The hydroponics farming industry in DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) focuses on soil-less agriculture, where plants grow in nutrient-rich water solutions. This method conserves water and space, making it ideal for urban environments. Companies are innovating with vertical farms, greenhouses, and other controlled-environment agriculture techniques. As consumer demand for locally grown and organic produce rises, DACH's hydroponics sector is expected to flourish, integrating technology like automation and AI. The industry also aims to address food security and sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious customers looking for fresh produce all year round.


The list features 19 notable investors in the DACH hydroponics farming sector, spanning venture capital, private equity, and corporate categories. Headquartered in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Zurich, these firms differ in size and focus, with investments ranging from early-stage funding to significant corporate backing. Many of these investors were established in recent years, reflecting the industry's momentum towards innovation. In 2024, they participated in multiple deals that underscore their commitment to sustainable agriculture, further pushing boundaries in food technology.


Top 19 Hydroponics Farming 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Their investment strategy focuses on alternative proteins and sustainable practices, making them a key player in the sustainable food sector. Notable transactions include a $35 million investment in Tropic Biosciences, which is involved in agricultural biotechnology, and a seed investment in NuCicer, an agri-food technology company that aims to enhance chickpea production. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting innovative agricultural solutions that could intersect with hydroponics farming principles.


2. 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 are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Sound Agriculture, which raised $75 million in Series D and $45 million in Series C, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices. They also invested in Covercress, which is working on innovative crops that can enhance agricultural sustainability. Additionally, their investment in Guardian Agriculture, which raised $20 million in Series A, further demonstrates their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that could include hydroponics. Overall, Leaps by Bayer's investment strategy aligns with the goals of improving food security and sustainability in agriculture.


3. 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. Recently, responsAbility has been involved in several transactions relevant to the hydroponics farming context, including a $11 million Series B investment in Rising Farms, which is likely focused on innovative agricultural practices. Additionally, they participated in a significant $45.9 million Series B investment in Sahyadri Farms, which is known for its sustainable farming initiatives. These transactions highlight responsAbility's commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, including hydroponics, as part of their investment strategy.


4. FoodLabs

  • Website: foodlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-food-labs

FoodLabs is a Berlin-based venture capital firm and food technology incubator founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing both investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notably, FoodLabs has been involved in significant transactions within the hydroponics and AgTech space, including a seed investment in Infarm, a leading vertical farming company that raised over $4.4 million in 2017. More recently, they led a $3.2 million seed funding round for Tupu, a Berlin-based AgTech company focused on scaling production for large food service and retail players. These investments highlight FoodLabs' commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, including hydroponics farming.


5. 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, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm invests in innovative companies across various sectors, including agriculture, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and enhancing product performance. Notable transactions include their investment in UrbanKisaan, which raised $6.4 million in Series A funding to promote urban farming solutions, and their participation in the Series B funding rounds for Sea6 Energy and Groundwork BioAg, both of which focus on sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, BASF co-led a funding round for Hummingbird Technologies, a company that leverages AI and drone technology to improve farming outcomes, showcasing their interest in technological advancements that can benefit the agricultural sector.


6. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at facilitating the energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. With a focus on sustainable development, Demeter manages a diverse portfolio that includes investments in agricultural technology. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Naïo Technologies, a company that develops agricultural robotics, which is relevant to modern farming practices, including hydroponics. Their involvement in Naïo Technologies spans multiple funding rounds, indicating a sustained interest in agricultural innovation. Additionally, they have invested in other ecological solutions, reinforcing their commitment to promoting sustainable practices in various sectors.


7. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, totaling 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in Provectus Algae, which raised $11.4 million in a seed round aimed at algae production, a process that can be integrated into hydroponics systems. They also participated in the Pre-Seed funding of Farmless, a startup focused on expanding agricultural operations, which may include hydroponic solutions. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to innovative agricultural technologies, making them a potential player in the hydroponics farming space.


8. Tet Ventures

  • Website: tet.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: tetvc

Tet Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in teams that are dedicated to rebuilding the global food system, with a primary focus on the food technology sector. They provide both financial support and advisory services to startups tackling significant challenges in the industry. Notable transactions include their investments in Impetus Agriculture, which raised $2,000,000 in a convertible note, and Brevel, which secured $8,400,000 in a seed round. These investments highlight Tet Ventures' commitment to innovative agricultural solutions, potentially including hydroponics, as part of their broader strategy to enhance food production and sustainability.


9. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. It specializes in sustainable investments aimed at fostering a circular bio-based economy. ECBF provides funding and expertise to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF led a $17 million Series A funding round for RED Horticulture, a company that develops high-performance lighting strategies for horticulture, which is crucial for hydroponics farming. Additionally, they have invested in Elicit Plant, which raised $48 million in Series B funding, further indicating their commitment to supporting innovative agricultural technologies. These transactions highlight ECBF's active role in promoting advancements that can enhance hydroponics and sustainable farming practices.


10. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among its notable transactions, Partners Group has invested in SunCulture, a startup focused on solar-powered irrigation systems for small-holder farmers, which aligns with sustainable agricultural practices relevant to hydroponics. Additionally, the firm acquired a majority stake in Rovensa, a producer of agricultural products, indicating its interest in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, Partners Group's acquisition of a majority stake in Hortifruti Hortigil, a Brazilian food retailer, showcases its engagement in the food supply chain, which can be indirectly related to hydroponics farming.


11. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance


AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in and supporting startups within the AgriFoodTech sector. The firm collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Notable transactions include their participation in the Series A funding for AgroSustain, which focuses on biological antifungal solutions, and their investment in Spherag, a startup that provides technological solutions for farmers, including precision irrigation systems. These investments reflect their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that could potentially include hydroponics. Additionally, they have invested in Planet A Foods, which raised $30 million in a Series B round, further demonstrating their active role in the AgriFoodTech landscape.


12. Thia Ventures

  • Website: thiaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: thia-ventures

Thia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies that operate at the intersection of food, biotech, and health. Thia Ventures aims to provide funding and support to innovative startups that are transforming food systems and improving health outcomes. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, such as Protealis, which is a leader in seed solutions for sustainable plant proteins, and has recently raised significant funding to expand its crop product portfolio. They also invested in Switch Bioworks, which raised $17 million in a seed round, and Gourmey, a cultivated meat startup that secured €48 million in a Series A round. These investments reflect Thia Ventures' commitment to supporting sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, which are relevant to the hydroponics farming sector.


13. 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 invests in purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are focused on solving systemic challenges to planetary health. Nucleus Capital primarily supports startups in sectors such as Programmable Biology, Food Technology, and Green Industrials, mainly in Europe and the US. Notable transactions include investments in Concert Bio and AtmoCooling, both of which are in the early stages of funding, indicating a focus on innovative solutions. Additionally, their investment in Planet A Foods, which raised significant funding for developing sustainable food products, highlights their commitment to supporting ventures that align with sustainable agricultural practices, potentially including hydroponics.


14. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors in Europe. The firm focuses on providing capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative startups. Notably, Cherry Ventures has been actively involved in the hydroponics farming industry through its investments in Infarm, a leading urban farming company that raised $100 million in Series B funding in June 2019, $25 million in Series A funding in February 2018, and $4.47 million in a Seed round in June 2017. Additionally, they participated in the Series A financing round for Stenon, a startup that focuses on agricultural technology, further showcasing their interest in the agricultural sector. This diverse portfolio reflects Cherry Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that aim to create a lasting impact in their industries, including hydroponics farming.


15. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, eCAPITAL has participated in significant transactions such as the €4.5M Series B financing round for Subitec GmbH, a manufacturer of fully automated algae photobioreactors, which aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for Prolupin, a plant-based protein company, indicating their interest in innovative agricultural solutions. This focus on cleantech and sustainable technologies positions eCAPITAL as a potential investor in the hydroponics farming industry.


16. redalpine


Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups that address significant global challenges. In recent years, Redalpine has participated in various funding rounds for companies that are relevant to the food production and biotechnology sectors. Notably, they invested in Mushlabs, a biotech company focused on sustainable food production, and Luya Foods, which develops plant-based alternatives to meat. These transactions highlight Redalpine's interest in innovative solutions within the food industry, which aligns with the principles of hydroponics farming.


17. Basf

  • Website: basf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE is a multinational chemical manufacturer based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, founded in 1865. The company operates across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. In recent years, BASF has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its agricultural portfolio, including the acquisition of Horta S.r.l. in June 2022, a company specializing in digital farming solutions. This acquisition aims to bolster BASF's digital farming capabilities, which are increasingly relevant in modern agricultural practices, including hydroponics. Additionally, BASF acquired ZedX, Inc. in 2017, further expanding its digital agriculture initiatives. These transactions reflect BASF's commitment to improving operational efficiency and addressing environmental challenges in farming, aligning with the principles of hydroponics.


18. Aenu

  • Website: aenu.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: pirate-impact

Aenu is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on empowering climate tech founders by providing investment brokerage and advisory services, primarily targeting tech entrepreneurs addressing climate change and sustainability challenges in Europe. Aenu aims to drive systemic change in venture capital through intentional investments in impactful technologies. Among their notable transactions, Aenu participated in the Series D funding round for Infarm, which raised $200 million, highlighting their commitment to the hydroponics farming sector. They also invested in Agreena, a climate-focused fintech firm, which, while not directly a hydroponics company, indicates their broader interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Their involvement in these transactions demonstrates Aenu's alignment with the goals of hydroponics farming and sustainable food production.


19. Quadia

  • Website: quadia.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: quadia-sa

Quadia SA is an impact investment firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in providing investment advisory services focused on sustainable finance, supporting professional and institutional clients in implementing impact investing strategies that yield financial returns while promoting social and environmental benefits. Quadia operates through various investment funds, including the Regenero Impact Fund, and targets companies that contribute to a regenerative economy. Notably, Quadia has invested in Infarm, a company that raised $25 million in Series A funding in 2018 and $4.47 million in a Seed Round in 2017, both of which are significant contributions to the hydroponics farming sector. Additionally, they have invested in MiiMOSA, which raised $8.9 million in 2021, and Hungry Harvest, which raised $6.4 million in 2020, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.



Hydroponics Farming Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
FoodLabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201611
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Tet VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020204
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
AgriFoodTech Venture AllianceMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020241
Thia VenturesPlan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020213
Nucleus CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020215
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
AenuBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020229
QuadiaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland11-5020100


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