The fitness centers and gyms industry in DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) is thriving, fueled by a growing emphasis on health and wellness. This sector includes traditional gyms, boutique studios, and digital fitness platforms, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences. Popular trends include group fitness classes, personal training, and wellness programs. The pandemic reshaped the market, pushing establishments to incorporate online offerings alongside physical services. With rising fitness awareness, especially among younger demographics, companies are increasingly focused on technology integration and user engagement to drive growth in this evolving industry.


This article highlights notable investors shaping the fitness sector in the DACH region. Spanning venture capital and corporate entities, these investors range from established firms like Nestlé to agile startups such as Calm/Storm. With headquarters mainly in cities like Berlin, Zurich, and Munich, the firms vary in size from small teams to large organizations. Founded between the late 1990s and the early 2020s, their contributions in 2024 witnessed numerous deals, showcasing a vibrant investment scene committed to promoting growth in fitness centers and gyms.


Top 16 Fitness Centers and Gyms Investors in DACH


1. Calm/Storm

  • Website: calmstorm.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: calm-storm

Calm/Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in health tech startups, focusing on purpose-driven founders. They provide capital, support, and networking opportunities to help these companies succeed in the competitive health tech landscape. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Train Fitness, which raised $600,000 in a pre-seed round in March 2022, indicating their engagement in the fitness sector. Additionally, they have invested in various health-related startups, showcasing their commitment to addressing sensitive health issues through innovative solutions.


2. 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 funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in SkillYoga, which focuses on yoga and fitness training, and machtfit, a platform that connects companies with fitness services for their employees. These investments highlight IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative startups in the fitness and wellness sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


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 growth. Among their notable transactions, Sictic has invested in BEAT Fitness, which raised funds in an Angel Round in December 2017, indicating their interest in the fitness sector. Additionally, they have invested in Alip Training, which raised funds in March 2024, further demonstrating their engagement with fitness-related startups. Other transactions include Lucky Punch, Muuvr Labs, and BreezeLabs, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while still maintaining a focus on innovative sectors, including fitness.


4. 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. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They have a diverse portfolio, but their involvement in the fitness sector is notable. HV Capital has participated in multiple funding rounds for Urban Sports Club, a Berlin-based company that has raised significant capital (over €175 million across various rounds) to enhance its fitness offerings and expand its network across Europe. Additionally, they have invested in VAHA, a manufacturer of smart digital mirrors, which aligns with the growing demand for innovative fitness solutions. These transactions highlight HV Capital's engagement in the fitness industry, showcasing their ability to identify and support promising ventures in this 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 invested in myClubs, a platform that allows users to access multiple fitness centers and gyms through a single membership, raising funds in both Series A and Series B rounds. Additionally, they have invested in Maxfun, which may also relate to fitness through its focus on health and wellness. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's engagement in the fitness industry, alongside their broader tech investment strategy.


6. APX Talent Pool

  • Website: apx.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: apx-talent-pool

APX Talent Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2018, that specializes in earliest-stage investments in startups with digital business models. Backed by prominent entities such as Axel Springer and Porsche, APX provides funding and growth assistance to ambitious pre-seed startups, helping them navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses. Among their notable transactions, APX participated in the financing round for Flow Lab, a Berlin-based mental fitness startup, which raised €1 million with APX's involvement. This highlights their engagement in the fitness and wellness sector, alongside other investments in various digital startups, showcasing their versatility and interest in innovative business models.


7. 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 BEAT81, a Berlin-based fitness technology company that raised €6.4 million in Series A funding to enhance its technology and expand internationally. Additionally, they led a seed funding round for '150 Minuten', a health platform designed to reduce health complaints in the workplace, which aligns with promoting fitness and well-being. These transactions highlight Atlantic Labs' commitment to the fitness industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


8. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company founded in 1866, headquartered in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. In recent years, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions in the health and wellness sector, enhancing its portfolio of active lifestyle nutrition brands. Notable transactions include the acquisition of PowerBar in 2000, a brand synonymous with energy bars for athletes, and Nuun Hydration in 2021, a leader in functional hydration products. Additionally, Nestlé acquired Garden of Life, known for its organic and non-GMO health products, and is set to acquire Solgar Italia Multinutrient, which focuses on nutritional supplements. These acquisitions reflect Nestlé's strategic focus on health and wellness, aligning with the interests of fitness enthusiasts and the broader fitness industry.


9. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, with a total of 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in BEAT81, a Berlin-based fitness technology company that raised €6.4 million in Series A funding to enhance its technology and expand internationally. Additionally, they have invested in Exakt Health, a health-tech startup that aims to provide accessible digital physiotherapy, securing pre-seed funding rounds in 2021 and 2022. These transactions highlight Possible Ventures' engagement in the fitness and health technology sectors, aligning with their mission to support innovative solutions in these areas.


10. Point Nine

  • Website: pointnine.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: point-nine-capital

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. They provide funding at the seed stage and are committed to participating in subsequent funding rounds to help startups scale their operations. Notably, Point Nine has invested in Eversports, a Vienna-based online sport booking service, participating in both seed and Series A funding rounds. This investment aims to support Eversports' expansion in the Germanic region and enhance its software development. Additionally, Point Nine invested in Yogaia, which raised $3 million in a seed round, focusing on online yoga classes. These transactions highlight Point Nine's involvement in the fitness industry, particularly in technology-driven solutions that cater to fitness enthusiasts.


11. 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. While their primary focus spans various sectors including eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech, they have also made significant investments in the fitness and wellness space. Notably, Rocket Internet participated in the funding round for Urban Sports Club, which raised over €80 million to enhance its presence in the fitness market. Additionally, they have invested in Humanoo, a health and wellness platform, and Vaniday, which, while primarily a beauty service, operates in the wellness sector. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's engagement with companies that intersect with the fitness industry, showcasing their potential relevance as an investor in fitness centers and gyms.


12. 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 across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They have a collaborative approach, working with a community of angel investors to enhance their investment strategy. Notably, b2venture has been involved in significant transactions within the fitness sector, including multiple funding rounds for Urban Sports Club, a Berlin-based provider of sports flat rate memberships. This company has raised substantial amounts in various funding rounds, indicating a strong market presence and growth potential in the fitness industry. Additionally, b2venture has invested in Foodspring, an active nutrition startup, further showcasing their interest in health and fitness-related ventures. Their diverse portfolio and active participation in the fitness sector position them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape.


13. Rheingau Founders


Rheingau Founders is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2011, specializing in early-stage investments primarily in the technology sector. The firm provides financial backing and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their startups. Notably, Rheingau Founders has invested in Urban Sports Club, a company that has raised significant funding to enhance awareness and access to fitness services across Europe. Additionally, they have supported Humanoo, a health and wellness platform that has also secured multiple rounds of funding. These transactions highlight Rheingau Founders' engagement in the fitness and wellness space, despite their broader focus on B2B tech.


14. Infront Sports & Media AG


Infront Sports & Media AG is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The company specializes in sports marketing, managing media and marketing rights for international sports events. They provide a range of services including sponsorship, media rights distribution, and sports broadcast production, catering to sports federations, brands, and media companies to enhance audience engagement. Notably, Infront has made significant investments in the fitness sector, acquiring majority ownership of Hyrox, a company focused on mass participation and professional racing, and XLETIX GmbH, a leading European obstacle course event organizer. These acquisitions enhance Infront's portfolio in the personal and corporate fitness sector, demonstrating their commitment to promoting fitness-related activities and events.


15. 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, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including mobility, industrial technology, and sustainability. They provide startups with capital, strategic guidance, and access to a vast network of industry connections to help them scale and navigate complex business challenges. Notably, Porsche Ventures participated in the Series B financing round for VAHA, a manufacturer of smart digital mirrors, which are increasingly relevant in the fitness equipment market. This investment aligns with the growing trend of smart fitness solutions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened demand for innovative fitness technologies. Additionally, Porsche Ventures has been involved in other transactions, such as Playbook and Ridepanda, which, while not directly related to fitness, demonstrate their active engagement in technology-driven sectors.


16. Angel Invest


Angel Invest is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. They specialize in angel investments in early-stage technology startups, providing both funding and coaching to help founders achieve product-market fit and prepare for Series A funding. In 2024, they have made 23 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in CoachHub, which raised $21 million in Series A funding, focusing on coaching and personal development, relevant to fitness and wellness. Additionally, their investment in '150 Minuten', a health platform aimed at corporate wellness, further emphasizes their interest in health-related initiatives, making them a noteworthy player in the fitness sector.



Fitness Centers and Gyms Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Calm/StormVienna, Vienna, Austria1-10202013
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
APX Talent PoolBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020187
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Point NineBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201116
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Rheingau FoundersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020111
Infront Sports & Media AGZug, Zug, Switzerland501-100020030
Porsche VenturesStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany11-5020189
Angel InvestBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-10201823


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