Future Food Fund II Celebrates Final Closing with €40M Raised

Future Food Fund II (FFF II), a Dutch agrifoodtech environmental impact investor, proudly announces its final closing, having successfully raised €40M. This significant milestone was achieved with the support of impact-driven entrepreneurs backing FFF from the first hour and esteemed entities such as the European Investment Fund (EIF), which affirms its confidence in FFF II’s vision and its potential to reshape the future of food and agriculture.

Since its inception, FFF II has been a strong force in the transformation of food and agriculture systems, investing in Seed & Serie-A companies in Western Europe that change the value chain of food & agriculture. Focus is on pivotal areas like regenerative agriculture, zero-impact foods and circular systems. These sectors are crucial for mitigating climate change impact aligning perfectly with the fund's mission to invest in a sustainable future.

“Future Food Fund II is more than an investment vehicle; it's a catalyst for change. We are not just investing in companies; we are investing in a brighter future for our planet,” stated Peter Arensman, Founding Partner of FFF II. "We are grateful to have such a strong base of entrepreneurs who have continued to support us since our inception, and we are equally appreciative of the commitment from our valued partners both in the Netherlands and across Europe.

During this final close, The European Investment Fund has committed €20 million to the fund, supported under the InvestEU programme of the European Commission, Risk Capital Resources and the Dutch Future Fund.

EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt commented: “The EIF, as part of the EIB Group, works to mitigate climate change through its investments. Future Food Fund II supports this European vision for a sustainable future by investing in ground-breaking ventures that prioritise environmental sustainability. A more resilient and eco-friendly food system benefits all EU citizens and we’re happy to support this.”

The fund has already invested in various startups that embody the essence of innovation and sustainability. Among these, FFF II has invested in EV Biotech, a company specialising in designing and optimising precision fermentation strains and processes, and Extracellular, a CDMO scale-up and development partner for cultivated meat. With a full pipeline of opportunities, more companies are expected to join the portfolio in 2024.

In addition to the EIF, FFF II has continued its collaboration with influential Dutch organisations such as Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Oost NL, and the Northern Netherlands development agency NOM. These partnerships underscore the Netherlands' position as a frontrunner in agrifoodtech and sustainability.

Future Food Fund is a Dutch specialist agrifoodtech venture capital fund, founded in 2017. The first fund has invested in 10 Dutch food & agri startups such as NoPalm, Soilwise and Sensoterra. The second fund is an impact fund (SFDR 9) investing in food & agri Seed & Serie-A companies in Western Europe and has already invested in 3 startups.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) is part of the EIB Group. It supports Europe’s SMEs by improving their access to finance through a wide range of selected financial intermediaries. The EIF designs, promotes and implements equity and debt financing instruments targeting SMEs. In this role, the EIF supports EU objectives in terms of entrepreneurship, growth, innovation, research and development, the green and digital transitions and employment.

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is active in the domains of sustainable food production, healthy food & living and the social and natural living environment. ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’ is the mission of WUR. Over 7,200 employees, 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants work everywhere around the world, contributing to the global challenges, surrounding food security, biodiversity and climate. WUR has abundant expertise, technology, facilities and ideas for the development of sustainable solutions. Together with various partners, WUR brings their knowledge and expertise into practice to create value for society.

Oost NL is the development agency of East Netherlands. Oost NL works from a social mission: to contribute to the necessary transitions for a sustainable and healthy future. We do this by working together with partners to strengthen those innovation themes in which entrepreneurial East Netherlands is powerful: food, health, tech, energy, and circular. We support innovative companies in their development, invest in them with public funds, and connect the region with national and international players. We are committed to social and economic impact. Oost NL commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, the province of Gelderland, and the province of Overijssel.