Nestlé invests in European Bioeconomy Venture Fund

The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), the first venture fund exclusively dedicated to the bioeconomy in Europe, closes its second round with €93 million in commitments. New investors include Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company; Neste, the world's leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel; and Volkswohl Bund Versicherungen, a German insurance company. One family office and the NRW.BANK, the promotional bank of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), also joined the round. ECBF has raised €175 million from investors based in five European countries and remains open for new investors aiming to scale-up innovative bio-based companies. The target size of the fund is €250 million.

"The entire ECBF team is delighted to welcome first-class fund investors from various sectors and countries. The investors, bringing extensive experience and networks, are invited to play an active role in the selection and expansion of bio-economy companies” says Michael Brandkamp, Managing Partner at ECBF Management GmbH.

ECBF invests in late-stage bioeconomy companies across Europe with high potential for innovation, favourable returns, and sustainable impact. By targeting those deals, ECBF aim at addressing the challenge of providing capital to unlock the economic potential of the bioeconomy and circular bioeconomy. The track record in venture capital and industry expertise of the advisory team at ECBF Management GmbH is key in selecting the best bioeconomy investments and providing valuable support to catalyse their further growth. The team is working out of several European countries. Vivek Dogra, one of the venture partners and the former Head of Incubation & Venturing at Nestle is based in Switzerland.

(Press release / SK)