor's focus on sectors that support livestock farming and aquaculture, aligning with their broader investment philosophy.


10. 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, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. The company specializes in aquaculture technology and services, providing comprehensive solutions for both sea-based and land-based fish farming. Their offerings include infrastructure, feeding systems, and advisory services aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency for fish farmers. In 2024, AKVA group was involved in significant transactions, including a post-IPO equity investment in Nordic Aqua Partners, which raised over $33 million, and the acquisition of Observe Technologies, a UK-based AI solutions firm, to bolster their digital capabilities in aquaculture. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Submerged AS, further emphasizing their focus on precision fish farming technology. These transactions highlight AKVA group's strategic commitment to advancing the aquaculture sector, making them a notable player in the livestock farming industry.


11. Polaris Private Equity


Polaris Private Equity is a private equity firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on supporting mid-sized companies in the Nordic region through tailored investment strategies that include private equity, flexible capital, and public equity. Polaris partners with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements, helping these companies realize their full potential. Notably, Polaris has made significant investments in the livestock sector, including the acquisition of HAMLET PROTEIN in 2007, which provides protein solutions for livestock, and more recently, the acquisitions of FaunaPharma and Salfarm in 2024, both of which are involved in animal health and nutrition. These transactions highlight Polaris's commitment to enhancing the livestock farming industry through strategic investments.


12. Industrifonden

  • Website: industrifonden.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: industrifonden

Industrifonden is a venture capital fund based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the fields of Deep Tech, Life Science, and Transformative Tech. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to startups, helping them scale their innovative solutions and create long-term value through partnerships with passionate founders. Among their notable transactions, Industrifonden invested in Gårdsfisk, which raised $4,993,393 in a Series A round in March 2025, indicating their involvement in the livestock farming sector. Additionally, they have participated in various other funding rounds across different industries, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


13. Swedfund International

  • Website: swedfund.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: swedfund-international

Swedfund International is a public entity based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1979, that focuses on development finance aimed at reducing poverty through sustainable investments in developing countries. The organization supports small and medium enterprises and public sector projects, enhancing access to essential services and promoting economic growth. In recent transactions, Swedfund has invested in Hima Seafood, which is building the world's largest trout farm, and Apollo Agriculture, which received funding to expand its initiatives that empower small-scale farmers in Kenya. These investments reflect Swedfund's commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security, aligning with its mission to mobilize private capital for development.


14. Marel

  • Website: marel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Garðabær, Garðabær, Iceland
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: marel

Marel is a corporate investor based in Garðabær, Iceland, founded in 1983. The company specializes in food processing equipment, providing advanced solutions for the poultry, meat, fish, and prepared foods industries. Marel's product offerings include processing machinery, software solutions, and maintenance services aimed at improving efficiency and product quality through automation and innovative technology. Notably, Marel has made significant acquisitions in the livestock sector, including Poultry Machinery Joosten B.V. (PMJ), a company focused on duck and goose processing, and Sulmaq, a Brazilian firm specializing in hog and cattle slaughtering lines. These acquisitions reflect Marel's commitment to expanding its presence in the livestock processing market and enhancing its capabilities in this area. Additionally, Marel's acquisition of Wenger Manufacturing LLC, which focuses on pet food and plant-based proteins, further demonstrates their strategic approach to diversifying within the food processing industry.


15. Maki.vc

  • Website: maki.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: maki-vc

Maki.vc is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments in deep tech and brand-driven companies, providing funding and support to early-stage startups to help them navigate growth and innovation challenges. Maki.vc operates primarily in the Nordic region but maintains a global investment mandate. Notably, they participated in the seed funding round for Onego Bio, a Finnish startup that has developed a technology to produce egg white without chickens, highlighting their engagement in innovative solutions within the livestock farming context. Additionally, Maki.vc was involved in a Series A funding round for Onego Bio, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting advancements that could impact the livestock industry. Their investment strategy reflects a broader interest in sustainable food production technologies, which aligns with the evolving landscape of livestock farming.


16. Heartcore Capital

  • Website: heartcore.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: heartcorecapital

Heartcore Capital is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies and emphasizes building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs. In 2022, Heartcore participated in a significant investment round for Gourmey, a French cultivated meat startup, which raised €48 million in a Series A round, marking it as the largest Series A for a cultivated meat company. This investment reflects Heartcore's interest in innovative food technologies that intersect with the livestock farming industry. Additionally, Heartcore has been involved in other food-related startups, showcasing their broader interest in the food sector, which includes alternative protein sources and pet health, further indicating their relevance to the livestock farming context.


17. Investinor

  • Website: investinor.no
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: investinor

Investinor AS is a venture capital investment company based in Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway, founded in 2008. It specializes in providing funding to promising startups and companies, helping them grow and achieve market leadership. Investinor collaborates with entrepreneurs and other investors, managing state interests in seed and venture funds. Notably, Investinor has been involved in several transactions relevant to the livestock farming context, including Nordic Halibut, which focuses on aquaculture, and Farmforce, which provides solutions for agricultural management. These investments highlight Investinor's engagement in sectors that intersect with livestock farming, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative companies in this field.


18. Lantmännen

  • Website: lantmannen.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: lantmannen

Lantmännen is a prominent agricultural cooperative based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2001. With over 10,000 employees, it operates across various sectors, including agriculture, machinery, bioenergy, and food products. Lantmännen provides essential agricultural inputs and services to farmers, focusing on sustainable practices throughout its operations. In 2024, Lantmännen made notable acquisitions, including HKFoods, which enhances their food product offerings. Additionally, their past acquisition of the Spira Group and the VAASAN Group demonstrates their strategy to expand their market presence and product range. While these transactions primarily focus on food production, Lantmännen's foundational role in supporting farmers, including those in livestock farming, underscores their relevance in the agricultural sector.



Livestock Farming Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
MudcakeStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020203
Danish CrownRanders, Denmark10001+18870
FinnfundHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019807
MuntersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500019554
Yara Growth VenturesOslo, Oslo, Norway1-1020214
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
AKVA groupNorway1001-500019742
Polaris Private EquityCopenhagen, Denmark51-20019984
IndustrifondenStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019799
Swedfund InternationalStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20019796
MarelGarðabær, Garðabær, Iceland5001-1000019830
Maki.vcHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-10201811
Heartcore CapitalCopenhagen, Denmark11-50200717
InvestinorTrondheim, Trøndelag, Norway11-5020084
LantmännenStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+20013


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