VC Directory

GROWTH VCs in Germany Directory

Curated index of active venture capital funds investing in Europe and Israel. Track partners, stages, and check sizes.

Freistaat Sachsen / Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)

Dresden, DE

The Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB), the development bank of the Free State of Saxony, focuses on promoting the economic, social, and environmental development of Saxony through a variety of funding programs and initiatives. The bank's strategy revolves around providing financial support and resources to businesses, municipalities, and individuals to foster innovation, growth, and sustainability. Specific areas of focus include promoting renewable energy, supporting sustainable municipal development, facilitating business start-ups and expansions, and encouraging regional economic growth. The SAB's approach involves offering a range of financial products, including loans with attractive conditions, grants, and guarantees, tailored to the specific needs of its target beneficiaries. By strategically deploying these financial instruments, the SAB aims to stimulate investment in key sectors, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life in Saxony. The bank also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships with other stakeholders, such as government agencies, industry associations, and research institutions, to maximize the impact of its programs. Furthermore, the SAB actively promotes innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance the competitiveness of Saxon businesses. The bank supports research and development projects, facilitates technology transfer, and provides assistance to companies seeking to commercialize new products and services. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the SAB contributes to the long-term economic prosperity of Saxony. The Jubilee celebration highlights a focus on shaping the future of Saxony through their work over the last 30+ years.

Start-up, GrowthRenewable energySustainable municipal development

Future Energy Ventures

Berlin, DE

Future Energy Ventures (FEV) believes the future of energy involves the convergence of multiple sectors to deliver decarbonized, digitalized, and democratized energy access. They aim to drive the energy transition by investing in innovative companies creating digital and digitally-enabled technologies that redefine the energy landscape. FEV goes beyond traditional energy investments, recognizing the need for convergence with sectors like cities and frontier technology. They seek companies solving problems in urban environments and building advanced technologies that can impact the energy sector. FEV's strategy focuses on supporting startups transforming the energy ecosystem and pioneering the future of energy. They look for digital, scalable, and asset-light companies with demonstrated product-market fit seeking Series A and beyond funding. They provide not only financial capital but also mentoring and access to a network of partners and an integrated collaboration platform to accelerate growth. FEV's investment decisions are guided by a desire to accelerate the transition to a net-zero-carbon energy system and contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future. Their sourcing strategy spans across energy, cities, and frontier technologies. Within energy, they target solutions for energy storage (VPPs, distributed generation), distribution (smart grids, microgrids, ancillary services), and management (demand response, P2P trading, energy monitoring). Their focus on cities includes smart buildings (property management systems, smart meters), future mobility (electric mobility, charging infrastructure, V2X), and connected urban infrastructure (decentralized energy, smart lighting, smart traffic control).

Series A and beyondenergy storagedistributed generation

GSAM

Frankfurt, DE

Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) focuses on delivering superior client outcomes through active ETFs and a range of public and private market investment solutions. Their approach combines deep expertise with a commitment to understanding and addressing client needs. The firm emphasizes integrated offerings across equities, fixed income, and multi-asset solutions, aiming to help investors achieve their financial goals by navigating market challenges effectively. GSAM aims to provide alternative investment opportunities, including private market access, to diversify portfolios and enhance returns, with a particular focus on adapting to evolving market conditions and integrating sustainability considerations into investment strategies. The firm's investment strategy involves a blend of active management, strategic asset allocation, and risk management. GSAM seeks to identify and capitalize on market inefficiencies, leverage its global research capabilities, and provide tailored investment solutions to meet specific client objectives. A core theme is the integration of alternative investments into traditional portfolios to generate alpha and manage risk in a changing investment landscape. GSAM leverages its scale and expertise to offer innovative investment products, including actively managed ETFs and alternative investment options, to retail investors and institutional clients. GSAM's approach also includes a focus on impact investing, particularly in areas related to climate transition and inclusive growth. They are committed to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their investment processes, aiming to generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. The firm offers insights and market perspectives through publications and newsletters, keeping clients informed about economic trends and investment strategies. GSAM positions itself as a partner that prioritizes client needs and offers a comprehensive suite of investment capabilities. They leverage a global network of investment professionals and a deep understanding of various asset classes to deliver tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of investors. The emphasis on active management, innovative product development, and a client-centric approach are central to GSAM's investment philosophy.

Not explicitly mentioned, but seems to span various stages given the public and private investment optionsEquitiesFixed Income

Genui

DE

GENUI invests in economically successful mid-market companies that intentionally drive positive societal or environmental impact. They combine market-rate returns with measurable impact through active involvement of experienced entrepreneurs in advisory boards (Unternehmer-Beiräte).

Buyout (later-stage growth)Mid-market leaders with positive societal or environmental impact

Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen

Bielefeld, DE

Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen, operating under the Oetker Collection KG, is a family-owned investment group with a long tradition (over 130 years) of entrepreneurship. Founded in 2021, it combines the dynamism of a new company with established values of responsibility and reliability. The group focuses on diversification across various sectors, as evidenced by its portfolio companies. Their investment strategy seems to prioritize companies with strong market positions, potential for growth, and alignment with their core values. This approach is reflected in their investments in areas like premium beverages (Henkell Freixenet, Fürst von Metternich, Schloss Johannisberg), bakery ingredients (Martin Braun-Gruppe, C. Siebrecht Söhne KG), robotics (R3 Robotics), and sustainable food alternatives (WIN-WIN). The Oetker Collection's strategy also includes strategic acquisitions, as seen with Henkell Freixenet acquiring full ownership of Freixenet S.A. This further consolidates their market position within the beverage industry and demonstrates their commitment to long-term growth. Further, Oetker Collection leverages its international presence, operating in 37 countries, to support portfolio companies' global expansion.

Series A (R3 Robotics and WIN-WIN mentions Series A)BeveragesBakery Ingredients

Hamburg Investitions- und Förderbank (IFB)

Hamburg, DE

The IFB Hamburg (Investitions- und Förderbank Hamburg) provides financial support to foster economic growth, sustainability, and innovation in Hamburg. It offers grants, low-interest loans, and equity investments to promote affordable housing, energy efficiency, startup innovation, and resource conservation across industries, including real estate, logistics, and private housing sectors.

Early-stage startups, SMEs, and large-scale infrastructure projectsGovernment-backed grantslow-interest loans

Hannover Beteiligungsfonds

Hannover, DE

Based on the crawled content, Hannoverimpuls appears to be an economic development agency for the Hannover region in Germany, rather than a traditional venture capital fund. Their primary focus is on promoting entrepreneurship, supporting startups, and attracting skilled workers to the region. They achieve this through various programs, initiatives, and events, such as "Gründung Kompakt" which assists unemployed individuals in starting their own businesses, and "leanlab" which helps transform ideas into business models. They also highlight successful local companies and initiatives, such as INLEAP Photonics (drone defense), MOST (mobile stress tests for athletes), and QVLS-iLabs (quantum technology cluster). Therefore, Hannoverimpuls' "investment thesis" isn't a direct monetary investment but rather an investment in the ecosystem by providing resources, connections, and visibility to foster innovation and economic growth within the Hannover region. Their strategy involves collaboration with local universities, businesses, and government agencies to create a supportive environment for startups and established companies alike. Their economic development activities are not purely for profit, but serve to improve the prosperity of the Hannover region. Since Hannoverimpuls is an economic development agency, it is likely that any financial "investments" they make are small and likely seed or pre-seed stage or are grants or non-dilutive funding. Hannoverimpuls actively promotes the Hannover region as an attractive location for businesses and skilled workers. This involves highlighting the region's strengths in various industries, such as technology and manufacturing, and showcasing successful companies that have established themselves in Hannover. Additionally, they organize events and workshops to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, mentors, and partners. Overall, Hannoverimpuls plays a critical role in supporting the economic development of the Hannover region by fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and attracting skilled workers. Their multifaceted approach, which combines direct support for startups with broader initiatives to enhance the region's business climate, makes them a valuable asset for the local economy. Their mission is to support and grow business within the Hannover region.

Pre-seed, Seed (likely through supporting programs, not direct investments)DeepTechPhotonics

Hanse Ventures

Hamburg, DE

Hanse Ventures supports founders in building successful digital companies by combining capital, expertise, and a strong network. They focus on operational support, scaling, and fostering a collaborative environment for startups through hands-on involvement and specialized knowledge.

Early-stage to growth (seed, Series A, and follow-on investments)Digital startupscompany building

Heartbeat Labs

Berlin, DE

Heartbeat Labs is a Berlin-based digital health holding company focused on driving the digitalization of healthcare and medicine. They invest in and support growth-stage digital health companies that serve patients across Germany and internationally, often collaborating with leading health insurers. Their portfolio spans a range of sectors including occupational health clinics, skin-health clinics, maternal and family health apps, hearing health apps, and nutrition/digital health coaching apps.

Growth-stage companiesDigital health and healthcare technology companies focused on digitalization of healthcare and medicine.

Heliad Equity Partners

Frankfurt, DE

Heliad Equity Partners focuses on providing generational founders with access to capital markets. They invest in early-stage companies through their fully owned early-stage investment vehicle, Collective Ventures, supporting founders from pre-seed to Series A. They also make growth-stage and beyond investments directly from their balance sheet, utilizing an evergreen structure that allows for long-term partnerships, even beyond an IPO. Heliad emphasizes its ability to support companies through various stages of their growth, without being constrained by typical fund life cycles. They aim to be more than just investors, acting as partners to help companies reach their full potential.

Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Growth-stage, Beyond IPOAIAutomation

Hessen Kapital

DE

Hessen Kapital provides equity and equity-like financing alternatives to traditional bank loans for companies in Hesse, Germany. They invest in early-stage and growth-stage companies, including technology-oriented startups, university spin-offs, and companies undergoing succession. By offering silent and open participations, Hessen Kapital aims to strengthen the companies' equity base, improve liquidity and creditworthiness, and increase their ability to secure further financing. A key focus is supporting companies with a positive societal impact, especially those pursuing ecological, digital, or social innovations.

Gründungsphase (Seed/Startup), Frühphase (Early Stage), Wachstum (Growth), Unternehmensnachfolgen (Succession)TechnologyInnovation

High Rise Ventures

Berlin, DE

High Rise Ventures is a Berlin-based company builder and boutique Venture Capital firm focused on PropTech startups. They invest in early-stage tech companies with strong teams and convincing technologies. Their strategy involves defining a use case and product for the real estate industry, structuring the company setup for realization, providing investment and support for cash flow/liquidity, and establishing the right sales approach for growth. They emphasize B2B use cases within the PropTech sector. They also act as a company builder, actively shaping the startups they invest.

Early Stage, SeedPropTechReal Estate Tech

Investitions- und Strukturbank Rheinland-Pfalz

Mainz, DE

The Investitions- und Strukturbank Rheinland-Pfalz (ISB) is the development bank of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It supports private individuals, companies, and municipalities in the region through various funding programs. These programs target housing projects, business start-ups, business expansions, and infrastructure projects, aiming to strengthen the regional economy, improve the quality of life, and promote sustainable development. ISB plays a vital role in providing financial assistance and advisory services to drive economic growth and address societal needs within Rhineland-Palatinate. ISB focuses on promoting a strong economy, modern and affordable housing, and a stable and digital infrastructure in Rhineland-Palatinate. It provides targeted support for specific needs, as shown by the Corona aid programs and the aid for flood victims ('Aufbauhilfen RLP'). ISB engages in social housing support, providing funding to organizations like the Stiftung Bethesda-St. Martin. The organization supports communal infrastructure projects and sustainable mobility as an important investment focus. ISB's strategy involves partnering with the state government and utilizing funds to offer loans, guarantees, and equity investments to businesses and individuals. It acts as a catalyst for economic development by providing access to capital that might not be readily available from commercial banks. By supporting diverse projects, ISB aims to create jobs, stimulate innovation, and improve the overall competitiveness of Rhineland-Palatinate. ISB acts as a facilitator and connector, by providing consultation and supporting economic development through financial support, consultation days and press releases to maintain a strong connection to the regional economy.

Not specified, but implied to be broad, including start-ups, expansions, and infrastructure projects.Wirtschaftsförderung (economic development)Wohnraumförderung (housing development)

Investitionsbank Berlin

Berlin, DE

Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) is the promotional bank of the State of Berlin. It focuses on strengthening the economic dynamism of Berlin by providing comprehensive funding opportunities that also promote job creation. Their goal is to support companies with flexible financing solutions, including low-interest loans, equity investments, and direct grants. IBB offers tailored support programs for Berlin-based companies of all sizes, industries, and development phases, whether for investments, innovations, start-ups, or growth.

Not explicitly mentioned, but seems to cover all stages from Existenzgründung (Start-up) to Unternehmenswachstum (Growth).Existenzgründung (Start-ups)Unternehmenswachstum & Investitionen (Business growth & Investments)

Investitionsbank Berlin Brandenburg (IBB)

Berlin, DE

Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) focuses on strengthening the economic dynamics of Berlin by providing comprehensive funding opportunities and promoting job creation. They offer flexible financing solutions to companies of all sizes, sectors, and development stages through low-interest loans, equity investments, and direct grants. IBB's strategy encompasses support for investments, innovations, startups, and growth initiatives, contributing to the sustainable development of the Berlin economy.

Not explicitly mentioned, but supports Existenzgründung (Startups) to established Unternehmen (companies)ExistenzgründungUnternehmenswachstum

KOMPAS VC

Cologne, DE

KOMPAS VC invests in innovative technologies for the manufacturing industry and the built environment, focusing on companies that address major contributors to CO₂ emissions, productivity challenges, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and cyber threats. The firm provides high-growth companies with capital and strategic industry access to enable the transition within those two industries towards an economic model that balances growth and prosperity while respecting planetary boundaries. They aim to transform the economy by backing ambitious entrepreneurs solving today’s industrial challenges with tomorrow’s technologies, fostering sustainable growth within planetary boundaries. They look for companies that can redefine industries where it matters most, specifically in areas like microprocessors, biodiversity, carbon capture, robotics, advanced materials, energy, mining, logistics, construction, industrial supply chains, and manufacturing.

Seed to Series BIndustrial decarbonisationManufacturing

Katjesgreenfood

DE

Investing in innovative, emotionally resonant food brands that align with better-for-you trends (e.g., plant-based, high-protein, clean eating, or reduced-calorie products) while balancing sustainability (food & planet) and economic scalability. Leveraging Katjes Group’s 70+ years of food industry expertise to accelerate portfolio companies’ growth through operational support, branding, and network access.

Scale-ups and established companies with proven market traction, scalable business models, and growth potentialBetter-for-you food brandsplant-based products

KfW Germany

Frankfurt, DE

KfW, as a promotional bank, focuses on strengthening the German economy and innovation landscape through various funding and financing instruments. Their strategy involves offering a wide range of support, including guarantees, equity, securitization, promotional loans, and grants, tailored to the needs of stakeholders to stimulate economic growth. A key initiative is the Deutschlandfonds, which aims to facilitate large-scale investments in Germany by private and municipal companies, leveraging public funds and guarantees to mobilize substantial investments. KfW Capital, a subsidiary, invests in German and European Venture Capital and Venture Debt funds, providing technology-oriented growth companies with better access to capital. KfW supports the competitiveness and future viability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through promotional loans and grants, recognizing the importance of an innovative and digital Mittelstand for a strong German economy. They are actively involved in addressing key challenges such as innovation stagnation among SMEs by providing support and advocating for policies that encourage innovation, particularly among smaller businesses without dedicated R&D departments. KfW also plays a role in promoting sustainable development, including energy-efficient renovations and climate-friendly new construction. KfW's approach includes both direct funding and indirect support via VC fund investments to stimulate various sectors. They aim to facilitate investments in key areas like innovation, digitization, and sustainable infrastructure. The Deutschlandfonds specifically aims to unlock investments exceeding 130 billion EUR. By coordinating the Deutschlandfonds, KfW acts as the primary contact point for national and international investor consulting. Overall, KfW's investment thesis is centered on strategically deploying financial instruments to support economic development and innovation in Germany, with a focus on SMEs, infrastructure, and technological advancements. They prioritize initiatives that promote competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience, all within the context of Germany's economic and policy landscape.

Early-stage, Growth-stageInnovationDigitalization

L-Bank

Karlsruhe, DE

The L-Bank is a state-owned development bank for Baden-Württemberg, focusing on fostering economic growth, sustainable infrastructure, housing, and social initiatives through tailored financing programs and incentives. It supports startups, businesses, municipalities, and individuals with specialized funding solutions, including climate-friendly projects and digitalization.

Early Stage, Growth StageStart-upsCompanies

LBBW VC

Stuttgart, DE
L

LBBW VC invests in early-stage, disruptive companies with strong moats, focusing on visionary market leadership. Leveraging LBBW’s long-term perspective, the firm supports innovative startups in the DACH region, emphasizing hands-on growth support and a track record of backing entrepreneurs to turn ideas into scalable realities.

Seed to Series ASoftware-driven disruptive solutions in Enterprise ITIoT

La Famiglia VC

Berlin, DE

La Famiglia is a European seed and growth stage venture capital fund that invests in technology companies enabling or disrupting large industries. They differentiate themselves by offering more than just capital; they act as a trusted access platform, creating unique relationships between established industries and innovative startups. This access platform provides portfolio companies with early market access, impactful partnerships, and deep expertise, leveraging the connections and experience of their network of world-leading entrepreneurs. Their investment strategy focuses on facilitating relationships between the 'old' and 'new' worlds, indicating a focus on companies that can bridge the gap between traditional industries and emerging technologies. This approach suggests they look for startups that can offer innovative solutions to challenges faced by established businesses, or those that can create entirely new markets by leveraging existing industry infrastructure and knowledge. By building a strong network of successful entrepreneurs, La Famiglia provides its portfolio companies with unparalleled access to mentorship, strategic guidance, and potential business opportunities. They aim to offer differentiated leverage on capital by creating an ecosystem where portfolio companies can benefit from the collective experience and resources of their investors and network. This hands-on approach suggests that La Famiglia actively works to support its portfolio companies beyond just financial investment.

Seed, GrowthTechnology companies enabling or disrupting large industries

Lennertz & Co.

Hamburg, DE

Lennertz & Co. is an owner-managed multi-family office focused on the development and enhancement of its clients' assets. Their approach involves a thorough and ongoing assessment of the family situation, business, and asset position of their clients, taking into account the relevant legal and tax frameworks. Investment recommendations are aligned with the personal preferences of the clients, benefiting from Lennertz & Co.'s independence in assessing global investment opportunities, selecting them, and implementing them discreetly. They operate with an entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing fast, profound, and secure decisions. Lennertz & Co. holds multiple licenses from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and is subject to various qualitative and quantitative requirements from both BaFin and the Deutsche Bundesbank. They offer services including asset structuring, asset development and growth, and asset transfer.

Pre-IPOVenture CapitalGrowth Equity

Lios Ventures

München, DE

LIOS Ventures believes in the power of entrepreneurship and game-changing ideas. They aim to build lasting relationships with founders, providing hands-on support to help teams reach the next level. Their approach combines decisive action with strategic patience, moving quickly when opportunities arise while maintaining the long-term vision needed for sustainable growth. The firm was founded by Frank Mair, positioning itself as 'The entrepreneurs fund.' LIOS Ventures has deep roots in the travel industry and primarily invests in companies that help travelers discover unique experiences. Beyond travel, they selectively invest in venture funds focused on technologies and breakthrough ideas to solve major global challenges. They showcase their backing of companies like Escapio (a curated hotel collection), PaulCamper (a campervan sharing platform), and Holidu (a vacation rental metasearch engine) as examples of their investment strategy. Their backing of PaulCamper early on demonstrates their willingness to invest at earlier stages. Their investments suggest a focus on companies leveraging technology to improve travel experiences.

Early stageTraveltravel experiences

Lloyd Fonds

DE

LAIQON is a modern financial service provider focused on wealth management solutions for both private and institutional investors. Their strategy combines active fund management with modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to create sustainable value, maximum transparency, and individualized support. They aim to be a leading player in the digital finance sector and are leveraging data and AI for forward-looking wealth solutions. Their GROWTH 28 strategy aims to increase Assets under Management to 15 billion EUR by 2028. LAIQON offers over 50 wealth products and solutions through its subsidiaries, catering to various client needs. These products are managed by portfolio management and asset management teams as well as using AI. Sustainability is integrated into their business and investment philosophy. LAIQON's platform strategy, LAIQON DAP 4.0, is designed to streamline internal and external processes and is a core element for future growth. Their approach involves a three-step process across all products and solutions, and they emphasize expertise in asset management, wealth management, digital wealth, and overlay management. They target both private and institutional clients with quality-oriented products. The firm regularly shares insights and perspectives from the asset management world through news, market analyses, and corporate updates.

Not applicableAsset ManagementWealth Management