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The functional foods industry in Europe focuses on products that promote health and wellness beyond basic nutrition. Companies involved range from startups developing innovative dietary supplements to established giants like ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé and Unilever, offering everything from plant-based proteins to nutraceuticals. With increasing consumer awareness surrounding health benefits and sustainability, this sector is evolving rapidly. The demand for transparency in sourcing and ingredient quality is growing. As more people seek health-oriented choices, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market is poised for steady growth, with future innovations likely emphasizing personalization and advanced science to enhance nutritional value and consumer appeal.

This list features a varied array of investors active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector. The group includes venture capital powerhouses, corporate investors, and private equity firms from notable cities such as Paris, London, and Zurich. With firms founded from 1963 to 2016, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y bring experience in investment strategies that nurture growth in companies striving for sustainable food solutions. Collectively, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors made significant contributions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ last year and are committed to supporting industry transformation, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem focused on health-centric food innovations.

Top 14 Functional Foods Investors in Europe

1. 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 has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, including significant investments in Heura Foods, a Barcelona-based plant-based startup that raised over â‚�4 million in a crowdfunding campaign and has completed multiple funding rounds through Crowdcube. Additionally, Crowdcube supported The Smarter Food Company and iLOVE SNACKS, both of which are aligned with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative food companies.

2. 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 investor 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 organization aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of functional foods, Bpifrance has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Nutripure, a company specializing in organic dietary supplements, and ØZERS NUTRITION, which focuses on microalgae sports supplements. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, alongside its broader mission to support diverse industries.

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, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space, such as a significant investment in Impossible Foods, which focuses on plant-based meat alternatives, and Heartbest Foods, a supplier of plant-based cheese and milk. Additionally, Blue Horizon has invested in Apparo, which develops sunflower protein ingredients, and NuCicer, an agri-food technology company working on high-protein chickpea varieties. These investments reflect Blue Horizon's commitment to fostering impactful change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sustainable food sector, particularly through functional foods.

4. Seventure Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital technology and life sciences sectors. The firm focuses on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Seventure Partners has invested in companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry, such as MycoTechnology, which raised $39 million in a Series D round to develop mycelia-based products through mushroom fermentation. They also invested in BAOUW / Outdoor Organic Nutrition, which raised $1,942,291 in a Seed Round, emphasizing organic nutrition. These investments highlight Seventure Partners' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

5. ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé offers a diverse range of products including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while also focusing on nutritious and convenient food options. In recent years, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé has made several strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health and nutrition sector. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Garden of Life in 2017, a brand recognized for its commitment to organic and non-GMO products, and The Bountiful Company in 2021, which integrates vitamins and supplements into ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé Health Science. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Gerber Products Company enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ baby food market, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to nutrition. These transactions highlight ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's focus on functional foods and health-oriented products, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in this industry.

6. 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 made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, particularly through its involvement with NutriLeads. They 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 commitment to enhancing product offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market and addressing sustainability challenges within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

7. Novo Holdings

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn:

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ assets of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of functional foods, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in companies such as Kate Farms, which focuses on nutritional products, and The Protein Brewery, which raised â‚�22 million to develop alternative protein sources. They also invested in BIOMILQ, a startup creating lab-grown human breast milk, and Deep Branch Biotechnology, which produces alternative feed ingredients. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovative food solutions that promote health and sustainability.

8. Unilever Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Unilever Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ beauty and wellness sectors. They provide capital and leverage Unilever's extensive network to help startups grow. Notable transactions include investments in What's Up Wellness, a digital wellness brand that raised USD 1.7 million in seed funding, and YOU (Youvit), an Indonesia-based vitamin brand that secured $6 million in Series B funding. These investments highlight Unilever Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative health-focused brands, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space.

9. Enterprise Ireland

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 48
• LinkedIn:

Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and functional foods. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has invested in companies like Nuritas, a biotech firm that raised â‚�16 million in Series A funding, which aims to explore new health solutions through its innovative platform. Additionally, it has been involved in funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, such as Good4U and Revive Active, indicating its active role in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of businesses in this industry.

10. 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 Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, providing financial and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m adapt to market changes. The firm manages significant assets aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Among its notable transactions, Unigrains invested in Sill Entreprises, a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy sector, and Genuine Coconut, which focuses on coconut-based products that align with health and wellness trends. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Maître Prunille, known for its fruit-based products, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space. These transactions highlight Unigrains' commitment to supporting innovative food companies that cater to evolving consumer preferences for health-oriented products.

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 based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2016. It focuses on 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 alone, EIT Food has been involved in 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 supporting innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, including those related to 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.

12. Unilever

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1872
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products across food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, serving consumers globally. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Unilever aims to make sustainable living commonplace through its product offerings. In recent years, Unilever has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Mãe Terra, a leading Brazilian natural and organic food brand, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sustainable nutrition strategy. They also acquired The Vegetarian Butcher, a company specializing in plant-based food products, and Graze, a healthy snack brand, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthy snacking market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Pukka Herbs, a fast-growing organic tea brand, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies Unilever's commitment to health-focused products. These investments reflect Unilever's strategy to cater to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing demand for functional foods and sustainable nutrition.

13. Azelis

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

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovation services. Founded in 2001, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial applications. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market through strategic acquisitions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hortimex, a Polish distributor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food ingredients and nutraceuticals segments, aims to enhance Azelis' footprint in Poland's Food & Nutrition market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies Azelis' position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food market. These transactions reflect Azelis' focus on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry.

14. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry, with key transactions including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Findus Sverige, a well-known food brand, and leading a $50 million Series A funding round for Formo, an innovative producer of animal-free cheese. Additionally, EQT participated in a $135 million venture round for LIVEKINDLY, a company focused on plant-based food products. These transactions highlight EQT's commitment to investing in companies that align with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing demand for functional and sustainable food options.

Functional Foods Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2016	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	1997	21
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
	Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+		3
	Hellerup, Denmark	51-200	1999	45
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	9
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	501-1000	1998	48
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1963	4
	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	2016	37
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1872	0
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30

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