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Europe's horticulture industry thrives on innovation, combining science and sustainability to enhance food production. It includes a variety of players such as greenhouse operators, sustainable nurseries, and agritech firms focusing on efficiency and ecological solutions. Driven by consumer demand for fresh, locally sourced produce, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry embraces vertical farming, organic methods, and advanced technologies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of urban farming is transforming cities into lush environments. Expected industry trends include increased investment in smart agriculture, integration of AI technologies, and a stronger focus on climate resilience, as greener practices become a priority for food security and environmental stability.

The group of investors featured in this list represents a blend of venture capital and private equity firms, headquartered primarily in major European cities such as London, Paris, and Brussels. Ranging in size, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors are all relatively new, having been founded between 1963 and 2017. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively executed a notable number of deals, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovation in horticulture. With varying focus areas—from sustainable agriculture to revolutionary agrifood technologies—ŷ²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors are critical players in shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticultural sector across Europe.

Top 13 Horticulture Investors in Europe

1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Among its notable transactions, Bpifrance has invested in 'Compagnons des Saisons', which raised $1,268,731 in a venture round, and 'Myfood', which secured $1,195,800 in a seed round. Additionally, 'Babylone Growers' raised $2,409,340 in a Series A round, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlighting Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector.

2. Unigrains

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1963
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Unigrains is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agro-food and agro-industry sectors. Founded in 1963, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has over 60 years of experience and has supported more than 1,000 companies, managing significant assets to foster growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Unigrains participated in a $17 million Series A funding round for RED Horticulture in November 2023, which focuses on developing high-performance lighting strategies for horticulture. They also invested in Limagrain, a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed industry, which has implications for horticulture. These transactions highlight Unigrains' active role in supporting businesses that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector.

3. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry, such as providing grants to AgroSustain, which raised $2,891,688 in March 2021, and Saia Agrobotics, which received $2,477,966 in October 2022. Additionally, Crocus Labs, anoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r company in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture context, raised $2,094,005 in grants from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC in March 2022. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's active role in supporting innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector.

4. The Yield Lab

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Killiney, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

The Yield Lab is a venture capital firm based in Killiney, Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2014. It specializes in agrifood technology investments, providing early-stage companies with venture capital funding, access to a global network of experts, and educational resources. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to horticulture, including CowPots, which focuses on biodegradable pots made from composted cow manure, and Holganix, which develops organic fertilizers and soil amendments. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Botanical Solutions, which works on plant-based solutions for agriculture. These investments highlight The Yield Lab's commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance horticultural practices and sustainability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agrifood sector.

5. Cibus Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Cibus Capital LLP is an investment advisory firm based in London, specializing in sustainable food and agriculture. Founded in 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in companies that leverage technology to improve food production and sustainability. Cibus Capital's clients primarily include businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and agriculture sectors seeking to innovate and enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Alba Trees Limited, a sustainable forestry nursery that supplies around 20 million trees annually, and a Dutch sustainable greenhouse operator as part of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir initiative to develop The Flavour Farm, which emphasizes renewable energy in indoor agriculture. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Withcott Seedlings, a significant vegetable seedlings grower in Australia, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to horticulture and sustainable agricultural practices.

6. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry, including Carbon Gold, which raised significant funds in both 2020 and 2022 for its innovative soil enhancement products. Additionally, Shoot, a company focused on gardening and horticulture, also raised funds through Crowdcube, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ platform's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant transactions include Crate to Plate and Petalon, which, while not exclusively horticulture-focused, contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader context of sustainable and local food systems.

7. IDIA Capital Investissement

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Montrouge, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

IDIA Capital Investissement is a private equity investment management firm based in Montrouge, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (ETIs) in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth, offering investment management services and strategic guidance. IDIA Capital Investissement focuses on various sectors, including agro-food, energy transition, and viticulture. Notable transactions relevant to horticulture include investments in Compagnie Fruitiere, which is involved in fruit production, and Bioline AgroSciences, which specializes in agricultural solutions. These investments reflect IDIA's commitment to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agro-food sector, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨reby supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry indirectly through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on sustainable growth and innovation in agriculture.

8. 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 are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle significant global challenges in health and food security. In 2024 alone, Leaps by Bayer has made 16 investments, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment landscape. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for Pairwise Plants, a company dedicated to developing genetically enhanced fresh produce through CRISPR technology, with investments in Series A, B, and C rounds totaling $115 million. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Apollo Agriculture, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector. By providing funding and active incubation, Leaps by Bayer supports Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of transformative technologies that can significantly impact food production and security.

9. Katapult

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They specialize in supporting tech startups that tackle global challenges, particularly in sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in several companies relevant to horticulture, including Complete Farmer, which focuses on enhancing agricultural practices, and Rural Farmers Hub, which supports farmers with resources and technology. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have engaged with GrowAgric, which received funding aimed at improving agricultural productivity. These transactions highlight Katapult's active role in fostering innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry.

10. 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 involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture context, including Infarm, a Berlin-based startup that raised significant funding to expand its vertical farming network, and Source.ag, which closed a Series A funding round to develop AI-powered solutions for greenhouse growers. These investments highlight Astanor's dedication to fostering growth and sustainability in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry.

11. 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. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture context, such as Fyteko, which raised significant funding in both Seed and Series B rounds, indicating strong investor confidence in innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have supported SENCROP, a micro-climate technology startup, which raised substantial funds, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing technology that can benefit horticulture practices. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public, to foster collaboration and drive change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance to horticulture.

12. Demeter

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

Demeter is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investments aimed at energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and projects that promote sustainable development. Notably, Demeter has invested in several horticulture-related companies, including RED Horticulture, which focuses on dynamic lighting solutions for agriculture, and crop.zone, a German agritech startup. These investments highlight Demeter's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector, particularly in enhancing agricultural practices through technology and sustainability. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y also participated in funding for Viti-Tunnel, which indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing interest in horticultural innovations.

13. Nurture Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Windlesham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Nurture Group is a corporate investor based in Windlesham, England, founded in 2008. The company specializes in landscaping services, offering grounds maintenance, landscape construction, pest control, and plant display services to a diverse clientele. In recent years, Nurture Group has significantly expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Tivoli Group Ltd, which is a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ grounds maintenance and landscaping sector with an annual turnover exceeding £70 million. This acquisition marked Nurture's 50th and largest acquisition to date, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir market position with a combined annual revenue of £245 million. Additionally, Nurture Group has acquired Gristwood & Toms, an arboricultural contractor, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ns Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir services in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ arboriculture market. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r notable acquisitions include Spacecare Ltd and Rokill, both of which contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir integrated service offerings in landscaping and pest control. These transactions highlight Nurture Group's commitment to enhancing outdoor spaces and ensuring environmental stewardship, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry.

Horticulture Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1963	4
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Killiney, Dublin, Ireland	11-50	2014	2
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2017	2
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Montrouge, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	1980	1
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2015	16
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	11-50	2017	8
	Luxembourg	11-50	2017	10
	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	2016	37
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	2005	11
	Windlesham, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	2008	8

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