Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The functional foods industry in Benelux is rapidly evolving, focusing on products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This sector includes a variety of companies, ranging from health-focused startups to established food manufacturers, all looking to cater to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing consumer demand for wellness-oriented dietary options. Key innovations often encompass probiotics, prebiotics, and fortified foods designed to enhance overall health. The market is expected to continue its trajectory of growth, driven by increasing health awareness among consumers, regulatory support for nutritional claims, and a rise in holistic health trends across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region.

The investors listed represent a mix of venture capitals, private equities, and corporate firms, predominantly headquartered across Belgium, Luxembourg, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. These investors range in size, with many managing assets in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ thousands and several founded in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early 2000s, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir experience and commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investor activity was robust, with deal counts ranging from 0 to nearly 100, indicating strong interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space.

Top 17 Functional Foods Investors in Benelux

1. dsm-firmenich

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, operating primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company provides a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Notably, dsm-firmenich has been actively investing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, exemplified by its involvement with NutriLeads. The company has participated in multiple funding rounds for NutriLeads, including a â‚�4.5 million Series C funding round in December 2023 aimed at commercializing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ prebiotic ingredient BeniCaros, as well as earlier Series A and B rounds that supported Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of immune-modulating ingredients. These transactions highlight dsm-firmenich's strategic focus on enhancing product offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market and addressing sustainability challenges within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

2. EIT Food

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 37
• LinkedIn:

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2016, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. It is dedicated to transforming Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 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. In 2024, EIT Food has already made 37 investments, showcasing its active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood sector. Notable transactions include MaGie Creations, which raised funds in a seed round, and MATR Foods, which received non-equity assistance. These investments reflect EIT Food's commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, particularly in areas that could lead to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of functional foods. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public, to foster collaboration and drive change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector.

3. Azelis

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2001. The company caters to over 63,000 customers across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences and industrial sectors, focusing on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Hortimex Sp. z o.o., a Polish distributor specializing in food ingredients and nutraceuticals, to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ns Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food market. These transactions highlight Azelis' commitment to expanding its capabilities and offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry.

4. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

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. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In recent years, EIB has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, including a â‚�22 million investment in MATR Foods in September 2024 and a â‚�38 million investment in Carbery Group in December 2019. Additionally, EIB has supported biotech companies like Nuritas and Inbiose, which are involved in developing innovative food products and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutics, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry.

5. PeakBridge

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in FoodTech investments. The firm supports early-stage founders and businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry by providing investment, consulting services, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Their focus is on innovative solutions that address significant challenges in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global food system, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ FoodTech sector. Notably, PeakBridge has been involved in several relevant transactions, including Prenexus Health, which raised funds for health-oriented food products, and Nick's, a Swedish ice cream brand that emphasizes healthier options. In 2021, Nick's raised $100 million in Series C funding, with PeakBridge as one of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investors, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting brands that align with functional food principles.

6. Astanor

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood tech sector. They focus on supporting innovative companies that aim to create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been actively involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space, including a $30 million Series B investment in Plantible Foods, a company that produces duckweed protein, and a $18.4 million Series A investment in Digestiva, which is likely focused on digestive health. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a â‚�12 million Series A round for Standing Ovation, a startup developing animal-free casein and cheese substitutes. These investments highlight Astanor's commitment to advancing functional foods and sustainable food technologies.

7. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, exemplified by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir recent investment in Sunday Natural, a leading brand for premium vitamins, minerals, and supplements, aimed at scaling and expanding its international reach. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Lipton in November 2021 for over $5 billion highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in health-conscious food and beverage brands. These transactions reflect CVC's commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry.

8. Verlinvest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Verlinvest is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that prioritize consumer needs and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include leading investments in Sambazon, which focuses on premium acai products, and Epigamia, a Greek yogurt maker that has raised multiple funding rounds with Verlinvest's participation. These investments highlight Verlinvest's focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting brands that align with health and wellness trends.

9. Eurofins

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987, headquartered in Luxembourg. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees and a global presence across 62 countries, Eurofins specializes in a wide range of analytical and testing services. Their expertise spans various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental sectors, providing essential compliance and quality assurance services. Notably, Eurofins has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Agro-Analyses in 2016 underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to food safety and quality, which is vital for functional foods. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Craft Technologies in 2018 and Experchem Laboratories in 2015 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expands Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir analytical services, potentially benefiting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market. These transactions highlight Eurofins' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space.

10. Wessanen Benelux (B Corp)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1765
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn:

Wessanen Benelux (B Corp), based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, is a corporate investor specializing in organic and plant-based food products. Founded in 1765, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has a long history of promoting sustainability and biodiversity through its diverse range of offerings, which include dairy-free drinks, breakfast cereals, and vegetarian spreads. Wessanen has made several strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ organic food market, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Alter Eco, a leading French organic and fair-trade food company, and Biogran, a prominent organic food company in Spain. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Abbot Kinney's, which focuses on organic almond and coconut yogurts and ice creams, highlights Wessanen's commitment to expanding its functional food offerings. These transactions reflect Wessanen's strategy to cater to health-conscious consumers and enhance its leadership in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ organic food sector.

11. Sofina

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1898
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Sofina is a venture capital investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1898. It specializes in providing patient capital to growing businesses across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and energy. Sofina partners with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, offering strategic advice and long-term investment solutions to foster sustainable growth. Notably, Sofina has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, including a Series C funding round for Lemonilo, a healthy food startup, and a $25 million investment in HealthKart, which focuses on expanding its omnichannel nutrition platform. These transactions highlight Sofina's commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space.

12. Icos Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Icos Capital is a venture capital firm based in Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in ClimateTech investments and partners with startups and corporations to accelerate sustainability through innovative technologies. Their focus includes sectors such as Food Systems and Circular Economy, providing funding and strategic support to help clients achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Icos Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space, including a Series B investment in NutriLeads, which is focused on health ingredients, and a Series A investment in BioActor, a company that develops health ingredients. They also invested in WholeFiber, which aims to increase production capacity for functional food products. These investments highlight Icos Capital's commitment to supporting innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry.

13. Rockstart

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Rockstart is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of functional foods, Rockstart has made notable investments such as Todos Comemos, which raised $235,000 in a Pre-Seed round in 2020, and Miils, which raised $110,096 through a Convertible Note in 2019. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Nanomik Biotechnology, which raised significant amounts in Seed rounds in both 2020 and 2022. These transactions highlight Rockstart's involvement in innovative food-related startups, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector.

14. Capital V

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Capital V is a venture capital firm based in Belgium, founded in 2015, that specializes in vegan investments. The firm focuses on funding startups that create sustainable alternatives to animal products, addressing health, environmental, and animal welfare issues. Their clientele primarily consists of innovative businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plant-based sector seeking financial support to scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Notable transactions include investments in The Vegetarian Butcher, a pioneer in plant-based meat alternatives, and Heura Foods, which focuses on creating healthy, plant-based products. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Väcka, a food tech company developing new technologies for vegan products, and Veggie Victory, a Nigerian startup aiming to expand its vegan product offerings. These investments highlight Capital V's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, particularly in promoting plant-based and health-oriented food innovations.

15. V3 Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

V3 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage consumer businesses across various sectors, including wellness, food, and lifestyle. V3 Ventures aims to support founders by providing both capital and strategic guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m build strong brands and achieve growth. Notably, V3 Ventures has participated in several relevant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Go Zero, a brand focused on zero sugar ice cream, which raised significant funding in both Seed and Series A rounds. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y seek to back innovative companies that align with health-conscious consumer trends.

16. Prosus Group

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology, serving over two billion customers worldwide. Notably, Prosus has invested in The EVERY Company, which raised $175 million in a Series C funding round, indicating its interest in alternative proteins, a key area within functional foods. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Prosus's acquisition of a majority stake in iFood for â‚�1.5 billion highlights its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food delivery and grocery sectors, which are increasingly integrating functional food products. These transactions demonstrate Prosus's strategic involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, particularly in areas that align with functional foods.

17. SHIFT Invest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in impact investing, focusing on innovative enterprises with significant potential for environmental impact. They provide funding and support to early-stage companies across various sectors, including energy transition, smart food & agriculture, and sustainable mobility. Notably, SHIFT Invest has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods context, particularly with NutriLeads, a Dutch startup specializing in nutritional health ingredients. SHIFT Invest participated in NutriLeads' Seed Round in 2015, Series A funding in 2017, and Series B funding in 2020, which were aimed at developing and commercializing health ingredients. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry and supporting entrepreneurs in scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses effectively.

Functional Foods Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+		3
	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	2016	37
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Luxembourg	11-50	2018	8
	Luxembourg	11-50	2017	10
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
	Luxembourg	10001+	1987	8
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	51-200	1765	0
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	1898	4
	Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2005	4
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2011	16
	Belgium	1-10	2015	0
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	1-10	2022	9
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	2019	21
	Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	4

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry?

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With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
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• ...and much more!