The agrochemicals industry in Europe plays a vital role in agricultural productivity and food security. This sector includes companies engaged in producing chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that enhance crop yield and resilience. It is gradually shifting towards sustainability, emphasizing eco-friendly solutions and biotechnology to meet consumer demands. Innovative practices are emerging, such as biological control agents and precision agriculture techniques. The European market is responding to increasing regulatory pressures and the necessity for sustainable development, making investments in green technology and organic farming a priority. This transformation is shaping the future of agriculture across the continent.


Investors in the agrochemicals sector in Europe vary widely, from venture capital firms to corporate entities. Their headquarters span major cities like Brussels, Paris, and London, reflecting diverse national interests. Many of these investors are relatively small, with teams ranging from 1 to 500 employees, yet are active players, collectively facilitating over 400 investments in 2024 alone. Some like the European Innovation Council and Unigrains have been around for decades, while others are newcomers, established within the last ten years. This mix of experience and fresh insights showcases a dynamic investment environment in the agrochemicals field.


Top 19 Agrochemicals 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. In the agrochemicals context, the EIC has made notable investments, such as a grant of $2,891,688 to AgroSustain in March 2021, which focuses on sustainable crop protection solutions. Additionally, the EIC has supported Lithos Crop Protect through multiple funding rounds, including grants and venture funding, indicating its active role in promoting innovation within the agrochemicals sector. Furthermore, N2 Applied, which raised over $10 million in a private equity round in January 2023, is another example of the EIC's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. Through these transactions, the EIC not only provides financial support but also fosters networking opportunities and business acceleration services for innovative companies in the agrochemicals industry.


2. The Yield Lab

  • Website: theyieldlab.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlab

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2014. It specializes in agrifood technology investments, supporting early-stage companies with venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The firm has been involved in several relevant transactions in the agrochemicals space, including a seed funding round for Ascribe Bioscience, a crop protection startup that raised $2.5 million to develop its biopesticide product, Phytalix. Additionally, The Yield Lab participated in funding rounds for Impetus Agriculture and Botanical Solutions, both of which are focused on innovative agricultural solutions. These investments highlight The Yield Lab's commitment to advancing technologies that can enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.


3. 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 fields. The firm has managed significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notable transactions include investments in Bioline AgroSciences, which raised approximately $61.2 million in 2018, and DE SANGOSSE, which raised around $363.3 million in 2017. Additionally, Unigrains has invested in Limagrain, a major player in the seed industry, with a funding round of approximately $1.7 billion in 2011, and Sevépi, which raised about $198.1 million in 2013. These transactions highlight Unigrains' active role in the agrochemicals sector, reinforcing its commitment to supporting companies that contribute to agricultural innovation and sustainability.


4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor 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 by providing direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agrochemicals sector, including a Series B investment in Micropep Technologies, which raised approximately $29 million in July 2024, focusing on innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, Bpifrance has supported TOOPI Organics through a grant and a pre-seed round, both of which are aimed at developing organic agricultural products. Other investments include Veragrow and Gaiago, which also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovation in the agrochemicals industry.


5. 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. The firm specializes in biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that aim to achieve scientific breakthroughs addressing global challenges in health and food security. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in significant funding rounds for AgBiome, a company focused on agricultural research and crop protection solutions, with investments in Series B and C rounds totaling over $99 million. They also invested in Oerth Bio, which raised $55 million in a corporate round, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. By providing funding and active incubation, Leaps by Bayer supports the development of innovative solutions in the agrochemicals sector.


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, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments. The platform connects entrepreneurs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions within the agrochemicals context. For instance, it facilitated funding for Carbon Gold, which raised significant amounts in equity crowdfunding in both 2020 and 2022, focusing on soil enhancement products. Additionally, RootWave, a company specializing in electrical weed control, raised over £1 million through Crowdcube in 2023, showcasing the platform's role in supporting innovative agrochemical solutions. Other transactions include Oxi-Tech Solutions Ltd, which also aligns with agricultural technology. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active participation in the agrochemicals sector, despite its broader focus on various industries.


7. EIT Food

  • Website: eitfood.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: eit-food

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2016, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. It is dedicated to transforming the food system through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. EIT Food supports agrifood startups and entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding opportunities, and educational programs aimed at creating healthier and sustainable food solutions. In 2024 alone, EIT Food was involved in 37 investments, showcasing its active role in the agrifood sector. Notably, EIT Food has invested in companies like Fyteko, which raised over $13 million in Series B funding, indicating a strong interest in innovative agrifood technologies that may include agrochemical applications. Additionally, their support for Antofenol, which received grant funding, suggests a commitment to fostering advancements in agrochemical solutions. Through these initiatives, EIT Food engages various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector, including agrochemicals.


8. Cibus Capital

  • Website: cibusfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cibus-fund

Cibus Capital LLP is an investment advisory firm based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in sustainable food and agriculture, focusing on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to enhance food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients primarily include businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and improve their operations. Notably, Cibus Capital has been involved in several significant transactions in the agrochemicals context, including a Series C investment in Vive Crop Protection, which raised approximately $16 million to develop innovative crop protection solutions. They also participated in a Series C funding round for Ostara, which raised $70 million to expand its production of Crystal Green phosphate fertilizers, crucial for sustainable agriculture. Additionally, Cibus Capital co-led a funding round for Ecorobotix, which raised $52 million to develop AI-powered smart sprayer systems, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing agrochemical technologies.


9. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry. Founded in 2001, the firm focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including agriculture, automotive, and construction. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has made strategic investments in the agrochemicals space, such as its participation in Provivi's funding rounds, where the company is developing pheromone-based crop protection solutions. Additionally, BASF has invested in Arcadia Biosciences, which focuses on enhancing agricultural traits and product quality. These transactions highlight BASF Venture Capital's commitment to supporting advancements in agricultural technology and sustainability.


10. 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 promote sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, Demeter invested in Kapsera, a French Agtech startup that raised €700K in a seed round to develop bioinputs, showcasing its commitment to sustainable agricultural solutions. Additionally, Demeter participated in a funding round for crop.zone, a German agritech startup that secured $11 million to expand its market reach. These investments highlight Demeter's active role in the agrochemicals sector, particularly in supporting technologies that enhance agricultural sustainability.


11. 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 specializes in the agrifood tech sector. They are dedicated to supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several significant transactions in the agrochemicals context, including leading funding rounds for companies like Aphea.Bio, which raised €70 million in Series C funding, and Switch Bioworks, which focuses on sustainable biofertilizers. Additionally, Astanor participated in a Series A funding round for MagGrow, an Irish agri-technology company. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to fostering advancements in agricultural technology and sustainability, making them a key player in the agrochemicals industry.


12. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management 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, offering investment management services and strategic guidance. IDIA Capital Investissement focuses on various sectors, including agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, they have made significant investments in the agrochemicals sector, including a $61.2 million investment in Bioline AgroSciences in 2018 and participation in funding rounds for Germicopa SAS. Additionally, they invested €15 million in Invers, which is likely related to agricultural technology. These transactions highlight their commitment to fostering growth in the agrochemicals industry and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.


13. 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. In recent years, Crédit Agricole has actively participated in the agrochemicals sector through various transactions. Notably, they were involved in the funding of Gaiago, an agriculture products manufacturer, which raised €13 million to support soil and agrosystem revitalization solutions. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding round for Elicit Plant, which raised €16 million to advance R&D programs for phytosterol-based solutions aimed at addressing water stress in agriculture. These transactions highlight Crédit Agricole's engagement in the agrochemicals industry and its commitment to supporting innovative agricultural solutions.


14. 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 tackle global challenges, particularly in sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. In the agrochemicals context, they have made significant investments in startups such as Rural Farmers Hub, which raised $200,000 in a Seed Round, and Complete Farmer, which also secured funding in a Seed Round. Additionally, they invested in Sand to Green, a Moroccan AgriTech startup that raised $1 million to scale its projects in Morocco and Africa. These transactions highlight Katapult's commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture and sustainability, making them a relevant player in the agrochemicals investment landscape.


15. Syngenta

  • Website: syngenta.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: syngenta

Syngenta is a prominent agricultural technology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2000. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Syngenta specializes in crop protection and seed production, providing innovative solutions to enhance crop yields and protect against pests and diseases. The company operates globally, serving customers in more than 150 countries. In recent years, Syngenta has been actively involved in several significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the agrochemicals market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of JGL, Inc., a seed genetics licensing company, and the recent acquisition of Produtecnica, an agricultural inputs distributor in Brazil. These strategic moves highlight Syngenta's commitment to expanding its capabilities and market presence in the agrochemicals sector, making it a key player in the industry.


16. ICL Group

  • Website: icl-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: icl-group

ICL Group Ltd. is a leading global specialty minerals company founded in 2021, headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ICL Group develops, produces, and markets a diverse range of fertilizers and chemical products that cater to agriculture, food, energy, and industrial sectors. The company is dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges and enhancing productivity for its customers. ICL Group has made significant strides in the agrochemicals sector through strategic acquisitions, including:1. **Fertiláqua**: Acquired for approximately $120 million in October 2020, this Brazilian company specializes in plant nutrition, enhancing ICL's presence in the growing market for specialty fertilizers.2. **Everris**: Acquired in February 2011, this acquisition established a global professional business focused on horticulture and agriculture, further expanding ICL's product offerings in the agrochemicals space.3. **Lavie bio**: Acquired in April 2025 for $15.25 million, this acquisition indicates ICL's ongoing commitment to innovation in agricultural solutions.4. **Nitro 1000**: Acquired for $30 million in February 2024, this acquisition adds to ICL's portfolio of fertilizer products.5. **GreenBest**: A UK-based manufacturer of bespoke fertilizers, acquired in December 2024, which enhances ICL's capabilities in tailored fertilizer solutions.These transactions highlight ICL Group's strategic focus on expanding its agrochemical offerings and its commitment to the agricultural sector.


17. Yara International

  • Website: yara.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: yara

Yara International ASA is a leading agricultural company based in Oslo, Norway, specializing in crop nutrition and industrial solutions. Founded in 2004, Yara produces and distributes a diverse range of fertilizers, including nitrogen-based, phosphate, and potash products, alongside digital farming solutions aimed at optimizing crop yields and sustainability in food production. The company has been actively involved in the agrochemicals sector through various strategic transactions. Notably, Yara acquired Saskferco for $1.3 billion to expand its North American operations, and it has invested in innovative agbiotech startups like Boost Biomes, which focuses on developing new crop protection and nutrition products. Furthermore, Yara's recent acquisition of the organic-based fertilizer business of Agribios Italiana highlights its commitment to sustainable agriculture. These transactions underscore Yara's role as a significant player in the agrochemicals industry, dedicated to advancing agricultural practices globally.


18. 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 has participated in funding rounds for Solasta Bio, an agritech company focused on agricultural biotechnology. In 2023, Scottish Enterprise contributed to a £4 million pre-Series A funding round for Solasta Bio, which included grant support from Innovate UK. This involvement highlights Scottish Enterprise's commitment to enhancing Scotland's economic landscape through investments in innovative sectors, including agrochemicals.


19. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400 million in assets and focus on impact-led investments that address global challenges, particularly those aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2024, they have made seven investments, showcasing their active role in supporting high-growth companies across various sectors. Notably, they have invested in companies like Solasta Bio, which raised nearly $5 million in a seed round to develop innovative agricultural solutions. They also backed SugaROx, which is working on field testing and registration of agrochemical products, and Resurrect Bio, which aims to enhance plant immunity through advanced breeding techniques. These transactions highlight Future Planet Capital's engagement in the agrochemicals space, making them a relevant player in this industry.



Agrochemicals Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
The Yield LabKilliney, Dublin, Ireland11-5020142
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
DemeterParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200511
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
SyngentaBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+20002
ICL GroupLisbon, Lisbon, Portugal10001+20215
Yara InternationalOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+20040
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157


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