The job placement agencies industry in DACH consists of companies dedicated to connecting employers with potential employees. These firms specialize in recruitment processes, offering services like talent acquisition, workforce management, and specialized recruitment solutions. With the rise of technology and remote work, agencies are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to navigate talent hunts efficiently. The industry is anticipated to evolve further, as automation and artificial intelligence become integral in matching candidates to opportunities, enhancing the speed and accuracy of placements. Employers are also placing emphasis on candidates' soft skills, indicating a shift in focus to holistic candidate assessments.


The DACH region's job placement agencies investors include both venture capital and corporate investors, with headquarters spanning Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Founded between 1833 and 2021, these entities range in size from small teams of 11 to over 10,000 employees. In 2024, they collectively made notable contributions, with investments in companies like Joblift and Medwing, reflecting a robust engagement in the workforce solutions sector. This dynamic mix of established and emerging investors demonstrates a commitment to shaping the future of recruitment services.


Top 17 Job Placement Agencies Investors in DACH


1. StepStone

  • Website: stepstone.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: stepstone

StepStone is a corporate investor based in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1996. The company operates as a recruitment agency, specializing in connecting employers with job seekers through innovative technology solutions. StepStone serves approximately 140,000 businesses across various industries and operates in over 30 countries. Notably, StepStone has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence in the job placement sector, including the acquisition of UK-based Jobsite for approximately €110 million in 2014, and the Totaljobs Group for around €132 million in 2012, which is recognized as the largest online recruitment business in the UK. Additionally, they acquired Mya Systems, a conversational AI technology platform, in 2021 to improve job seeker engagement and matching. These transactions highlight StepStone's active role in the job placement agencies industry.


2. Picus Capital

  • Website: picuscap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: picus-capital

Picus Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments and partners with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech and healthcare. Picus Capital not only provides capital but also offers strategic guidance and HR support to empower entrepreneurs in building sustainable category leaders globally. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in Joblift, a European job site, participating in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, which collectively raised over €12 million. This involvement highlights their interest in the job placement industry and their commitment to supporting companies that facilitate employment opportunities.


3. The Adecco Group


The Adecco Group, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is a prominent staffing agency that offers a wide range of human resource services, including temporary staffing, permanent job placement, and talent development. With over 10,000 employees, Adecco serves businesses across various sectors, helping them effectively manage their workforce needs. The company has been actively involved in the job placement agencies industry through several significant transactions. Notably, they acquired Vettery in 2018 for $100 million, enhancing their recruitment capabilities. In 2005, they acquired a majority stake in Altedia, which allowed them to integrate their career transition services in France and Spain. Additionally, their acquisition of Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions in 2015 aimed to bolster their talent management and consulting services. These strategic acquisitions reflect Adecco's commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities within the job placement sector.


4. allygatr


Allygatr is an investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012, specializing in HR technology. With a team size of 11-50, allygatr focuses on investing in HR tech startups and providing consulting services to help businesses navigate the evolving landscape of human resources technology. In 2023, allygatr invested in Talentlobby, an Austrian startup that offers an AI-powered recruiting solution specifically for the hotel and hospitality industry, marking their first engagement in Austria and expanding their reach into the DACH region. Other notable transactions include investments in Searchtalent, Senior Connect, Hammerjobs, and clipvert, all of which are relevant to the job placement and recruitment space. These investments demonstrate allygatr's commitment to supporting innovation and growth in the HR sector, making them a significant player in the job placement agencies industry.


5. Adecco

  • Website: adecco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: adecco

Adecco, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading staffing agency that provides comprehensive workforce solutions, including temporary and permanent recruitment, training, and diversity initiatives. The company serves both businesses seeking qualified talent and individuals looking for job opportunities, facilitating connections in the labor market. Adecco has been actively involved in strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the job placement industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Qapa, a digital staffing company in France, aimed at enhancing Adecco's digital offerings, and the acquisition of Penna, which combined its Career and Talent Solutions businesses to create a leading provider of talent development services in the UK. Additionally, Adecco's investment in Talentoday, an HR tech startup, highlights its commitment to innovation in workforce solutions. These activities underscore Adecco's role as a significant investor in the job placement agencies sector.


6. Redstone


Redstone is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups across various sectors, including FinTech, Industrial, Sustainability, and Quantum. Redstone provides investment management services and conducts research on the venture capital landscape, particularly focusing on the participation of pension funds in the startup ecosystem. Notably, Redstone has participated in funding rounds for companies like Empion, which raised €6M in a seed round for HR management software solutions, and Careloop, which raised over €2M in a seed round. These transactions highlight Redstone's engagement in the HR technology sector, making them a relevant player in the job placement agencies industry.


7. 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 focuses on various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS, leveraging a vast network of industry experts to assist their portfolio companies. In the context of job placement agencies, Speedinvest has made notable investments such as in joblocal, which raised funds in 2012, Asap.work, which secured EUR 4 million in 2023, Heroes Jobs, which raised $1.5 million in 2019, and Seafair, a maritime recruitment platform that raised $5.7 million in 2021. These investments highlight Speedinvest's engagement in the job placement sector, making them a relevant player in this industry.


8. 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 provide capital and strategic guidance to startups across Europe, helping them navigate growth challenges and achieve market success. Notably, HV Capital has been involved in multiple funding rounds for jobvalley, a job placement agency, raising significant amounts such as $11,025,887 in 2021 and $13,586,510 in 2015, along with several other investments in earlier years. This track record in the job placement sector highlights their relevance in this industry.


9. 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 supports exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey, focusing on startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health. Notably, Atlantic Labs has been involved in several funding rounds for Medwing, a health-tech company that aims to address the global shortage of healthcare workers. They participated in Medwing's Series B financing round, which raised €28 million, and have been involved in earlier funding stages, including Series A, Seed, and Pre-Seed rounds. This involvement highlights their interest in sectors that are closely related to job placement, particularly in healthcare, where the demand for skilled professionals is critical.


10. 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 these startups grow. Notably, TA Ventures has been active in the job placement agencies sector, having invested in companies such as Jobtech and Joblift, both of which focus on job placement solutions. They also participated in the funding of Seafair, a maritime recruitment platform, which highlights their involvement in recruitment technology. With a global presence, TA Ventures actively engages in building networks for its portfolio companies, further enhancing their value in the job placement industry.


11. 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 corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. The company is primarily known for its media operations, including well-known brands like BILD and Business Insider, focusing on news and digital media. In recent years, Axel Springer has strategically expanded its portfolio to include significant investments in the job placement industry. Notably, in 2009, they acquired a majority interest in StepStone ASA, securing 52.27% of the company, which is a key player in the online job portal market. This acquisition was part of their strategy to enhance their digital business and international presence. Additionally, in 2017, Axel Springer participated in a Series B funding round for WayUp, a job marketplace aimed at connecting students and recent graduates with job opportunities. Furthermore, their acquisition of meinestadt.de in 2012 and Vertical Media GmbH in 2014 reflects their broader interest in digital platforms that may intersect with job placement services. Overall, Axel Springer is committed to leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings and expand its influence in the job placement sector.


12. tesa

  • Website: tesa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Norderstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: tesa

Tesa SE is a corporate investor based in Norderstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, specializing in adhesive products for both consumer and industrial applications. Founded in 2001, the company has established a global presence with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation in adhesive technology. Notably, tesa has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of four labor hire businesses, such as Queensland Mining Employment Services, for approximately $7.5 million in 2005. This acquisition not only enhanced tesa's presence in the black coal industry in New South Wales and Queensland but also marked their entry into the job placement sector, indicating a diversification of their business interests beyond adhesive manufacturing. With a revenue exceeding $110 million annually and a significant stake held by Advent IV Funds, tesa is positioned as a notable player in both the adhesive and labor hire markets.


13. 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 their notable transactions, Sictic has invested in Kollabo, a Swiss HRtech startup aiming to create a digital ecosystem for blue-collar workers, and TieTalent, which focuses on expanding its professional network in Europe. These investments highlight Sictic's engagement in the job placement and HR technology sectors, showcasing their role in supporting startups that enhance job placement services.


14. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to innovative startups, particularly in the early stages of their development. With a portfolio of over 270 startups, IBB Ventures offers not only financial backing but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in a competitive market. Notably, IBB Ventures has invested in Jomigo, a Berlin-based recruiting tech startup that aims to professionalize crowd-recruiting in the headhunting market, showcasing their commitment to the job placement sector. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds for other startups, such as Careloop, which, while not directly related to job placement, reflects their active investment strategy in diverse fields.


15. 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. Ringier has made significant strides in the job placement industry by acquiring several job portals, including MyJobs Myanmar in 2018, Jobberman in 2016, and Brighter Monday in 2017. These acquisitions reflect Ringier's strategy to enhance its digital presence and service offerings in the job placement sector, catering to both consumers seeking employment opportunities and businesses looking for recruitment solutions. With a diverse portfolio and a strong foothold in Europe and Africa, Ringier plays a crucial role in the evolving landscape of job placement services.


16. 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment focus spans various sectors, including climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Goodwall, a professional network for students and graduates, which raised a total of $10.8 million in a Series A round led by other investors. This involvement highlights their interest in platforms that support job placement and career advancement, making them a relevant player in the job placement agencies industry.


17. 10x Founders

  • Website: 10xfounders.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: 10x-founders

10x Founders is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology startups, particularly in Europe and the US. With a network of over 200 entrepreneurs and 50 super angels, 10x Founders aims to support ambitious founders by providing capital and strategic guidance. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in WorkerHero, which raised over $5 million in Series A funding in July 2024, and Huzzle, a career-management tool for students, which received a Pre-Seed investment in September 2021. These investments highlight their engagement in the job placement and career management sectors, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this space.



Job Placement Agencies Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
StepStoneDüsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500019962
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528
The Adecco GroupZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+19960
allygatrBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020123
AdeccoZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+19960
RedstoneBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201414
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
tesaNorderstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany5001-1000020010
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
10x FoundersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50202115


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