The designer furniture industry in the DACH region, encompassing Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is vibrant and innovative. It includes a mix of established brands and emerging startups, offering products that range from custom, high-end pieces to functional design solutions for various living spaces. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards sustainable materials and smart technologies, driving demand for eco-friendly and multifunctional furniture. As the e-commerce channel expands, digital showrooms and virtual design consultations are gaining popularity, allowing companies to reach broader audiences. Notable trends include the fusion of artistry and craftsmanship in furniture, signaling a shift towards personalized and unique designs.


Investors in the designer furniture sector within the DACH region showcase a varied profile, including venture capital firms, private equity firms, and corporate investors. Predominantly based in major cities like Berlin, Zurich, and Hanover, these organizations range from small teams to large corporations, with a mix of seasoned and newer firms founded between 1979 and 2013. The investor landscape indicates active participation in 2024, with key players such as H.I.G. European Capital Partners and Rocket Internet making notable investments. This blend of investor types highlights the solid interest in the sector’s growth potential and capacity for innovation.


Top 17 Designer Furniture 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. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions in the designer furniture context, including investments in Pamono, a design marketplace that connects buyers with vintage and contemporary design pieces, and Home24, an online retailer specializing in furniture and home decor. These investments highlight HV Capital's engagement in the designer furniture industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies within this space.


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. Notably, Rocket Internet has invested in several companies within the home furnishings sector, including Mobly, a Brazil-based home furnishings site, and Westwing, a Munich-based eCommerce company focused on home and living products. They also invested in Home24 AG, an online retailer for home and living products based in Berlin. These investments highlight Rocket Internet's active role in the designer furniture market, as they support companies that enhance growth and expand their positions in this industry.


3. 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 founded in 1979, based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. 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. Notably, Hannover Finanz has been involved in several acquisitions relevant to the designer furniture context, including the acquisition of Spectral Audio Möbel GmbH in 2008, which specializes in high-quality audio furniture. Additionally, their portfolio includes companies like Nolte Group and Wofi Leuchten GmbH, which, while not exclusively in the designer furniture sector, contribute to the broader home and lifestyle market. This diverse investment strategy showcases Hannover Finanz's capability to support businesses that align with design and quality, making them a significant player in the designer furniture industry.


4. 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, while also focusing on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of De Sede Group in 2007, a leading Swiss manufacturer of premium quality upholstery and seating furniture. This acquisition highlights Capvis's commitment to the designer furniture industry. Additionally, they have made other acquisitions, such as WMF Group and LISTA, which, while not directly related to designer furniture, demonstrate their broad investment strategy and capability in managing diverse portfolios.


5. SIGNA Group of Companies


SIGNA Group of Companies, founded in 1999 and based in Vienna, Austria, operates primarily in the real estate and retail sectors. The company has a significant presence in commercial real estate development and retail platforms across Europe. Notably, SIGNA made a strategic move into the designer furniture market by acquiring the furniture chain kika/Leiner from the Steinhoff Group in June 2018. This acquisition included not only the retail business but also approximately 100 properties in Austria and Central and Eastern Europe, marking SIGNA's entry into brick-and-mortar retail in Austria. Additionally, SIGNA has been involved in other high-profile acquisitions, such as the luxury department store chain Globus and the Selfridges Group, further solidifying their position in the luxury retail market. These transactions reflect SIGNA's strategy to diversify its investments and enhance its retail portfolio, including designer furniture.


6. 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, they invested in Stilnest, a platform that focuses on designer jewellery, which showcases their interest in design-oriented ventures. They have also participated in seed rounds for startups like Cocoli and nuwo, indicating a diverse investment portfolio that may include opportunities in the designer furniture sector.


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


H.I.G. European Capital Partners Gmbh is a private equity investment 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 in the furniture and furnishings sector, including a significant equity investment in Royo Group, a multinational company specializing in bathroom furnishings and appliances, announced on December 23, 2016. Additionally, they acquired Silentnight Group and Silentnight, Ltd., the UK's leading bed and mattress manufacturer, in 2011, securing the future of the company and its employees. These transactions highlight H.I.G. Europe's active role in the furniture industry, making them a relevant player in the designer furniture investment space.


8. Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KG


Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KG is a private equity investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and real estate, focusing on partnering with healthy businesses to drive sustainable growth through strategic investments. Egeria operates in the Netherlands, the DACH region, and North America, providing capital and management expertise to businesses seeking to expand and thrive. Notably, Egeria has made several acquisitions that may intersect with the designer furniture market, including the acquisition of Klafs, a leading manufacturer of integrated saunas, which reflects their interest in high-quality home design products. Other acquisitions include Nooteboom Textiles, Koninklijke Mosa, Trust, and Holonite, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio across various sectors.


9. Zimmermann Investment Verwaltungs-GmbH


Zimmermann Investment Verwaltungs-GmbH is a corporate investment firm based in Werdohl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in providing consulting and investment services across various sectors, including real estate, technology, and consumer internet. Notably, Zimmermann Investment has participated in funding rounds for companies in the designer furniture industry, such as Home24, which raised funds in 2012, and Mycs, which completed a Series B funding round in 2018. These transactions highlight the firm's engagement with businesses that operate within the furniture and home decor market, showcasing its capability to support startups and established companies in securing funding and strategic guidance.


10. Brandenburg Kapital GmbH


Brandenburg Kapital GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups and growth companies in the Brandenburg region, focusing on startup financing, growth financing, and co-investor opportunities. Among their notable transactions, they invested in New Swedish Design, a company that operates within the designer furniture space, raising an undisclosed amount in a venture round in December 2014. This investment highlights their engagement in the designer furniture industry, alongside other investments such as Tinkerbots, a gaming startup, and nomadi, which raised funds in a seed round. While their primary focus may not solely be on designer furniture, their involvement with New Swedish Design suggests a relevant interest in this sector.


11. 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. They specialize in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. Their collaboration with a community of angel investors enhances their investment strategy, positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in Urbanara, which raised $4,628,748 in a Series A round in 2012, focusing on home decor and furnishings. They also participated in funding Luxodo, a German online luxury marketplace, which indicates their interest in the luxury sector. Additionally, their investment in gitti, a beauty brand, showcases their diverse portfolio while still aligning with lifestyle and design-oriented products.


12. Invision AG


Invision AG is a private equity investment firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in providing financial solutions to medium-sized businesses, focusing on succession planning, growth financing, and corporate spin-offs. Invision operates primarily in Switzerland and Germany, targeting businesses with strong market positions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of ABC Design GmbH, a family-owned company involved in the design and manufacturing of baby products, which may encompass designer furniture for children. Additionally, Invision has been involved in other sectors, such as luxury watchmaking with Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH and precision engineering with Feintechnik, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


13. SquareOne Venture Capital

  • Website: squareone.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: paua-ventures-gmbh

SquareOne Venture Capital is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage B2B technology companies. They provide not only financial support but also hands-on assistance to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate market complexities and connect with follow-on funding sources. Notably, SquareOne has invested in Tylko, a Warsaw-based custom flat-pack furniture business that raised a total of $4.6 million across two funding rounds (Seed and Series A). Tylko's innovative approach to furniture design, utilizing augmented reality to enhance customer experience, aligns with SquareOne's focus on technology-driven solutions. This investment highlights SquareOne's engagement in the designer furniture industry, showcasing their interest in companies that blend technology with furniture design.


14. Adcuram Group

  • Website: adcuram.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn:

Adcuram Group is an investment group based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2003. They specialize in mergers and acquisitions, operational development, and succession planning for mid-sized companies. Adcuram provides strategic support to businesses undergoing transitions, ensuring sustainable growth and effective management of complex scenarios. A notable transaction in their portfolio is the acquisition of a controlling stake of 98.57% in Poggenpohl, a luxury kitchen cabinet manufacturer, from Nobia AB. This acquisition, announced on December 20, 2016, highlights Adcuram's involvement in the designer furniture sector, as Poggenpohl generates annual revenues of approximately 110 million Euros. Their expertise in guiding companies through ownership changes and operational improvements positions them as a valuable investor in the designer furniture industry.


15. 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 Pamono, a Berlin-based vintage and contemporary design marketplace, which raised significant funding rounds to expand its operations and market presence. Their involvement in Pamono highlights their interest in the design and furniture sector, making them a relevant player in this space.


16. Ringier

  • Website: ringier.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1833
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: ringier

Ringier AG is a media company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1833. It operates across various sectors, including media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions. With a significant presence in the media landscape of Europe and Africa, Ringier serves both consumers and businesses. Notably, Ringier participated in a Series A investment round for Pamono, a Berlin-based vintage and contemporary design marketplace, which raised a mid-size seven-digit investment. This investment highlights Ringier's engagement in the designer furniture market, as Pamono focuses on design products and aims to expand its international reach through additional media partnerships.


17. Chaos

  • Website: chaos.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: chaos-group

Chaos is a corporate investor based in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1997. The company specializes in 3D rendering and visualization tools, offering products such as V-Ray, Enscape, and Corona, which are widely used by architects, designers, and VFX professionals to create high-quality visualizations. In recent years, Chaos has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the market. Notably, they acquired Cylindo, a Danish 3D product visualization platform, in April 2022, aiming to create a comprehensive 3D visualization ecosystem. Additionally, they acquired Enscape in January 2022 and Render Legion, the company behind the Corona Renderer, in August 2017. These acquisitions enhance their offerings in the visualization space, which is crucial for designers, including those in the furniture sector, as it allows for better product representation and marketing.



Designer Furniture Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
SIGNA Group of CompaniesVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19990
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
H.I.G. European Capital Partners GmbhHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020060
Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KGBerlin, Berlin, Germany51-20019970
Zimmermann Investment Verwaltungs-GmbHWerdohl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019900
Brandenburg Kapital GmbHPotsdam, Brandenburg, Germany11-5019939
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Invision AGZug, Zug, Switzerland11-5019970
SquareOne Venture CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020105
Adcuram GroupFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-5020030
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
ChaosKarlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany501-100019970


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