The hedge funds industry in Europe is vibrant and multifaceted. It focuses on pooled investments that utilize various strategies to maximize returns, benefiting from market volatility. Constituents range from established firms like investment banks to newer tech-driven asset managers. Rising interest in alternative assets, especially in sectors like technology and sustainability, is shaping future investments. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and growing appetite for transparency, hedge funds are adapting, exploring innovative strategies and markets. As global economic conditions remain uncertain, Europe's hedge funds are pivoting towards agility, aiming to capture emerging opportunities in both traditional and emerging asset classes.


The investors featured in this list include a mix of corporate giants, private equity firms, and venture capital players. Predominantly headquartered in major financial hubs like London, Frankfurt, and Paris, these firms vary in size, from smaller players to industry titans with over 10,000 employees. Founded in different eras, some like Deutsche Bank have been around for over a century, while newer entrants like CLI Capital emerged within the past two decades. In 2024 alone, these investors collectively made over 150 deals, illustrating a competitive and active investment environment across Europe.


Top 13 Hedge Funds Investors in Europe


1. 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 leading investment bank and financial services provider. The bank offers a comprehensive 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 markets. Notably, Deutsche Bank has engaged in significant transactions such as the acquisition of British stockbroker Numis for £410 million, which reflects its strategy to expand its investment capabilities. Additionally, the bank has participated in debt financing transactions, such as raising $450 million for Mirae Asset and $682 million for Azora, indicating its involvement in capital markets that are often utilized by hedge funds. Furthermore, the acquisition of RREEF for $440 million highlights Deutsche Bank's commitment to expanding its asset management and investment services, which are crucial for hedge fund operations.


2. Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland)


Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland) is a prominent financial services provider based in London, England, established in 2003. The firm offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including fund administration, regulatory compliance, and digital banking services, catering to asset managers, corporates, family offices, and financial institutions. In recent years, Apex has significantly expanded its footprint in the asset management sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2018, they acquired M.M. Warburg & CO's Asset Management and Servicing business in Luxembourg, adding approximately $50 billion to their assets under administration (AuA). In 2020, they further strengthened their position by acquiring Fundrock, a move that bolstered their service offerings. In 2021, the acquisition of Tzur Management, an Israeli fund administration services provider, added $13 billion in AuA to their portfolio. Additionally, their acquisition of Efficient Group (Pty) in 2023 aimed to enhance their services in South Africa. These transactions highlight Apex Group's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the hedge fund industry and supporting asset managers with comprehensive financial services.


3. Deutsche Börse

  • Website: deutsche-boerse.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Eschborn, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-borse

Deutsche Börse AG is a prominent financial services company based in Eschborn, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1990. With over 10,000 employees, it provides a comprehensive range of solutions including trading, clearing, and investment management services. The firm serves asset managers and institutional investors, facilitating efficient market operations and investment strategies through advanced technology and analytics. Notably, Deutsche Börse has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the financial market. In 2020, it acquired a majority stake in Quantitative Brokers, enhancing its focus on the buy side with advanced execution algorithms and analytics. In 2023, it further expanded its portfolio by acquiring SimCorp for over $4.3 billion, a move that strengthens its investment management capabilities. Additionally, Deutsche Börse acquired an 80% stake in Institutional Shareholder Services, a leading provider of governance and ESG data, which is crucial for hedge funds focusing on responsible investing. Their involvement in funding rounds, such as with Forge Global, indicates a commitment to innovative financial solutions that can benefit hedge funds. Overall, Deutsche Börse's strategic investments and acquisitions position it as a key player in the hedge fund industry.


4. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, CVC manages approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Notable transactions include the acquisition of iShares in 2009 for $4.5 billion, which showcases its capability in managing large-scale investments. In 2021, CVC enhanced its secondaries platform by acquiring Glendower Capital, a UK secondaries firm, which significantly bolstered its presence in the hedge fund space. More recently, in 2023, CVC acquired a majority stake in DIF Capital Partners for €1 billion, further diversifying its investment portfolio. These transactions reflect CVC's strategic approach to delivering sustainable value and growth through a variety of investment avenues, including those relevant to hedge funds.


5. Six

  • Website: six-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: sixgroup

SIX is a financial services company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2008. It operates key financial market infrastructure and provides a range of services including securities transactions, payment processing, and financial information services to a diverse clientele, primarily consisting of financial institutions and businesses. In 2024, SIX has been involved in several significant transactions, including the acquisition of Swiss Fund Data, which enhances their data capabilities in the asset management space. They also participated in funding rounds for fintech companies such as Fundcraft, which raised €5 million in a Series A round, and Keyrock, a crypto market maker that raised $72 million in a Series B round. These investments reflect SIX's commitment to advancing financial technology and supporting the infrastructure that underpins hedge fund operations.


6. Schroders

  • Website: schroders.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1804
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: schroders

Schroders plc is a prominent asset management firm based in London, England, with a history dating back to 1804. The firm provides a wide range of investment management and wealth management services, catering to high net worth individuals, family offices, and financial advisers. Schroders focuses on delivering sustainable returns and addressing the complexities of investment management. Notably, they have made significant investments in various sectors, including a majority stake in BlueOrchard Finance, a leader in microfinance and impact investing, which reflects their commitment to sustainability. Additionally, their acquisition of a minority stake in Forteus, a blockchain and digital assets firm, showcases their strategy to enter the digital asset space. Furthermore, their involvement in Nutmeg, an online wealth manager, highlights their interest in innovative financial solutions. These transactions illustrate Schroders' active engagement in diverse investment strategies, including those relevant to hedge funds.


7. Apax

  • Website: apax.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services sectors. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation. Notably, Apax completed the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Psagot Investment House Ltd in 2010, which is the largest asset management business in Israel, managing over $38.3 billion in assets. This transaction highlights Apax's involvement in the asset management sector, which is closely related to hedge funds. Additionally, Apax has made various acquisitions, such as GNB Vida, which had total assets of €5.1 billion, further showcasing their capacity to manage significant investments. Apax serves institutional investors seeking to enhance their capital through strategic investments, which may include hedge funds as part of their diversified investment approach.


8. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in alternative asset management, offering a diverse range of services that include private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital caters to a wide array of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking tailored financing solutions to support their growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital has been involved in various significant transactions, such as participating in the debt financing for Apax Partners and contributing to the €500 million private placement for Pegasus Acquisition Company Europe B.V., which is recognized as the largest European SPAC to date. These activities highlight Tikehau's engagement in the financial markets and its potential relevance to hedge fund investments.


9. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1969. The firm specializes in private equity, private debt, and real assets, providing tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across diverse sectors such as technology and healthcare. Eurazeo has made significant strides in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Notably, in 2018, Eurazeo acquired Idinvest Partners, enhancing its capabilities in private equity and venture capital, which are often aligned with hedge fund strategies. Furthermore, Eurazeo's acquisition of a 30% minority stake in Rhône Capital LLC, a firm known for its hedge fund operations, underscores its engagement in the hedge fund space. Their investment in NeoXam, a financial services software provider, also reflects their strategic approach to investing in sectors that support financial services, which can be relevant to hedge fund operations. Overall, Eurazeo's diverse investment portfolio and strategic acquisitions position it as a relevant player in the hedge fund industry.


10. Maven 11

  • Website: maven11.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: maven11

Maven 11 is an investment firm based in Amsterdam, specializing in blockchain and distributed ledger technology. Founded in 2015, the firm focuses on providing investment and active support to founders in the crypto space, helping them navigate market complexities. In 2024 alone, Maven 11 has made 27 investments, showcasing their active role in the investment landscape. Notable transactions include participation in the $4.6 million angel funding round for OrBit Markets, a liquidity provider in crypto options, and involvement in the funding rounds for Maple Finance, a DeFi platform. Their investments in companies like Finoa and Potion Labs further highlight their commitment to the blockchain ecosystem, which is increasingly relevant to hedge fund strategies as the financial landscape evolves.


11. LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)

  • Website: lseg.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: london-stock-exchange-group

LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) is a prominent financial services provider based in London, specializing in financial markets infrastructure and data. Founded in 2018, LSEG has grown to become a key player in the financial sector, offering a wide range of services including analytics, trading solutions, and regulatory reporting. The company has made significant investments in the hedge fund context, notably acquiring Russell Investments in 2014 for $2.7 billion, which enhances its capabilities in asset management and investment services. Additionally, LSEG's acquisition of a 4.92% stake in Euroclear for €278.5 million in 2019 reflects its strategy to strengthen operational relationships within the financial ecosystem. Furthermore, LSEG's participation in funding rounds for companies like PrimaryBid showcases its interest in innovative financial technologies that can support hedge fund operations and investment strategies. Overall, LSEG's diverse investment portfolio and strategic acquisitions position it as a relevant player in the hedge fund industry.


12. Fnz

  • Website: fnz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: fnz

Fnz is a financial services company based in London, England, founded in 2004. It provides a global, end-to-end wealth management platform that serves over 650 financial institutions and 12,000 wealth managers, reaching more than 24 million end investors. The company simplifies complex operational processes, enabling clients to deliver personalized investment solutions. In recent years, Fnz has made several strategic acquisitions and investments that enhance its capabilities in the investment landscape. Notably, in May 2022, Fnz participated in a Series A funding round for Titanbay, a platform focused on alternative assets, which will be integrated into Fnz's marketplace. Additionally, Fnz has acquired Ifsam, Fondsdepot Bank, and Diamos AG, further expanding its asset management and investment service offerings. These transactions highlight Fnz's active role in the investment sector, including areas relevant to hedge funds.


13. Nordic Capital

  • Website: nordiccapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nordic-capital

Nordic Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, and partners with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements in its portfolio companies. Nordic Capital has a strong focus on creating long-term value and sustainability in its investments, catering primarily to institutional investors seeking sustainable investment opportunities. Notably, Nordic Capital has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the hedge fund context, such as the acquisition of MFEX, a leading independent fund platform in Europe and Asia, which highlights its engagement in the fund management space. Additionally, their acquisition of Hargreaves Lansdown, a major player in the business services sector, further underscores their strategic interest in financial services, which often intersects with hedge fund activities. Other notable acquisitions include Orc Group and Nordnet, both of which are relevant to the financial and investment sectors.



Hedge Funds Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+20036
Deutsche BörseEschborn, Hesse, Germany10001+19903
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
SixZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1001-500020088
SchrodersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000018044
ApaxLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019818
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
Maven 11Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201527
LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+20184
FnzLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000020041
Nordic CapitalStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-500198910


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