What is Demeter?
Demeter is a major European player in venture capital, development capital, and infrastructure investment, all focused on energy and ecological transition. They back companies at every stage—from innovative startups to SMEs and infrastructure projects—investing anywhere between €1 million and €30 million. With a team of 38 experts spread across Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Madrid, and Düsseldorf, Demeter manages a hefty €1.3 billion and has made 230 investments over 17 years. Quite the track record, right?
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Demeter’s impact is clear and impressive. Here are some quick facts that highlight their role in the sector:
- €1.3 billion under management
- 230 investments made over 17 years
- 38 team members across five European cities
- Investment range from €1 million to €30 million
- Support for companies at all development stages: startups, SMEs, and infrastructure projects
Commitment to Responsible Investment
Demeter isn’t just about funding; it’s about doing it responsibly. They’re signatories to several important initiatives like PRI (Principle for Responsible Investment), CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), iC20, and The Shift Project. Plus, they actively promote gender parity through commitments such as the France Invest diversity charter, SISTA, and The Billion Dollar Fund for Women. So, it’s not just about money—it’s about making a positive difference.
Portfolio Highlights
Over the past 15 years, Demeter has helped shape champions in energy and ecological transition. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative companies:
- Cozynergy: Focused on energy renovation services for individual homes. Website
- eLichens: Develops smart micro-sensors and software to analyze indoor and outdoor air quality. Website
- Ideol: Specializes in floating foundations for offshore wind energy. Website
- McPhy Energy: Designs and markets industrial electrolyzers and hydrogen storage tanks. Website
- Stimergy: Offers eco-friendly local cloud services via server rooms integrated into buildings. Website
- Sunna Design: Creates autonomous LED and photovoltaic lighting solutions. Website
- Ynsect: Produces high-quality nutritional and environmental products from insects. Website
- Zenpark: Develops and operates a parking sharing platform with electronic control systems. Website
Recent News and Developments
Demeter and its portfolio companies continue to make waves. Here are some recent highlights:
- October 14, 2025: Allergen Alert raised €3.6 million to speed up its rapid detection solution for food allergens and gluten—huge news for people with food allergies.
- October 9, 2025: Phagos secured €25 million to tackle bacterial diseases, becoming the first EU company authorized to market personalized veterinary phage treatments.
- July 24, 2025: A report on Lyon Metropolis’ impact economy strategy, focusing on ecological, social, and territorial transformation over the past five years.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Looking Ahead
Demeter’s journey is far from over. With a strong foundation and a clear mission, the firm continues to back innovative solutions that drive the energy and ecological transition forward. Whether it’s supporting startups with groundbreaking tech or scaling infrastructure projects that reshape landscapes, Demeter is at the heart of Europe’s green investment movement. And honestly, it’s exciting to see where they’ll go next…
