The seafood processing industry in DACH involves transforming raw seafood into products for consumption. Companies span a wide range, including fish farms, processing plants, and value-added producers offering everything from canned fish to frozen seafood delicacies. This sector is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with innovations in eco-friendly practices and nutrients. Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier, plant-based alternatives, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental issues. Those interested in the future of seafood will find this industry ripe for investment, as advancements in aquaculture technology and plant-based seafood are making waves in the market.


Investors in the seafood processing industry in the DACH region include venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity players, reflecting varied strategies. Headquartered in key cities like Zurich and Berlin, these investors range from small firms with 1-10 employees to large corporations with over 10,000. Established between 1864 and 2021, they engaged in a notable number of deals in 2024, signaling strong interest in this high-potential market, where sustainability and innovation are paramount.


Top 18 Seafood Processing Investors in DACH


1. 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 transactions relevant to the seafood processing industry, including investments in Ocean Hugger Foods, Happy Ocean Foods, Finless Foods, and Gathered Foods, all of which focus on sustainable seafood alternatives. Most recently, they participated in a $12 million seed funding round for New School Foods, a company specializing in plant-based seafood products. This track record highlights Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in the seafood processing sector.


2. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notably, Beyond Impact VC has been involved in significant transactions within the seafood processing context, including investments in BlueNalu, which is developing cell-based seafood products, and Ocean Hugger Foods, known for its plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments reflect Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models that align with their mission of sustainability.


3. Good Seed Ventures

  • Website: goodseedventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: good-seed-ventures

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in startups and businesses that aim to reduce the environmental impact of food production, particularly in the realm of sustainable food solutions. They provide financial support, strategic guidance, and foster collaboration among industry players to drive innovation in the food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has invested in Finless Foods, which raised $10 million in a Series A round in 2020, focusing on sustainable seafood alternatives. Additionally, they have invested in Current Foods, which raised $3 million in a Seed Round in 2021, also targeting sustainable seafood products. These transactions highlight their active role in the seafood sector, particularly in promoting sustainable practices.


4. PHW Group


PHW Group, founded in 1932 and based in Visbek, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a corporate investor specializing in poultry production and alternative protein sources. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation in food production, catering to both retail and consumer markets. Notably, PHW Group has participated in significant transactions within the seafood processing context, including a $8.7 million Series A funding round for Good Catch, a company dedicated to providing plant-based seafood options. Additionally, they have formed strategic partnerships with companies like SuperMeat, which focuses on lab-grown chicken products, showcasing their interest in alternative protein sources. These investments reflect PHW Group's commitment to exploring diverse and sustainable dietary options, including those in the seafood sector.


5. Amcor

  • Website: amcor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1864. The company specializes in innovative and responsible packaging solutions for various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. With a strong focus on sustainability, Amcor aims to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In 2023, Amcor signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moda Systems, a New Zealand-based manufacturer of automated protein packaging machines, which is expected to enhance its capabilities in the meat, poultry, and dairy sectors. This acquisition is particularly relevant to seafood processing as it indicates Amcor's commitment to providing packaging solutions for protein products. Additionally, Amcor has been involved in other acquisitions, such as Phoenix Flexibles and Sonoco, which further expand its production capabilities and product offerings in sustainable packaging solutions.


6. Krones

  • Website: krones.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1951
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: krones-ag

Krones AG, founded in 1951 and based in Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in technology solutions for the beverage and food industries. With over 10,000 employees and reported revenues of €4.7 billion, Krones provides a range of products including process technology, filling and packaging machines, and digital services. Their recent acquisitions, such as a 25% stake in Perfinox to enhance research and development in food production, and the acquisition of Ampco Pumps for $100 million, aim to strengthen their offerings in the food sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Unicorn Industries, a specialist in turnkey solutions for food and beverage production, further expands their capabilities in the food processing market. While Krones is not exclusively focused on seafood processing, their involvement in the broader food industry suggests they could play a role in seafood processing technologies.


7. Nucleus Capital

  • Website: nucleus-capital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: k16-ventures

Nucleus Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are addressing systemic challenges to planetary health. Nucleus Capital provides venture capital and support to startups primarily in Europe and the US, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as Programmable Biology, Food Technology, and Green Industrials. Notably, they have invested in Ordinary Seafood, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round in May 2022, indicating their engagement in the seafood processing industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other innovative food technology companies, showcasing their commitment to sustainable food solutions.


8. Dr. Oetker

  • Website: oetker.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1891
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: dr--oetker

Dr. Oetker is a prominent food manufacturer based in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in a diverse range of baking and frozen food products. Founded in 1891, the company serves both consumers and businesses, providing quality ingredients and ready-to-eat meals. Dr. Oetker has a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, continuously adapting to consumer preferences while maintaining a significant presence in the global food market. Notably, Dr. Oetker participated in the Series A funding round for BLUU Seafood, contributing to its EUR 16 million raise. This investment highlights Dr. Oetker's interest in the seafood processing industry, as BLUU Seafood is focused on regulatory approval and market entry for seafood products. Additionally, Dr. Oetker has made several acquisitions in the food sector, including frozen bakery companies, which showcases its strategy of expanding its product offerings and market reach.


9. Delivery Hero Ventures

  • Website: dhventures.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: dx-ventures

Delivery Hero Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2021. It supports startups primarily in the food delivery, e-commerce, and fintech sectors, leveraging the extensive ecosystem of its parent company, Delivery Hero. Notably, Delivery Hero Ventures has invested in Bluu Seafood, participating in both a seed round in May 2021 and a Series A funding round in June 2023, which raised EUR 16 million. Bluu Seafood is dedicated to developing innovative seafood products, including cell-cultured fish, and aims to expand its market presence in Singapore and the US. This strategic investment highlights Delivery Hero Ventures' interest in the seafood processing industry, particularly in sustainable and technological advancements within the sector.


10. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company founded in 1878, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. The company has a global presence and offers a range of services including testing, inspection, certification, and training. Notably, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the food sector, including a 70 percent stake in Biopremier, a Portuguese company specializing in molecular biology and DNA sequencing services aimed at combating food fraud. Additionally, SGS acquired Ecotecnos, a Chilean company focused on sea monitoring and oceanography, which aligns with their strategy to expand their environmental services. These transactions highlight SGS's commitment to enhancing food safety and quality, including in the seafood processing industry.


11. Be8 Ventures

  • Website: be8.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: be8-ventures

Be8 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in innovative food companies that are shaping the future of the food ecosystem. They provide financial support and industry expertise to help startups grow. Notably, Be8 Ventures participated in a seed funding round for Bluu Biosciences, which is dedicated to cultivating seafood species through biotechnology, raising €7 million in March 2021. This investment highlights their commitment to the seafood processing sector. Additionally, they have invested in other food-related startups, such as New Culture and Michroma, but their direct involvement in seafood innovation positions them as a relevant player in the seafood processing industry.


12. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. Among its various investments, Siemens has shown interest in the seafood processing industry through its investment in Singapore Aquaculture Technologies, which raised $6.8 million in a Series A round in August 2021. This investment highlights Siemens' commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture, a critical area within the seafood sector. While Siemens has made other acquisitions, such as Bennex AS and Cambridge Water Technology, these are more focused on water treatment and industrial applications rather than seafood processing specifically. Nevertheless, the aquaculture investment positions Siemens as a relevant player in the seafood processing landscape.


13. responsAbility Investments AG


Responsability Investments AG is an impact investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in managing investments in emerging markets. Founded in 2003, the firm focuses on financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production, providing investment solutions to both professional and retail investors. Their operations aim to generate positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Notably, responsAbility has invested in eFishery, a company based in Indonesia that is revolutionizing aquaculture with innovative feeding solutions, indicating their engagement in the seafood processing industry. Additionally, they have invested in Sahyadri Farms, which, while primarily focused on agriculture, reflects their broader commitment to sustainable food systems. These transactions highlight responsAbility's role in promoting sustainable practices within the food production sector, including seafood.


14. COI Partners


COI Partners is an investment firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, specializing in growth capital and private equity investments in medium-sized enterprises within the DACH region. Founded in 2001, the firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide direct investments and fund management services, helping businesses achieve their growth ambitions. COI Partners focuses on sectors such as IT services and quick-service food, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to support its portfolio companies. Notably, COI Partners has been involved in significant transactions in the seafood processing sector, including their investment in Nordsee, a prominent seafood brand, as well as Cool Chain Group and Ice Age Ice GmbH, which, while not exclusively seafood-focused, indicate a broader interest in food-related businesses. This diverse portfolio highlights COI Partners' capability to engage with the seafood processing industry effectively.


15. Edmond de Rothschild


The Edmond de Rothschild Group is a financial institution based in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in private banking and asset management. Founded in 1953, the group offers a range of services including investment solutions and philanthropic engagement, focusing on responsible investment practices that aim to create a positive societal impact. Notably, they have made significant investments in various sectors, including a key acquisition of Sapore Di Mare on August 2, 2017, which is a company engaged in seafood processing. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the seafood industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other companies, such as BE WTR and North Star, indicating their active role in venture capital and investment across diverse sectors, while still maintaining a notable presence in seafood processing through Sapore Di Mare.


16. Paragon Partners

  • Website: paragon.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: paragon-partners_2

Paragon Partners GmbH is a private equity investment company based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in private equity investments in established medium-sized enterprises, providing capital and strategic support to enhance business operations and foster growth. Paragon Partners has a diverse portfolio, including notable transactions such as the acquisition of KADI AG, a Swiss frozen food producer, which generated significant sales and growth in the food sector. They also acquired Lutz Convenience Food, further demonstrating their engagement in the food processing industry. Most recently, they partnered with Ethica Group to acquire a majority stake in TP Food Group, indicating their ongoing interest in expanding within the food market. With €1.2 billion in managed equity, Paragon Partners focuses on sustainable investment opportunities for institutional investors, making them a significant player in the private equity landscape.


17. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of GETI WILBA GmbH & Co. KG in 2008, a company engaged in seafood processing, and Schiller Fleisch GmbH in 2016, which, while primarily a meat processing company, showcases the firm's interest in the food processing sector. Additionally, the acquisition of VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH in 1990 highlights their involvement in machinery that could be relevant to food processing industries, including seafood. Overall, Hannover Finanz's diverse portfolio and strategic focus make it a significant player in the investment landscape, including the seafood processing sector.


18. Bell Food Group AG


Bell Food Group AG, founded in 1869 and based in Basel, Switzerland, is a prominent food manufacturer specializing in meat and convenience food production. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fresh meat, poultry, charcuterie, and seafood, catering to both consumers and businesses across multiple European countries. With a strong commitment to quality and sustainability, Bell Food Group has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position. Notably, they have acquired local charcuterie supplier Cher-Mignon, which specializes in regional dried-meat products, and a majority stake in Swiss company Hügli, which is expected to significantly boost their revenues in the convenience food market. Although the specific seafood-related transactions are not detailed, their product offerings include seafood, indicating their involvement in the seafood processing industry.



Seafood Processing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
PHW GroupVisbek, Lower Saxony, Germany5001-1000019321
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
KronesNeutraubling, Bavaria, Germany10001+19512
Nucleus CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020215
Dr. OetkerBielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18910
Delivery Hero VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020212
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
Be8 VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020200
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
COI PartnersFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020010
Edmond de RothschildGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500019533
Paragon PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020042
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Bell Food Group AGBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+18690


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