The business networking industry in DACH includes platforms and services that connect professionals, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Companies range from social networking sites to recruitment and coaching platforms, all focused on enhancing connectivity and collaboration among users. This industry has experienced notable growth due to increased remote work and digital transformation, creating a demand for effective networking solutions. Innovations like webinars, virtual events, and professional communities have emerged, enriching opportunities for networking. As technology continues to evolve, the industry is expected to shift towards more integrative and user-friendly platforms that facilitate engagement and foster meaningful professional relationships.


This list showcases a mix of venture capital firms and corporate investors based in the DACH region. With headquarters in cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich, these investors vary in size from small teams to multinational corporations. Founded between 1870 and 2018, they collectively made significant investments in 2024, with firms like Deutsche Bank and Speedinvest leading in deal activity. Their approaches reflect a focus on innovative startups that enhance business networking capabilities, indicating a keen interest in this growing sector.


Top 14 Business Networking Investors in DACH


1. 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. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and provides capital and strategic guidance to startups from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion. Notably, HV Capital has been involved in several significant transactions in the business networking space, particularly with InterNations GmbH, a platform that connects expatriates and facilitates global networking. HV Capital participated in multiple funding rounds for InterNations, including Seed, Series A, B, and C rounds from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, they invested in Experteer, a career service platform, further showcasing their interest in networking and professional development sectors. This diverse portfolio highlights HV Capital's commitment to supporting companies that enhance connectivity and networking opportunities.


2. 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. They leverage a vast network of industry experts to assist their portfolio companies. Notably, Speedinvest has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like CoachHub, a Berlin-based digital coaching platform that raised $200M in Series C funding, indicating their interest in platforms that enhance professional networking and development. Additionally, their investment in Gronda, an Austrian startup, highlights their commitment to supporting businesses that may facilitate networking opportunities. Overall, Speedinvest's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a relevant player in the business networking landscape.


3. 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. Among their notable transactions, Sictic participated in the funding of Goodwall, a US-focused professional network for students and graduates, which raised $10.8 million in a Series A round. They also supported Veertly, a virtual events platform, and TieTalent, a startup that aids in professional networking and recruitment. These transactions highlight Sictic's active role in the business networking sector, making them a valuable player in this space.


4. 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 prominent investment bank and financial services provider founded in 1870, headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. 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. Deutsche Bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent years, Deutsche Bank has participated in various transactions that highlight its investment strategy. For instance, they were involved in the debt financing for FirstDigital Telecom, which raised funds to support its growth plans, indicating an interest in the telecommunications sector that often overlaps with business networking. Additionally, Deutsche Bank participated in the Series C funding for Ingenio, which raised $42 million, further showcasing their engagement in sectors that may contribute to business networking solutions. Their diverse investment activities suggest a strategic approach to identifying opportunities across different industries, including those relevant to business networking.


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 capital but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in a competitive market. Notably, IBB Ventures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the business networking industry. For instance, they participated in a funding round for Jomigo, a Berlin-based recruiting tech startup that aims to innovate the headhunting market through a professionalized crowd-recruiting concept. This investment highlights their engagement in the recruitment and networking sector. Additionally, IBB Ventures has invested in blogfoster, a platform that connects brands with bloggers and influencers, further emphasizing their focus on networking within the marketing domain. Overall, IBB Ventures is committed to supporting innovative startups across various sectors, including those that enhance business networking.


6. Axel Springer

  • Website: axelspringer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: axel-springer-se

Axel Springer SE is a leading media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands such as BILD and Business Insider. The company is committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. As an investor, Axel Springer has made notable transactions in the business networking sector, including the acquisition of a majority interest in StepStone ASA, a key player in the online job portal market, which they secured in 2009. This acquisition was part of their strategy to enhance their digital business and expand internationally. Additionally, they participated in the Series B funding round for WayUp, a job marketplace, showcasing their interest in platforms that facilitate professional networking. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to investing in businesses that align with the evolving landscape of digital networking and job placement.


7. 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, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and the operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notable transactions include a $30,000 Pre-Seed investment in Fuzu in September 2020, a participation in a €3.4 million Series A round for Fuzu in March 2020, and Pre-Seed investments in Listopro and Mntrni, showcasing their active role in nurturing startups that can benefit from business networking opportunities.


8. Atlantic Labs

  • Website: atlanticlabs.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-labs

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to supporting exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey. They focus on investing in startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help these businesses grow. Notably, Atlantic Labs has invested in Startup Insider, a platform that connects entrepreneurs with investors, which is directly relevant to the business networking industry. They have also been involved in multiple funding rounds for Jodel, a local app that fosters community engagement and networking among users, further showcasing their interest in platforms that enhance connectivity and collaboration. Their diverse portfolio and commitment to fostering innovative startups make them a significant player in the venture capital landscape.


9. 3TS Capital Partners


3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors, particularly in technology, internet, media, and communications. They have been involved in several notable transactions, including a €3 million investment in eÇift, a Turkish dating website, which highlights their interest in platforms that facilitate connections and networking. Additionally, they led a €7 million Series A funding round for Boksi, a Finnish marketing platform aimed at expanding operations in Central Europe, further emphasizing their engagement in sectors that support business networking and communication. Their portfolio also includes investments in IT solutions and other technology-enabled services, reinforcing their commitment to fostering growth in the tech industry.


10. Picus Capital

  • Website: picuscap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: picus-capital

Picus Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments and partners with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and business networking. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in Joblift, a European job site that connects job seekers with employers, raising significant funds in both Series A and Series B rounds. They also participated in the seed round for Talentry, a platform that enhances employee referrals and networking within organizations. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and build sustainable category leaders globally, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and HR support to their portfolio companies.


11. 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. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Notably, Partners Group has made significant investments in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of Axia NetMedia, a Canadian fibre business, which aligns with the growing demand for high-speed networking solutions. Additionally, their equity involvement in Seaborn Networks for the Seabras-1 subsea cable project highlights their commitment to enhancing global connectivity, a critical component of business networking. Furthermore, their extensive real estate investments, such as the acquisition of 100 Peachtree in Atlanta, demonstrate their strategy of enhancing property value through active management, which can also support business networking environments.


12. Mountain Partners


Mountain Partners is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on providing funding and operational support to startups and technology companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Mountain Partners manages a diversified portfolio of VC funds aimed at empowering innovative businesses and facilitating their growth. Notable transactions include their investment in YEAY, a Gen Z video network that raised $4.9 million to build a platform for selling and networking among users. They also participated in funding rounds for tixxt and Yasni, both of which are platforms that could be associated with networking. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting companies that foster connections and interactions, which is a key aspect of business networking.


13. 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, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in Joblift, a European job site that raised $16,622,248 in a Series B round in 2019, and has also participated in earlier funding rounds for Joblift, indicating their commitment to the business networking industry. Other investments include Restorm and Cellity, showcasing their diverse portfolio in the startup ecosystem.


14. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment portfolio includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has invested in Goodwall, a US-focused professional network for students and graduates, participating in multiple funding rounds including a $10.8 million Series A round in 2018. This investment highlights their engagement in the business networking space, as Goodwall aims to expand its professional network and support career development for young professionals. Additionally, Verve Ventures has shown interest in other innovative platforms, such as Groover, a music promotion service, which further illustrates their diverse investment strategy while still maintaining a connection to networking and community-building initiatives.



Business Networking Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
SeedstarsCarouge, Geneva, Switzerland201-50020126
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
3TS Capital PartnersVienna, Vienna, Austria11-5019990
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025


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