The livestock farming industry in Europe plays a vital role in the region's agriculture, producing meat, dairy, and other goods. This sector includes a mix of large farms, cooperatives, and tech startups that innovate in animal health and nutrition. Sustainability has become a key focus, with investments shifting towards alternatives like cultivated meats and insect protein. European consumers increasingly demand ethical and eco-friendly practices, influencing how livestock farming evolves. As a result, companies are investing in technology to enhance productivity while adhering to stricter environmental regulations, making the industry more resilient and responsive to market demands.


The list features 19 investors dedicated to livestock farming in Europe, ranging from venture capital firms to corporate entities. These investors are headquartered across multiple countries, including France, the UK, and Belgium, and vary in size from small boutique firms to larger corporate investors with thousands of employees. Founded between 1894 and 2017, these firms collectively made numerous investments in 2024, reflecting a commitment to supporting growth and innovation within the industry. Their involvement ranges from funding startups focused on alternative proteins to established companies that enhance sustainable farming practices.


Top 19 Livestock Farming Investors in Europe


1. CVS Group plc

  • Website: cvsukltd.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Diss, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn:

CVS Group plc is a corporate investor based in Diss, England, founded in 1999. The company operates as a veterinary services provider, offering comprehensive care for small animals, equine, and farm animals. They provide a range of services including veterinary care, pet insurance, and health programs. Their clientele includes pet owners and farmers who depend on their expertise for animal health and wellbeing. CVS Group has made several significant acquisitions in the veterinary sector, including Slate Hall Veterinary Services in 2018, Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group in 2015, and Strule Veterinary Services in 2017. These acquisitions enhance their capacity to serve livestock farmers, thereby reinforcing their relevance in the livestock farming industry.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Among its notable transactions, Bpifrance has invested in Gourmey, a French cultivated meat startup that raised €48 million in a Series A round, marking a significant investment in the alternative protein sector. Additionally, they supported Agronutris, a biotech company focused on rearing black soldier flies for aquaculture and pet food, which raised €100 million to establish its industrial units. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in promoting innovative solutions within the livestock farming industry.


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, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. Founded in 1963, the firm has over 60 years of experience and has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Notably, Unigrains has been involved in several key transactions within the livestock farming context, including a substantial investment in Cooperl, which raised $820 million in 1995, and Terrena, which also received private equity funding in 2016. Other relevant investments include Noriap, which raised $563 million in 2014, and Groupe Grimaud La Corbière, which secured $70 million in 2011. These transactions highlight Unigrains' commitment to supporting the livestock sector and its strategic role in the agro-food industry.


4. 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 funding transactions relevant to the livestock farming industry, such as grants and seed funding for Aviwell, a company focused on animal health, and participation in the Series A funding round for FarmInsect, which specializes in insect technology that can contribute to sustainable livestock practices. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the livestock sector.


5. 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 to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the livestock farming sector, including The Ethical Butcher, which raised significant funds for ethical meat production, and Breedr, a platform focused on livestock management. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting innovative businesses within the livestock industry.


6. 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 an investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in significant transactions within the livestock farming context, particularly with Mosa Meat, a company focused on lab-grown meat. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Mosa Meat, including a Series B round that raised a total of $75 million, aimed at scaling production capabilities. Additionally, their investment in SuperMeat, which develops lab-grown chicken products, further emphasizes their commitment to sustainable practices in the livestock sector. Blue Horizon primarily targets entrepreneurs in the sustainable food sector, seeking to create impactful change through their investments.


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. 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 the livestock farming context, such as their investment in Quest Meat, which focuses on alternative protein sources, and their participation in the Series A funding round for Onego Bio, which is involved in sustainable food production. These transactions indicate EIT Food's commitment to supporting innovations that could impact livestock farming practices.


8. IDIA Capital Investissement


IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity 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 focuses on sectors such as agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the livestock farming context, including a significant investment in Agrial, a cooperative that operates in the agro-food sector, and Triskalia, which is also engaged in agricultural activities. Their recent investment in Invers, alongside Agri Impact, further emphasizes their commitment to the agricultural sector, which includes livestock farming.


9. CPT Capital

  • Website: cptcap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cpt-capital

CPT Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in the alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address the challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notable transactions include investments in Aleph Farms, which raised significant funding to develop cultivated meat products, and UPSIDE Foods, which is building a commercial scale production facility for cultivated meat. Additionally, CPT Capital participated in the Series B funding round for Memphis Meats, a company focused on producing lab-grown meat. These investments highlight CPT Capital's commitment to advancing sustainable alternatives in the livestock farming industry.


10. Hatch Blue


Hatch Blue is a venture capital firm and consulting accelerator based in Cork, Ireland, founded in 2017. They specialize in aquaculture and alternative seafood, providing investment, mentorship, and innovation programs to startups in these sectors. Their services include market studies, intellectual property strategies, and access to a global network of industry experts. Notably, Hatch Blue has been involved in several transactions relevant to livestock farming, such as their investment in Symbrosia, which raised funds to scale production of seaweed strains for livestock feed additives. This highlights their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the livestock sector, making them a significant player in the intersection of aquaculture and livestock farming.


11. 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 leading animal nutrition company based in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in innovative feed solutions for both livestock and aquaculture. Founded in 1994, the company focuses on sustainable practices to meet the increasing global demand for food. Nutreco has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the livestock sector, including the acquisition of Bellman Nutriçao Animal Ltda., which specializes in farm minerals and supplements for ruminants, and Hi-Pro Feeds, a prominent manufacturer of high-performance animal feed in North America. Additionally, Nutreco acquired Animal Nutrition and Health (ANH) in South Africa, further expanding its footprint in the African market. These transactions highlight Nutreco's commitment to enhancing animal health and productivity through quality nutrition, making it a significant player in the livestock farming industry.


12. Aqua-Spark

  • Website: aqua-spark.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: aquaspark

Aqua-Spark is a venture capital holding company based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to investing in innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry, focusing on sustainable practices and improving production efficiency. Aqua-Spark collaborates with a global community of investors to address environmental challenges through research and development. Notably, Aqua-Spark has invested in Calysta, a sustainable fish and livestock feed innovator, participating in multiple funding rounds to support the commercialization of their FeedKind protein, which is designed for both aquaculture and livestock applications. Additionally, Aqua-Spark co-led a $24.6 million investment in Proteon Pharmaceuticals, a startup focused on reducing antibiotic use in animal agriculture, highlighting their commitment to enhancing livestock health and sustainability. These transactions illustrate Aqua-Spark's active role in the livestock farming sector, particularly in areas that intersect with aquaculture and animal feed production.


13. Agronomics Limited

  • Website: agronomics.im
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: agronomics-limited

Agronomics Limited is a biotechnology venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investments in cellular agriculture, providing investors with exposure to a portfolio of companies that are developing sustainable food production technologies. Agronomics addresses the challenges of traditional animal agriculture by promoting innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and animal welfare. Notably, Agronomics has been involved in significant transactions within the cultivated meat sector, including leading a $35 million Series B funding round for Meatable, a cultivated meat company aiming to become cost-competitive with traditional meat. Additionally, Agronomics participated in earlier funding rounds for Meatable and invested in CellX, a Shanghai-based cellular agriculture startup, which has become one of the most well-funded cultivated meat companies in China. These investments highlight Agronomics' commitment to transforming the livestock industry through sustainable practices.


14. 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 aim to support innovative companies that create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions in the livestock farming context, including significant investments in Ynsect, a French startup specializing in insect farming, which has raised substantial funding to expand its operations and product lines for animal feed and pet food. Additionally, Astanor led a financing round for Standing Ovation, a microbial casein startup, which is developing animal-free cheese substitutes, showcasing their commitment to sustainable alternatives in the food industry. Their portfolio reflects a dedication to driving growth and sustainability in the agrifood sector, making them a key player in the livestock farming investment landscape.


15. Grosvenor

  • Website: grosvenor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1677
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: grosvenor

Grosvenor Group Limited is a corporate investor based in London, England, with a rich history dating back to 1677. The company specializes in property development and investment, focusing on urban property, food and agtech, and rural estate management. Grosvenor aims to create sustainable communities and enhance the wellbeing of customers through a diverse portfolio of services. Their philanthropic initiatives also reflect a commitment to social responsibility, particularly in supporting vulnerable young people. Notably, Grosvenor has made significant investments in AgriWebb, a farm management software company that raised funds in multiple rounds, including $7,286,457 in May 2024 and $6,296,159 in October 2022. These investments highlight Grosvenor's interest in agricultural technology that can improve livestock farming practices. Additionally, they were involved in GrowSafe Systems, which focuses on livestock management solutions, further emphasizing their engagement in the livestock sector.


16. 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. Among their notable transactions, Almi has invested in Kloverbergsgarden, which is involved in agricultural practices, and Agricam AB, which also operates within the agricultural sector. Additionally, they have made multiple investments in Tebrito, a company that may have agricultural applications. These transactions highlight Almi's engagement in the agricultural industry, which includes livestock farming.


17. 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 engaged in several transactions relevant to the agricultural sector, including significant investments in Ynsect, a French startup specializing in insect farming. Ynsect raised $175 million in a Series D funding round in April 2023 and previously secured $139 million in debt financing in October 2020. These investments highlight Crédit Agricole's interest in innovative agricultural solutions, particularly those that intersect with livestock farming, such as sustainable feed alternatives. Additionally, their involvement with other agricultural-focused companies like Invers and MiiMOSA further emphasizes their commitment to supporting the agricultural ecosystem.


18. 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, England, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to enhance food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients are primarily businesses in the food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and improve their operations. Notable transactions include significant investments in Believer Meats, which raised $347 million in a Series B round, indicating a strong interest in innovative food production methods. Additionally, their involvement in The Kingfish Company, which focuses on sustainable aquaculture, further demonstrates their commitment to sustainable food systems. While their recent investments lean towards alternative proteins and plant-based solutions, their overarching focus on sustainable agriculture suggests potential relevance to livestock farming.


19. 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, EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for impactful initiatives. Among its notable transactions, EIB has invested in Devenish Nutrition, providing €40 million to support research and development in optimized animal nutrition, which is vital for livestock farming. Additionally, EIB's funding of €40 million to In Ovo aims to revolutionize the egg industry by preventing the culling of male chicks, thereby addressing ethical concerns in livestock practices. These investments highlight EIB's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability within the livestock sector.



Livestock Farming Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CVS Group plcDiss, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000019991
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
IDIA Capital InvestissementMontrouge, Île-De-France, France11-5019801
CPT CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020171
Hatch BlueCork, Cork, Ireland11-5020172
NutrecoAmersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+19941
Aqua-SparkUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5020132
Agronomics LimitedLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020184
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
GrosvenorLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100016775
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
Cibus CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020172
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899


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