VAERING
VAERING is a family-owned investment company based in Germany that focuses on supporting independent entrepreneurs with capital, expertise, and a long-term perspective. Founded in 2021 by the family behind KAEFER, a 100+ year old industrial services company, VAERING seeks to invest in solutions for decarbonization across various sectors including industry, buildings, and transportation, as well as promoting energy efficiency and circular economy practices. Their investment philosophy prioritizes a cultural fit and alignment of values over short-term financial gains, aiming for long-term development of their portfolio companies and partnerships built on mutual respect. VAERING's approach involves active engagement and support for their portfolio companies, leveraging the family's entrepreneurial background and industrial expertise. They provide not only financial resources but also strategic guidance, operational support, and access to their network. Key considerations when evaluating potential investments include the compatibility of the people and ideas with their values and goals, the potential for the investment to promote sustainability, and the company's commitment to long-term thinking and responsibility. They seek to partner with companies that are addressing significant challenges related to sustainability and that demonstrate a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions or minimizing plastic waste. They are particularly interested in industrial products and services that can be economically and ecologically aligned to be successful in the market. The team emphasizes transparency, digitization, new forms of collaboration, and improved employee health as important factors for success in today's business environment. VAERING differentiates itself from traditional investment firms by its focus on long-term value creation, its deep understanding of industrial businesses, and its commitment to sustainability. They are willing to take a patient approach to investing, prioritizing the long-term growth and impact of their portfolio companies over short-term returns. Their origins as a family-owned business also influence their investment approach, prioritizing trust, partnership, and a collaborative approach to working with entrepreneurs.
Vanagon Ventures
Vanagon Ventures is a Munich-based venture capital firm that focuses on pre-seed investments in DeepTech and AI-Native companies across the DACH region and Europe. They aim to accelerate Europe's growth by investing in founders working on innovations in sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, Future Materials, Geospatial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, and Next-Gen Computing. Vanagon distinguishes itself by investing early, even where doubt and risk are high, and providing hands-on support to founders from day one. They believe traditional SaaS metrics are ill-suited for DeepTech and prefer to focus on the long-term potential of deep customer collaboration and strong IP development. Vanagon fosters a community-led approach with founders and actively facilitates follow-on funding through their network.
Vorsprung Partners
Vorsprung Partners provides entrepreneurial capital to hidden champion companies in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). They focus on the German Mittelstand, bridging the gap between entrepreneurial vision and family capital. Their strategy involves a buy-hold-develop model with patient capital from experienced investors and family equity, providing stability and a long-term perspective. Vorsprung actively develops its portfolio companies through strategic initiatives and hands-on operational support, with an ESG-focused value creation approach. The firm combines family and institutional capital with the discipline of private equity, aiming to build enduring success for all stakeholders. They provide expertise that drives sustainable growth while safeguarding businesses’ principles and independence. They work hand in hand with founder and owner families, offering flexible rollover options and long-term collaboration that preserve their entrepreneurial heritage. Vorsprung connects them to a wider network of like-minded business families, ensuring continuity, shared values, and sustainable growth for the future. Vorsprung invests with a long-term mindset, ensuring alignment of interests with business owners. Their approach creates trusted partnerships where continuity, legacy, and sustainable growth are safeguarded for the next generation. From day one post-acquisition, they strengthen management teams, professionalize structures, and unlock both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Their hands-on approach to governance, reporting, and strategy ensures companies scale sustainably while maintaining their entrepreneurial spirit. They aim to transform companies with limited or no ESG footprint into sustainability and impact leaders, integrating environmental, social, and governance standards into strategy and operations. By preserving entrepreneurial DNA while providing strategic support, they help companies thrive well beyond the transition.
Born2Grow
Born2Grow, operating as D11Z, is a European family office based in Heilbronn specializing in early-stage investments, with a focus on guiding and supporting digital entrepreneurs across the continent. They aim to advance groundbreaking technologies that disrupt industries, foster exponential growth, and shape the future of the global economy. Their fund structure allows for continuous operation and sustained support to their portfolio companies. D11Z is a data-driven VC fund that actively uses AI technologies to guide and improve its deal flow. Leveraging sophisticated scraping and AI providers, they expand access to promising start-ups, identifying opportunities early and making data-driven investment decisions. They focus on digital solutions in B2B, targeting people with groundbreaking ideas and the skills to turn them into reality. As one of the first partners for start-ups, D11Z supports founders from day one, guiding them in their go-to-market strategy and fueling their growth. Being an evergreen fund, their commitment has no fixed expiration date. They provide added value through the D11Z academy, which offers expertise and support in areas like sales, HR, fundraising, marketing, and exit strategies. Additionally, they offer pro bono access to secure European cloud infrastructure (STACKIT) and leverage their extensive network to connect founders with key companies and follow-up investors.
Paua Ventures
Paua Ventures invests in B2B tech entrepreneurs who are obsessed with solving complex problems in vast markets at the pre-seed & seed stage. The firm aims to invest, build, assist, hustle, connect, and facilitate the growth of their portfolio companies. They provide access to industry experts, product advisors, tech advisors, veteran mentors, and customers to help their portfolio companies succeed. Paua Ventures focuses on backing founders who are tackling complex challenges in large markets, demonstrating a clear focus on early-stage companies with high growth potential.