The marinas services industry in DACH focuses on enhancing the boating experience through services such as boat rentals, docking facilities, and maintenance. Companies in this sector range from small startups offering niche services to major corporations providing comprehensive travel arrangements. With more consumers seeking outdoor leisure activities, the industry is growing rapidly, fueled by technological innovations like online booking systems and digital management tools. Moreover, the increasing popularity of eco-friendly boating options is paving the way for sustainable practices within marinas, making this an exciting sector to watch in the coming years.


This list of investors comprises both corporate giants and nimble venture capital firms, all contributing to the marinas services industry. Spanning across major cities such as Berlin, Vienna, and Geneva, these investors vary in size, from small teams to larger corporate structures, and have been founded between the 1920s to the 2010s. Several have already been active in 2024, seizing investment opportunities as consumer interest in boating rises. Such engagement emphasizes the growing significance of investment in the marine sector, providing vital support to emerging players that shape the future of marina services in DACH.


Top 15 Marinas Services Investors in DACH


1. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company


Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company specializing in shipping and transportation services, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, MSC operates globally, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, MSC announced its acquisition of an equity stake in Boluda Group's port towage services subsidiary, Boluda Towage. This strategic move highlights MSC's commitment to enhancing its maritime service offerings, particularly in the area of port operations, which is integral to marina services. Through such transactions, MSC demonstrates its active engagement in the maritime sector, making it a noteworthy investor in marinas services.


2. FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency

  • Website: ffg.at
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: ffg

The FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency (Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft mbH) is a public entity established in 2004, dedicated to promoting research and innovation in Austria. Operating under the ownership of the Republic of Austria, FFG collaborates with various ministries to strengthen the economic landscape through targeted research initiatives. In 2022, FFG participated in a significant funding round for Seasy.com, a startup that simplifies marina bookings, demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the marinas services sector. This involvement highlights FFG's role in fostering advancements in industries that enhance user experiences in marina services, alongside its broader focus on research and innovation across multiple sectors.


3. 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 a strong track record of supporting innovative startups, having invested in over 270 companies. Among their notable transactions is an investment in Yachtico.com, a platform for yacht charter and vacations, which raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in August 2013. This investment highlights IBB Ventures' engagement in the marinas services sector, showcasing their willingness to support businesses that cater to the maritime and leisure industries. With a focus on providing expertise and resources to help startups grow, IBB Ventures is well-positioned to contribute to the development of companies within the marinas services space.


4. 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 committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. In addition to its core media business, Axel Springer has made strategic investments in various sectors, including the marinas services industry. Notably, it has participated in funding rounds for Zizoo, a leading boat rental platform. Axel Springer Digital Ventures and the Axel Springer Plug and Play accelerator were involved in Zizoo's seed funding round in 2016, which raised €1.7 million, and they also participated in a subsequent venture round in 2017. These investments highlight Axel Springer's interest in the maritime sector, particularly in digital solutions that cater to boat rentals and related services.


5. Push

  • Website: push.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: push-ventures-pv-

Push is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily focusing on green technology and healthcare startups. Push not only provides financial backing but also offers strategic support and networking opportunities to help startups navigate their growth challenges. A notable transaction in their portfolio is their participation in a $7.4M Series A funding round for Zizoo, a company described as a 'booking.com for boats.' This investment highlights Push's engagement in the marinas services sector, as Zizoo operates within the boating industry, facilitating boat rentals and enhancing the overall boating experience. The funds raised by Zizoo are intended for market expansion, product development, and recruitment, indicating a growth trajectory that aligns with Push's investment strategy.


6. MAIRDUMONT GmbH & Co. KG


MAIRDUMONT GmbH & Co. KG is a travel publishing company based in Ostfildern, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1948. The company specializes in producing travel guides, maps, and related literature, catering to consumers seeking reliable travel information. While primarily focused on travel publishing, MAIRDUMONT has also ventured into the investment space through Mairdumont Ventures. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Zizoo, a prominent boat rental platform, which raised €1.7 million in a seed round in July 2016, and an undisclosed amount in a venture round in May 2017. These transactions highlight MAIRDUMONT's engagement in the maritime sector, particularly in services related to boating and travel, which could be relevant to marina services.


7. coparion

  • Website: coparion.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: cooparion

Coparion is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in young technology companies across Germany, providing both capital and strategic support to help startups grow sustainably. Coparion focuses on innovative products and services with high growth potential, working closely with portfolio companies to enhance their management and operational strategies. Notably, Coparion participated in funding rounds for Zizoo, a platform likened to 'booking.com for boats', which raised $7.4M in a Series A round in November 2018, and an additional $10.6M in October 2019. These investments highlight Coparion's engagement in the maritime sector, particularly in services that facilitate boat rentals and bookings, making them a relevant player in the marinas services industry.


8. Mairdumont Ventures


Mairdumont Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ostfildern, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in digital travel companies, providing capital and consulting services to early-stage startups in the travel tech sector. Mairdumont Ventures leverages its extensive network and expertise in the travel industry to support its portfolio companies. One of their notable transactions includes an investment in Zizoo, a leading boat rental platform, which secured a €1.7 million investment round in July 2016. This investment highlights Mairdumont's engagement in the marinas services context, as Zizoo operates within the boat rental space, closely related to marina operations. The funding was aimed at scaling Zizoo's growth and expanding its market presence, further emphasizing Mairdumont's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the travel and marina services sectors.


9. CHECK24 Ventures

  • Website: check24.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: check24ventures

CHECK24 Ventures is a corporate investor based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2016. As a part of the CHECK24 group, which operates a comprehensive comparison portal for various consumer services including insurance, loans, energy, telecommunications, and travel, CHECK24 Ventures aims to support innovative startups that can enhance consumer decision-making. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding round for Zizoo, a platform likened to 'booking.com for boats', which raised $7.4 million in November 2018. This investment highlights CHECK24 Ventures' interest in the maritime sector, particularly in services that facilitate boat rentals and bookings, aligning with the marinas services industry.


10. Diamond Capital


Diamond Capital is an investment management firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in various funds, including fixed income, equity, and alternative investments, catering to high net worth individuals and institutions. With over 50 years of experience, Diamond Capital emphasizes wealth preservation and growth through a conservative investment approach. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Sunrise Yachts, a Turkish shipyard, through the Diamond Living Private Investment Fund. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the maritime sector, particularly in yacht manufacturing, which aligns with marina services. Diamond Capital collaborates with leading investment institutions globally to provide comprehensive market insights and personalized services.


11. Tui

  • Website: tuigroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1923
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: tuigroup

TUI Group is a leading integrated tourism company based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1923. It offers a wide range of travel services, including hotels, cruises, and activities, serving millions of customers worldwide. A notable transaction in TUI's portfolio is the acquisition of Intercruises, part of HotelBeds Group’s Destination Management division, for €110 million. This acquisition enhances TUI's capabilities in the cruise sector, where Intercruises specializes in ground handling and port agency services across over 400 ports globally. This strategic move underscores TUI's commitment to providing comprehensive vacation solutions and its involvement in the maritime services sector, particularly in relation to marinas and port operations.


12. Team Global


TEAM GLOBAL MANAGEMENT GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in creating innovative solutions across various sectors, including air mobility, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. Team Global aims to address societal challenges through its diverse offerings, targeting businesses, organizations, and consumers seeking sustainable and efficient technologies. Notably, Team Global participated in a significant funding round for X Shore, a Stockholm-based electric boat maker, which raised €15 million in April 2021. This investment highlights Team Global's interest in the maritime sector, particularly in companies that are innovating within the boating industry, thus demonstrating their relevance to the marinas services context.


13. 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. One of their notable transactions includes an investment in Harbor Lab, a Greece-based startup that raised €6.1 million for its shipping disbursement analysis software. This investment highlights TecPier's focus on maritime technology and their commitment to fostering innovation in the sector, making them a relevant player in the marinas services industry.


14. 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. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Harbor Lab, a Greece-based startup that raised significant capital for its shipping disbursement analysis software. This investment reflects Speedinvest's interest in the maritime sector, suggesting a potential connection to marinas services, as the software could enhance operational efficiencies in this area. However, their broader focus on diverse tech sectors may limit their relevance specifically to marinas services.


15. 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 founded in 2017, based in Taufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany. The company specializes in sensor solutions for protection and surveillance missions, serving military and security organizations globally. Hensoldt focuses on innovation and customer-specific solutions to enhance operational effectiveness. A notable transaction in Hensoldt's portfolio is the acquisition of Kelvin Hughes, a manufacturer of maritime navigation and surveillance radar systems, which was announced on June 29, 2017. This acquisition highlights Hensoldt's strategic interest in the maritime sector, particularly in enhancing navigation and safety through advanced radar technology. Although Hensoldt's primary focus is on defense, its involvement in maritime services through Kelvin Hughes positions it as a relevant player in the marinas services industry.



Marinas Services Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanyGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19704
FFG Austrian Research Promotion AgencyVienna, Vienna, Austria201-500200412
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
PushVienna, Vienna, Austria1-1020174
MAIRDUMONT GmbH & Co. KGOstfildern, Baden-Württemberg, Germany201-50019480
coparionCologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5020164
Mairdumont VenturesOstfildern, Baden-Württemberg, Germany1-1020150
CHECK24 VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1-1020160
Diamond CapitalGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland11-5019720
TuiHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany10001+19230
Team GlobalBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020080
TecPierHamburg, Hamburg, Germany1-1020180
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
HensoldtTaufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany5001-1000020171


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