The child development center industry in the DACH region focuses on early childhood education, providing nurturing environments for children to learn and grow. Companies range from daycare providers to educational technology firms, enhancing child care through innovative approaches. As the demand for high-quality child care continues to rise, investors are now prioritizing initiatives in this sector, recognizing the societal value it brings. Recent trends indicate a shift towards integrating technology into educational programs, offering personalized learning experiences. This progressive outlook aims to enrich early education and support developmentally aware practices.


The list features a mix of private equity firms and venture capitalists based across DACH, with established players and newer entrants. Investors range in size from small teams to large corporations, each contributing differently based on their strategic goals. Founded between 1866 and 2019, these firms showcase a strong focus on child development, as demonstrated by their notable deal counts in 2024—from Nestlé's two deals to Speedinvest's 45. The embrace of technological innovation and quality education represents a shared vision among these investors.


Top 12 Child Development Center Investors in DACH


1. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. With over USD 149 billion in assets under management, the firm is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Notably, Partners Group has made significant investments in the education sector, including the acquisition of Parmaco Oy, an education infrastructure platform in Finland, which underscores their focus on enhancing educational facilities. Additionally, their investment in EuroKids International highlights their engagement with child-focused educational services, further solidifying their relevance in the child development center industry. Their diverse portfolio also includes various sectors, but their targeted investments in education make them a noteworthy investor in this field.


2. Ananda Impact Ventures

  • Website: ananda.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: anandaventures

Ananda Impact Ventures is an impact investment firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage companies that aim to create significant social and environmental impact. They provide both investment and strategic support to entrepreneurs across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and sustainability. Notably, Ananda has invested in Kinderzentren Kunterbunt, which operates child care centers, and Little Bird GmbH, a platform that facilitates the search for child care services. These investments highlight their commitment to enhancing early childhood education and care, making them a relevant player in the child development sector. In 2024, they also invested in Ovom Care, which, while not directly related to child development centers, reflects their broader focus on impactful ventures.


3. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. The firm has been actively involved in the child development sector, particularly through its investments in Lingokids, which has raised significant funding across multiple rounds (Seed, Series A, B, and C) to develop educational content for children. This commitment to child-focused ventures highlights HV Capital's role in fostering growth in the child development space, alongside its broader investment strategy in various digital sectors.


4. Seedstars

  • Website: seedstars.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: seedstars

Seedstars is an investment and education company based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs such as acceleration, growth initiatives, and investment readiness. Seedstars operates entrepreneurship hubs and collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has participated in significant transactions relevant to child development, including QiDZ, a UAE-based startup that raised $1 million to expand its children's education and entertainment services. Additionally, they have invested in other educational technology startups like Orcas, which focuses on live learning, indicating their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for children.


5. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in Sofatutor, a German online tutoring platform that focuses on providing educational content and resources for children. This investment highlights IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions, which is crucial for child development centers looking to enhance their educational offerings. Additionally, IBB Ventures has participated in various funding rounds across different sectors, but their involvement in the education sector, particularly with companies like Sofatutor, positions them as a relevant player in the child development space.


6. W ventures

  • Website: wventures.jp
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn:

W Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing investment and consulting services to startups and established businesses across various sectors, with a focus on accelerating digital business ideas from seed to growth. They offer expertise in strategy consulting, financial management, and project development. Notably, W Ventures has been involved in several seed round investments, including Papamo, Yago, and Yondemy, which are primarily focused on educational and digital solutions. Most relevantly, they recently invested in Edukita, a company that raised funds in May 2024, indicating their active interest in the education sector, which is closely related to child development.


7. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the child development context, such as their investment in Windeln.de, which raised multiple rounds of funding to become Germany's largest online store for baby products. Additionally, they participated in Yoto's Series A funding, a company dedicated to creating engaging audio content for children, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting businesses that cater to child development and education.


8. TA Ventures

  • Website: taventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech. With a global presence, TA Ventures not only provides capital but also strategic support to help startups thrive in competitive markets. Notably, they have invested in Elemy, a digital health company focused on autism, which raised $219 million in Series B funding, highlighting their interest in child health. Additionally, they invested in Lalo, which raised $5.6 million in a Seed Round, offering products aimed at children. Their recent investment in Stepwell Care, a company that raised funds in a Pre-Seed Round, further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that can influence child development. TA Ventures actively builds networks for its portfolio companies, enhancing their growth potential.


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 startups scale their operations. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has been involved in several transactions relevant to the child development context, particularly with Playbrush, a startup that raised multiple rounds of funding (including a seed round and convertible note) to develop an interactive toothbrush aimed at making dental hygiene fun for children. This investment reflects Speedinvest's interest in innovative solutions that promote child health and development, alongside their broader tech-focused portfolio.


10. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. It offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while also focusing on nutrition. Notably, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions in the child nutrition sector, including the purchase of Gerber Products Company for $5.5 billion in 2007, which bolstered its position in the US baby food market. Additionally, in 2012, Nestlé acquired Wyeth Nutritionals for $11.85 billion, further enhancing its portfolio in child nutrition. More recently, in 2023, Nestlé Malaysia acquired Wyeth Nutrition's Malaysian unit, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the nutrition category. These transactions highlight Nestlé's strategic focus on providing nutritious food options for children, making it a relevant investor in the child development center industry.


11. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, specializing in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors. Founded in 2000, the firm has established itself as a key player in the European venture capital landscape, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. Notably, b2venture has participated in significant transactions that align with child development, such as Edurino, a digital education platform that raised €10.5 million in Series A funding, and yamo, a foodtech startup focused on children's food products, which raised €10.1 million in Series A funding. These investments highlight b2venture's commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the development and well-being of children.


12. H.I.G. European Capital Partners Gmbh


H.I.G. European Capital Partners Gmbh is a private equity investment firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and asset management, focusing on helping mid-sized businesses grow through management buyouts, special situations, and growth capital investments. One notable transaction in their portfolio is the acquisition of the International School of Europe (ISE) on November 24, 2014. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the education sector, which is closely related to child development. H.I.G. Europe aims to provide strategic guidance and capital to enhance the operations and market position of their portfolio companies, including those in the education space.



Child Development Center Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Ananda Impact VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020106
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
SeedstarsCarouge, Geneva, Switzerland201-50020126
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
W venturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-10201911
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
H.I.G. European Capital Partners GmbhHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020060


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