The seafood processing industry in the Nordics is dynamic and pivotal, focusing on transforming raw fish and seafood into high-quality products. This sector encompasses a wide range of companies, including fish processors, aquaculture firms, and technology innovators, each aimed at meeting consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious seafood options. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and traceability, the industry is moving towards more eco-friendly practices and advanced processing technologies. As consumer preferences shift towards plant-based and alternative seafood, the industry is poised for growth, fostering innovation while ensuring healthy fisheries and aquatic resources for future generations.


The list features a mix of 18 investors varying in type—venture capital, private equity, and corporate. They operate from major Nordic cities, such as Oslo, Stockholm, and Hellerup, with firm sizes ranging from small microfunds to large corporations. Founded between 1820 and 2018, these firms reflect a broad investment horizon and an impressive range of deal activities in 2024. Notable actions include Katapult's focus on ocean-tech and EQT Group's substantial transactions aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies in seafood processing.


Top 18 Seafood Processing Investors in the Nordics


1. 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 climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the seafood processing industry, including a pre-seed investment in Umami Bioworks, a startup focused on cultivated seafood, and a seed investment in Ocean's Balance. Additionally, they have supported Hooked Foods, a company that develops plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to fostering innovation in the seafood sector, particularly in sustainable and alternative seafood solutions.


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 founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Classic Fine Foods Group, which has a strong market position in the food sector, including seafood. This acquisition highlights EQT's engagement in the food industry. Furthermore, EQT's acquisition of Færch Plast A/S, a leader in rigid plastic packaging for protein food trays, also aligns with the seafood processing context, as seafood is a significant component of protein foods. These transactions demonstrate EQT's capability and interest in sectors related to seafood processing.


3. 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 seafood processing context, including investments in Gårdsfisk, which raised $1,231,100 in a venture round in 2018, and Big Akwa, a Swedish land-based trout producer that has secured multiple rounds of funding, including a recent investment of 4.75 million SEK in May 2023. Additionally, Almi has supported Ostrea Aquaculture in a venture round in 2016. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to fostering growth in the seafood processing industry.


4. Orkla ASA

  • Website: orkla.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: orkla-asa

Orkla ASA is a leading industrial investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. The company operates across various sectors, including branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, and financial investments. Orkla offers a diverse range of products, including food, snacks, health, and personal care items, serving both consumers and businesses. Notably, Orkla has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the food industry. One significant transaction is the acquisition of Vesterålen Marine Olje AS, where Orkla Health acquired 95% of the shares to enhance its health and sustainability initiatives, particularly for its Möller’s Tran cod liver oil brand. This acquisition highlights Orkla's commitment to the seafood processing sector. Additionally, Orkla Food Ingredients has acquired Arne B. Corneliussen, a Norwegian ingredients company, further emphasizing its focus on the food industry. These transactions illustrate Orkla's strategy to create synergies within its operations and expand its footprint in the food and seafood processing markets.


5. 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 focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has been involved in several notable transactions within the seafood processing sector, including the acquisition of Nova Austral S.A., a significant player in the farmed salmon industry, and EWOS, a leading provider of fish feed. Additionally, their investment in Haarslev Industries, which supplies processing technology for the food industry, further emphasizes their commitment to the seafood processing domain. These strategic investments reflect Altor's diverse portfolio while maintaining a strong presence in the seafood processing industry.


6. Norvestor

  • Website: norvestor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: norvestor-equity-as

Norvestor is a private equity firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on partnering with medium-sized Nordic businesses to support their growth and development. Norvestor emphasizes sustainability in its investment strategy and has a diverse portfolio that includes various sectors. Notably, Norvestor has made significant acquisitions in the seafood processing industry, including Aalesundfisk in 1996 and Synnove in 1996, both of which are key players in seafood processing. Additionally, Norvestor acquired MMC First Process in 1997, further solidifying its involvement in the seafood sector. These transactions highlight Norvestor's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and market presence within the seafood processing industry, alongside its investments in other sectors such as IT services and property maintenance.


7. 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, an aquaculture technology firm, to bolster its digital offerings in precision fish farming. Additionally, they signed an agreement to acquire at least 70% of Newfoundland Aqua Service, a leading supplier of fish farming services in Canada, which highlights their commitment to expanding their presence in regions with significant growth potential for salmon farming. These transactions reflect AKVA group's strategic focus on enhancing the aquaculture sector, which is integral to the seafood processing industry.


8. 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. Recently, Novo Holdings has made significant strides in the seafood processing sector by entering into a binding agreement to acquire the genetics business of Benchmark Holdings plc for up to £260 million. This acquisition includes an initial payment and additional performance-based payments related to the salmon sub-segment, highlighting their commitment to improving seafood production. Additionally, Novo Holdings has participated in various funding rounds for biotech companies, such as Chromologics, which, while not directly related to seafood processing, showcases their active investment strategy in innovative sectors.


9. 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, specializing in food processing equipment. Founded in 1983, the company provides advanced solutions for various sectors, including poultry, meat, fish, and prepared foods. Marel's offerings encompass processing machinery, software solutions, and maintenance services aimed at enhancing efficiency and product quality through automation. Notably, Marel has made strategic acquisitions in the seafood processing sector, including a 50 percent stake in Curio, a whitefish processing equipment manufacturer, which enhances its capabilities in seafood processing. Additionally, Marel's acquisition of Wenger Manufacturing LLC, which focuses on pet food, plant-based proteins, and aqua feed, further solidifies its position in the seafood processing industry. These transactions reflect Marel's commitment to expanding its footprint in the seafood processing market, making it a significant player in this field.


10. Nordic Foodtech VC


Nordic Foodtech VC is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in deep foodtech innovations, aiming to transform the food system by supporting startups that develop sustainable and health-oriented food technologies. Their portfolio includes notable investments such as Nordic Umami Company, which focuses on enhancing food products, potentially including seafood. They also invested in Hailia Oy and EniferBio, both of which are involved in food technology advancements. With a total of 7 investments in 2024, Nordic Foodtech VC is actively contributing to the food technology sector in the Nordics and Baltics, making them a relevant player in the seafood processing context.


11. Chalmers Ventures


Chalmers Ventures is a venture builder and tech investor based in Sweden, founded in 2015. They specialize in deep tech innovations and actively support researchers and entrepreneurs in commercializing their technologies. Their investment model emphasizes active ownership and providing business guidance, financing, and community networking to help startups scale and succeed. Notably, Chalmers Ventures has invested in Aquafood AB, which raised funds in pre-seed rounds in 2021 and 2023, indicating their involvement in the seafood processing sector. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance the seafood industry, alongside their broader focus on various tech sectors.


12. Nordea

  • Website: nordea.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1820
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: nordea

Nordea Bank Abp is a prominent financial services company based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, providing a comprehensive range of banking and investment management services to both individual and corporate clients. Founded in 1820, Nordea has established a strong presence in the Nordic region, offering personal banking, business banking, and asset management solutions. In 2023, Nordea participated in significant transactions within the seafood processing industry, including a notable investment in Salmon Evolution, which raised $148,758,067 in post-IPO debt. This investment highlights Nordea's engagement with the seafood sector, alongside other transactions such as Brim and Navigator Gas, showcasing its diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a foothold in the seafood processing market.


13. Fabricom AS

  • Website: endur.no
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: fabricomas

Fabricom AS, founded in 1992 and based in Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway, is a corporate investor specializing in marine infrastructure and aquaculture solutions. The company provides innovative construction and maintenance services for marine structures and land-based fish farming, catering to clients in the marine and aquaculture sectors. In recent transactions, Fabricom AS has demonstrated its commitment to the seafood industry by participating in a financing round for GeoSalmo, which is focused on constructing a hybrid flow-through salmon farm in Iceland. Additionally, the acquisition of Artec Aqua AS for NOK 600 million highlights Fabricom's strategy to strengthen its position in the aquaculture sector. These activities underscore Fabricom's role as a significant player in the seafood processing ecosystem, making it a relevant investor in this field.


14. 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. Among its notable transactions, Investinor invested in Nordic Halibut, which raised funds in 2010, indicating its engagement in the seafood processing industry. Additionally, it has participated in various other ventures, showcasing its diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a focus on innovative and growth-oriented companies.


15. Summa Equity

  • Website: summaequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: summa-equity

Summa Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in thematic investments that address global challenges, focusing on sustainable investment solutions across various sectors, including resource efficiency and technology. Their clients include institutional investors and companies seeking capital for growth, emphasizing a commitment to aligning financial returns with positive societal impact. Notably, Summa Equity has made significant strides in the seafood sector, particularly with their acquisition of STIM in March 2024, a company that supplies fish health products and services for the aquaculture industry, which reported gross revenues exceeding €150 million. This transaction highlights their commitment to enhancing growth and product development capabilities within the seafood processing context. Additionally, their previous involvement with Rockfish Seafood Grill, although more focused on restaurant operations, indicates a broader interest in the seafood market.


16. Kale United

  • Website: kaleunited.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: kaleunited

Kale United is an investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in sustainable food production through impact investments in plant-based and foodtech companies. It caters to both individual and institutional investors who are interested in supporting the transition to a plant-based lifestyle while achieving financial returns. Notably, Kale United has participated in significant transactions such as investing in Nordic SeaFarm, which aims to become the largest producer of plant-based crops from the sea in Europe, highlighting their commitment to innovative seafood processing solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Hooked Foods, a company focused on plant-based seafood alternatives, further demonstrating their engagement in the seafood processing industry.


17. Alfa Laval

  • Website: alfalaval.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lund, Skåne, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1883
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: alfa-laval

Alfa Laval is a corporate investor based in Lund, Skåne, Sweden, founded in 1883. The company specializes in manufacturing and engineering solutions for heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling, serving various industries, including food processing, marine, and pharmaceuticals. Their extensive product range and global service network support businesses in optimizing operations and meeting environmental standards. Notably, Alfa Laval has been involved in several acquisitions that enhance their capabilities in processing technologies. For instance, their acquisition of Desmet, a company known for engineering and supplying processing plants for the edible oils sector, aligns with their strategy to expand in food processing. This acquisition, along with others like Scanjet Marine & Systems, which focuses on marine tank cleaning solutions, showcases their commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies in industries that include seafood processing.


18. 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 in the food industry, providing investment in pre-seed and seed rounds to help founders innovate in food production, distribution, and consumption. Mudcake operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies across multiple continents. Notably, they have invested in Bluu Biosciences, which is dedicated to cultivating seafood species through biotechnology, highlighting their engagement in the seafood processing sector. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other food-related startups, such as Project Eaden and Planet A Foods, showcasing their broader commitment to innovative food solutions.



Seafood Processing Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Orkla ASAOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20171
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
NorvestorOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5019893
AKVA groupNorway1001-500019742
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
MarelGarðabær, Garðabær, Iceland5001-1000019830
Nordic Foodtech VCHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020197
Chalmers VenturesSweden11-50201526
NordeaHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland10001+18206
Fabricom ASStavanger, Rogaland, Norway501-100019921
InvestinorTrondheim, Trøndelag, Norway11-5020084
Summa EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020166
Kale UnitedStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020182
Alfa LavalLund, Skåne, Sweden10001+18830
MudcakeStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020203


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