The metal additive manufacturing industry in the DACH region encompasses innovative companies focusing on 3D printing technologies specifically for metals. These companies range from startups pushing the boundaries of production methods to established industrial giants integrating additive manufacturing into their operations. Offering solutions that improve speed and customization, they cater to sectors like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. As the market matures, sustainability efforts are gaining traction, pushing firms to explore new materials and techniques that reduce waste and energy consumption.


The list features a mix of venture capital firms and corporate investors headquartered across Switzerland and Germany. All investors focus on advancing technology, with deal counts varying from several to over seventy in 2024. These firms range from established enterprises with thousands of employees to agile startups, all committed to fostering innovation in metal additive manufacturing. Roughly half have been founded this century, indicating a strong influx of resources into the sector.


Top 17 Metal Additive Manufacturing Investors in DACH


1. AM Ventures


AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in additive manufacturing technologies, providing funding and strategic guidance to startups and entrepreneurs in the industrial 3D printing sector. AM Ventures aims to foster innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry, helping companies develop next-level technologies. Notable transactions include investments in Elementum 3D, which focuses on advanced metal 3D printing materials; Lithoz, known for its ceramic 3D printing solutions; Headmade Materials, which specializes in metal additive manufacturing; Cubicure, which develops photopolymer 3D printing technologies; and Fortius Metals, which is involved in metal additive manufacturing. These investments highlight AM Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in the metal additive manufacturing sector.


2. Trumpf

  • Website: trumpf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: trumpf-gmbh-co-kg

Trumpf SE + Co. KG, founded in 2016 and based in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in advanced machine tools and laser technology. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Trumpf provides innovative solutions to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Their investment arm, TRUMPF Venture, has been involved in several notable transactions that align with the metal additive manufacturing sector. For instance, they participated in the Series A funding rounds for 3YOURMIND, a Berlin-based 3D printing software startup, which raised significant capital to enhance its position in the additive manufacturing market. Additionally, Trumpf's acquisition of Stellar Industries Corp., a leader in metalized ceramic components, aims to strengthen their supply chain and expand into the electronic industry, showcasing their strategic focus on advanced manufacturing technologies. These activities highlight Trumpf's commitment to innovation and growth within the metal additive manufacturing landscape.


3. 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 provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the metal additive manufacturing space. For instance, they were involved in the Series A funding of 9T Labs, which raised $17 million to advance its 3D printing technologies, indicating a strong focus on innovative manufacturing solutions. Additionally, their investment in Scrona, which has raised funds for its 3D printing capabilities, further highlights their commitment to supporting startups in the additive manufacturing sector. Through these investments, Verve Ventures demonstrates its dedication to fostering growth in the metal additive manufacturing industry.


4. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. Bayern Kapital supports its clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has been involved in several transactions relevant to the additive manufacturing industry, such as their investments in All3DP GmbH, a prominent platform for 3D printing, where they participated in multiple funding rounds to help the company expand its market presence. Additionally, their investment in Easy2Parts and Cevotec, companies that are likely engaged in additive manufacturing technologies, further highlights their interest in this sector.


5. 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, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm focuses on innovation and sustainability across various industries, including automotive, construction, and agriculture. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has made significant investments in the additive manufacturing space, including a Series A investment in Essentium, a 3D printing firm that collaborates with BASF to advance technologies in this field. This partnership highlights their commitment to enhancing product performance through innovative manufacturing processes. Additionally, their investment in BigRep, a 3D printing startup, further demonstrates their engagement in the additive manufacturing sector, which may encompass metal applications as well.


6. 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 the growth of startups and the investment community. In 2024, Sictic has been active in the investment landscape, participating in 77 transactions. Notably, they have invested in companies such as a-metal, which focuses on metal additive manufacturing, and Exentis, which is also involved in advanced manufacturing technologies. These investments highlight Sictic's engagement in the metal additive manufacturing sector, making them a relevant player in this field.


7. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens employs approximately 320,000 people globally and generates significant revenue. Notably, Siemens has made strategic investments in the metal additive manufacturing space, including the acquisition of an 85% stake in Materials Solutions Ltd. in 2016, a company focused on 3D printing for gas turbines and aerospace systems. This acquisition is part of Siemens' strategy to enhance its capabilities in additive manufacturing. Additionally, Siemens has been active in acquiring companies that bolster its technological capabilities, such as Siemens Digital Industries Software and Altair Engineering, which further supports its innovation in manufacturing technologies.


8. HZG Group

  • Website: hzg-group.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Coburg, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: hzg-group

HZG Group is a venture capital firm based in Coburg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in technology investments, particularly in the field of additive manufacturing. HZG Group supports early-stage technology firms through venture capital funding and research resources. Notably, they have participated in several significant transactions within the metal additive manufacturing space, including funding rounds for AIM3D, which is preparing for the series production of its ExAM 510 industrial printer, and Q.BIG 3D, which is launching a large-format 3D printer. Additionally, they led a Series A funding round for Axtra3D, a developer of 3D printing machines, indicating their commitment to advancing technologies in this industry. Their investments aim to foster innovation and support the growth of companies that are shaping the future of additive manufacturing.


9. Founderful

  • Website: founderful.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: wingman-ag

Founderful is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in and supporting tech startups, providing initial funding, strategic guidance, and access to a network of investors to help founders grow their businesses. Notably, Founderful has been involved in significant transactions within the metal additive manufacturing context, particularly with 9T Labs, a Zurich-based startup that focuses on advanced 3D printing technologies. Founderful participated in multiple funding rounds for 9T Labs, including a $17 million Series A round in February 2022, a $4.3 million seed round in January 2020, and a $1.2 million pre-seed round in January 2019. These investments highlight Founderful's engagement in the metal additive manufacturing industry, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation in this field.


10. 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 focus on innovation and sustainability. In 2019, BASF acquired Sculpteo, a prominent player in the 3D printing sector, which enhances its capabilities in additive manufacturing, particularly in metal applications. Additionally, BASF has made significant investments in other technology-driven companies, such as Sion Power, which focuses on advanced battery technologies, indicating a broader interest in innovative manufacturing processes. These transactions highlight BASF's commitment to expanding its portfolio in areas that intersect with advanced manufacturing technologies, including metal additive manufacturing.


11. Matterwave Ventures

  • Website: matterwave.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: matterwave-ventures

Matterwave Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on funding early-stage industrial hardware and software companies in Europe, providing both capital and strategic support to help these businesses grow and achieve market leadership. Notably, Matterwave Ventures has invested in Headmade Materials, which raised $2,830,789 in a Series A round in December 2021, and previously in a Seed round in July 2020, both of which are significant for the metal additive manufacturing sector. They have also been involved with DyeMansion, a company that raised $5 million in a Series A round in 2018 and $14 million in a Series B round in 2020, which is relevant to the broader additive manufacturing landscape. Additionally, their recent investment in Tvarit, which raised $6,876,022 in October 2023, indicates their ongoing commitment to supporting innovative technologies in industrial applications.


12. Kickfund

  • Website: kickfund.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: kickfund-ch

Kickfund AG is a venture capital firm based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investing in Switzerland's best deep-tech startups, providing funding and support primarily to pre-seed and seed stage technology companies. Kickfund has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in a-metal, which raised funds in both pre-seed and seed rounds in 2024. This startup is focused on metal additive manufacturing, highlighting Kickfund's engagement in this specific industry. Other investments include Matriq and Isochronic, which, while not directly related to metal additive manufacturing, showcase Kickfund's commitment to supporting innovative technology ventures. By leveraging its expertise and network, Kickfund aims to empower startups and enhance the Swiss innovation ecosystem.


13. 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, focusing on sustainability and innovative technologies. Notably, Evonik has participated in funding rounds for Castor Technologies, an Israeli 3D printing company that aims to maximize additive manufacturing opportunities, with investments in both 2019 and 2021. This involvement highlights their interest in the additive manufacturing space, particularly in technologies that could intersect with their core business in specialty chemicals. Additionally, Evonik has invested in other companies like FRX Innovations, which, while primarily focused on flame retardant plastics, showcases their broader interest in innovative materials that could have applications in various manufacturing processes.


14. ZEISS Group

  • Website: zeiss.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1846
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: zeiss

ZEISS Group, founded in 1846 and based in Oberkochen, Germany, is a leading technology enterprise specializing in optics and optoelectronics. The company offers a diverse range of products, including medical technology solutions, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and high-quality optical systems. In recent years, ZEISS has made significant acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in industrial metrology and digital manufacturing. Notably, the acquisition of Capture 3D in May 2021 and GOM Metrology in April 2019 highlights their commitment to enhancing 3D measurement and inspection solutions, which are vital for quality assurance in metal additive manufacturing. Additionally, their acquisition of GUARDUS in April 2018 further strengthens their Industrial Metrology business group, improving software solutions for digital manufacturing. These strategic moves indicate ZEISS's intent to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of manufacturing technologies, including metal additive manufacturing.


15. UVC Partners


UVC Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich and Berlin, specializing in investing in B2B startups across Europe. Founded in 2011, the firm provides financial support and strategic guidance to early-stage companies, helping them grow in competitive markets. UVC Partners has a diverse portfolio that includes innovative startups in various sectors, including metal additive manufacturing. Notably, they have invested in DyeMansion, which raised $14 million in a Series B funding round to enhance its digital manufacturing capabilities, and 3YOURMIND, a 3D printing software startup that has raised significant funding to support growth in sectors such as aerospace and automotive, both of which are relevant to metal additive manufacturing. These transactions highlight UVC Partners' engagement in the additive manufacturing industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


16. German Tech Transfer Management GmbH


German Tech Transfer Management GmbH (FTTF) is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2018. FTTF specializes in providing funding and support to deep tech startups that utilize Fraunhofer technology, focusing on pre-seed and early-stage investments. They help founders develop their business models and secure additional funding, leveraging a strong network within the Fraunhofer ecosystem. Notably, FTTF has been involved in several transactions relevant to the metal additive manufacturing sector, including multiple seed rounds for 3D Spark, a company that likely operates within this domain. Additionally, they participated in the funding of Fusion Bionic, which may also be related to additive manufacturing technologies. Their operations are backed by the European Investment Fund, further enhancing their capacity to support innovative startups in this field.


17. Klöckner & Co SE


Klöckner & Co SE is a prominent metal distributor based in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializing in the supply of steel and metal products. Founded in 1906, the company serves a diverse range of customers in construction and manufacturing, providing high-quality products and logistics services. Klöckner & Co has a strong focus on sustainability, offering CO2-reduced products to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions. Notably, Klöckner & Co made a significant investment in BigRep, a Berlin-based 3D printing startup, as part of an ongoing Series B financing round announced on April 20, 2017. This investment highlights their interest in the additive manufacturing sector, particularly in technologies that could enhance their product offerings. Additionally, Klöckner & Co has engaged in various acquisitions, such as American Fabricators and RSC Rostfrei Coilcenter GmbH, which further expand their capabilities in the metal processing industry, although these transactions are less directly related to additive manufacturing.



Metal Additive Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AM VenturesStarnberg, Bavaria, Germany1-1020153
TrumpfDitzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+20162
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
HZG GroupCoburg, Bavaria, Germany11-5019973
FounderfulZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-10201916
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
Matterwave VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-10202113
KickfundBasel, Basel, Switzerland1-10202221
Evonik Venture CapitalHanau, Hesse, Germany11-5020123
ZEISS GroupOberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18464
UVC PartnersGarching, Bavaria, Germany11-50201115
German Tech Transfer Management GmbHMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020182
Klöckner & Co SEDüsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany5001-1000019060


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