The dyes and pigments industry in DACH centers on producing vibrant colors used in textiles, packaging, and cosmetics. Companies in this sector range from large multinationals to specialized firms that focus on natural and synthetic colorants along with innovative solutions for sustainable applications. The industry is evolving towards eco-friendly processes, with an increasing emphasis on bio-based dyes and sustainable practices. This transformation is driven by consumer demand for transparency in product sourcing and environmentally safe solutions, positioning DACH as a key player in developing cutting-edge color technology that meets regulatory challenges while addressing global sustainability goals.

This list features a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity investors located in the DACH region. Representing established firms and newer entrants, these investors vary in size from small teams to major corporations, collectively enhancing the dyes and pigments industry. Established over more than 125 years ago, many of these companies have successfully navigated market changes, with deal counts varying from one to eight investments in 2024, showcasing their active involvement in shaping the sector's future.

Top 11 Dyes and Pigments Investors in DACH

1. Brenntag

• Website: brenntag.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1874
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading global chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across various industries. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. In recent years, Brenntag has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in chemical distribution. Notably, the acquisition of Monarch Chemicals in August 2024 aims to strengthen their last mile service capabilities in the UK, which could include the distribution of dyes and pigments. Additionally, their acquisition of ALTIVIA Corporation in 2013 for $125 million further expanded their reach in the chemical sector. These transactions indicate Brenntag's commitment to enhancing its distribution network, which may encompass a variety of chemical products, including those relevant to the dyes and pigments industry.

2. BASF Venture Capital

• Website: basf.de
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies that align with BASF's commitment to sustainability and enhancing product performance across various industries, including automotive, construction, and agriculture. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like P2 Science, which specializes in sustainable chemical processes, and FRX Innovations, known for environmentally friendly flame retardant plastics. These investments reflect BASF's strategic interest in advancing sustainable technologies that could have applications in the dyes and pigments industry, thereby reinforcing their relevance in this sector.

3. Blue Horizon

• Website: bluehorizon.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems and supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions. Notably, Blue Horizon has participated in funding rounds for companies like Chromologics, which raised €7.1M to commercialize Natu.Red, a natural red food color. This investment highlights Blue Horizon's commitment to sustainable practices within the food sector, particularly in the area of natural dyes and pigments. Additionally, they have been involved in other biotech companies like Polybion and Geltor, which focus on sustainable and innovative solutions, further emphasizing their alignment with the bioeconomy.

4. Basf

• Website: basf.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Founded year: 1865
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE, founded in 1865 and headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is a leading multinational chemical manufacturer that provides a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, helping its customers meet environmental challenges and improve operational efficiency. Notably, BASF has made significant acquisitions that enhance its position in the dyes and pigments sector, such as the acquisition of Ciba Holding in 2009, which was known for its specialty chemicals, including dyes. Additionally, BASF acquired Chemetall, a global surface treatment business, which may also intersect with the pigments market. These strategic moves demonstrate BASF's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the dyes and pigments industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.

5. Givaudan

• Website: givaudan.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1895
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: givaudan

Givaudan is a leading manufacturer specializing in flavors, fragrances, and active cosmetic ingredients, founded in 1895 and based in Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, Givaudan provides innovative sensory solutions to food and beverage companies, personal care brands, and household goods producers. Notably, Givaudan has made significant strides in the dyes and pigments sector through its acquisition of DDW, The Color House, a US-based natural color company, which was announced on October 11, 2021. This acquisition was part of Givaudan's strategy to enhance its Taste & Wellbeing business and represented approximately USD 140 million in incremental sales in 2020. Additionally, Givaudan's involvement in the Series A funding of Arcaea, a biology beauty company, showcases their interest in developing new ingredients, which may include colorants and pigments derived from biological processes. These transactions highlight Givaudan's commitment to expanding its portfolio in areas that intersect with the dyes and pigments industry.

6. Henkel

• Website: henkel.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1876
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: henkel

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, founded in 1876 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a leading chemical manufacturer and consumer goods company. The company specializes in adhesive technologies and consumer brands, offering a diverse range of products including adhesives, sealants, and home care items. Henkel emphasizes innovation and sustainability in its operations. In recent years, Henkel has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in advanced materials. Notably, the acquisition of NBD Nanotechnologies in 2022 aimed to bolster its Adhesive Technologies business unit, particularly in functional coatings, which may involve the use of dyes and pigments. Additionally, the acquisition of The Bergquist Company in 2014 further demonstrates Henkel's commitment to expanding its portfolio in materials that could intersect with the dyes and pigments sector. These transactions highlight Henkel's active role in industries that may utilize dyes and pigments, making it a relevant investor in this context.

7. Thia Ventures

• Website: thiaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: thia-ventures

Thia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies at the intersection of food, biotech, and health, providing funding and support to innovative startups that aim to transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies specializing in enzyme engineering, cultivated meats, and biofertilizers. Notably, Thia Ventures participated in the funding round for Chromologics, a biotech company that raised €7.1M to commercialize their natural red food color, Natu.Red. This investment highlights their engagement in the dyes and pigments context, particularly in natural colorants for food. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Allozymes, Mori, Avant Meats, and Protealis, which, while primarily focused on food and biotech, showcase Thia Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in related industries.

8. Hannover Finanz

• Website: hannoverfinanz.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of OQEMA in 2014, which is a significant player in the chemical distribution industry, including dyes and pigments. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of RADO Gummi in 2005 and MOESCHTER GROUP GmbH in 2016, both of which may have connections to the chemical sector. Their investment in Biesterfeld, which raised funds in 2014, further emphasizes their engagement in the chemical distribution landscape, reinforcing their relevance to the dyes and pigments industry.

9. Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KG

• Website: egeria.nl
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: egeria-rei-gmbh-ijzendoorn-%26-co.-kg

Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KG is a private equity investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and real estate, focusing on partnering with healthy businesses to drive sustainable growth through strategic investments. Egeria operates in the Netherlands, the DACH region, and North America, providing capital and management expertise to businesses seeking to expand and thrive. Notably, Egeria has been involved in several significant acquisitions, including TANATEX Chemicals in 2006, which is relevant to the dyes and pigments industry. They also acquired Royal Sanders in 2015, Den Braven in 2010, and Clondalkin Group in 2016, showcasing their diverse investment strategy across various sectors. Their involvement with TANATEX Chemicals highlights their capability and interest in the chemicals sector, including dyes and pigments, making them a noteworthy investor in this field.

10. Actega

• Website: altana.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1977
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: actega

Actega, a subsidiary of Altana AG, is a corporate investor based in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in specialty chemicals. Founded in 1977, the company has a workforce of 1001-5000 employees and is known for its innovative solutions that enhance product performance and sustainability across various industries, including automotive, packaging, and electronics. Notably, Actega has made significant investments in the dyes and pigments sector, including the acquisition of the ECKART group in 2005, a leading manufacturer of metallic effect pigments, for €630 million. This acquisition has strengthened Actega's position in the pigments market. Additionally, Actega has engaged in other strategic acquisitions, such as PolyAd Services, which enhances their offerings in the plastics industry, and Von Roll Holding Ltd., further diversifying their portfolio. These transactions highlight Actega's commitment to expanding its capabilities in specialty chemicals, including dyes and pigments.

11. AM Ventures

• Website: amventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: am-ventures-holding-gmbh

AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in additive manufacturing technologies, supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the industrial 3D printing sector by providing funding and strategic guidance. AM Ventures aims to foster innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry. Notably, they have invested in DyeMansion, which raised $5 million in a Series A round in September 2018, highlighting their engagement in the dyes and pigments sector. Other transactions include investments in companies like Elementum 3D and Headmade Materials, which, while not directly related to dyes and pigments, showcase their broader interest in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Dyes and Pigments Insights: Key Investors in DACH

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