The educational toy industry in DACH is a vibrant sector where play meets pedagogy. Companies design a variety of products, including puzzles, STEM-based kits, and interactive games aimed at enriching children's learning experiences. The industry is evolving rapidly, with an increasing emphasis on digital integration and sustainable materials. Recent trends show a rising demand for toys that combine fun with educational outcomes, as parents and educators seek items that promote creativity and critical thinking. From traditional brands to tech startups, the landscape is expanding to include innovative, screen-free solutions as well as immersive digital experiences.


This list features 17 prominent investors spread across the DACH region, showcasing a mix of venture capital, corporate backing, and private equity. They operate from key hubs including Berlin, Munich, Zurich, and Frankfurt, with firm sizes ranging from small teams to large institutions managing billions in assets. Founded between 1883 and 2022, these investors made various deals in 2024, underscoring their commitment to nurturing the educational toy sector. Their investment strategies bring essential capital and strategic guidance to the promising startups within this dynamic market.


Top 17 Educational Toy Investors in DACH


1. 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 capital but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Sofatutor, a German online tutoring platform that has raised multiple rounds of funding to enhance its educational offerings. This includes a Series A round in 2010, a Series B round in 2012, and a Series C round in 2014, all aimed at expanding their market reach and improving content. Additionally, IBB Ventures invested in Kindaling, a platform that connects parents with educational services, indicating their interest in the educational sector. These transactions highlight IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions, making them a relevant player in the educational toy investment landscape.


2. 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. Speedinvest has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have invested in Playbrush, a startup that creates interactive toothbrushes aimed at making dental hygiene enjoyable for children, which falls under the educational toy category. Playbrush has received multiple rounds of funding from Speedinvest, including a seed round and convertible notes, highlighting the firm's commitment to supporting educational initiatives. Additionally, Speedinvest has invested in Sunlight, a learning and development platform, further showcasing their interest in educational ventures. Their extensive network of industry experts aids in the growth of their portfolio companies, making them a valuable partner for startups in the educational toy space.


3. TA Ventures

  • Website: taventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, and provides capital and strategic support to help startups grow in competitive markets. Notably, TA Ventures has invested in companies like Lalo, which raised $5.6 million in a seed round in July 2021 and focuses on educational toys for children. They also invested in zyBooks, which raised an undisclosed amount in a venture round in December 2013, and is involved in educational technology. These transactions highlight TA Ventures' engagement in the educational sector, particularly in areas that intersect with educational toys.


4. W ventures

  • Website: wventures.jp
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn:

W Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing investment and consulting services to startups and established businesses across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on accelerating digital business ideas from seed to growth. They offer expertise in strategy consulting, financial management, and project development. Notably, W Ventures has been involved in several seed rounds for companies that have educational components, such as Edukita, which raised an undisclosed amount in May 2024. Additionally, they have invested in Yago and Papamo, which may also have educational aspects, although the specific focus of these companies is less clear. Their active engagement in the educational sector through these investments highlights their relevance to the educational toy industry.


5. 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 in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in Edurino, a digital education platform that raised €10.5 million in Series A funding in March 2023 and previously secured $3.8 million in a seed round in February 2022. This involvement in Edurino highlights their commitment to the educational sector, making them a potential investor in educational toys and related products.


6. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has invested in Yoto, which raised $17 million in a Series A round in May 2021. Yoto is known for its innovative approach to educational toys, offering a screen-free audio platform that encourages children to engage with stories and learning materials. Additionally, Acton Capital has a history of investing in Windeln.de, Germany's largest online store for baby products, which, while not strictly an educational toy company, operates in the broader child-related market. This diverse investment strategy showcases Acton Capital's commitment to supporting companies that foster growth and development in the early years of childhood.


7. 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 notable investments in the educational sector include multiple funding rounds for Lingokids, a company dedicated to creating educational content for children. Lingokids has successfully raised funds through HV Capital in various stages, including a Seed Round in 2017, Series A in 2018, Series B in 2020, and Series C in 2021, totaling over $60 million. This demonstrates HV Capital's commitment to fostering growth in the educational toy and digital learning market. Additionally, they have invested in Sdui, which focuses on educational technology, further solidifying their relevance in the educational sector.


8. Pirate Impact

  • Website: pirate.io
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: pirate-impact

Pirate Impact is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, that specializes in impact investments aimed at transforming the economy towards impact capitalism. They provide consulting services to entrepreneurs and businesses in the sustainability sector, helping them navigate impact investments and implement climate action strategies. Notably, Pirate Impact has invested in Edurino, which raised approximately $3.8 million in a seed round in February 2022, focusing on educational toys that enhance learning experiences for children. Additionally, they participated in a Series C funding round for Labster, which raised around $47 million in April 2022, a company that develops virtual lab simulations for educational purposes. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions.


9. Aenu

  • Website: aenu.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: pirate-impact

Aenu is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in empowering climate tech founders by providing investment brokerage and advisory services, primarily targeting tech entrepreneurs addressing climate change and sustainability challenges in Europe. Aenu has made notable investments in the educational sector, including Edurino, which raised nearly $3.8 million in a Seed Round in February 2022 and previously in a Pre-Seed Round in March 2021. Additionally, Aenu invested in Labster, which raised over $47 million in a Series C round, further demonstrating their engagement in educational technology. These transactions highlight Aenu's commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions, particularly those that align with their broader mission of driving systemic change through impactful technologies.


10. 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 organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among its notable transactions, SICTIC has invested in Taskbase, an edtech startup that raised CHF 1.3 million, indicating a commitment to educational technology. This involvement highlights SICTIC's interest in the educational sector, which may encompass educational toys as part of its broader investment strategy.


11. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in growth-stage investing in digital technology and media companies, providing long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs to help them overcome financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notably, Burda Principal Investments has participated in significant transactions relevant to the educational sector, such as their investment in Kukua, an edtech company that focuses on mobile kids STEM education, which received a $2.5 million funding injection to support the development of educational content. Additionally, they have invested in Skillshare, an online learning community that fosters creativity and learning, indicating their interest in educational platforms. These investments highlight their engagement in the educational landscape, particularly in areas that intersect with technology and learning for children.


12. 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 been active with 23 investments, showcasing their commitment to supporting ambitious technology startups across Europe. Notably, they were involved in the funding round for bina, an edtech startup focused on educating children aged 4 to 12, which aligns with the educational toy sector. This involvement highlights their interest in educational initiatives, making them a relevant player in this space. Other transactions, such as those with Bling.de and Sirius, while not directly related to educational toys, demonstrate their broader investment strategy in technology startups.


13. 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, primarily in health tech startups, and is dedicated to supporting purpose-driven founders. Their portfolio includes diverse teams addressing sensitive health issues. Notably, Calm/Storm has invested in the Doshi app, which secured £1 million in a Pre-Seed round to enhance gamified learning experiences, particularly in financial services. This investment highlights their interest in educational technologies, alongside their other investments in health tech, such as Clay and keleya, which, while not directly related to educational toys, showcase their active engagement in innovative sectors.


14. Tengelmann Ventures


Tengelmann Ventures is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2009, specializing in supporting innovative companies across B2B and B2C sectors. They provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a broad network of resources, focusing on themes like sustainability and simplification. In 2023, they participated in a significant funding round for Edurino, a digital education platform that raised €10.5 million in Series A funding. This investment highlights their commitment to the educational sector, particularly in digital learning solutions, which can be closely related to educational toys and tools that enhance learning experiences for children.


15. 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 investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among its notable transactions, Partners Group has invested in EuroKids International, a company focused on early childhood education, and BeNative Business English, which provides English learning services. These investments highlight Partners Group's engagement in the educational sector, making them a potential player in the educational toy market.


16. 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 Brainly, a social learning network that raised a total of $14 million across multiple funding rounds, and Showbie, a platform designed to facilitate paperless classrooms. These investments highlight Point Nine's engagement in the educational technology space, which aligns with the educational toy sector, particularly as these platforms enhance learning experiences for students and educators.


17. Museum Ravensburger


Museum Ravensburger, based in Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany, is a corporate investor and a well-established toy manufacturer founded in 1883. The company specializes in board games, puzzles, and educational toys, catering to families and educational institutions with products designed to promote learning and interaction. In recent years, Ravensburger has made significant investments in the educational sector, notably participating in funding rounds for Lingokids, a company that raised $40 million in Series C funding and $10 million in Series B funding. These investments are aimed at developing new educational content for children, showcasing Ravensburger's commitment to enhancing educational experiences through innovative products.



Educational Toy Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
W venturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-10201911
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Pirate ImpactBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-100
AenuBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020229
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
Angel InvestBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-10201823
Calm/StormVienna, Vienna, Austria1-10202013
Tengelmann VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020095
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Point NineBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201116
Museum RavensburgerBernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany1-1018830


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