The automobile e-commerce platform industry in DACH is rapidly transforming how vehicles are bought and sold. Companies here create online marketplaces, facilitate transactions, and offer comprehensive services like financing, inspection, and delivery. Industry players range from established car marketplaces to startups focusing on niche services such as vehicle subscriptions and peer-to-peer sales. The shift towards digitalization means consumers now expect convenience and efficiency. Future growth trends include integrating artificial intelligence for personalized shopping experiences and expanding services to include sustainable mobility options. As electric vehicles become mainstream, companies assisting in their sales will also gain traction.


In 2024, the list of investors comprises corporate and venture capital firms concentrated in DACH, each making notable contributions to the automobile e-commerce sector. Predominantly based in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Berlin, these investors vary in size, from small firms managing fewer than 50 professionals to major corporations with over 10,000 employees. Founded between 1883 and 2015, they had varied funding levels, with some like HV Capital engaged in 28 deals, showcasing a vibrant investment environment brimming with opportunities in digital mobility.


Top 15 Automobile E Commerce Platform 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 supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in the automobile e-commerce sector, including a $10 million Series C investment in Carmudi, a car classified site, and a Series A investment in Carsale24. Additionally, they participated in a $60 million Series B funding round for CarOnSale. These investments highlight HV Capital's commitment to the automobile e-commerce industry, alongside their broader focus on digital startups across Europe.


2. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. Rocket Internet has a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors, including eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech. Notably, in the automobile e-commerce sector, Rocket Internet has invested in Dealerdirect Global BV, an online marketplace for second-hand vehicles, which raised €8M in funding to expand its operations in Europe. Additionally, Rocket Internet invested in Carspring, a company focused on the online car sales market, during its seed round. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the automobile e-commerce space.


3. Mercedes-Benz AG

  • Website: mercedes-benz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1883
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: mercedes-benz_ag

Mercedes-Benz AG, founded in 1883 and based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading automobile manufacturer renowned for its luxury vehicles and vans. The company is committed to quality and performance, offering a range of cars equipped with advanced technology. In addition to its manufacturing and retail operations, Mercedes-Benz AG has made strategic investments in the automobile e-commerce platform sector. Notably, they led a £25 million funding round for Carwow, a London-based car marketplace, which emphasizes their interest in online car sales. Furthermore, they participated in a $92 million Series D funding round for Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, which highlights their engagement with innovative business models in the automotive space. These transactions reflect Mercedes-Benz AG's strategy to adapt to the evolving landscape of vehicle sales and sharing, making them a relevant investor in the automobile e-commerce platform industry.


4. 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 early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, but has also made significant investments in the automotive sector. Noteworthy transactions include a $2 million seed investment in CarPrice.ru, an online platform for buying and selling cars, and multiple rounds of funding for Bipi, a Spanish car-as-a-service marketplace, where they participated in both Series A and Series B financing rounds. Additionally, they invested in Etachki and Caroobi, further showcasing their commitment to the automotive e-commerce landscape. TA Ventures not only provides capital but also strategic support to help startups thrive in competitive markets, making them a valuable partner for companies in the automobile e-commerce space.


5. 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. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has been involved in several transactions relevant to the automobile sector, including their investment in Moove, a Nigerian automobile financing startup. Moove has raised significant funding, including a $23 million Series A round in August 2021 and a $40 million debt financing round in March 2022. This involvement highlights Speedinvest's interest in the automotive space, particularly in innovative financing solutions that support the growth of automobile e-commerce platforms.


6. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups. Their services include consulting in technology and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has invested in kfzteile24, a Berlin-based online retailer for automobile parts and accessories, which raised a seven-figure funding round from Project A Ventures. This investment highlights their engagement in the automobile e-commerce sector. Additionally, they have a history of supporting various tech startups, indicating a broad investment strategy that includes the automobile industry.


7. 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 prominent 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 dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. As an investor, Axel Springer has made notable acquisitions in the automobile e-commerce sector, including a 52.1% stake in CarWale, India's leading automotive internet portal, for $3.6 billion in 2010. This acquisition highlights their strategic interest in the automotive market. Additionally, they acquired 83% of AutoReflex.com, a French motor portal, in 2011, further expanding their footprint in the automotive digital space. Their investment in Car&Boat Media, which includes a complete takeover of La Centrale, also reflects their commitment to automotive-related platforms. Overall, Axel Springer's investments indicate a strong presence in the automobile e-commerce industry.


8. Volkswagen Group Investor Relations


Volkswagen Group Investor Relations is a corporate investor based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, and is part of one of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. Founded in 1937, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and operates through a multi-brand strategy that includes various automotive brands and energy solutions. In recent years, Volkswagen has made significant investments and acquisitions that reflect its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector. Notably, the acquisition of Europcar in June 2021 highlights Volkswagen's interest in expanding its mobility services, which is a crucial aspect of the automobile e-commerce landscape. Furthermore, their investment in Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group aims to strengthen their competitive position in China, a key market for e-commerce in the automotive industry. These strategic moves indicate Volkswagen's intent to integrate e-commerce solutions into their business model, making them a relevant player in the automobile e-commerce platform space.


9. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has made significant investments in the e-commerce space, including a stake in Yatego, a comprehensive business-to-consumer e-commerce platform, and Cluno, a car subscription provider. Their investment in Cluno, which raised €12.4 million in a Series B extension, highlights their engagement in the automotive sector, particularly in innovative models that enhance consumer access to vehicles. This diverse portfolio reflects Acton Capital's commitment to supporting growth strategies that align with evolving market trends.


10. Mountain Partners


Mountain Partners is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and focuses 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. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Carnovo, a car comparison platform that raised €6.5 million to enhance its digital car buying process and expand into new markets. They also participated in the funding of Speero, a Riyadh-based digital automotive services startup, which aims to create a SaaS-enabled marketplace for automotive services. These investments highlight Mountain Partners' active role in the automobile e-commerce platform industry.


11. Porsche Ventures

  • Website: porsche.ventures
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: porsche-ventures

Porsche Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across mobility, industrial technology, and sustainability sectors. With a focus on supporting startups, Porsche Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network of industry connections. In 2024, they have already made nine investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, Porsche Ventures has invested in KeySavvy, which aims to transform private party vehicle transactions by addressing payment and title fraud risks, and in Carputty, which raised significant funding to enhance its platform for vehicle transactions. These investments highlight Porsche Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation in the automobile e-commerce sector, making them a key player in this industry.


12. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments across Europe. The firm focuses on providing capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative startups in various sectors, including mobility and SaaS. Notably, Cherry Ventures has invested in several companies within the automobile e-commerce space, such as AUTO1 Group, which raised seed funding in 2013, and Drover, a subscription car service that received Series A and Series B funding in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Caroobi, a platform aimed at expanding car repair services. These transactions highlight Cherry Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that are transforming the automotive industry.


13. Earlybird Venture Capital


Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. The firm provides financial resources and strategic support to early-stage companies, particularly in sectors such as digital health and deep tech. Notably, Earlybird has invested in several companies within the automobile e-commerce space, including InstaMotion, which raised €24 million in Series B funding, and Faircado, which secured €500K in pre-seed funding. Additionally, they have a history of supporting carpooling.com, which, while not a direct e-commerce platform, is related to transportation and mobility. These investments highlight Earlybird's commitment to nurturing innovative startups in the automotive sector.


14. Bosch

  • Website: bosch.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, headquartered in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, Bosch operates across various sectors, including mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. In 2022, Bosch acquired a 26% minority stake in Autozilla Solutions, an Indian digital B2B marketplace for the independent aftermarket, to bolster its e-commerce capabilities in the auto parts sector. This strategic move aims to enhance spare parts procurement efficiency and expand Bosch's market presence in India. Additionally, Bosch has participated in funding rounds for companies like Shop-Ware, which focuses on automotive repair shop management software, further demonstrating its active role in the automobile e-commerce platform space.


15. 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 Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, focusing on early-stage technology investments. They partner with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech and healthcare, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and HR support. Notably, Picus Capital has made significant investments in FINN, a car subscription platform, participating in multiple funding rounds: a Seed round in December 2019, Series A in December 2020, Series B in May 2022, and Series C in January 2024. These investments highlight their interest and active role in the automobile e-commerce platform industry, as FINN aims to expand its services across the U.S. and Europe, leveraging the funds to enhance its core technology and hiring capabilities.



Automobile E Commerce Platform Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
Mercedes-Benz AGStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18831
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
Volkswagen Group Investor RelationsWolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany10001+19371
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
Porsche VenturesStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany11-5020189
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528


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