Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The horticulture industry in DACH thrives on innovation and sustainability, encompassing a variety of businesses involved in plant cultivation, food production, and agricultural technology. Companies range from startups focused on vertical farming and hydroponics to established entities providing seeds, fertilizers, and pest management solutions. With increasing consumer demand for local and organic produce, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is transitioning toward eco-friendly practices and integrated farming solutions. By adopting cutting-edge technologies such as precision agriculture and artificial intelligence, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector is not only boosting yields but also addressing global food security challenges—making it dynamic and forward-thinking.

The group of investors featured here includes venture capital, corporate, and private equity firms based in Germany and Switzerland. Active participants range from health-oriented startups to major agricultural giants, with a collective investment count reaching over 70 in 2024. The listed firms showcase different sizes, from smaller teams with fewer than 50 employees to large corporations employing thousands, all united by a shared commitment to transforming horticulture. Founded between 2000 and 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors are strategically positioned to drive innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agriculture sector.

Top 13 Horticulture 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 an investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It operates as a venture capital entity with a focus on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing innovative solutions to global challenges in health and food security. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Pairwise Plants, which raised $40 million in a Series C round in September 2024, and is known for its work in agricultural gene editing to enhance fresh produce. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series B and A funding rounds for Apollo Agriculture, which focuses on improving agricultural practices in Africa. These transactions highlight Leaps by Bayer's commitment to advancing horticultural technologies and practices.

2. Syngenta

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

Syngenta is a leading 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 crop yields and protect against pests and diseases. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Verisem BV, a Dutch seed producing company, which strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ns Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed market. Additionally, Syngenta's acquisition of Produtécnica, a Brazilian agricultural inputs distributor, aims to bolster Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir retail presence in a key market. These strategic moves highlight Syngenta's commitment to expanding its influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector, particularly through seed production and distribution.

3. 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 focuses on investing in innovative companies across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental challenges. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has participated in several significant transactions relevant to horticulture, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Provivi, Inc., which is developing safer and more effective crop protection solutions based on pheromones. This investment supports Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ launch of innovative products aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. Additionally, BASF's involvement in UrbanKisaan, which raised $6.4 million in Series A funding, reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in urban agriculture and sustainable farming solutions. Their participation in Groundwork BioAg and Sea6 Energy also indicates a broader commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability.

4. 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, specializing in managing investments in emerging markets. Founded in 2003, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 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. Notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture context include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Rising Farms, which raised $11 million in Series B funding, and Sahyadri Farms, which secured $45.9 million in Series B funding. They also invested in Ecozen, which raised $23 million in debt financing, and Samunnati, a specialized agricultural value chain enabler that raised approximately $55 million in Series D funding. These investments highlight responsAbility's commitment to enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry.

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. Notably, DEG has been involved in several transactions relevant to horticulture, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round investment in Kilifi Moringa, which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, and grants to Shamba Pride and Simusolar, both of which aim to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. These transactions highlight DEG's commitment to fostering growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture investment landscape.

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. With a strong focus on sustainable development, Demeter manages a diverse portfolio that includes significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural technology sector. Notably, Demeter-Partners has participated in funding rounds for Naïo Technologies, a leader in agricultural robotics, which raised â‚�14 million in a Series A round and $33 million in a Series B round. These investments highlight Demeter's commitment to promoting ecological solutions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this sector.

7. 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 Hortifruti Hortigil, a Brazilian food retailer, in 2017, which emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, in 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a majority stake in Rovensa, a Portuguese producer of agricultural products, for â‚�1 billion, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on agricultural investments. These transactions illustrate Partners Group's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment portfolio.

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 focus on supporting innovative startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food tech sector, providing 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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Infarm, which raised over $4.4 million to develop urban farming solutions, and Bright Biotech, which secured $3.2 million for R&D in plant genetic engineering. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Terraa, a tech-enabled food distribution platform, and InPlanet, which raised over $4.5 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to enhancing food systems and horticultural practices.

9. 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 are transitioning to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF operates primarily within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EU and supports innovations across various sectors, including agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF led a $17 million Series A funding round for RED Horticulture, a company specializing in high-performance lighting strategies for horticulture. This investment highlights ECBF's commitment to enhancing agricultural practices through innovative technology. Additionally, ECBF has shown interest in agricultural technology through its involvement with Elicit Plant, which raised $48 million in Series B funding in 2024. These transactions underscore ECBF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector and its dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural innovations.

10. Tet Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Tet Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in teams that are dedicated to transforming Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global food system, with a strong emphasis on food technology. They provide both financial support and advisory services to startups tackling significant challenges in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. Notably, Tet Ventures has made several investments relevant to horticulture, including Impetus Agriculture, which raised $2,000,000 in a convertible note in July 2022, focusing on agricultural advancements. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in FORAY bioscience, which raised $3,413,246 in March 2024, suggests a commitment to innovative solutions that could benefit horticultural practices. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Concert Bio and Bene Bono, which, while not directly horticultural, contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader food ecosystem.

11. 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. In 2022, Blue Horizon invested $35 million in Tropic Biosciences, a company focused on developing innovative crop solutions. They also co-led a $116 million Series D funding round for AgBiome, which aims to expand its product portfolio in agricultural biotechnology. Additionally, Blue Horizon participated in a Seed investment for NuCicer, an agri-food technology company that is working on chickpea varieties with significantly higher protein content. These transactions highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to advancing sustainable practices within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector.

12. 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 several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture sector, such as investing in AgroCenta, which raised a total of $900,000 in seed rounds in 2018, aimed at improving agricultural supply chains. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y supported agriBORA, which raised funds through a grant in 2022, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in agricultural technology and services that can benefit horticulture. These transactions highlight Seedstars' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment focus.

13. 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 sectors such as Financial Inclusion and Renewable Energy. They offer investment funds like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SocialAlpha Fund and AlphaJiri Fund, targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking growth capital. AlphaMundi integrates gender analysis into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategies to enhance social impact. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture context, including a $3.4 million debt financing for Complete Farmer, which supports farmers with innovative agricultural solutions. They also invested $11 million in SunCulture, a company that provides solar-powered irrigation systems to improve crop yields. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with Sistema.bio, which has raised funds to deliver renewable energy solutions to farmers, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. These transactions demonstrate AlphaMundi's active role in supporting ventures that directly impact Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticulture industry.

Horticulture Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2015	16
	Basel, Basel, Switzerland	10001+	2000	2
	Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany	10001+	2001	3
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2003	9
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	501-1000	1962	17
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2007	0
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2016	11
	Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2020	11
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2020	4
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
	Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland	201-500	2012	6
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	1-10	2007	5

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

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ horticultureindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!