The digital printing industry in Europe thrives on innovation, where technology meets creativity. This sector is home to numerous companies that specialize in customized printing solutions, including packaging, promotional materials, and textiles. Providers range from startups harnessing new technologies to established enterprises pushing the boundaries of traditional printing methods. With advancements in sustainability and personalization driving demand, the industry is adapting quickly. Furthermore, trends like increased online shopping are boosting the need for efficient print solutions, signaling a promising future focused on agility and the integration of digital technologies.


The list showcases 12 key investors actively engaged in the European digital printing sector. These include venture capital and private equity firms headquartered in major cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm. Ranging from larger entities like Cimpress, with over 10,000 employees, to smaller firms such as Kima Ventures, they each have distinct investment strategies and history. Their notable 2024 investments highlight their commitment to the growing domain, emphasizing rapid technological adoption and innovative business models that redefine printing solutions across diverse markets.


Top 12 Digital Printing Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally by providing a range of services including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the digital printing context, such as the investment in Prodways, which raised approximately $43 million in a venture round in 2017, focusing on 3D printing technologies. This involvement highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovation in the digital printing sector, making it a relevant player in this industry.


2. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures participated in the seed funding rounds for iskn, which raised $2 million in January 2015. iskn develops digital tools that enhance the creative process, potentially linking to the digital printing industry. Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in MatterFab, a company that focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies, which could also relate to digital printing applications. Their diverse investment strategy indicates a broad interest in innovative technologies, making them a relevant player in the digital printing sector.


3. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in the digital printing sector, including a £5.3 million investment in Pureprint, a digital and litho printer, aimed at supporting its organic growth and technology investments. Additionally, BGF invested £7 million in Hobs Reprographics, a 3D printing company, to facilitate its growth strategy and expansion of Hobs Studios across the UK. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in the digital printing industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


4. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi invested in Zyyx 3D Printer, which raised $451,395 in a venture round in 2017, highlighting their engagement in the digital printing sector. Additionally, they have supported other innovative companies such as Once Upon Publishing and Rapid Dimension, indicating a broader interest in technology and innovation. This diverse investment strategy positions Almi as a relevant player in the digital printing landscape, particularly through their support of companies that leverage advanced printing technologies.


5. Cimpress

  • Website: cimpress.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dundalk, Louth, Ireland
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: cimpress

Cimpress is a mass customization company founded in 1995, headquartered in Dundalk, Louth, Ireland. It specializes in providing personalized products such as print, signage, apparel, and packaging, primarily serving small businesses and consumers. Cimpress operates a decentralized business model that encourages entrepreneurial spirit across its various brands. Notably, Cimpress has made several strategic acquisitions in the digital printing sector, including:1. **Pixartprinting** - Acquired on April 3, 2014, for $127 million, this acquisition expanded Cimpress's reach in the online printing market.2. **WIRmachenDRUCK** - Acquired on December 21, 2015, for up to 180 million euros, this German online printing company further solidified Cimpress's presence in Europe.3. **Printdeal** - Acquired on February 18, 2014, this acquisition added to Cimpress's portfolio of digital printing services.4. **Tradeprint** - Acquired on July 31, 2015, this acquisition marked Cimpress's first manufacturing base in the UK, enhancing its operational capabilities in the region.5. **Albumprinter** - Acquired on November 1, 2011, this acquisition contributed to Cimpress's offerings in personalized photo products.Through these transactions, Cimpress has established itself as a significant player in the digital printing industry, leveraging technology and innovation to provide customized printing solutions.


6. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to businesses, assisting them in their growth and transformation while integrating economic and ESG considerations into their strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions relevant to the digital printing industry, including investments in Evolis, a company that specializes in printing solutions, and Hunkeler, known for its digital printing systems. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting innovation and development in the digital printing sector, alongside its broader investment portfolio that spans various industries.


7. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the digital printing space, such as multiple funding rounds for Photobox, which raised over $114 million across several rounds from 2005 to 2011, and Photoways, which received funding in 2006 and 2007. These investments highlight Index Ventures' engagement with companies that operate in the digital printing industry, showcasing their ability to identify and support growth in this sector.


8. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the digital printing industry, such as its investment in DyeMansion, a 3D printing startup that raised €15 million in funding, with the EIC contributing €4 million. Additionally, the EIC has supported other companies like Scrona and inPhocal through grants, indicating its active role in promoting innovation in the digital printing space.


9. CDP Venture Capital SGR


CDP Venture Capital SGR is a venture capital firm based in Rome, Italy, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting startups and innovative companies across various sectors in Italy, providing financial backing and strategic resources for growth. In 2024, they were involved in 41 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they participated in the funding of Caracol, an industrial large format 3D printing company, which raised €10.6 million in Series A funding to enhance its partner network and expand into new markets. Additionally, they invested in Zakeke, a Visual Commerce startup, which, while not directly a digital printing company, operates in a related space that leverages digital technologies for commerce. These transactions highlight CDP Venture Capital's engagement with companies that intersect with the digital printing industry, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in this field.


10. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the digital printing industry, including the acquisition of Magicard, a company specializing in ID card printing solutions, in May 2016 for approximately $32 million. Additionally, LDC backed Ingleby (1884) Ltd in its acquisition of Showcard Print, a company engaged in the production of printed materials, through a management buyout in May 2012. These investments highlight LDC's active role in the digital printing sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


11. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, the EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has been involved in significant transactions within the digital printing sector, such as its investment in DyeMansion, a 3D printing startup that raised €15 million, with the EIB contributing €11 million. Additionally, the EIB has supported companies like Ultimaker and Voxeljet, which are also part of the digital printing landscape. These investments highlight the EIB's role in fostering innovation and development in the digital printing industry.


12. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in the printing sector, including the acquisition of Euro-Druckservice in 2007, which enhances their footprint in the printing industry. Additionally, their acquisition of DC DruckChemie GmbH for €133 million in 2008 highlights their focus on companies that provide essential services and products to the printing market, particularly in printing chemicals. These transactions reflect 3i's strategy to capitalize on growth opportunities within the printing sector, making them a relevant player in the digital printing landscape.



Digital Printing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CimpressDundalk, Louth, Ireland10001+19950
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
CDP Venture Capital SGRRome, Lazio, Italy51-200201541
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453


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