The wood processing industry in DACH focuses on the sustainable use and transformation of wood into finished products. Companies range from small sawmills to large machinery manufacturers, producing items like furniture, flooring, and timber products. With rising environmental concerns, the industry is increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly practices, including the adoption of technology for efficient wood use. Innovations in engineered wood products and smart manufacturing are defining future growth. The sector thrives on collaboration, addressing changing consumer preferences for sustainability and quality while exploring new markets and production methods, signaling a robust trajectory ahead.


The investors listed vary widely by type, with corporate firms like Andritz and private equity players such as Deutsche Beteiligungs AG dominating. Headquartered across key DACH locations—including Graz, Frankfurt, and Schopfloch—the roster includes established names and newer firms. Sizes range from small teams to corporate giants, with notable deal activity in 2024 hinting at continued interest in the wood processing sector. With origins stretching back to 1892, no firm fits the mold perfectly, reflecting a rich tapestry of investment approaches and opportunities.


Top 11 Wood Processing Investors in DACH


1. Andritz

  • Website: andritz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Graz, Styria, Austria
  • Founded year: 1892
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: andritz

Andritz AG, founded in 1892 and based in Graz, Styria, Austria, is a leading technology provider specializing in industrial equipment and solutions across various sectors, including pulp and paper, metals, and energy. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Andritz focuses on innovation and digitalization to meet the evolving needs of its clients. Notably, Andritz has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in the wood processing industry. For instance, the acquisition of Paperchine Inc. in 2017, a global supplier of equipment and services for the paper industry, underscores Andritz's commitment to the wood processing sector. This acquisition, along with others like Soutec and Enviroburners, demonstrates Andritz's strategy to expand its product offerings and enhance operational efficiency for its business customers in the wood processing domain.


2. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

  • Website: dbag.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, specializing in investments in mid-sized companies. Founded in 1965, the firm has over 55 years of experience in providing capital and advisory services to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies. While DBAG primarily focuses on sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare, it has also made significant investments in the wood processing industry. Notably, the firm acquired HOMAG Group, a leading manufacturer of machinery and systems for the wood processing sector, in November 2006. Additionally, DBAG acquired FRIMO Group, which offers solutions for wood processing, in August 2016. These transactions highlight DBAG's involvement in the wood processing industry, making it a noteworthy investor in this sector.


3. Homag

  • Website: homag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schopfloch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1960
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: homag

HOMAG is a leading company specializing in woodworking machinery and software solutions, founded in 1960 and based in Schopfloch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. With a workforce of 5001-10000 employees, HOMAG provides integrated production solutions tailored for businesses in the woodworking and furniture manufacturing sectors. Their offerings include CNC machining centers and production management software aimed at improving efficiency and quality. Notably, HOMAG has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the wood processing industry, including:1. **Kallesoe Machinery A/S**: Acquired a majority interest in this Danish manufacturer of high-frequency presses for cross-laminated timber, enhancing HOMAG's capabilities in advanced timber processing.2. **System TM**: Acquired 80% of this Danish engineering and manufacturing company, which specializes in optimization and systems solutions for the timber processing industry, further expanding HOMAG's market reach.3. **Stiles Machinery**: Increased its stake to 100% in this U.S.-based distributor of advanced CNC equipment, solidifying its presence in the North American woodworking market.4. **BENZ GmbH Werkzeugsysteme**: Acquired a 51% share in this company, which is involved in tool systems for woodworking, indicating HOMAG's strategy to integrate more specialized solutions into its offerings.


4. 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 Paper+Design in 2010, which operates in the paper products sector, indicating a connection to wood processing. Other acquisitions include Nolte Group, Schiller Fleisch GmbH, GETI WILBA GmbH & Co. KG, and WMU Heat Treatment Systems for Industry and Environmental Technology GmbH, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio. Their approach helps businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring, making them a supportive partner for companies in various industries, including those related to wood processing.


5. Steadfast Capital GmbH


Steadfast Capital GmbH is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in management buy-outs and growth investments for medium-sized enterprises, providing tailored financial solutions and strategic support to help businesses navigate transitions and expand into new markets, primarily in Germany and neighboring countries. Among their notable transactions, they acquired ProFagus on June 7, 2010, a company that produces wood pellets, highlighting their engagement in the wood processing industry. Other acquisitions include Cetelon, Kautex Maschinenbau, and Kempf, which, while not directly related to wood processing, demonstrate their active investment strategy in various sectors.


6. ONE CREATION Impact finance


ONE CREATION Impact finance is a cooperative investment firm based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in impact finance and environmental technologies, aiming to provide sustainable investment opportunities that generate positive environmental impacts while ensuring stable returns. They emphasize transparency and community engagement through annual reports and newsletters. Notably, ONE CREATION participated in a funding round for Woodoo, a French biotech startup that raised $31 million to scale its platform and develop transformative materials, which may include innovative wood processing solutions. This involvement highlights their interest in the wood processing sector, alongside other ventures such as The Cascara Society and Tyre Recycling Solutions, which reflect their broader commitment to sustainability and environmental innovation.


7. Aenu

  • Website: aenu.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: pirate-impact

AENU is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on empowering climate tech founders by providing investment brokerage and advisory services, primarily targeting tech entrepreneurs addressing climate change and sustainability challenges in Europe. AENU aims to drive systemic change in venture capital through intentional investments in impactful technologies. Notably, AENU has invested in OCELL, a Munich-based startup that raised $5 million in seed funding to develop its 'Dynamic Forest' software, which is designed for sustainable forestry and launching high-quality carbon credits. This investment aligns with AENU's mission to support sustainable practices, although it does not directly indicate a focus on wood processing. Additionally, AENU has participated in other ventures like XFuel and alcemy, which, while related to sustainability, do not specifically target the wood processing industry.


8. Climate Insiders


Climate Insiders is a venture capital investment platform based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2023. The firm focuses on democratizing climate tech investments, providing individual investors with access to exclusive opportunities in startups aimed at combating climate change. They offer training, resources, and community engagement to help investors make informed decisions and maximize their impact. In 2023, Climate Insiders participated in a seed funding round for Strong by Form, a bio-composite technology company that raised €4.8 million. This investment highlights their interest in innovative materials that could intersect with the wood processing industry. Additionally, they have been involved in other seed rounds, such as Anodyne Chemistries and New Iridium, which, while not directly related to wood processing, further demonstrate their active role in the climate tech investment landscape.


9. Speedinvest

  • Website: speedinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these companies scale their operations. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has also invested in Timberhub, an Amsterdam-based B2B platform for timber materials, which raised €5.8 million in seed funding in September 2022, and $1,582,350 in a pre-seed round in May 2022. This involvement highlights Speedinvest's interest in the wood processing industry and their commitment to supporting digital transformation within this sector. Additionally, they leverage a vast network of industry experts to assist their portfolio companies, further enhancing their value proposition in the market.


10. 3A Composites


3A Composites, a division of Schweiter Technologies AG, is a corporate investor based in Cham, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in composite materials for lightweight construction solutions. Founded in 1912, the company has a workforce of 1001-5000 employees and has made significant strides in various sectors, including architecture, transport, and display. Notably, in June 2023, 3A Composites fully acquired JMB Wind Engineering, increasing its stake from 40% to 100%. This acquisition is particularly relevant as JMB focuses on balsa and PET products used in wind farms, highlighting 3A Composites' commitment to integrating wood-based materials into its portfolio. Additionally, the company has previously acquired Perspex International in December 2018, further diversifying its product offerings, although this transaction is less relevant to wood processing.


11. Munich Venture Partners


Munich Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies that are driving the eco-industrial revolution, providing funding and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including Industrial Tech, Energy Transition, Mobility & Logistics, and Agriculture & Foodtech. Notably, Munich Venture Partners has been involved in funding Kebony, a company that raised capital in both 2012 and 2018. Kebony is known for its innovative technology that enhances the sustainability and performance of wood products, making it a significant player in the wood processing context. This involvement highlights Munich Venture Partners' commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the wood industry, aligning with their broader mission of fostering eco-friendly innovations.



Wood Processing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AndritzGraz, Styria, Austria10001+18925
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
HomagSchopfloch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany5001-1000019600
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Steadfast Capital GmbHFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020010
ONE CREATION Impact financeVevey, Vaud, Switzerland11-5020100
AenuBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020229
Climate InsidersBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020233
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
3A CompositesCham, Zug, Switzerland1001-500019120
Munich Venture PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020050


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