The seafood distributors industry in DACH plays a vital role in supplying fresh and sustainable seafood to a variety of markets. Companies range from large-scale distributors to niche providers focusing on organic or local offerings. This sector not only supports consumer demand for high-quality seafood but also emphasizes sustainability practices to meet rising environmental expectations. With an urgent shift towards plant-based alternatives and aquaculture innovations, the industry is transitioning to ensure responsible sourcing, catering to health-conscious consumers. Increasingly, businesses are embracing technology in logistics and distribution, promising broader access and transparency in seafood sourcing.


Investors in the DACH seafood distributors industry include a mix of corporate and venture capital firms, showcasing varied approaches to financing. Headquartered predominantly in Germany and Switzerland, these investors range from small teams of 1-10 employees to large corporations with over 10,000 jobs. Founded between 1874 and 2021, they have significant presence, with some engaging in multiple investment rounds in 2024. While many investors focus on early-stage funding, others like Brenntag and Siemens have made substantial corporate investments, indicative of a deepening interest in sustainable seafood initiatives within the broader food sector.


Top 19 Seafood Distributors 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 supporting sustainable food systems. The firm provides funding and resources to mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy, particularly focusing on innovative solutions in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has been involved in several significant transactions within the seafood sector, including investments in Ocean Hugger Foods, Finless Foods, Happy Ocean Foods, and Gathered Foods, all of which are focused on sustainable seafood alternatives. Most recently, they participated in a $12 million seed funding round for New School Foods, a company specializing in plant-based seafood. This track record highlights Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in the seafood industry through sustainable practices.


2. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Notably, Beyond Impact VC has invested in BlueNalu, which raised $20 million in a Series A round to develop cell-based seafood products, and Ocean Hugger Foods, which is also involved in plant-based seafood alternatives. Additionally, they have shown interest in Shiok Meats, a startup focused on cell-based shrimp production, which raised significant funding to build a commercial pilot plant. These transactions highlight Beyond Impact VC's commitment to supporting innovative and compassionate business models within the seafood industry.


3. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers and users. The company serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas, by simplifying access to complex supply chains. Notably, Brenntag has made significant acquisitions in the food sector, such as the acquisition of JM Swank Co. in June 2021 for USD 304 million, which doubled their size in the Nutrition business in North America, creating a leading distributor in the region with approximately USD 1 billion in revenue. Additionally, their acquisition of Trend Gida in December 2008 and Fred Holmberg & Co. in December 2014 further solidifies their position in the food distribution market, which includes seafood products. These transactions highlight Brenntag's commitment to expanding its footprint in the food ingredients sector, making them a relevant player in seafood distribution.


4. 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 promoting 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 companies like Fermentalg, which raised €12 million in a Series C funding round to scale up microalgae production, a process that can have applications in the seafood industry. Additionally, they participated in earlier funding rounds for Fermentalg, including a €5.3 million investment in a Series B round. Their involvement with Algaia, which also operates in the realm of marine resources, further highlights their interest in ecological solutions that could relate to seafood distribution.


5. 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 online food ordering and delivery service. The firm focuses on supporting startups in the food delivery, e-commerce, and fintech sectors, providing funding and strategic support to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Notably, Delivery Hero Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Bluu Seafood, a company dedicated to cultivating seafood species and developing cell-cultured fish. They were involved in both the Seed and Series A funding rounds for Bluu Seafood, which raised significant capital to advance its biotechnology R&D and product development. This involvement highlights Delivery Hero Ventures' interest in the seafood industry and its commitment to innovative food solutions.


6. Good Seed Ventures

  • Website: goodseedventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: good-seed-ventures

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in sustainable food solutions, providing financial support, strategic guidance, and fostering collaboration among industry players to innovate in the food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has invested in Current Foods, which focuses on plant-based seafood alternatives, and Finless Foods, a company dedicated to producing cell-cultured seafood. Their investments in these companies highlight their commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the seafood industry, making them a relevant player in this space.


7. 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 invested in Poiscaille, which raised approximately $7.8 million in a venture round in October 2022, indicating their involvement in the seafood distribution sector. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like TerraCycle and The Renewal Workshop, which, while not directly related to seafood, reflect their commitment to sustainability and impact investing.


8. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. In recent years, Siemens has made strategic investments that reflect its commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Siemens invested $6.8 million in Singapore Aquaculture Technologies in August 2021, which focuses on innovative solutions for aquaculture, a critical component of the seafood supply chain. This investment highlights Siemens' interest in the seafood industry and its potential to contribute to advancements in seafood distribution. Additionally, Siemens has acquired companies like Bennex AS and Cambridge Water Technology, which, while not directly related to seafood distribution, demonstrate its broader strategy of enhancing operational capabilities in sectors that may intersect with food production and environmental sustainability.


9. Edmond de Rothschild


Edmond de Rothschild Group is a financial institution founded in 1953, specializing in private banking and asset management. The firm offers a range of services including investment solutions and philanthropic engagement, catering to institutional investors, private banks, and wealth managers. They emphasize a long-term vision and responsible investment practices, aiming to create positive societal impact through their financial activities. Notably, they acquired Sapore Di Mare, a seafood distributor, on August 2, 2017, which highlights their involvement in the seafood industry. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for North Star Holdco Limited, although this transaction is not directly related to seafood, it showcases their broader investment activity.


10. Transgourmet Deutschland GmbH & Co. OHG


Transgourmet Deutschland GmbH & Co. OHG is a prominent food wholesaler based in Riedstadt, Hesse, Germany, specializing in supplying food and non-food products to businesses in the gastronomy, hotel, and retail sectors. Founded as part of the Coop Group, Transgourmet offers consulting services and software solutions to help clients optimize operations and manage costs effectively. Notably, they have made strategic acquisitions to strengthen their market position, including the acquisition of the FrischeParadies Group in 2015, which focuses on premium food products, and Saviva AG in 2024, enhancing their distribution capabilities. These transactions highlight their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the food sector, which includes seafood products, making them a relevant player in the seafood distribution market.


11. COI Partners


COI Partners is an investment firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, specializing in growth capital and private equity investments in medium-sized enterprises within the DACH region. Founded in 2001, the firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide direct investments and fund management services, helping businesses achieve their growth ambitions. COI Partners has a diverse investment portfolio, focusing on sectors such as IT services and quick-service food. Notably, they were involved in a significant transaction with Nordsee, a prominent seafood distributor, where they raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round on May 5, 2006. This transaction highlights their engagement in the seafood distribution industry, showcasing their ability to support businesses in this sector.


12. 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 significant transactions such as eFishery, which raised USD 108 million in a Series D funding round, indicating their interest in the seafood sector. Additionally, they have invested in Agro Vision Corp, which aims to promote sustainability, further showcasing their commitment to sectors that include seafood distribution.


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. Notably, they have invested in Ordinary Seafood, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round in May 2022, indicating their engagement in the seafood distribution sector. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Cirplus, a company focused on sustainable materials, which, while not directly a seafood distributor, aligns with their commitment to environmental sustainability. This combination of investments highlights Nucleus Capital's interest in innovative and sustainable solutions within the food technology space, including seafood.


14. Dr. Oetker

  • Website: oetker.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1891
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: dr--oetker

Dr. Oetker is a prominent food manufacturer based in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in a diverse range of baking and frozen food products. Founded in 1891, the company has established a strong presence in the global food market, catering to both consumers and businesses with quality ingredients and ready-to-eat meals. Dr. Oetker is committed to innovation and sustainability, adapting to changing consumer preferences. Notably, in June 2023, Dr. Oetker participated in a Series A funding round for BLUU Seafood, contributing to a total of EUR 16 million raised. This investment is aimed at supporting BLUU Seafood's regulatory approval processes and market entry plans, highlighting Dr. Oetker's interest in the seafood sector. Additionally, the company has made strategic acquisitions, such as Grupo Rexal S.A. DE C.V. in 2017, further solidifying its market position in the food industry.


15. LBBW Venture Capital GmbH

  • Website: lbbwvc.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: lbbw-venture-capital-gmbh

LBBW Venture Capital GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage disruptive IT and life science companies, providing both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Their investment focus includes sectors such as AI, IoT, and healthcare technology. Notably, LBBW VC has also invested in the seafood industry, participating in a Series A funding round for BLUU Seafood, which raised EUR 16 million to support its product development and market entry. Additionally, they have invested in AIPERIA GmbH, an AI-powered food waste reduction startup, which, while not directly a seafood distributor, operates within the food sector. This diverse investment portfolio showcases LBBW VC's commitment to innovative solutions in various industries, including seafood.


16. PHW Group


PHW Group, founded in 1932 and based in Visbek, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a corporate investor specializing in poultry production and alternative protein sources. The company offers a diverse range of poultry products and plant-based alternatives, catering to both retail and consumer markets. They emphasize sustainability and innovation in food production to meet the increasing demand for healthy dietary options. Notably, PHW Group participated in the Series A funding round for Good Catch, a company that provides ocean-friendly, plant-based seafood options. This investment reflects PHW Group's interest in expanding their portfolio to include sustainable seafood alternatives, aligning with current food-tech trends.


17. Be8 Ventures

  • Website: be8.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: be8-ventures

Be8 Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2020, specializing in investments in innovative food companies. With a small team of 1-10 members, they provide financial support and industry expertise to startups that are shaping the future of the food ecosystem. One of their notable transactions includes a seed funding round for Bluu Biosciences, which raised €7 million (~US$8.25 million) to develop cell-cultured fish. This investment highlights Be8 Ventures' commitment to supporting sustainable seafood solutions and their active role in the seafood sector, making them a valuable partner for food startups in this industry.


18. Oyster Bay Venture Capital

  • Website: oysterbay.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: oysterbayvc

Oyster Bay Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the food and beverage technology sector, providing financial resources and strategic support to founders aiming to innovate along the food value chain. They focus on impact-driven startups that address societal challenges related to food production and consumption. Notably, they participated in a seed funding round for Hooked Foods, which raised $4.52 million in September 2021. This investment highlights their engagement in the seafood sector, as Hooked Foods is involved in seafood products. Additionally, they have invested in Dropz, a producer of healthy beverages, indicating their broader interest in food and beverage innovations. However, their involvement in seafood distributors is particularly underscored by the Hooked Foods investment.


19. 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. Redalpine focuses on identifying and empowering innovative companies to tackle significant global challenges. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Umiami, a Paris-based foodtech company that has raised substantial capital to innovate in the food sector, and Magaloop, which has also secured funding for food-related services. These transactions highlight Redalpine's engagement in the foodtech industry, which encompasses seafood distribution, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative solutions within this space.



Seafood Distributors Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
Delivery Hero VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020212
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
QuadiaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland11-5020100
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Edmond de RothschildGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500019533
Transgourmet Deutschland GmbH & Co. OHGRiedstadt, Hesse, Germany10001+1
COI PartnersFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020010
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
Nucleus CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020215
Dr. OetkerBielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18910
LBBW Venture Capital GmbHStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany1-1019985
PHW GroupVisbek, Lower Saxony, Germany5001-1000019321
Be8 VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020200
Oyster Bay Venture CapitalHamburg, Hamburg, Germany1-1020183
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618


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