The shipbuilding industry in the DACH region, comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is a vibrant sector focused on designing and constructing various types of vessels, including commercial ships, luxury yachts, and specialized marine crafts. It features a mix of large corporations and innovative SMEs, each contributing to sophisticated manufacturing processes and cutting-edge technologies. As the industry evolves, it increasingly embraces sustainability, integrating eco-friendly materials and alternative energy solutions into ship designs. Future growth is anticipated through advances in automation and digitalization, shaping more efficient operations and smarter ships to meet global maritime demands.


Among the thirteen notable investors listed, a mix of corporate ventures and venture capital firms highlights their active engagement in the shipbuilding sector. Concentrated in key cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich, these investors range from established banks like Deutsche Bank to emerging companies such as Speedinvest. Their varying sizes, ages, and 2024 investment counts showcase a robust interest in fostering innovation, addressing evolving industry needs, and backing promising startups with active involvement in maritime technology.


Top 13 Shipbuilding Investors in DACH


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 is a leading investment bank and financial services provider based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. Founded in 1870, the bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in significant transactions within the shipbuilding sector, such as the recent debt financing of $845,531,892 for Fincantieri on September 26, 2023. This transaction highlights the bank's commitment to supporting the shipbuilding industry. Additionally, Deutsche Bank has participated in various other financing activities, showcasing its broad investment capabilities across different sectors while maintaining a notable presence in shipbuilding-related financing.


2. Palfinger Ag

  • Website: palfinger.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1932
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: palfinger

Palfinger AG is a corporate investor based in Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1932. The company specializes in manufacturing cranes and lifting equipment, providing a wide range of products including knuckle boom cranes, service cranes, and marine equipment. Their offerings enhance operational efficiency and safety in heavy lifting applications across various sectors, including construction, mining, and municipal services. Notably, Palfinger has made strategic acquisitions to expand its footprint in the maritime sector. In 2010, they acquired a 75% interest in Ned-Deck Marine B.V., which specializes in manufacturing rescue boat davits, thereby enhancing their product range into ship-mounted cranes. In 2012, they further solidified their position in the marine industry by acquiring Bergen Group Dreggen, a Norwegian company, for approximately 20 million euros. These transactions highlight Palfinger's commitment to diversifying its portfolio and establishing a significant presence in the shipbuilding and marine equipment markets.


3. Cobatest

  • Website: commerzbank.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: cobatest

Cobatest, a venture capital entity under Commerzbank AG, is based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, and has been operational since 1870. The firm provides a wide range of banking services, including investment management, to both private individuals and businesses. In 2023, Cobatest was involved in a notable transaction with Meyer Turku Oy, where the shipbuilding company raised approximately $109.7 million in debt financing. This investment highlights Cobatest's engagement in the shipbuilding sector. Additionally, they participated in a $350 million post-IPO debt financing for Embraer in 2024, showcasing their broader investment strategy across various industries. However, their involvement in shipbuilding through Meyer Turku Oy is a key aspect of their investment profile.


4. Hensoldt

  • Website: hensoldt.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Taufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: hensoldt

Hensoldt AG is a defense technology company based in Taufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in sensor solutions for protection and surveillance missions. Founded in 2017, Hensoldt serves military and security organizations globally, providing advanced radar, optronics, and avionics systems. Notably, Hensoldt has made significant acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including the acquisition of Kelvin Hughes in June 2017, a company known for its maritime navigation and surveillance radar systems. This acquisition aligns with Hensoldt's strategy to strengthen its capabilities in the maritime domain, which is essential for naval operations. Additionally, Hensoldt's acquisition of EuroAvionics and ESG further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its technological expertise, although these companies primarily focus on avionics and defense technology. Overall, Hensoldt's strategic moves in the maritime sector position it as a relevant player in the shipbuilding industry.


5. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. The company has made various acquisitions to enhance its capabilities across different sectors. Notably, Siemens acquired Marine Current Turbines in 2012, which specializes in tidal power technology, reflecting its interest in marine applications. Additionally, Siemens has made other strategic acquisitions, such as COMSA, Flender, and Nextflow Software, which focus on enhancing its technological capabilities in various fields, including automotive and energy. While Siemens is not primarily a shipbuilding investor, its engagement in marine technologies through the acquisition of Marine Current Turbines positions it as a potential player in the broader marine sector.


6. Deutz Ag

  • Website: deutz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: deutzofficial

DEUTZ AG is an engine manufacturer specializing in advanced drive systems and engine technology, founded in 1864 and based in Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The company offers a range of products including diesel, hydrogen, and electric engines, as well as spare parts and maintenance services. Its customers primarily include businesses in agriculture, construction, and transportation. In recent years, DEUTZ AG has expanded its focus to include investments in alternative powertrains, particularly in the maritime sector. Notably, in 2017, DEUTZ AG acquired Torqeedo, a leader in electric propulsion systems for boats, enhancing its capabilities in the maritime industry. Furthermore, in 2021, DEUTZ AG acquired an 11.91% stake in Blue World Technologies for €7.5 million, a company developing methanol fuel cell technology, which is crucial for sustainable maritime applications. In 2022, they participated in a €37 million series B funding round for Blue World Technologies, further supporting the development of fuel cell applications for the maritime sector. These strategic investments highlight DEUTZ AG's commitment to advancing technologies that are applicable to shipbuilding and maritime operations.


7. Gurit

  • Website: gurit.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1835
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: gurit

Gurit Services AG, founded in 1835 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a corporate investor specializing in advanced composite materials and engineering solutions. The company serves various sectors, including wind energy, marine, and industrial applications, providing products such as core materials, prepregs, and tooling services. In 2022, Gurit made significant strides in the marine sector by acquiring a 60% share of Fiberline Composites A/S for CHF 58 million. Fiberline is known for manufacturing pultruded carbon and glass fiber products, which are crucial for wind blade production, but also have applications in marine construction. This acquisition, along with their strategic focus on enhancing manufacturing processes and product performance, positions Gurit as a relevant player in the shipbuilding industry.


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 investing in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech. With a global presence, TA Ventures provides capital and strategic support to help startups grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions within the maritime sector, such as Seafair, a maritime recruitment platform that raised $5.7 million to enhance technology for seafarer vetting, and Shipfix, a provider of a dry cargo shipping platform that raised $4.5 million in seed funding. These investments highlight TA Ventures' engagement in the maritime industry, making them a relevant player in the shipbuilding context.


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 engaged in investments relevant to the maritime industry, such as Seafair, a maritime recruitment platform that raised $5.7 million to enhance technology for seafarer vetting, and Harbor Lab, which raised €6.1 million for its shipping disbursement analysis software. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's interest in supporting innovations that can impact the shipbuilding and maritime sectors.


10. Ottobock

  • Website: ottobock.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Duderstadt, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1919
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: otto-bock

Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA is a corporate investor based in Duderstadt, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1919. The company specializes in medical devices, particularly orthopedic technology, offering products such as prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, and exoskeletons aimed at enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities. In 2013, Ottobock made a significant move into the shipbuilding industry by acquiring an 80% share in Baltic Yachts, a Finnish superyacht builder. This acquisition was aimed at merging the technological expertise of both companies across various sectors, including Medtech, Aerospace, Automotive, and Green Energy. This strategic investment highlights Ottobock's interest in the shipbuilding sector, particularly in the luxury yacht market, while still maintaining its core focus on healthcare and mobility solutions.


11. Munich Re

  • Website: munichre.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1880
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: munich-re

Munich Reinsurance Company, founded in 1880 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading global provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Munich Re specializes in a diverse range of services, including property/casualty and life/health reinsurance. The company is known for its innovative insurance products and consulting services aimed at helping businesses manage risks effectively. In 2008, Munich Re acquired Roanoke Trade Services Inc., a US marine insurance underwriting agency and broker, for $52.5 million, enhancing its distribution capabilities in the marine sector. This acquisition reflects Munich Re's strategic interest in the maritime industry, which is closely linked to shipbuilding. Additionally, Munich Re Ventures has invested in various sectors, including cleantech, indicating a broader investment strategy that includes innovative solutions across different industries.


12. TecPier

  • Website: tecpier.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: tecpier

TecPier GmbH & Co. KG is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage B2B technology startups within the maritime, logistics, and supply chain sectors. TecPier provides funding and support to help these startups develop innovative solutions and technologies that address the needs of businesses in these industries. Notably, TecPier has participated in significant transactions such as Harbor Lab, a Greece-based startup that raised €6.1 million for its shipping disbursement analysis software, and FlowFox, a Hamburg-based startup that closed a pre-series-A funding round with an undisclosed seven-figure sum. These investments highlight TecPier's commitment to advancing technology in the maritime sector, making them a relevant player in the shipbuilding industry.


13. Nabtesco Technology Ventures


Nabtesco Technology Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in strategic investments in industrial-technology start-ups globally, particularly in sectors such as robotics and artificial intelligence. In 2024, Nabtesco Technology Ventures participated in a $12 million funding round for Sea Machines Robotics, a company dedicated to developing autonomous control systems and advanced perception technology for maritime vessels. This investment highlights Nabtesco's commitment to enhancing innovation within the maritime sector, showcasing its role in supporting technologies that are crucial for the future of shipbuilding and maritime operations.



Shipbuilding Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Palfinger AgBergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19320
CobatestFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1-1018706
HensoldtTaufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany5001-1000020171
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Deutz AgHerten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500018644
GuritZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1001-500018350
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
OttobockDuderstadt, Lower Saxony, Germany5001-1000019192
Munich ReMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+18802
TecPierHamburg, Hamburg, Germany1-1020180
Nabtesco Technology VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-1020185


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