The environmental biotechnology industry in Benelux focuses on developing sustainable biological processes and technologies. This sector includes companies innovating in waste management, biofuels, agricultural improvements, and alternative proteins. Firms employ biotechnology to enhance food production, reduce emissions, and tackle environmental challenges effectively. With increasing global emphasis on sustainability, the industry is evolving rapidly, incorporating advancements to address climate change and resource depletion. A notable trend is the rise of collaborations between startups and larger corporate entities, fostering an environment ripe for impactful solutions. The future looks bright, with a surge in investments expected as consumers demand greener alternatives.


In 2024, Benelux witnessed significant activities from a variety of investors specializing in environmental biotechnology. The list includes corporations, venture capitalists, and public entities, strategically focused on innovation and sustainability. With headquarters spread across Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, these investors range in size from small firms to global giants. Many were founded decades ago, contributing their expertise to the burgeoning industry. Collectively, they engaged in a total of 416 investment transactions last year, highlighting their commitment to fostering eco-friendly innovations that promise a sustainable future.


Top 19 Environmental Biotechnology Investors in Benelux


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. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to environmental biotechnology, such as funding Deep Branch Biotechnology with £2.2 million to scale up sustainable protein production for animal feed. Other significant transactions include grants to BIOWEG, which focuses on biowaste management, and Arborea, which is involved in sustainable algae production. These investments highlight the EIC's role in promoting environmentally sustainable technologies and practices.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. With a focus on promoting growth and job creation, the EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that align with sustainability goals. Among its notable transactions, the EIB provided a significant grant to Cape Bio Pharms, a UCT spin-off, to fast-track the production of affordable plant-based rapid diagnostic COVID-19 test kits. This funding, amounting to R900 million, is aimed at constructing a new facility in Mauritius and expanding laboratory processing capabilities, showcasing the EIB's commitment to supporting innovative biotechnology solutions that have positive environmental impacts. Additionally, the EIB has engaged in various debt transactions with companies like Greenlight Biosciences and Umicore, which, while not exclusively focused on environmental biotechnology, indicate the bank's broader interest in supporting sustainable and innovative projects.


3. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, providing training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in several relevant transactions in the environmental biotechnology space, including investments in Swedish Algae Factory, which focuses on algae-based solutions for energy and sustainability, and FineCell, a developer of cellulose technology aimed at enhancing material applications. These investments highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to fostering innovations that contribute to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.


4. M Ventures

  • Website: m-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: merck-ventures

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm invests in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, focusing on supporting startups in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. M Ventures provides funding and strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs achieve commercial success and drive innovation in their portfolio companies. Notably, M Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Mosa Meat, which raised substantial amounts in Series A and Series B rounds, focusing on sustainable meat production. This investment highlights M Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions that can positively impact the environment, particularly in the biotechnology space.


5. 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. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector. Notably, EIT Food has been involved in several transactions relevant to environmental biotechnology, such as Arborea, which raised €3.6 million to scale its sustainable food technology, and Ficosterra and NoPalm-Ingredients, which received non-equity assistance for their innovative approaches to sustainable ingredients. These transactions highlight EIT Food's commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable practices within the agrifood industry.


6. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987, headquartered in Luxembourg, with a global presence operating over 900 laboratories in 62 countries. The company provides a comprehensive range of analytical and testing services across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and notably, environmental sectors. In recent years, Eurofins has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in environmental testing. For instance, the acquisition of EnvironeX Group in 2018 allowed Eurofins to enhance its testing services in Canada, which is crucial for environmental compliance and quality assurance. Additionally, the recent acquisition of Labormar in 2024 aims to expand its cosmetics testing capabilities in Latin America, showcasing its growth strategy in specialized testing services. These transactions reflect Eurofins' commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the environmental biotechnology landscape.


7. 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's portfolio includes several notable transactions in the environmental biotechnology context, such as their participation in the Series C funding for Modern Meadow, a developer of bio-based materials, and their investment in Switch Bioworks, which raised $17 million in 2024 for developing sustainable biofertilizers. They also backed Mi Terro, a company that transforms agricultural waste into proteins for use as a plastic replacement and animal feed. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to fostering technologies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility within the agrifood industry.


8. Noshaq

  • Website: noshaq.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: noshaq-be

Noshaq is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 1985, that provides financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Liege. The firm focuses on funding, project structuring, and business development, particularly in sectors such as biotechnology and sustainable development. In 2024, Noshaq has been involved in several significant transactions, including a seed round investment in Novobiom, which raised over $2 million, and a Series-A financing round for Samabriva, a biotechnology company that secured nearly €4 million to enhance its technology deployment. These investments reflect Noshaq's commitment to fostering innovation in the biotech sector, which is crucial for environmental biotechnology initiatives.


9. Fashion for Good

  • Website: fashionforgood.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: fashionforgood

Fashion for Good is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2017. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable innovation within the fashion industry by connecting innovators with brands, retailers, and manufacturers. The organization provides support, mentorship, and resources to empower its network in adopting sustainable practices. Notably, Fashion for Good has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to environmental biotechnology. For instance, they participated in the funding rounds for Mango Materials, which focuses on producing biodegradable materials, and Biophilica, known for its plastic-free leather alternative, Treekind®. Additionally, they have invested in SeaChange Technologies and Graviky Labs, both of which are engaged in developing sustainable solutions that leverage biotechnology. These investments reflect Fashion for Good's role in driving change towards a more regenerative industry.


10. Invest-NL

  • Website: invest-nl.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: invest-nl

Invest-NL is an impact investment firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2020, that focuses on financing sustainable and innovative projects in the Netherlands. They support entrepreneurs with promising plans for societal transitions, particularly in the energy and technology sectors. In 2024, Invest-NL participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Paques Biomaterials, which raised €14 million to build a facility for producing biopolymers as alternatives to plastic, and Meatable, which raised $35 million to scale its cultivated meat production. These investments highlight Invest-NL's commitment to fostering environmental biotechnology solutions that contribute to a more sustainable economy.


11. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has been involved in significant transactions in the environmental biotechnology space, such as its investments in Biotalys, which raised substantial funding across multiple rounds to develop sustainable agricultural solutions, and Paleo, which focuses on scaling technology for GMO-free products. These transactions highlight Gimv's commitment to supporting companies that prioritize environmental sustainability and innovation.


12. 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, and serves various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. As an investor, dsm-firmenich has shown interest in environmental biotechnology through its involvement in several relevant transactions. Notably, they participated in the €8M Series A investment in Deep Branch Biotechnology, a UK-based company producing alternative feed ingredients, which supports sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, dsm-firmenich was involved in funding Octarine Bio, a synthetic biology platform, which aims to develop innovative solutions for environmental issues. These investments reflect dsm-firmenich's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the biotechnology space.


13. 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 startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Rockstart's business model emphasizes supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs to drive positive change. Notably, they have invested in Nanomik Biotechnology, which raised significant funding in seed rounds, indicating their interest in biotechnology. Furthermore, they co-invested in CarbonSpaceTech, a startup focused on carbon footprint tracking, which aligns with environmental sustainability. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to fostering innovations that contribute to environmental biotechnology and sustainability.


14. 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 corporate investor based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in animal nutrition and innovative feed solutions for livestock and aquaculture. Founded in 1994, the company focuses on sustainable practices to meet the growing global demand for food. In recent years, Nutreco has made significant investments in the environmental biotechnology sector, including a €3.61 million investment in Synbio Powerlabs, which is developing a biotechnology pilot plant for precision fermentation. They also co-led a $24.6 million investment in Proteon Pharmaceuticals, a startup dedicated to reducing antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Furthermore, Nutreco has invested in BiomEdit as part of a $40 million Series A funding round, and participated in the Series A funding for Roslin Technologies, which is focused on cultivated meat production. These transactions highlight Nutreco's commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable solutions in the agricultural biotechnology field.


15. V-Bio Ventures

  • Website: v-bio.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: v-bio-ventures

V-Bio Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in life sciences investments, focusing on innovative companies in therapeutics, diagnostics, and sustainable agriculture. V-Bio Ventures aims to transform scientific innovations into impactful products that address unmet needs in healthcare and agriculture. Notably, they have invested in Aphea.Bio, a Belgian agricultural technology company that raised significant funding to develop sustainable agricultural products using natural microorganisms, enhancing crop yields and disease resistance. Additionally, they have supported Protealis, an innovator in seed solutions for sustainable plant proteins, which secured funding to expand its commercial development and product portfolio. These transactions highlight V-Bio Ventures' commitment to fostering advancements in environmental biotechnology and sustainable practices within the agricultural sector.


16. Pmv

  • Website: pmv.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity that acts as an investment company for the Flemish government, founded in 2001. PMV provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors such as real estate, clean tech, and life sciences. Notably, PMV has made significant investments in the environmental biotechnology sector, including funding for Aphea.Bio, which raised over $26 million in Series A and B rounds to develop sustainable agricultural products using natural microorganisms. Additionally, PMV invested in Biotalys, which raised approximately $50 million in Series B and C funding to create biocontrol solutions for agriculture. These transactions highlight PMV's active role in supporting innovative companies that contribute to environmental sustainability through biotechnology.


17. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital firm based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM acts as a development agency that supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region, focusing on enhancing business growth through various programs. They provide funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to facilitate success in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, BOM has invested in PeelPioneers, a company dedicated to reusing citrus peels to create essential oils and citrus pulp, which showcases their commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, BOM has participated in funding rounds for companies like RiboPro, which, while not directly related to environmental biotechnology, indicates their active engagement in innovative sectors. Overall, BOM's focus on sustainable food and energy sectors further emphasizes their relevance in the environmental biotechnology landscape.


18. Icos Capital


Icos Capital is a venture capital firm based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in ClimateTech investments, partnering with startups and corporations to accelerate sustainability through innovative technologies. Their focus spans sectors such as Food Systems and Circular Economy, providing funding and strategic support to help clients achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, Icos Capital has been involved in several relevant transactions, including a $38.8 million investment in Abolis Biotechnologies, which is likely focused on biotechnological advancements. They also invested in Holiferm, which is working on commercializing biosurfactants, and have made multiple investments in Carbon Clean Solutions, a company dedicated to carbon capture technologies. These transactions highlight Icos Capital's commitment to supporting environmental biotechnology initiatives.


19. Capricorn Partners


Capricorn Partners is an investment management firm based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in venture capital, growth capital, and quoted equity funds. Founded in 1993, the firm focuses on innovative companies across various sectors, including digital technologies, health, and clean technologies. Capricorn Partners operates with a commitment to responsible investing, aiming to generate both financial returns and strategic value for its clients. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions in the environmental biotechnology space, particularly with Green Biologics, a UK-based chemicals producer. Capricorn Partners led a funding round for Green Biologics through its Capricorn Cleantech Fund, emphasizing their focus on sustainable and innovative solutions in the biotechnology sector. Their investments in Green Biologics, which raised substantial amounts in various funding rounds, illustrate their active role in supporting companies that contribute to environmental sustainability through biotechnology.



Environmental Biotechnology Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
NoshaqBelgium11-50198511
Fashion for GoodAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020173
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
V-Bio VenturesGhent, Flanders, Belgium1-1020156
PmvBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-200200111
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
Icos CapitalRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020054
Capricorn PartnersLeuven, Flanders, Belgium11-5019935


Want to find more investors focusing on the environmental biotechnology industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the environmental biotechnologyindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!