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The premium pet food industry in Europe is thriving, driven by increasing consumer demand for high-quality, nutritious products tailored to pets' specific needs. Companies range from established multi-nationals to innovative startups, offering gourmet foods, fresh meals, and organic treats. Many are responding to trends like sustainability and nutrition-focused formulations. With pet owners increasingly treating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir pets like family members, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is seeing a shift toward human-grade ingredients and transparency in sourcing. Sustainability is of growing importance, with initiatives aimed at reducing packaging waste and utilizing alternative proteins gaining traction as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector looks to future growth.

The list of premium pet food investors showcases a blend of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms. These investors hail from key European cities, including London, Stockholm, and Paris, and are of varying sizes—from small teams to major firms with thousands of employees. Established in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ last few decades, many have been actively investing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market, with 2024 seeing significant deal counts, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector's investment appeal. Their commitment to pet health and innovation underlines a growing trend within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

Top 14 Premium Pet Food 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. Crowdcube promotes 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 premium pet food sector, including Poppy’s Picnic, which raised $802,553 in 2018, and HOWND, which raised $134,576 in 2021. Additionally, Aristopet and PitPat, both of which focus on pet products, also raised significant funds through Crowdcube, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ platform's commitment to supporting businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food industry.

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 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. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food context, particularly with Ynsect, a French insect farming startup that has raised substantial funding rounds, including $175 million in a Series D round in 2023 and $148 million in a Series C round in 2019. Ynsect is shifting its focus towards high-margin pet food, which aligns with Bpifrance's investment strategy in innovative sectors. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in earlier funding rounds for Ynsect, demonstrating a consistent interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's growth and its potential in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food market.

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 provides funding and resources to mission-aligned founders in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bioeconomy, particularly focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in several companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food sector, including Wild Earth, which specializes in plant-based pet food, and Hail Merry Snacks, known for its healthy snacks that could appeal to pet owners looking for premium options. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Shaka Harry, a plant-based meat brand, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovative and sustainable food solutions. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investments, Blue Horizon supports entrepreneurs aiming to create impactful change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food market.

4. ±·±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. The company offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, and operates globally with a commitment to sustainability. Notably, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food sector, acquiring Ralston Purina Company in 2001, which is a leading brand in pet food, and Wagginâ€� Train in 2010, known for its premium dog treats. Additionally, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé acquired a majority stake in Wamiz in 2018, a French digital media platform for pet owners, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing its focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet care market. These strategic acquisitions highlight ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's dedication to enhancing its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food industry.

5. 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 firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food and pet care sectors through key acquisitions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Petco in March 2016 for $4.6 billion, a leading retailer in pet food and supplies. In November 2002, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Provimi, a company focused on animal nutrition, which plays a crucial role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet food industry. More recently, in October 2021, CVC acquired a majority stake in Medivet, a veterinary group with over 350 branches in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet care market. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic focus on delivering sustainable value and growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food and pet care sectors.

6. 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 private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital, catering to institutional investors with diverse portfolios. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Musti ja Mirri Group, a leading pet specialty retailer in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Nordic region, which operates 127 stores and generated pro forma sales of EUR 81 million in 2014. Additionally, EQT's investment in IVC Evidensia, Europe's largest veterinary care provider, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet care sector, which encompasses premium pet food. These strategic investments highlight EQT's expertise and commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet industry, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food market.

7. CPT Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

CPT Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ alternative protein sector, partnering with innovative startups to provide funding and strategic support aimed at revolutionizing food and materials technology by replacing animal-derived products. Their focus is on sustainable solutions that address Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of traditional animal protein production. Notable transactions include investments in companies like Good Catch, which raised $32 million for plant-based seafood products, and Memphis Meats, which has raised significant funding to develop lab-grown meat. Additionally, CPT Capital has invested in GaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨red Foods, which produces plant-based seafood, and THIS, a brand focused on alternative meat products. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ alternative protein space, which is increasingly relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food market as consumer demand for sustainable and innovative pet food options grows.

8. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Scrumbles, a London-based natural pet food brand, raising £6M in funding in March 2023. This investment highlights BGF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food sector. Additionally, BGF has participated in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r food-related investments, including companies like MuscleFood and THIS, which, while not directly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet food space, showcase Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry.

9. Ardian

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. The firm has a global presence and emphasizes sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet care sector, including a debt financing round for Ceva Santé Animale, which raised over $129 million, and a recent â‚�100 million capital increase to acquire a minority stake in Mon Véto, a leading group of veterinary clinics in France. These transactions highlight Ardian's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet care and premium pet food markets, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment goals.

10. Kima Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn:

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Dalma, a French pet insurance startup that raised â‚�15 million in Series A funding in June 2022, and previously in a seed round in May 2021. This involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet sector highlights Kima Ventures' potential interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader pet industry, including premium pet food, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y seek to support innovative companies that cater to pet owners' needs.

11. IK Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food sector, acquiring Forthglade Foods, a company known for its high-quality pet food products, in September 2020. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Ceva Santé Animale, a global player in animal health, in July 2003, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet industry. More recently, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have shown interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of GoodLife Foods, indicating a broader strategy that includes premium food products. These transactions highlight IK Partners' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food market and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential to enhance growth and create long-term value for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio companies in this sector.

12. 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 across different sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food industry, such as funding Deep Branch Biotechnology, which is scaling up Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ production of sustainable protein for animal feed, and supporting FarmInsect, a company focused on insect technology for animal feed production. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's role in promoting sustainable and innovative solutions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pet food sector.

13. Piper

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Piper is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in building and growing consumer brands, providing strategic investment and support to entrepreneurs in navigating challenges related to brand development and market positioning. Piper is committed to sustainability and inclusion, partnering with a diverse range of brands to foster growth and innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ consumer goods sector. Notably, Piper has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Forthglade Foods in 2015 and participation in funding rounds for Barking Heads and Pet Food UK in 2017. These transactions highlight Piper's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food market, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and interest in this niche.

14. Kale United

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Kale United is an investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2018. It specializes in sustainable food production through impact investments in plant-based and foodtech companies. The firm caters to both individual and institutional investors who are interested in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ transition to a plant-based lifestyle while achieving financial returns. Notably, Kale United has been involved in key transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food sector, including investments in OMNI, a plant-based dog food startup that raised $1.5 million, and THE PACK, which secured $1.01 million for its oven-baked dried dog food. These investments highlight Kale United's commitment to promoting innovative and sustainable pet food solutions.

Premium Pet Food 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
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2017	1
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1989	14
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	1985	2
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1-10	2018	2

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ premium pet food industry?

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• ...and much more!