The socially responsible investing industry in DACH focuses on integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into investment decisions. This sector includes private equity firms, venture capitalists, and corporate investors, all aiming to generate positive impacts while delivering financial returns. Companies are increasingly evaluating their portfolios to align with societal values and sustainability goals. Particularly within DACH, there's a rise in investments targeting climate tech, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. Interest in socially responsible investing has surged as investors seek both financial gains and meaningful contributions to critical global challenges, reflecting a shift towards more ethical investment practices.


In 2024, a varied group of 12 socially responsible investing investors emerged in the DACH region, showcasing a wide spectrum of investment types – from private equity to venture capital. They range in size from small teams of 1-50 to large entities with over 10,000 employees, and were established as early as 1962 and as recently as 2022. These investors collectively made nearly 300 deals, indicating robust activity in the market and a commitment to sustainability. Prominent names include Deutsche Bank and Partners Group, reflecting strong foundations in both corporate and private equity investment models.


Top 12 Socially Responsible Investing 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 an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Partners Group has been involved in several significant transactions, including the acquisition of Empira, a real estate investment management firm, which enhances their exposure to real estate credit. This aligns with sustainable investment practices. Additionally, their investment in Citivale Group Holdings Ltd, a developer focusing on logistics and light industrial assets, reflects a strategic move towards sustainable infrastructure development. These transactions highlight Partners Group's potential alignment with socially responsible investing principles, despite their broader investment focus.


2. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider. With over 10,000 employees, the bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. In 2024, Deutsche Bank was involved in 32 investments, showcasing its active role in the financial market. Notably, Deutsche Bank has participated in significant debt financing transactions that have implications for socially responsible investing. For example, they helped Grasshopper Solar raise over $210 million for solar energy projects, and they also supported Adani New Industries in securing $394 million for solar module manufacturing. Additionally, Deutsche Bank facilitated a $250 million financing for Redaptive, a company focused on energy efficiency solutions. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's involvement in sectors that contribute to sustainability and renewable energy, although their association with companies facing scrutiny for environmental practices complicates their overall profile as a socially responsible investor.


3. Deg

  • Website: deginvest.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: deg

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1962. As a development finance institution, DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and job creation. DEG supports businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, helping them access capital and expert guidance for growth. Notably, DEG has been involved in several transactions that reflect its commitment to socially responsible investing, such as a grant to SOLshare, which raised $2.2 million for sustainable energy initiatives. Additionally, DEG has participated in significant debt financing for companies like Ronesans Holding and AXIAN, which may also contribute to sustainable development goals in their respective regions. These activities underscore DEG's role in promoting sustainable economic growth and development.


4. 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. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have made significant investments in companies that align with socially responsible investing principles. For instance, they led a €3.3M funding round for Purpose Green, a climate technology company, and participated in funding rounds for Tulipshare, a platform that empowers investors to engage in responsible investing. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address social and environmental challenges.


5. 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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to transforming sustainable food systems. With a team size of 11-50, the firm provides funding and resources to mission-aligned entrepreneurs in the bioeconomy, particularly those innovating in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include their investment in Green Monday Holdings, a company focused on plant-based food solutions, and multiple rounds of funding for abillion, a social commerce platform that encourages plant-based lifestyles. Their investments in California Cultured and abillionveg further illustrate their commitment to supporting sustainable food initiatives and impactful change in the food industry.


6. 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 specializes in empowering climate tech founders by providing investment brokerage and advisory services. Aenu targets tech entrepreneurs who are addressing climate change and sustainability challenges, primarily in Europe. Their mission is to drive systemic change in venture capital through intentional investments in impactful technologies. Notable transactions include their participation in the seed rounds for Carbon Equity, which focuses on carbon offsetting, and their involvement in the Series B funding for Agreena, a climate-focused fintech firm that supports carbon farming initiatives. These investments highlight Aenu's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability.


7. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has made 9 investments in 2024. One of their notable investments is in OwnHome, a fintech company that provides an innovative rent-to-own model for home ownership, helping individuals and families overcome the barriers of large down payments and rising property prices. In addition to OwnHome, Possible Ventures has invested in several other companies that align with socially responsible investing principles. For instance, they participated in the seed funding of CIRCA5000, which focuses on democratizing access to sustainable investments, and Solid World, which aims to enhance the efficiency of carbon markets. Their investment in Renoster Systems, which is dedicated to improving transparency in carbon offset projects, further underscores their commitment to environmental sustainability. Overall, Possible Ventures is actively supporting initiatives that promote social equity and environmental responsibility.


8. Planet A Ventures

  • Website: planet-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: planet-a

Planet A Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2020, dedicated to investing in green technology startups across Europe and Israel. The firm aims to support founders who are tackling significant environmental challenges through innovative solutions. Planet A not only provides financial investment but also offers mentorship and resources to help these startups scale effectively. In 2023, Planet A participated in a capital increase for The Landbanking Group, which focuses on sustainable land use, raising €10.5 million in a seed round. Additionally, they invested in Unwritten, a startup that raised $3.5 million in a seed round in 2024, further showcasing their commitment to supporting socially responsible ventures. Their focus on green technology and sustainable practices positions them as a key player in the socially responsible investing landscape.


9. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments that support the energy and ecological transition, focusing on sustainable development. With a team size of 11-50, Demeter-Partners provides funding and strategic guidance to innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies. Notable transactions include a significant investment in Lita.co, which raised over $12 million to support sustainable projects, and Deepki, which raised $2.3 million to enhance energy efficiency through data solutions. Additionally, their investment in ICTYOS, which raised nearly $1.6 million in a seed round, further emphasizes their commitment to ecological solutions. Overall, Demeter-Partners manages a diverse portfolio aimed at promoting sustainability and ecological innovation.


10. Glencore

  • Website: glencore.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: glencore

Glencore plc is a multinational commodity trading and mining company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1978. With over 10,000 employees, Glencore operates in the sectors of metals, minerals, and energy, supplying essential commodities such as copper, cobalt, and oil to various industries. The company emphasizes responsible sourcing and sustainability in its operations. Recently, Glencore has been involved in several significant transactions that reflect its strategic focus on critical resources. For instance, the acquisition of the remaining 56.25% stake in the MARA project from Pan American Silver for $475 million highlights its commitment to expanding its portfolio in the mining sector, particularly in copper, which is vital for renewable energy applications. Additionally, Glencore's involvement in financing projects like Genvision Power, which raised $20 million in a seed round, indicates its interest in supporting innovative energy solutions. These transactions suggest that Glencore is actively engaging in sectors that align with the principles of socially responsible investing, despite its mixed reputation in terms of environmental and social governance.


11. responsAbility Investments AG


responsAbility Investments AG is an impact investment firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in managing investments in emerging markets with a strong emphasis on financial inclusion, climate finance, and sustainable food production. responsAbility aims to provide investment solutions that generate positive societal and environmental impacts alongside financial returns, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Notable transactions include their investment in FINCA Microfinance Holding Company, which focuses on expanding financial services to the working poor, and their support for U Gro Capital, which aims to back MSME-focused companies in India. In 2024, responsAbility also participated in significant debt financing for AMPIN Energy Transition and BluSmart Mobility, both of which are aligned with sustainable energy and mobility solutions. These activities underscore responsAbility's commitment to socially responsible investing.


12. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. In 2024, Sictic has been involved in 77 investments, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, Sictic has invested in ESG Explorer, a startup that focuses on environmental, social, and governance factors, highlighting its commitment to socially responsible investing. Other investments include Selma Finance, which has raised significant funding rounds, indicating Sictic's engagement with companies that may have a positive social impact. Overall, Sictic's focus on technology startups, combined with its involvement in socially responsible ventures, positions it as a relevant player in the socially responsible investing landscape.



Socially Responsible Investing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
AenuBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020229
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Planet A VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020207
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
GlencoreBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19783
responsAbility Investments AGZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-50020039
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477


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