Five Seasons Ventures

Five Seasons Ventures is the leading pan-European venture capital fund focused on consumer brands, specialising in food-tech investments across the value chain for a healthier, more efficient, and more sustainable food system. Founded in 2016 and based in Paris, the firm backs category-defining companies building the future of food and agriculture, targeting businesses that demonstrate high growth potential, largely proven technology, and early commercial traction — primarily at Series A and Series B stages — while also considering pre-revenue companies with outstanding potential at the Seed stage. The firm's investment thesis is rooted in the conviction that Food Tech startups can grow at the same speed as traditional technology companies. Five Seasons looks for future category leaders: companies that can create entirely new product categories (such as plant-based dairy or functional beverages), or disrupt large, underserved markets that have seen little innovation — such as pet food, spices, or personalised nutrition. Their investment philosophy centres on identifying and nurturing the next generation of iconic consumer brands poised to disrupt traditional markets with innovative approaches aligned with major consumer shifts toward health-conscious, environmentally sustainable, and ethically produced products. The firm's starting cheque size ranges from €2–10 million in exchange for a significant minority stake and a board seat, ideally as part of a syndicate with other value-add investors, with the ability to invest up to €20 million per company. Five Seasons invests only in equity or equity-like instruments. The investment team brings 40+ years of cumulative VC experience, 15+ years of food and agriculture investing, and 30+ years of operational experience in the food industry, providing portfolio companies with deep sector expertise, an extensive industry network, and hands-on support to help them scale rapidly. Five Seasons is a Certified B Corporation and places sustainability and impact at the heart of its strategy. The firm actively supports portfolio companies in quantifying and increasing their positive environmental and social impact, and requires that investee companies take their impact on the planet seriously with clearly defined impact goals. The firm is backed by strategic and financial investors — including the European Investment Fund, Nestlé, Bpifrance, and Fondo Italiano d'Investimento — who provide additional access to business and financing opportunities for portfolio companies. As long-term investors, Five Seasons focuses on building sustainable businesses with strong fundamentals and genuine market impact, rather than pursuing quick exits.