DSM Venturing logo

DSM Venturing

Europe, Limburg, The Netherlands, Heerlen

Description

DSM Venturing is the corporate venture capital arm of Royal DSM, a global science-based company specializing in Nutrition, Health, and Sustainable Living. Established in 2001, DSM Venturing plays a crucial role in Royal DSM's innovation strategy by identifying and investing in promising startups that align with its core business areas. The firm operates globally, seeking out disruptive technologies and business models that can complement DSM's existing capabilities and accelerate its growth in new and emerging markets. Its strategic objective is not merely financial return but also to foster synergistic partnerships that can lead to joint development, market access, and the integration of new technologies into DSM's product portfolio.

The investment focus of DSM Venturing is tightly aligned with Royal DSM's strategic pillars. This includes startups innovating in human nutrition and health, such as personalized nutrition, gut health, and early life nutrition. They also target advancements in animal nutrition and health, including sustainable feed ingredients and animal welfare solutions. Furthermore, DSM Venturing actively invests in sustainable living solutions, encompassing bio-based materials, renewable energy technologies, and circular economy initiatives. The firm typically engages with companies across various stages, from seed and Series A rounds to Series B and growth-stage investments, demonstrating flexibility in its funding approach to support companies through their development lifecycle.

As a strategic investor, DSM Venturing provides more than just capital. Portfolio companies gain access to Royal DSM's extensive scientific expertise, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, and a vast global network of industry contacts. This hands-on approach helps startups scale their operations, navigate regulatory landscapes, and accelerate market penetration. While specific check sizes can vary based on the stage and needs of the company, DSM Venturing's typical first cheque ranges from approximately $1 million to $10 million, reflecting their commitment to significant early-stage and growth-stage contributions. The firm has made over 80 investments since its inception, underscoring its active role in the venture ecosystem.

This strategic investment model allows Royal DSM to stay at the forefront of innovation, integrating cutting-edge solutions into its offerings while providing critical support to entrepreneurial ventures. DSM Venturing's long-standing presence and focused investment strategy make it a key player in fostering innovation within the nutrition, health, and sustainable living sectors globally.

Investor Profile

DSM Venturing has backed more than 87 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 46 rounds, about 53% of its total and boasts 11 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series Unknown, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, The Netherlands, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Biotechnology, Manufacturing.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (33%)
  • Series Unknown (25%)
  • Series B (17%)
  • Series C (9%)
  • Seed (8%)
  • Convertible Note (2%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (2%)
  • Undisclosed (1%)
  • Pre Seed (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (55%)
  • The Netherlands (13%)
  • Canada (8%)
  • United Kingdom (8%)
  • Israel (6%)
  • Denmark (3%)
  • Belgium (2%)
  • France (2%)
  • Germany (1%)
  • Saudi Arabia (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Biotechnology
  • Manufacturing
  • Food And Beverage
  • Wellness
  • Medical Device
  • Nutrition
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Medical
  • Food Processing
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does DSM Venturing frequently co-invest with?

3M
North America, Minnesota, United States, Saint Paul
Co-Investments: 2
Thuja Capital
Europe, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Utrecht
Co-Investments: 5
BASF Venture Capital
Europe, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, Ludwigshafen
Co-Investments: 3
AgFunder
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
OVP Venture Partners
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 3
SHIFT Invest
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amstelveen
Co-Investments: 3
Clean Energy Ventures
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
Natural Products Canada
North America, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Charlottetown
Co-Investments: 2
Rhapsody Venture Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 3
Burrill & Company
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does DSM Venturing often collaborate with?

CW
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
LL
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
TH
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 3
SV
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
BP
North America, Florida, United States, St. Petersburg
Shared Deals: 1
SG
North America, Maryland, United States, Bethesda
Shared Deals: 1
AZ
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by DSM Venturing?

Vivici

Delft, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands

Vivici is a B2B ingredient firm that provides animal-free dairy proteins manufactured with precision fermentations.

Dietary SupplementsFood and BeverageNutrition
Series AFeb 25, 2025
Amount Raised: $34,049,419
NutriLeads

Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands

NutriLeads is a biotechnology company that develops and supplies plant-based, precision prebiotic fibers that improve human health.

Food and BeverageFood ProcessingHealth CareOrganic Food
Series CDec 18, 2023
Amount Raised: $4,915,497
Octarine Bio

Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark

Octarine Bio is a synthetic biology company that produces superior cannabinoids for the pharmaceutical industry.

BioinformaticsBiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth Care
Series ANov 8, 2023
Amount Raised: $4,659,438
Vivici

Delft, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands

Vivici is a B2B ingredient firm that provides animal-free dairy proteins manufactured with precision fermentations.

Dietary SupplementsFood and BeverageNutrition
SeedAug 14, 2023
Meatable

Delft, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands

Meatable is a food production company that produces guilt-free meat.

Food and BeverageFood ProcessingInnovation Management
Series BAug 7, 2023
Amount Raised: $34,108,326
Incredo

Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel

Incredo (formerly DouxMatok) is a leader in Targeted Delivery of Flavor Ingredients, such as sugar, enabling healthier consumption of foods.

AgricultureFood and BeverageFood Processing
Series CMay 24, 2023
Amount Raised: $30,000,000
VitaminLab

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

VitaminLab creates an all-in one personalized supplement from your health data: health history, blood testing or health apps.

AnalyticsDietary SupplementsFitnessHealth CarePersonalizationSoftware
Series AMay 8, 2023
Athian

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Athian enables producers of animal agriculture to monetize their sustainability efforts.

AgTechAnimal FeedLivestockSustainability
SeedMay 1, 2023
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Paleo

Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium

Paleo is a food ingredient company that develops ingredients for plant-based foods, making it taste, feel and look like real meat or fish.

AgTechFood ProcessingPlant-Based Foods
Series AFeb 21, 2023
Amount Raised: $12,781,703
Meala Foodtech

Haifa, Hefa, Israel

Meala Foodtech develops functional proteins for multiple meat replacements.

BiotechnologyFood and BeverageNutrition
Pre SeedFeb 8, 2023
Amount Raised: $1,900,000