The polymeric materials industry in the DACH region encompasses a wide array of applications related to plastics and composites, serving sectors such as automotive, construction, and healthcare. Companies in this space range from global chemical giants to innovative startups focused on sustainable materials. Notably, advancements in recycling technologies and bio-based polymers are shaping future developments, as the industry aims for greener solutions. With a growing emphasis on circular economy practices, some firms are actively making strides in transforming plastic waste into valuable materials, showcasing both potential and promise in this evolving market.


This article explores 16 prominent investors within the polymeric materials sector in the DACH region, showcasing a variety of profiles. From corporate giants like BASF and Amcor, which employ over 10,000 people, to nimble venture capital firms such as Possible Ventures, each plays a critical role. These investors, founded between 1864 and 2021, have engaged in multiple transactions in 2024, aiming to drive innovation and sustainability in the materials marketplace. Their combined efforts reflect strategic interests in enhancing the capabilities and growth of the polymeric materials industry.


Top 16 Polymeric Materials Investors in DACH


1. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies that align with BASF's commitment to sustainability and enhancing product performance across various industries. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as FRX Innovations, which develops environmentally friendly flame retardant plastics, and Lactips, known for its biodegradable materials. These investments reflect BASF's strategic interest in advancing polymeric materials that meet modern environmental challenges, showcasing their commitment to innovation in the polymer sector.


2. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading global chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across various industries. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers by providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals, along with value-added services. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities and market presence, including the acquisition of Philchem, Inc. to improve supply chain management, and ALTIVIA Corporation to expand its chemical distribution portfolio. Notably, Brenntag's acquisition of the Aik Moh Group aims to strengthen its industrial chemicals and value-added services in South-East Asia, which is significant for the polymeric materials market. These transactions indicate Brenntag's commitment to enhancing its distribution capabilities in the chemical sector, including polymeric materials.


3. Basf

  • Website: basf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE is a multinational chemical manufacturer based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, founded in 1865. The company provides a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. BASF has been actively involved in the polymeric materials sector, as demonstrated by their acquisition of Lati's U.S. business, which enhances their portfolio in specialty polymers. In 2012, BASF acquired ITWC Inc., a company specializing in cast elastomer polyurethane systems and polyester polyols, further expanding their capabilities in polymeric materials. More recently, in 2019, BASF announced a significant acquisition of Solvay's polyamide business for €1.6 billion, which is expected to strengthen their position in the engineering plastics market. These strategic transactions highlight BASF's commitment to advancing their polymeric materials offerings and addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions.


4. Holcim

  • Website: holcim.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: lafargeholcim

Holcim is a leading building materials manufacturer based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in innovative and sustainable construction solutions. Founded in 1912, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and focuses on decarbonizing building practices and driving circular construction. Holcim's product offerings include cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete, primarily catering to construction companies and architects. In recent years, Holcim has made significant acquisitions to enhance its product portfolio, particularly in the polymeric materials sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Polymers Sealants North America (PSNA), which specializes in waterproofing and coatings, and the acquisition of FDT Flachdach Technologie GmbH, a manufacturer of thermoplastic roofs. These acquisitions are part of Holcim's strategy to expand its Solutions & Products business, aiming for 30% of Group net sales by 2025, and demonstrate its commitment to integrating polymeric materials into its offerings.


5. Sika

  • Website: sika.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sika

Sika AG is a leading specialty chemicals company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1910. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and a presence in 103 countries, Sika specializes in developing and producing innovative solutions for the construction and industrial sectors. Their product range includes concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, flooring solutions, and other construction materials. Notably, Sika has made significant strides in the polymeric materials industry through strategic acquisitions. In 2024, they acquired Kwik Bond Polymers, LLC, enhancing their offerings in polymer systems for concrete infrastructure refurbishment in the U.S. market. Additionally, their acquisition of ABC Sealants and Adeplast SA further strengthens their position in the construction chemicals market, showcasing their commitment to integrating polymeric materials into their product lines. Sika's growth strategy also includes acquiring companies like American Hydrotech and Faist ChemTec, which, while focused on other areas, contribute to their overall capabilities in the construction and automotive sectors, where polymeric materials play a crucial role.


6. Amcor

  • Website: amcor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1864. As a leading packaging manufacturer, Amcor specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions across various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. The company is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. Amcor has been involved in several relevant transactions, including the acquisition of B-Pack Due, which focuses on high-performance polymer films, and the acquisition of Sonoco, further expanding its packaging capabilities. Additionally, Amcor has invested in Bloom Biorenewables Ltd, which is engaged in developing sustainable materials, indicating a broader interest in polymeric innovations.


7. 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 actively investing in various sectors, including innovative materials. Notably, Possible Ventures participated in the seed round for ULUU, an Australian company focused on replacing traditional plastics, raising $8 million in November 2022. They also invested in FLO.materials, which raised funds in October 2021, indicating their commitment to supporting companies that are innovating in the materials space. Additionally, Possible Ventures has been involved in funding Epoch Biodesign and Insempra, which, while not exclusively focused on polymeric materials, are part of the broader materials innovation landscape. Their diverse investment portfolio reflects a strategic interest in sustainable and innovative solutions within the materials industry.


8. Capvis AG

  • Website: capvis.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology. Capvis partners with institutional investors, such as pension funds, to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. The firm focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has been involved in several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials industry, including the acquisition of the Hennecke Group, a leading manufacturer of polyurethane machinery, which underscores their commitment to the polymeric materials sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Polytec Holding and a Swiss chemical company further illustrates their engagement in industries that may intersect with polymeric materials, highlighting their strategic approach to investing in growth opportunities within this field.


9. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity, providing early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups. Notably, eCAPITAL has been involved in several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials industry, including investments in Saperatec, a recycling specialist for high-tech composite materials, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including seed funding and Series C. Additionally, they invested in amynova polymers, further demonstrating their engagement in the polymeric materials sector. This diverse investment strategy allows eCAPITAL to support innovative companies that contribute to advancements in polymeric materials and related technologies.


10. HBM Healthcare Investments AG


HBM Healthcare Investments AG is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in the healthcare sector, managing a diversified portfolio that includes investments in human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. In 2024, HBM Healthcare participated in a significant Series C financing round for Shape Memory Medical, which raised $38 million to support the development of its proprietary shape memory polymer technology aimed at vascular markets. This investment highlights HBM's engagement in the polymeric materials space, particularly in applications that intersect with medical technology. Additionally, HBM has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Shape Memory Medical, including Series B and convertible note transactions, further solidifying their commitment to innovations in polymeric materials within the healthcare industry.


11. Blue Horizon

  • Website: bluehorizon.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in investments that promote sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has made significant investments in companies like Tipa, which raised $25 million for its compostable flexible packaging solutions, and Polybion, which raised $4.8 million for its sustainable materials. These transactions highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the polymeric materials context, particularly in the realm of packaging solutions.


12. 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, DBAG operates a successful fund advisory business. Notably, they have made significant investments in the polymeric materials sector, including the acquisition of FRIMO Group, which specializes in manufacturing equipment for the automotive industry, including polymer processing technologies. They also acquired Infiana Group, a company known for its production of polymer films, and Coperion, which provides systems and equipment for the processing of polymers. These transactions highlight DBAG's active role in the polymeric materials industry, alongside their broader investment strategy in telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare.


13. Borealis

  • Website: borealisgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: borealis

Borealis AG, founded in 1994 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a prominent corporate investor in the plastics industry, specializing in polyolefins and base chemicals. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including energy, healthcare, and consumer products, and is dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable solutions. Borealis has been actively involved in several significant transactions that enhance its position in the polymeric materials sector. Notably, they acquired Ecoplast Kunststoffrecycling GmbH in 2018, which strengthens their recycling capabilities. In 2023, Borealis signed an agreement to acquire Rialti S.p.A., a leading European producer of recycled polypropylene compounds, further emphasizing their focus on sustainable polymer solutions. Additionally, their acquisition of mtm compact GmbH in 2016 and Integra Plastics in 2023 highlights their commitment to expanding their recycling capacity and supporting a circular economy by 2030. These strategic moves position Borealis as a key player in the polymeric materials industry, particularly in the context of sustainability and recycling.


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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm focuses on providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, particularly in sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. In 2024, Verve Ventures has been active in the investment landscape, participating in 25 funding rounds. Notably, they invested in Bcomp, which raised over $39 million in Series C funding, a company known for its sustainable composite materials that could be relevant to the polymeric materials sector. Additionally, they were involved in the Series A funding of 9T Labs, a startup that leverages 3D printing technology, which often involves polymeric materials. Their investment in Puraffinity, a company focused on innovative materials for environmental applications, further underscores their engagement with material science, including polymers. Overall, Verve Ventures demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovative companies that may intersect with the polymeric materials industry.


15. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of RADO Gummi in 2005, a company that operates in the polymeric materials sector, specifically in rubber and polymer products. Additionally, they acquired MOESCHTER GROUP GmbH in 2016, which also has relevance in the polymeric materials context. Their investment in Biesterfeld, a company that deals with the distribution of chemical products, further indicates their involvement in the polymeric materials industry. Overall, Hannover Finanz's portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to the polymeric materials sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


16. Evonik Venture Capital

  • Website: venturing.evonik.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hanau, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: evonik

Evonik Venture Capital is a corporate venture capital unit of Evonik Industries, founded in 2012 and based in Hanau, Hesse, Germany. The firm specializes in investments in innovative start-ups within the specialty chemicals sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovative technologies. Evonik Venture Capital provides financial support, mentorship, and access to a broad network of industry experts to help start-ups grow and succeed. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the Series C funding rounds for FRX Innovations, which focuses on environmentally friendly flame retardant plastics, and Modern Meadow, which is developing sustainably produced, animal-free materials. Additionally, they invested in Strohm, a leading manufacturer of thermoplastic composite pipes, further highlighting their engagement in the polymeric materials industry. Evonik operates globally, making them a significant player in the venture capital landscape for polymeric materials.



Polymeric Materials Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
HolcimZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+191212
SikaBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19102
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
HBM Healthcare Investments AGZug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020018
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
BorealisVienna, Vienna, Austria5001-1000019940
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Evonik Venture CapitalHanau, Hesse, Germany11-5020123


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