The premium pet food industry in the DACH region focuses on high-quality nutrition for pets, offering specialized products tailored to health-conscious consumers. Companies range from startups creating innovative recipes to established brands improving existing products. They provide everything from grain-free kibble and organic treats to supplements targeting specific health needs. The industry is seeing solid growth, driven by rising pet ownership and a growing demand for sustainable and nutritional options. Setting trends in plant-based and ethically sourced ingredients, the market is shifting towards transparency in sourcing while prioritizing consumer trust along with pet health.


In 2024, a notable range of investors contributed to the premium pet food market in DACH. These investors include venture capitalists, private equity firms, and even corporate entities, mainly headquartered in Germany and Switzerland. On a scale of company size, they vary from small teams to large corporations, reflecting a blend of agility and resources. Founded between 1996 and 2021, the investors participated in a total of 80 deals, a testament to the vibrant activity within the premium pet food sector and the ongoing innovation therein.


Top 19 Premium Pet Food 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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in several companies relevant to the premium pet food sector, including Wild Earth, a company focused on plant-based pet food, and Hail Merry Snacks, which offers healthy snacks for pets. Additionally, their investment in Shaka Harry, a plant-based meat brand, further demonstrates their commitment to sustainable and innovative food solutions. These transactions highlight Blue Horizon's active role in the premium pet food industry, making them a significant player in this market.


2. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. It offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. Nestlé has made significant investments in the premium pet food industry, notably acquiring Ralston Purina Company in 2001, which is recognized for its premium pet food offerings. In 2010, Nestlé further expanded its pet food portfolio by acquiring Waggin’ Train, a brand known for its high-quality pet treats. Additionally, Nestlé has shown interest in the digital pet care space by acquiring a majority stake in Wamiz, a French digital media platform for pet owners, in 2018. These transactions highlight Nestlé's commitment to enhancing its presence in the premium pet food market while maintaining a broader focus on sustainability and nutritious food options.


3. 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 investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Wedgewood Pharmacy in December 2020, which highlights their interest in the pet care sector, particularly in healthcare solutions for pets. Additionally, they have been involved in other sectors, such as acquiring Hofmann Menu Manufaktur, a provider of customized food products, which may also relate to the premium food market. Their diverse portfolio and strategic acquisitions indicate a potential interest in the premium pet food industry.


4. Point Nine

  • Website: pointnine.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: point-nine-capital

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. However, Point Nine has also shown interest in the premium pet food industry through its investments in companies like Alphapet Ventures and Hundeland.de, both of which are involved in the pet food market. In 2013, Point Nine participated in seed and Series A funding rounds for these companies, indicating their commitment to supporting growth in the pet food sector. Additionally, Point Nine has been involved in other food-related investments, such as GOURMEY, a cultivated meat startup, showcasing their broader interest in innovative food solutions.


5. Purple Orange Ventures


Purple Orange Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments in the food and biotechnology sectors. The firm is particularly focused on alternative proteins and cellular agriculture, aiming to support startups that are innovating in sustainable food production. Notably, Purple Orange Ventures has participated in significant transactions within the premium pet food industry, including an investment in Wild Earth, which is known for its no-meat dog food made from fungi, and OMNI, a plant-based dog food startup that has seen substantial sales growth. These investments highlight the firm's commitment to advancing sustainable and health-oriented food options for pets, aligning with current consumer trends in the premium pet food market.


6. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. Among their notable transactions, Rocket Internet SE participated in the Series A funding round for Pets Deli, a startup that focuses on premium pet food, alongside other investors like Index Ventures and Project A. This investment highlights their engagement in the premium pet food market, despite their broader focus on eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech. Additionally, Rocket Internet has been involved in various other sectors, but their investment in Pets Deli is particularly relevant to the premium pet food industry.


7. Shio Capital

  • Website: shiocap.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: shio-capital

Shio Capital is a private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm focuses on investing in businesses that aim to create significant positive changes in the world, providing funding and support to innovative companies to help them grow and succeed. Among their notable transactions, Shio Capital participated in the seed funding round for OMNI, a plant-based dog food startup that raised $1.5 million. OMNI aims to expand its product line to include plant-based dog treats targeting common health problems in dogs, showcasing a commitment to health-conscious pet food options. This involvement highlights Shio Capital's interest in the premium pet food industry, alongside their investments in other sectors.


8. Döhler Ventures


Döhler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on empowering early-stage startups primarily in the Nutrition & Technology sectors. With a small team of 1-10 members, Döhler Ventures aims to provide long-term support and investment to help startups grow and overcome financial challenges. Notably, they participated in the seed financing round for Naughty Nuts GmbH, a company that is expanding its product portfolio and market reach, which may include premium pet food products. Additionally, their investment in other nutrition-focused companies indicates a broader interest in innovative food solutions, potentially encompassing premium pet food as part of their investment strategy.


9. Nestlé Health Science


Nestlé Health Science is a health and nutrition company that specializes in medical nutrition, active lifestyle nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2011 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, it operates globally, providing innovative products aimed at improving health outcomes for patients and consumers. The company serves various customer segments, including healthcare professionals and individuals seeking nutritional support. Notably, Nestlé Health Science has made significant investments in the pet nutrition sector, including a recent investment in Ruipeng Pet Healthcare, which raised funds in December 2022. This investment highlights their commitment to the pet healthcare market, aligning with their focus on science-based solutions. Additionally, their acquisitions of companies like Orgain and Puravida, while primarily focused on human nutrition, demonstrate their strategy of expanding into health-oriented products, which could extend to premium pet food in the future.


10. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They provide capital and strategic guidance to startups across Europe, helping them navigate growth challenges and achieve market success. Notably, HV Capital has participated in several funding rounds for Felmo, a Berlin-based pet health startup, which raised €15M in Series B funding in August 2021, following earlier investments in Series A and Seed rounds. This involvement highlights HV Capital's interest in the pet industry, particularly in health and wellness, which aligns with the premium pet food market.


11. 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. They focus on innovative companies that address significant global challenges, particularly in areas like AI, health tech, and energy. Notably, Redalpine has participated in funding rounds for Felmo, a Berlin-based pet health startup, which raised €15M in Series B funding in 2021, and an earlier Series A round in 2021. This involvement highlights their interest in the pet industry, particularly in health-related ventures. Additionally, they have invested in Umiami, a foodtech company, and Luya Foods, which indicates a broader interest in food innovation, potentially including premium pet food. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments suggest they are well-positioned to support growth in the premium pet food sector.


12. Green Generation Fund


Green Generation Fund is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in Food Tech and Green Tech startups, aiming to drive significant positive impacts in sustainability by supporting innovative solutions that address climate change and resource challenges. Among its notable transactions, Green Generation Fund led a €3.5 million Series A funding round for VEGDOG, a Munich-based PetTech startup that focuses on creating sustainable, plant-based diets for pets. This investment highlights the fund's commitment to the premium pet food sector, as VEGDOG aims to expand its product range and staff to meet the growing demand for sustainable pet food options. Additionally, the fund has participated in various other food-related investments, reinforcing its focus on innovative food solutions.


13. Monkfish Equity


Monkfish Equity GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing equity funding and strategic support to early-stage and growth-stage startups, particularly in the internet and technology sectors. Monkfish Equity has a diverse portfolio, including investments in the pet industry. Notably, they participated in the seed funding rounds for Hundeland.de, an online pet product retailer, and JustSpices, which, while primarily a spice company, indicates their interest in food-related startups. They also invested in Tractive, a company that offers GPS tracking for pets, and Dogo GmbH, a leading dog training app. These transactions highlight Monkfish Equity's engagement in the pet sector, particularly in areas that could intersect with premium pet food offerings.


14. Mountain Partners


Mountain Partners is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and focuses on providing funding and operational support to startups and technology companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Mountain Partners manages a diversified portfolio of VC funds, aiming to empower innovative businesses and facilitate their growth. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions within the premium pet food sector, particularly with Alphapet Ventures, which raised funding in multiple rounds (Seed Round in 2013, Series A in 2014, and a later round in 2017). This involvement highlights Mountain Partners' interest in the premium pet food industry, showcasing their capability to support companies in this niche.


15. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups. Their services include consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. In the context of the premium pet food industry, Project A has made notable investments, including participation in the funding rounds for Pets Deli, a Berlin-based startup that focuses on premium pet food. They were involved in both the Seed round in August 2015 and the Series A round in February 2016, helping the company secure significant funding for international expansion and organizational development. Additionally, Project A participated in the Series A funding for Dalma, a pet insurance startup, further demonstrating their engagement in the pet industry.


16. 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 specializes in investing in early-stage companies at the intersection of food, biotech, and health. Thia Ventures provides funding and support to innovative startups aiming to transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, including Bond Pet Foods, which raised $17.5 million in a Series A funding round to expand its meat protein portfolio for pets. This investment highlights Thia Ventures' engagement in the premium pet food industry. Other notable transactions include investments in cultivated meat startups like Gourmey and Avant Meats, which, while not directly related to pet food, demonstrate their focus on innovative food technologies that could influence the pet food market in the future.


17. Delivery Hero Ventures

  • Website: dhventures.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: dx-ventures

Delivery Hero Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2021. It is backed by Delivery Hero, a leading global food delivery service, and focuses on supporting startups in the food delivery, e-commerce, and fintech sectors. The firm aims to leverage its unique ecosystem to create value for its portfolio companies, helping them scale and achieve global ambitions. Notably, Delivery Hero Ventures participated in the Series A funding round for Maev, the first human-grade raw dog food brand, which raised $10 million. This investment highlights their engagement in the premium pet food market. Additionally, they have been involved in various foodtech investments, indicating a broader interest in innovative food solutions.


18. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has invested in zooplus, a leading online pet supply retailer, which highlights their involvement in the premium pet food market. Additionally, their portfolio includes companies like Chef's Plate, which, while primarily focused on meal delivery, showcases their interest in the food sector. Acton Capital aims to help companies develop tailored growth strategies to achieve long-term success, making them a versatile investor in the consumer goods space.


19. Vorwerk Ventures


Vorwerk Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, including consumer products, food, health, and climate. Vorwerk Ventures provides seed and Series A funding, along with follow-on investments, to support innovative companies that aim to create a positive impact. Notably, they have invested in Rex, a company that raised €5 million in a seed funding round in July 2022, focusing on product optimization and marketing in the pet food sector. Additionally, they have a history of supporting companies like Dinner for Dogs, which raised funds in 2008, further emphasizing their interest in the pet food industry. Their diverse investment strategy and specific transactions in the pet food market position them as a relevant player in the premium pet food investment landscape.



Premium Pet Food Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Point NineBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201116
Purple Orange VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020120
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
Shio CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020180
Döhler VenturesDarmstadt, Hesse, Germany1-1020143
Nestlé Health ScienceLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland10001+20112
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618
Green Generation FundBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020218
Monkfish EquityLeipzig, Saxony, Germany1-1020110
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Thia VenturesPlan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020213
Delivery Hero VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020212
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
Vorwerk VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020077


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