Pioneering sustainable impact in agrifood tech

Astanor is a European venture capital firm that leads the charge in sustainable innovation within the agrifood sector. Focused on fostering systemic change, Astanor supports startups that tackle pressing environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. By investing in companies that span the entire value chain, from agriculture to food processing and distribution, Astanor is on a mission to create a healthier, more sustainable future for the planet, farmers, and consumers alike.

Astanor’s investment strategy is centered around early-stage companies offering nature-positive, scalable solutions. With over €800 million under management, they prioritize sustainability across every investment, making their fund one of the largest in Europe dedicated to agrifood tech. As they expand their portfolio, they continue to focus on technologies that address food production inefficiencies, improve resource use, and foster biodiversity, while aligning closely with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

A hands-on approach to growing sustainable businesses

Astanor stands out by offering more than just funding – they provide hands-on, strategic support to their portfolio companies. They help founders with impact measurement, product development, customer acquisition, talent recruitment, and long-term growth, often serving on their boards. Astanor’s deep involvement ensures companies scale sustainably while focusing on global impact. With expertise in the agrifood sector and a mission-driven approach, they guide entrepreneurs in transforming innovative ideas into solutions with significant societal impact.

Synergies that amplify impact

Together, Astanor and Happiness Capital have co-invested in several companies driving innovation in the agrifood tech sector, such as MicroHarvest and Ynsect, both of which focus on alternative proteins and sustainable food systems.

The collaboration allows Astanor to leverage Happiness Capital’s extensive network and expertise in sustainability, particularly in Asia, where they have a strong presence. This alignment not only strengthens the support offered to portfolio companies but also helps them scale their businesses globally. The synergies between the two firms provide their portfolio companies with the resources and strategic guidance they need to expand into new markets and maximize their impact.

Fostering global winners for a better future

Looking forward, Astanor is focused on growing its portfolio of companies that are mission-driven and ready to scale. Their goal is to support founders with the potential to become global leaders in the agrifood space, transforming the way food is produced and consumed. As they prepare to launch a new fund, Astanor is shifting its focus toward more mature companies that are primed for larger-scale investments. By targeting these growth-stage businesses, they aim to help established companies accelerate their impact and reach a global market.

This new fund allows Astanor to continue its mission of fostering innovation while scaling up with companies that are poised to make a significant difference in addressing critical environmental and social challenges. With this focus on larger investments, Astanor remains deeply committed to supporting solutions that lead the way in sustainability and reshaping the future of food production.