BASF
BASF, as a corporate venture entity, focuses on creating change through breakthrough technologies and bold ideas, enabling sustainable solutions for the climate, partners, and future generations. Their strategy, "Winning Ways," aims to position BASF as the preferred chemical company enabling customers' green transformation. They prioritize economic success, environmental protection, and social responsibility, aligning their core businesses across Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care segments. Standalone businesses are bundled within Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF's approach involves strategic portfolio management, demonstrated by the recent divestiture of its hydrosulfite-related assets to Silox, signaling a strategic shift and streamlining efforts. This allows them to focus on core areas, maintain market leadership in other inorganic chemicals, and optimize resource allocation. The investment in expanding dispersion production in Durban, South Africa, highlights their commitment to growth in emerging markets and supporting customer needs in architectural coatings, construction, and paper industries. They emphasize reliable supply chains and responsiveness to local market demands. Central to their strategy is driving sustainable solutions, showcased by their ambition to enable customers' green transformation. This involves developing innovative products and technologies that minimize environmental impact and promote resource efficiency. By aligning with global trends towards sustainability and circular economy models, BASF seeks to create long-term value for stakeholders and contribute to a more sustainable future. They invest in research and development to create chemistry for a sustainable future. They actively seek to accomplish great things together, aiming to inspire and drive change by fostering a culture that attracts and retains top talent. BASF offers various career opportunities for individuals looking to contribute to their mission. Their comprehensive approach involves strategic investments, streamlined operations, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, all contributing to their ambition of being the preferred chemical company.
Bregal Unternehmerkapital
Bregal Investments is an international private markets firm that provides a platform for direct investment and fund-of-funds teams across North America and Europe. They invest in mid-market companies with sound business models, robust business integrity, and an ability to have a positive societal and environmental impact. Their investment strategies span various sectors and geographies through majority control equity, minority equity, or credit investments. Bregal emphasizes long-term, sustainable value creation, integrating responsible investing factors into their analysis and decision-making. They aim to partner with investment teams with strong track records, high standards of excellence and ethics, and an ability to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for their investors. Bregal's approach is guided by core values of excellence, trust, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and integrity. They value strong relationships with limited partners, including pension funds, endowments, insurance companies, fund of funds, family offices, and other institutional and high net-worth investors. The firm engages deeply with portfolio companies and General Partners to launch sustainability-focused solutions and deliver sustainable business models, focusing on delivering strong financial returns. Bregal Investments operates through distinct investment strategies, each focusing on specific sectors or geographies. These strategies include flexible capital and strategic assistance for market-leading companies in high-growth sectors, equity capital for mid-sized companies in the DACH region and Italy, growth capital and strategic assistance to software companies throughout Europe, impact platform investing in climate and nature-based solutions, private equity primaries, co-investments, and secondaries across North America and Europe, and building on primary relationships with GPs across North America and Europe through secondary investments.
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF VC)
ECBF is a venture capital impact fund exclusively dedicated to the (circular-) bioeconomy, aiming to catalyze the transition towards a sustainable future. The fund invests in growth-stage companies that contribute to the shift from a fossil-based to a circular bio-based economy, aligning with the European Green Deal goals to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. They focus on building pan-European market leaders by supporting passionate and visionary entrepreneurs with high potential for innovation, favorable returns, and sustainable impact. ECBF's investment strategy involves providing flexible financing tools, ranging from equity to mezzanine, in syndicates with private and public investors. The fund's team brings over 100 years of VC and industry experience, possessing international networks of investors, companies, industry experts, and regional organizations within the bioeconomy. With a diverse team spanning 14 nationalities, ECBF combines economic and scientific expertise, long-standing experience in various fields, and an entrepreneurial spirit. The fund believes that impact and return go hand-in-hand, emphasizing that a corporate strategy aligned with ESG criteria is crucial for companies seeking a competitive advantage. They support founders whose technologies are revolutionizing industries, improving lives, and benefiting the environment. ECBF dives deep into specific areas of the bioeconomy, such as precision fermentation, biodegradable bioplastics, mycelium-based products, and autonomous farming technologies, seeking companies driving innovation in these spaces. Ultimately, ECBF aims to mobilize private capital for bioeconomy start-ups, fostering growth and sustainability within the sector. They actively monitor and report on the impact of their investments, showcasing their commitment to creating a positive environmental and social impact alongside financial returns.
GSAM
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.
Hamburg Investitions- und Förderbank (IFB)
IFB Hamburg (Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank) is the central development bank of the city of Hamburg, Germany. Its core mission is to support the economic and social development of Hamburg by providing public funding and financial instruments. IFB Hamburg focuses on urban development, housing, climate protection, economic development, and innovation, fostering sustainability and growth across various sectors. It offers a range of programs including grants, loans, and equity investments to support projects that contribute to the city's strategic goals. Their strategy is to create a positive impact on Hamburg by addressing key challenges and promoting a vibrant and resilient economy.
Hannover Beteiligungsfonds
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.
KfW Germany
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.
MPC
MPC Capital AG is a globally active investment manager and service provider focused on infrastructure projects, particularly in the maritime and energy sectors. They initiate and manage investment solutions for institutional investors, offering a comprehensive range of services, especially within the maritime industry. The firm emphasizes sustainability and innovation, aiming to contribute to global climate targets. Their investment strategy involves offering access to high-growth opportunities in dynamic markets, delivered through investment management and operational services, ensuring high-quality support for clients in their target sectors. MPC Capital has a long track record of real asset investments, exceeding EUR 20 billion across various asset classes and currently manages EUR 5.3 billion in AuM. They aim to be a leading partner for investors, seizing market opportunities and megatrends to deliver outstanding returns, while also optimizing for sustainability.
Saxovent
Saxovent is an independent, owner-managed investment firm specializing in renewable energy projects and financing solutions for climate change mitigation. Founded in 1997, they operate as a pioneer in wind energy and focus on investing in innovative, climate-friendly projects that have a measurable impact on sustainability. Their strategy involves developing and financing solutions in renewable energy with a global partnership network, emphasizing CO2 reduction. They prioritize economically viable businesses and forward-looking technologies that can make a real difference. Saxovent operates as an Independent Power Producer (IPP), developing and operating their own renewable energy plants.
Statkraft Ventures
Statkraft Ventures invests in outstanding entrepreneurs driving the green energy transition. Leveraging Statkraft’s expertise in renewable energy and energy markets, the firm partners with independent startups to accelerate their growth while maintaining their autonomy. The fund focuses on scalable solutions that contribute to large-scale climate solutions.
Vito Ventures
Vito Ventures, part of the Viessmann Generations Group, focuses on making majority investments in regional market leaders with a strong local presence and diversified offerings. Their investment strategy centers around businesses built for long-term growth, particularly those that are key enablers of the green energy transition. They aim to build a more livable, sustainable planet through efficient, low-carbon systems. The firm's primary investment platforms include Grid Infrastructure, District Heating & Cooling (Pipes, Stations & Controls), and Clean & Cold solutions in both the US and EU. They partner with companies that share their values and provide operational expertise to unlock their full potential. Their investments are aligned with global sustainability goals, including greenhouse gas reduction, air quality improvement, and overall environmental health. Vito Ventures identifies and supports companies that directly contribute to a low-carbon future. For example, Gritec, a portfolio company, is pivotal in enabling decentralized renewable grids and delivering climate-resilient infrastructure. Similarly, Isoplus Group is revolutionizing heat distribution with high-performance pre-insulated piping systems, connecting renewable energy sources to district heating networks. aqotec implements regenerative heating solutions in multiple countries. The "Viessmann Way" serves as their guiding principle, emphasizing responsibility, innovation, and purposeful growth. Their approach is characterized by conviction, care, and a long-term perspective, reflecting a commitment to future generations. Vito Ventures aims to create scalable energy transition solutions and enhance system-wide resilience by leveraging specialized solutions within their ecosystem.
First Momentum Ventures
First Momentum Ventures is a pre-seed venture capital firm focused on investing in B2B startups in Europe that address hard problems with complex technology. They aim to be the companion for technology founders at hour zero, providing a strong foundation for sustainable growth. The firm's core belief is in backing highly ambitious teams with scientific or technological breakthroughs, helping them turn these innovations into impactful startups. They emphasize a hands-on, supportive approach, delivering "first momentum" to their portfolio companies. This includes providing resources, a relevant network, and the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of building a successful deep tech startup. Their Pre-Seed DNA means they have deep expertise in guiding companies from zero to one, leveraging their experience since 2015. Their team of engineers and scientists enables them to speak the language of technical founders and understand highly technical products, markets, and commercialization paths. They strive to offer tangible support through high-value connections to talent, customers, and future investors, emphasizing that IQ and EQ are equally important in their relationships with founders. Beyond capital, First Momentum builds ecosystems for technical founders by creating communities, knowledge resources and events tailored to this audience.
Hitachi Ventures
Hitachi Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm that partners with founders building world-changing innovation. They provide partnership and access for ambitious founders transforming the world. With over $1B AUM, Hitachi Ventures aims to set new standards for corporate venture, fostering collaboration and growth within its portfolio companies. They focus on supporting builders bold enough to explore uncharted territories and invest in individuals crazy enough to reimagine climate, energy, and industry. The firm appears to invest across Digital, Industrial, and Climate Tech. They offer support beyond just capital, aiming to be a strong ally for their portfolio companies. They look for founders combining relentless execution with clarity of thought on complex issues, valuing EQ over IQ in the long term and choosing teams based on these values. They focus on building lasting impact through their investments. Several members of the investment team bring unique experiences that are designed to foster strong connections with the founders they work with. Hitachi Ventures also leverages its expertise in deal structuring and strategic advisory work to offer advice on portfolio company matters and fund structuring and administration. Their collaborative approach involves productive partnerships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and portfolio companies, reflecting a philosophy that the most successful outcomes emerge from inclusive dialogue and shared strategic vision.
Matterwave Ventures
Matterwave Ventures is a European VC firm focused on backing hardware and software companies in the Industrial Technologies space. They aim to empower early-stage companies to reshape industrial value chains and become global leaders. The firm's core belief centers around funding companies that contribute to a sustainable, sovereign, and digitalized European industry. Their investment strategy revolves around three key areas: Industrial Tech, Deep Tech, and Climate Tech. In Industrial Tech, they support the digital transformation of industry to create upskilled local workforces, globally competitive, high-value exports, and superior industrial products. For Deep Tech, they back global champions in frontier technologies, building resilient supply chains and sovereign dual-use capabilities for long-term industrial autonomy. In Climate Tech, they invest in technologies driving smart industrial decarbonization, enabling global winners in novel climate solutions, and delivering proven climate impact at scale. They are particularly interested in companies that address the challenges and opportunities within the European industrial landscape. This includes fostering technological independence, promoting sustainable practices, and driving the adoption of digital solutions across various industrial sectors. They aim to create a future where European industries are competitive on a global scale, while also remaining environmentally conscious and socially responsible. Matterwave Ventures seeks companies demonstrating groundbreaking innovations that can have a significant impact on the European industrial ecosystem. They are dedicated to supporting the growth and development of these businesses, with a focus on enabling them to become market leaders and contribute to the overall advancement of European industry.
NRW.BANK
NRW.BANK is the promotional bank of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany. Its primary objective is to support the state of NRW in its structural and economic policy tasks. It achieves this by offering a wide range of funding instruments across three main areas: Economy, Housing, and Infrastructure/Municipalities. These instruments include low-interest promotional loans, equity financing, and promotional consulting services. NRW.BANK operates in a competition-neutral manner, collaborating with all banks and savings banks in NRW. The bank's support for the economy includes initiatives for startups, established companies, and those undergoing transformation. This support ranges from providing basic guidance for new businesses to offering venture capital for startups through programs like NRW.Venture. For established companies, NRW.BANK facilitates growth, investment, digitalization, innovation, and internationalization through structured financing and equity capital. In the housing sector, NRW.BANK supports private individuals in building or buying homes, modernizing existing properties, making them accessible, and preserving historical buildings. The bank also assists in creating rental housing and offers services for existing customers and financing for associations. For infrastructure and municipalities, NRW.BANK provides long-term investment financing, secures liquidity, manages funding, and offers consulting on economic efficiency in municipal construction, sustainable municipal development, and investments in areas like digitalization, infrastructure, climate protection, housing, and waste management.
XPRESS Ventures
XPRESS Ventures invests in founders transforming the industrialized world, focusing on startups at the beginning of their journey. They believe that success in the industrial world depends on industry expertise, infrastructure access, and clients, and they aim to help startups bridge to these critical assets. They empower founders with capital and expertise early, providing advice rather than control, and leverage their network to supercharge startup growth. This includes helping startups navigate corporate collaboration challenges, connecting them with key industry players, and engaging their network of investors to foster advancements that build on industrial knowledge.
Climate Founders
Climate Founders is an accelerator focused on empowering entrepreneurs to build successful climate-focused ventures. They believe that technology and entrepreneurial culture are the best ways to address climate change and aim to support bright minds and ambitious individuals in becoming successful climate founders. The firm offers a co-founder matching program for individuals without ideas and a remote accelerator program for complete teams, providing a structured approach to achieve product-market fit and secure initial funding. Their strategy involves working closely with startups across various climate-related sectors, including hardware, biotech, nature-based solutions, marketplaces, and software, to help them raise funding and successfully enter the market. They provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a network of supporters to accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies.
Maxrich Ventures GmbH
Maxrich Ventures GmbH is an impact investor focused on technology-driven companies that save lives. They aim to be a 'booster' for their portfolio companies, providing not only financial support but also access to their extensive network, knowledge, and years of experience. The firm emphasizes an open and transparent communication forum through the MAXRICH INVESTORS CLUB, where investors receive weekly updates on the progress of their portfolio companies. This close relationship allows investors to actively contribute beyond capital, leveraging their expertise to guide and support the startups. Founded after Max and Rich met in 2005, the firm has helped over 150 companies get established. The founders have experience in building businesses and securing seven-figure financing rounds for tech startups. This experience translates into guidance for their portfolio companies, helping them navigate the challenges of scaling and growth. They invest in companies with innovative solutions to global challenges such as world hunger, climate change, and pandemics, aligning financial returns with positive societal impact. Maxrich Ventures operates an accelerator program to identify and nurture promising startups. They actively seek out companies with key technologies that can solve major problems facing humanity. The firm aims to support startups from early stages through their growth, providing the resources and connections needed to succeed. They focus on companies who are addressing global scale problems with technology, such as cell therapy, renewable energy, and reproductive health.
Possible Ventures
Possible Ventures invests in early-stage companies focused on solving the world's most pressing challenges. Their investment strategy centers around backing founders working on solutions across climate, energy, health, and society. They seek sustainable initiatives like carbon capture, energy transition, food & agriculture, and new materials, as well as circular economy and space exploration for alternative resources. In health, they target new tools and models for drug discovery and precision medicine, aiming to improve health and longevity. For society, they invest in AI-supported software tools, financial inclusion, and upskilling initiatives to boost productivity and create a more equitable future. The firm looks for frontier technologies in deep tech, life sciences, and software platforms that are unlocking unprecedented innovation. They emphasize the convergence of diverse disciplines, such as science, engineering, and entrepreneurship, believing that interdisciplinary teams drive breakthrough ideas and solutions. This can happen anywhere, and they are open to exploring new regions and building relationships with entrepreneurs and investors globally. Possible Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed rounds, providing support to startups at the early stages of their development. They may also consider later-stage companies demonstrating strong growth potential and alignment with their investment strategy. They are relentlessly optimistic, choosing to focus on possibilities rather than risks, with a commitment to harnessing technology as a force for good to improve the lives of future generations.