Global Founders Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Berlin, Germany, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs globally. The firm is stage agnostic, investing in companies across various sectors, including internet, software, fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications. Global Founders Capital typically invests in the equity of young technology companies, with a preference for startups located in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Vietnam, Colombia, Europe, the United States, and China. Investment amounts range from €0.01 million to €10 million, with specific allocations varying by stage: seed investments typically between €0.1 million and €1 million, early-stage investments between €1 million and €3 million, and growth-stage investments between €3 million and €8 million. The firm often seeks to be the lead investor and aims to secure board representation in its portfolio companies.
Saarländische Wagnisfinanzierungsgesellschaft (SWG), established in 1997, is a Germany-based financial services firm dedicated to supporting emerging technology companies and innovative businesses. The organization aims to facilitate the growth and development of these enterprises by providing equity and quasi-equity financing. SWG focuses on assisting companies in their early stages as well as established firms looking to develop new products and enhance their marketing efforts. By offering tailored financial support, SWG plays a significant role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the European venture capital landscape.
Speedinvest is a European venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. It focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies, targeting sectors such as fintech, insurtech, deep tech, and consumer tech. The firm typically invests between €250,000 and €3 million, aiming for minority stakes of up to 20% in its portfolio companies. Speedinvest emphasizes operational support and seeks to collaborate closely with entrepreneurs, often taking on operational roles for six months to a year. With a network that extends to Silicon Valley, Speedinvest positions itself as a pivotal investment and development hub within Europe’s start-up ecosystem, actively investing in Central and Eastern European markets including Austria, Germany, and the UK.
Hellman & Friedman LLC is a private equity investment firm established in 1984, with offices in San Francisco, New York, and London. The firm specializes in large-scale equity investments across various sectors, including financial services, retail, healthcare, energy, and digital media. Hellman & Friedman focuses on leveraged recapitalizations, acquisitions, traditional buyouts, and growth investments, typically targeting investments ranging from $50 million to $1.2 billion. The firm has raised over $25 billion of committed capital and invested in more than 75 companies throughout its history. With a team of over 45 professionals, including 18 managing directors, the firm emphasizes working closely with management teams to support strategic objectives. Hellman & Friedman seeks opportunities in North America, particularly the United States, as well as in Western Europe and Australia, often investing alongside management in businesses undergoing significant transitions.
IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH is a venture capital and mezzanine firm affiliated with Investitionsbank Berlin, established in 1997. It focuses on providing equity financing to young companies in Berlin, particularly those in the technology and creative industries. The firm invests in various sectors, including information and communication technologies, life sciences, and industrial technologies, emphasizing areas such as software, biotechnology, and environmental technology. Additionally, IBB Ventures engages with industries such as film, music, advertising, design, and multimedia. Investment amounts typically range from €0.25 million to €3 million per transaction, and the firm often seeks a board seat in its portfolio companies to actively participate in their growth and development.
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is a private equity firm based in Bonn, Germany, established in 2005 to support seed and early-stage technology startups. With a total investment volume of approximately EUR 895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully assisted over 500 startups in various sectors, including software, healthcare, and life sciences. The firm specializes in investing in companies that are less than one year old and typically holds a minority stake of around 15 percent. HTGF primarily provides initial funding of up to EUR 0.6 million, with follow-on investments reaching up to EUR 3 million per company. The investment strategy emphasizes collaboration, as HTGF often co-invests alongside other investors and requires that founders contribute a minimum of 10 percent of the financing. With strong backing from both public and private partners, including government entities and leading corporations, HTGF plays a crucial role in nurturing high-potential startups in Germany’s tech ecosystem.
Hannover Finanz Group, established in 1979 and based in Hannover, Germany, is one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including trade, service, and industry. The firm operates independently, co-owned by its management, and has built extensive experience in supporting middle-market businesses, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Hannover Finanz specializes in providing growth capital, financing for ownership succession, and investments in companies preparing for public offerings. It typically invests between €3 million and €50 million per project and prefers to take minority or majority stakes, often remaining involved at the board level. The firm's "evergreen" funds allow for long-term investment commitments without the pressure of predefined exit timelines, making it a preferred partner for companies seeking sustained support. Hannover Finanz has a diverse portfolio, having participated in the growth of notable enterprises, and is recognized for its expertise and commitment to fostering the development of the businesses it invests in.
Rheingau Founders is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 2011, specializing in pre-seed to Series A investments in Europe, with a focus on B2B markets such as Marketplaces, Software as a Service, InsurTech, eHealth, and construction tech. The firm targets startups with the potential to disrupt existing processes and value chains sustainably. In addition to financial backing, Rheingau Founders provides strategic support through partner mentorship. The firm prefers to take a minority stake in its portfolio companies, allowing at least 50 percent ownership by management. Rheingau Founders requires portfolio companies to be in physical proximity during the initial 12 months of the venture, particularly investing in companies based in Germany. With a minimum investment of €0.25 million, Rheingau Founders focuses on internet, mobile, and media sectors.
Acton Capital is a prominent later-stage venture capital firm with offices in Munich and Vancouver, established in 1999. The firm specializes in growth-stage investments, focusing on startups in sectors such as fintech, SaaS, consumer health, mobility and logistics, education, and the future of work. With over 20 years of experience in tech-enabled business models, Acton Capital has invested over 700 million EUR in more than 199 companies across five fund generations. The firm operates globally, with a strong emphasis on opportunities in Europe and North America, supporting entrepreneurs on their journey toward market leadership.
Founded in 2003, Creathor Venture is a private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in Bad Homburg with an office in Zurich. Specializing in seed to series A-stage investments, the firm focuses on technology-oriented companies driving automation in industry, personalization, and digitalization in healthcare. With a regional focus on Germany and Switzerland, Creathor Venture's 15-strong team supports over 30 tech and life science companies. Over the past 30 years, the management team has financed over 200 companies as lead or co-lead investors, with more than 20 companies listed on international stock exchanges. Managing a fund volume of over 230 million euros, Creathor Venture seeks to invest in companies at the forefront of technology, healthcare, and science in Europe to support their growth and development.