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The berry farming industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region thrives on innovative cultivation methods, emphasizing sustainability and quality produce. Companies ranging from small family farms to large commercial growers engage in various activities, from planting to distribution of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. In recent years, a rise in consumer demand for fresh and health-conscious options has pushed farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques, increasing yield while minimizing environmental impact. Technological advancements such as precision agriculture and organic farming practices are expected to reshape Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry, signaling a transition towards more sustainable, efficient production methods that cater to modern consumers.

This article explores 11 prominent investors within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH berry farming industry. The list features a mix of venture capital and private equity firms, ranging in size from agile startups to sizable institutional players. Established between 1863 and 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms have actively made 9 to 25 investments in 2024 alone, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture. Headquartered primarily in Germany and Switzerland, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors aim to generate significant financial and environmental returns, underlining Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ increasing attractiveness of sustainable agricultural investments.

Top 11 Berry Farming Investors in DACH

1. Leaps by Bayer

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in funding rounds for Pairwise Plants, which is developing genetically enhanced fresh produce using CRISPR technology, and has been involved in multiple funding rounds for this company, including a $40 million Series C round in September 2024 and earlier rounds in 2021 and 2018. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Covercress, which is working on agricultural innovations that could also impact Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader agricultural landscape. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investments, Leaps by Bayer supports Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of innovative solutions that can enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, including in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ berry farming sector.

2. responsAbility Investments AG

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

ResponsAbility Investments AG is an impact investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in managing investments in emerging markets with a focus on generating positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns. They concentrate on sectors such as financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production. Notably, responsAbility has been involved in several relevant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural sector, including a significant investment in Sahyadri Farms, which raised approximately $45.9 million in Series B funding in December 2024. This investment aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir mission to promote sustainability in agriculture. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for companies like Samunnati, which supports agricultural value chains, and Rising Farms, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural landscape. These transactions highlight responsAbility's commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ berry farming investment space.

3. Partners Group

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

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, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a 53.69% majority stake in Brazilian food retailer Hortifruti Hortigil, which operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, potentially including berries. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a majority stake in Rovensa, a Portuguese producer of agricultural products, for â‚�1 billion, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural industry. These investments highlight Partners Group's engagement in sectors that are relevant to berry farming, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural investment landscape.

4. Cherry Ventures

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

Cherry Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across Europe, providing capital, mentorship, and resources to startups in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has invested in Infarm, a company that raised significant funding in multiple rounds (Seed, Series A, and Series B) to develop urban farming solutions, which could encompass berry farming practices. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for Planet A Foods, a company focused on sustainable food production, which may also relate to agricultural innovations. Their diverse investment portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative companies that aim to create lasting impacts in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir industries, including agriculture.

5. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2024
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and supporting startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AgriFoodTech sector. The firm collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in AgroSustain's Series A funding, which focuses on biological antifungal solutions that could be beneficial for berry crops. They also invested in Spherag, which provides technological solutions for farmers, including precision irrigation that could enhance berry farming practices. Their investment in Planet A Foods, which raised $30 million in Series B funding, indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting sustainable food production technologies. Overall, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance aims to foster innovation in agriculture, which may encompass berry farming technologies.

6. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

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 in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EU, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Aphea.Bio, which focuses on agricultural technology, and Elicit Plant, which develops solutions to help farmers manage water stress and adapt to climate change. These investments reflect ECBF's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance agricultural practices, including those relevant to berry farming.

7. Sgs

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1878
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In recent years, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its agricultural services, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Ware Care Group, which specializes in Integrated Pest Management, and BioVision Seed Research Limited, a seed and soil testing laboratory. These acquisitions demonstrate SGS's commitment to improving agricultural practices and supporting farmers, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ berry farming sector, by ensuring product quality and compliance with regulatory standards.

8. Bayer

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1863
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Bayer AG is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in Leverkusen, Germany, with a strong focus on healthcare and agriculture. Founded in 1863, Bayer has established itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions for various health conditions and agricultural challenges. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural sector, Bayer CropScience plays a crucial role in enhancing crop production and sustainability. Notably, Bayer has made significant investments in companies that align with its agricultural goals. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of AgraQuest, Inc. for approximately $425 million in 2012 aimed to bolster Bayer's capabilities in biological pest management, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fruits and vegetables market, which is strategically important for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company. This acquisition reflects Bayer's commitment to improving agricultural practices, including those relevant to berry farming. Additionally, Bayer's acquisition of proPlant Gesellschaft für Agrar- und Umweltinformatik furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates its focus on agricultural innovation and technology, which can benefit berry farmers by providing advanced solutions for crop management and environmental sustainability.

9. Aenu

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

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. Notably, AENU participated in a Series D funding round for Infarm, which raised $200 million to enhance urban farming solutions, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ cultivation of various crops, potentially including berries. Additionally, AENU was involved in a Series B funding round for Agreena, a climate-focused fintech firm that supports carbon farming initiatives, which may indirectly benefit sustainable agricultural practices. These transactions highlight AENU's commitment to innovative agricultural solutions, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir direct involvement in berry farming is not explicitly stated.

10. Swisscom Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Swisscom Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in high-potential technology startups, providing not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, and is committed to empowering innovative companies to grow and succeed. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in xFarm Technologies, an agtech company that raised significant funding in Series B and Series C rounds, focusing on enhancing agricultural practices through technology. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural sector, which is relevant to berry farming. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Ecorobotix, which develops smart agricultural solutions, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing technology in farming, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ berry farming investment landscape.

11. Syngenta Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Syngenta Group is an agricultural technology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2009. With over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company specializes in crop protection and seed production, offering a diverse range of products and services aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability for farmers and commercial growers. Syngenta Group operates globally, leveraging extensive research capabilities to address challenges in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agriculture sector. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a Series D funding round for Sound Agriculture, which raised $75 million in December 2022, and also contributed to a pre-Series B bridge round for Tarfin, an agritech company focused on supporting farmers in Turkey, which raised $8 million in December 2021. These transactions reflect Syngenta's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can benefit various farming sectors, including berry farming.

Berry Farming Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2015	16
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2003	9
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2012	25
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2024	1
	Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2020	11
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1878	5
	Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1863	2
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2022	9
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4
	Basel, Basel, Switzerland	10001+	2009	0

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