Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The agribusiness industry in DACH focuses on sustainable food production and agricultural technology innovations. It comprises a variety of companies, from biotech startups to established agri-tech firms, dedicated to enhancing crop yield, food security, and environmental sustainability. With growing concerns about climate change and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ need for food security, this sector is leveraging advancements in fields like precision agriculture, bioengineering, and urban farming solutions. The industry is poised for expansion as demand for organic and locally-sourced products increases, pushing companies to innovate and adapt to new market trends.

The identified investors include venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity groups, headquartered across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Size ranges from small teams to major corporations, with year foundations spanning over six decades. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors collectively participated in numerous deals, totaling 80 investments, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in promoting agribusiness innovation and sustainability.

Top 18 Agribusiness 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. The firm focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that pursue scientific breakthroughs to tackle major global challenges in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in significant funding rounds for AgBiome, an agricultural research firm that has raised substantial capital to develop crop protection products. Their investments include a $65 million Series C round and a $34.5 million Series B round for AgBiome, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in advancing agribusiness technologies. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested $55 million in Oerth Bio, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to agribusiness innovation.

2. BASF Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm invests in innovative companies across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and enhancing product performance. Notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Arcadia Biosciences, which raised funds to develop products based on agronomic performance and quality traits, and Hummingbird Technologies, which leverages AI and satellite imagery to support farmers in managing crop health. These investments highlight BASF's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies and solutions.

3. Blue Horizon

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Notably, Blue Horizon has participated in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y co-led a $116 million Series D funding round for AgBiome, which focuses on agricultural biotechnology. They also invested $35 million in Tropic Biosciences, a company working on crop improvement technologies. Additionally, Blue Horizon joined a Series A investment in Apparo, which is developing sunflower protein ingredients, and participated in a Seed investment for NuCicer, an agri-food technology company aiming to enhance chickpea protein production. Their involvement in Mosa Meat, a company focused on cultured meat production, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to sustainable food innovations. Overall, Blue Horizon is actively engaged in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness industry, particularly in areas that promote sustainability and innovation.

4. Syngenta

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Syngenta is a prominent agricultural technology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2000. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Syngenta specializes in crop protection and seed production, providing innovative solutions to farmers and agricultural producers worldwide. The company operates in more than 150 countries, focusing on research and development to enhance agricultural productivity. In 2024, Syngenta has already made two significant acquisitions, including Produtecnica, an agricultural inputs distributor in Brazil, and Sensako, a South African seed company specializing in cereals. These acquisitions are part of Syngenta's strategy to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its market presence and expand its offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Verisem BV, a Dutch seed producing company, and JGL, Inc., a seed genetics licensing company, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Syngenta's commitment to advancing agricultural technology and solutions.

5. Deg

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1962
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 17
• LinkedIn:

DEG â€� Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1962. As a development finance institution, DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and job creation. DEG supports businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness context, DEG has been involved in several notable transactions, such as providing grants to agriBORA ($103,934), Shamba Pride ($100,000), and Flamingoo Foods ($100,000). They also participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for Kilifi Moringa ($500,000) and provided substantial debt financing to Indorama Fertilizers ($1,250,000,000), showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in promoting agricultural development and sustainability.

6. Demeter-Partners

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. Demeter manages a diverse portfolio with a strong emphasis on sustainable development. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector, including leading a â‚�4.1 million seed funding round for Hyperplan, which utilizes satellite and meteorological data to enhance food chain security. Additionally, Demeter has participated in multiple funding rounds for Naïo Technologies, a company focused on agricultural robotics, contributing to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Series A and Series B funding rounds. These investments highlight Demeter's commitment to promoting ecological solutions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness industry.

7. 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 focuses on sustainable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF operates primarily within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EU and supports innovations in various sectors, including agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness context, such as leading funding rounds for Aphea.Bio, a Belgian agricultural technology company, which raised â‚�70 million in Series C funding in July 2023, and participating in Elicit Plant's funding rounds, which focus on solutions for water stress and climate change challenges in agriculture. These investments highlight ECBF's active role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and technologies.

8. FoodLabs

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

FoodLabs is an investment firm and food technology incubator based in Berlin, founded in 2016. They specialize in supporting innovative startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food tech sector, providing both investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notable transactions include investments in Meatable, which focuses on cultured meat, and Infarm, a company that develops urban farming solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Bright Biotech, which is working on plant genetic engineering for cell cultivation, and Bosque Foods, which is developing mycelium-based meat alternatives. These investments highlight FoodLabs' commitment to advancing sustainable practices within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness industry.

9. Seedstars

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Seedstars is an investment and education company based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has been involved in transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector, such as agriBORA, which raised $103,934 in a grant in November 2022, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting agricultural innovation. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Jiye Technologies and Mimosatek, while not directly agribusiness-focused, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader interest in technology and innovation that can intersect with agricultural applications. This diverse portfolio highlights Seedstars' role in nurturing startups that may contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness landscape.

10. 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, focusing on financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production. They provide investment solutions aimed at generating positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. In recent years, responsAbility has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector, including a Series B investment of approximately $45.9 million in Sahyadri Farms, which focuses on sustainable agriculture. They also participated in funding for Agro Vision Corp, which is dedicated to transforming lives and promoting sustainability in agriculture. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested $11 million in Rising Farms, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting agribusiness initiatives. These transactions highlight responsAbility's active role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness investment landscape.

11. AlphaMundi Group Ltd

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

AlphaMundi Group Ltd is an impact investment firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on financing scalable ventures primarily in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong emphasis on social impact. They manage investment funds such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SocialAlpha Fund and AlphaJiri Fund, targeting sectors like Financial Inclusion and Renewable Energy. Notably, AlphaMundi has been involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector, including a $10.3 million Series A investment in Twiga Foods in 2017 and a $6.25 million debt financing round in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ same company in 2019. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in debt financing for Complete Farmer, raising $3.4 million in 2023, and have also supported AgriCapital with multiple debt financing rounds in 2024. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in agribusiness and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.

12. Amathaon Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Amathaon Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2020, specializing in AgTech and AgBioTech. The firm focuses on investing in innovative agricultural solutions and supporting entrepreneurs with capital, industry expertise, and operational guidance. Their investment strategy emphasizes sustainable practices within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food value chain, addressing various challenges in agriculture through a synergetic portfolio approach. Notable transactions include a $4.2M investment in Lucent BioSciences, a Vancouver-based AgTech startup, and participation in E-Farm's Series B financing round, which raised 11 million euros for a trading platform for used agricultural machinery. Additionally, Amathaon Capital has invested in Computomics, a bioinformatics company, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing technology in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector.

13. Possible Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, with a total of 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in agribusiness-related startups such as Meatable, a cultivated meat company that raised $47 million in a Series A funding round, and Number 8 Bio, which focuses on developing proprietary feed to reduce methane emissions in cows, raising $1.8 million in pre-seed funding. These investments highlight Possible Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

14. GEA Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1881
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

GEA Group AG is an industrial technology supplier based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in machinery and systems for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Founded in 1881, GEA Group has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ efficiency and sustainability of production processes for its business customers. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness context, GEA has made several strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy sector. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Milfos International Group, a New Zealand-based dairy technology firm, aimed at expanding GEA's growth opportunities in pastoral farming markets. Additionally, GEA acquired Venture Dairy Services, a family-owned dealership in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK, to enhance its services for dairy producers. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant acquisitions include Norbco and Bellucci Orlando e c. S.r.l., both focused on dairy farming solutions, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying GEA's presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy market. Most recently, GEA Farm Technologies acquired South West Dairy Services, continuing its trend of investing in dairy-related businesses.

15. 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. Notably, Partners Group has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness sector, acquiring a majority stake in Rovensa, a Portuguese producer of agricultural products, for â‚�1 billion in July 2020. This company operates in over 70 countries and generates annual revenues of approximately â‚�360 million. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a 53.69% majority stake in Brazilian food retailer Hortifruti Hortigil in November 2017, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness market. These transactions highlight Partners Group's strategic focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness industry, complementing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio.

16. 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 for businesses across various industries. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness context, SGS has made significant investments to enhance its agricultural services. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of BioVision Seed Research Limited, a Canadian seed, grain, and soil testing laboratory, which strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ns its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Canadian agricultural market. Additionally, SGS acquired NviroCrop, a South African precision agriculture services company, to bolster its agricultural services in SouÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rn Africa. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, SGS's investment in AgFlow SA, a trade intelligence platform for agricultural markets, reflects its strategy to enhance digitalization within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural value chain. The acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Ware Care Group, which provides Integrated Pest Management services, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates SGS's commitment to expanding its agricultural service offerings.

17. 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©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding of AgroSustain, which raised CHF 4.8M for its natural coating and biological antifungal solutions, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series B funding of Planet A Foods, which secured $30 million for its operations. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Amfora, which raised $1 million in Series B, and Evologic Technologies, which received funding in a Seed round. These investments highlight AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance's commitment to advancing agribusiness through innovative solutions.

18. EuroChem

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

EuroChem Group is a prominent corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. As a leading manufacturer in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fertilizer industry, EuroChem provides a wide range of agricultural and industrial products aimed at enhancing crop yield and quality. The company operates globally, serving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agriculture sector to meet Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ increasing demand for food. EuroChem's notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of BASF's fertilizer assets in Antwerp, Belgium, for approximately â‚�830 million, which significantly expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir market presence. They also acquired Agricola Bulgaria, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural sector. Additionally, EuroChem participated in a $15 million equity investment in Agrinos Inc., aimed at accelerating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's growth and research in agricultural solutions. These transactions highlight EuroChem's active role and commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agribusiness industry.

Agribusiness Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2015	16
	Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany	10001+	2001	3
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
	Basel, Basel, Switzerland	10001+	2000	2
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	501-1000	1962	17
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2007	0
	Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2020	11
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2016	11
	Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland	201-500	2012	6
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2003	9
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	1-10	2007	5
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2020	0
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2021	9
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1881	1
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1878	5
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2024	1
	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	10001+	2001	0

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