The investment casting industry in DACH focuses on producing intricate metal components through melting and molding techniques. Companies range from specialized foundries to larger manufacturers, serving sectors like automotive, aerospace, and defense. As the demand for high-performing parts grows, the industry is shifting towards innovative solutions, including sustainable practices and digitalization in production. Recent trends show a heightened focus on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing efficiency, pushing firms to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. Notably, organizations are also exploring additive manufacturing to complement traditional casting methods, leading to more agile and flexible production environments.


This article examines 15 investment casting investors within the DACH region, encompassing private equity firms, corporate giants, and venture capital players. Predominantly based in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, these investors vary in size and experience, with founding years dating back to the early 19th century. In 2024, they collectively engaged in 70 transactions, reflecting active interest in supporting innovative companies—particularly in manufacturing and technology sectors that intersect with investment casting practices. Their strategic financial backing plays a crucial role in advancing industry development.


Top 15 Investment Casting Investors in DACH


1. Wieland Group

  • Website: wieland.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1820
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: wielandgroup

Wieland Group is a prominent manufacturer specializing in semi-finished products made from copper and copper alloys, serving various industries including automotive and aerospace. Founded in 1820 and based in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the company has a global presence and emphasizes sustainability and innovation in its product offerings. In recent years, Wieland has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio. Notably, they acquired Morgan Bronze Products, Inc., a manufacturer of precision machined finished parts, which aligns with the needs of the aerospace and defense sectors. Additionally, their acquisition of Busby Metals, a leading service provider of specialized copper-based alloys, further strengthens their position in the aerospace market. These transactions reflect Wieland's commitment to expanding its capabilities in high-quality materials and components, which are essential in industries that often utilize investment casting processes.


2. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

  • Website: dbag.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1965. The firm specializes in investments in mid-sized companies, providing capital and advisory services to enhance growth potential. With over 55 years of experience, Deutsche Beteiligungs AG has a successful fund advisory business and focuses on sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare. Notably, they have made significant investments in companies relevant to the investment casting industry, including the acquisition of Silbitz Group in 2015, which is involved in the production of castings. Additionally, their acquisition of Gienanth in 2014 further emphasizes their engagement in the casting sector, as Gienanth specializes in manufacturing cast iron products. These transactions highlight Deutsche Beteiligungs AG's strategic interest in companies that contribute to the investment casting industry.


3. AM Ventures


AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in additive manufacturing technologies, supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the industrial 3D printing sector by providing funding and strategic guidance. They focus on fostering innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry. Notable transactions include a Series A investment in Headmade Materials, which raised approximately $2.83 million, and multiple seed rounds for Fortius Metals, which raised $2 million in 2022 and another $2 million in 2024 to scale manufacturing capacity and accelerate its go-to-market strategy. These investments highlight AM Ventures' commitment to advancing technologies that could intersect with investment casting processes.


4. 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. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a controlling stake in Dynacast International, a key player in the investment casting industry, for an enterprise value of USD 1.1 billion in 2015. This acquisition highlights their strategic interest in the investment casting sector. Additionally, they have engaged in various other transactions, such as acquiring Imperial Machine and Tool Company, which may also relate to manufacturing and tooling aspects relevant to investment casting.


5. RHI Magnesita

  • Website: rhimagnesita.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1834
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: rhi-magnesita

RHI Magnesita N.V. is a leading refractory manufacturer based in Vienna, Austria, established in 1834. The company specializes in high-grade refractory products, systems, and services tailored for various industrial sectors, including steel, cement, and foundry. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, RHI Magnesita operates globally, providing solutions that improve operational efficiency and safety in high-temperature processes. In 2023, RHI Magnesita announced the acquisition of Seven Refractories, which includes operations in Europe, India, and the US, aimed at enhancing their non-basic refractories portfolio and developing low CO2 emitting manufacturing technologies. Additionally, they entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Resco Products for up to $430 million, which will bolster their presence in North America and expand their refractory product offerings. These strategic acquisitions highlight RHI Magnesita's commitment to strengthening its position in the refractory market, which is integral to the investment casting industry.


6. Andritz

  • Website: andritz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Graz, Styria, Austria
  • Founded year: 1892
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: andritz

Andritz AG, founded in 1892 and headquartered in Graz, Styria, Austria, is a leading technology provider specializing in industrial equipment and solutions across various sectors, including pulp and paper, metals, and energy. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Andritz focuses on innovation and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability for its business customers. The company has been active in various acquisitions to strengthen its market position, including the acquisition of Herr-Voss Stamco, which specializes in metal processing equipment, and Kempulp, a company focused on process technologies for the chemical pulping industry. These transactions reflect Andritz's commitment to expanding its technological capabilities and product offerings, which may intersect with the investment casting industry.


7. 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, founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading technology conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens generates significant revenue through innovative products and services aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Siemens has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in advanced manufacturing. For instance, the acquisition of an 85% stake in Materials Solutions Ltd. in 2016 highlights Siemens' commitment to additive manufacturing, which is relevant to investment casting. Additionally, their recent acquisition of Altair Engineering Inc. for $10 billion further emphasizes their focus on integrating advanced technologies into their operations, potentially impacting sectors that utilize investment casting techniques.


8. HZG Group

  • Website: hzg-group.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Coburg, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: hzg-group

HZG Group is a technology investment company based in Coburg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in venture capital funding and research resources for early-stage technology firms, particularly in the field of additive manufacturing. HZG Group has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in AIM3D, which is preparing for the series production of its industrial printer, and Q.BIG 3D, which is launching a large-format 3D printer. These investments highlight HZG Group's commitment to supporting innovative manufacturing technologies. Additionally, their involvement with companies like Spectroplast and xolo, which are developing advanced 3D printing technologies, further emphasizes their focus on cutting-edge manufacturing solutions that could intersect with investment casting applications.


9. Matterwave Ventures

  • Website: matterwave.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: matterwave-ventures

Matterwave Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in funding early-stage industrial hardware and software companies across Europe, providing both capital and strategic support to help these businesses grow and achieve market leadership. In 2023, Matterwave Ventures participated in significant funding rounds for Tvarit, a startup focused on industrial applications, indicating their commitment to the industrial technologies sector. They also invested in Headmade Materials, which is involved in advanced manufacturing processes. These transactions highlight Matterwave's focus on innovative industrial solutions, making them a relevant player in the investment casting landscape.


10. Deutsche Private Equity (DPE)


Deutsche Private Equity (DPE) is a private equity firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to medium-sized enterprises primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. DPE focuses on fostering growth and creating sustainable corporate values for its portfolio companies, supporting them in expanding operations and achieving long-term success. Among its notable transactions, DPE acquired Fischer Surface Technologies in November 2016, which operates in the surface treatment sector, potentially relevant to investment casting. In January 2015, DPE acquired Terwa, a company that may also have connections to manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, DPE's investment in SLM Solutions Group AG in April 2013 highlights its interest in advanced manufacturing technologies, including those applicable to investment casting processes. These transactions illustrate DPE's strategic focus on sectors that intersect with investment casting, making it a relevant investor in this space.


11. 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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. In recent years, Verve Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Fractory, a cloud manufacturing platform that raised €4.8 million and $9 million in Series A funding, both of which are directly related to metal fabrication and manufacturing. Additionally, they invested in 9T Labs, a Zurich startup that raised $17 million in a Series A round, which is involved in advanced manufacturing technologies. These transactions highlight Verve Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies in the industrial sector, making them a relevant player in the investment casting landscape.


12. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. They support their clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in several relevant transactions, including investments in Cevotec, which focuses on software and production processes that could relate to investment casting, and Theva, a manufacturer of superconductors with applications in various industries, including processing and e-mobility. Their diverse investment portfolio indicates a potential interest in advanced manufacturing technologies, which may encompass investment casting.


13. H.I.G. European Capital Partners Gmbh


H.I.G. European Capital Partners Gmbh is a private equity firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and asset management, focusing on helping mid-sized businesses grow through management buyouts, special situations, and growth capital investments. H.I.G. Europe has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Metalprint, a leading manufacturer of forged brass and aluminum components, which highlights their interest in the metalworking sector. Additionally, they acquired ALTEO, a global producer of specialty non-metallurgical grade alumina, further demonstrating their engagement in industries related to materials and manufacturing. Their strategic investments aim to enhance the operations and market positions of their portfolio companies, indicating a proactive approach to fostering growth in relevant sectors.


14. AUCTUS Capital Partners AG


AUCTUS Capital Partners AG is a private equity firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in investments in medium-sized enterprises across Europe, focusing on providing growth capital and majority stakes to enhance the market position of its portfolio companies. AUCTUS operates through strategic partnerships, aiming to create market leaders in various sectors, including construction, consumer goods, and renewable energy. Notably, AUCTUS Capital Partners acquired StrikoWestofen on March 7, 2013, a company involved in the investment casting industry, which highlights their engagement in this sector. This acquisition reflects their strategy of investing in companies that have the potential for growth and market leadership, further solidifying their relevance in the investment casting context.


15. UVC Partners


UVC Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich and Berlin, specializing in investing in B2B startups across Europe. Founded in 2011, the firm provides financial support and strategic guidance to early-stage companies, helping them grow and succeed in competitive markets. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative startups in various sectors. Notably, UVC Partners has invested in 3YOURMIND, a Berlin-based 3D printing software startup that has raised significant funding in multiple rounds, including a €4.7 million Series A+ round. This investment supports growth in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and engineering, which are closely related to investment casting. Additionally, their involvement with Synera, which raised $14.8 million in Series A funding, indicates their commitment to supporting innovative technologies that may have applications in investment casting processes.



Investment Casting Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Wieland GroupUlm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18203
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
AM VenturesStarnberg, Bavaria, Germany1-1020153
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
RHI MagnesitaVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+18342
AndritzGraz, Styria, Austria10001+18925
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
HZG GroupCoburg, Bavaria, Germany11-5019973
Matterwave VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-10202113
Deutsche Private Equity (DPE)Munich, Bavaria, Germany51-20020072
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
H.I.G. European Capital Partners GmbhHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020060
AUCTUS Capital Partners AGFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-5020010
UVC PartnersGarching, Bavaria, Germany11-50201115


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