The stock trading industry in the DACH region is dynamic and robust, encompassing a variety of financial firms focusing on buying, selling, and investing in securities. Major players include investment banks, stock exchanges, and fintech startups, all contributing to a vibrant marketplace. With technological advancements, many firms are now incorporating digital platforms and algorithmic trading to enhance efficiency and accessibility for both institutional and retail investors. As the industry shifts toward greater integration of sustainable investing and digital assets, stakeholders are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to stay competitive. The shift towards mobile trading apps illustrates changing investor preferences, particularly among younger demographics.


The investors shaping the stock trading scene in DACH range from corporate giants like Deutsche Bank, founded in 1870, to newer venture firms such as Laser Digital, established in 2022. The group is primarily headquartered in Germany and Switzerland, with varying sizes that span from startups with just a handful of employees to established financial powerhouses with tens of thousands. In 2024, these investors executed a mix of strategic deals, underscoring their keen interest in fintech innovations and market evolution, with notable transaction counts that reflect their commitment to expanding their portfolios.


Top 17 Stock Trading Investors in DACH


1. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. Deutsche Bank serves a diverse clientele, including corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the stock trading context, such as the acquisition of British stockbroker Numis for £410 million, which reflects their strategic interest in enhancing their trading capabilities. Additionally, their participation in various funding rounds, including investments in companies like BIDS Trading and DirectBooks, showcases their engagement in the broader financial markets, further solidifying their role as a key player in stock trading.


2. Deutsche Börse

  • Website: deutsche-boerse.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Eschborn, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-borse

Deutsche Börse AG, founded in 1990 and based in Eschborn, Hesse, Germany, is a leading financial services company that provides a comprehensive range of solutions including trading, clearing, and investment management services. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Deutsche Börse serves asset managers and institutional investors, facilitating efficient market operations and investment strategies through advanced technology and analytics. Notably, Deutsche Börse has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the stock trading sector. For instance, in 2009, they acquired a 75% stake in Tradegate Exchange, a trading platform aimed at expanding their offerings for private investors in the European retail market. In 2020, they acquired a majority stake in Quantitative Brokers, enhancing their focus on advanced execution algorithms and analytics for the buy side. Most recently, in 2023, Deutsche Börse acquired SimCorp for over $4.3 billion, further solidifying their role in the investment management space. These transactions highlight Deutsche Börse's active engagement in the stock trading industry and their commitment to enhancing trading capabilities.


3. Six

  • Website: six-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: sixgroup

SIX is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2008. It operates essential financial market infrastructure and provides a variety of services, including securities transactions, payment processing, and financial information services. In 2019, SIX made a significant acquisition of Bolsas y Mercados Españoles for approximately $2.84 billion, enhancing its position in the European stock exchange landscape. In 2024, they announced the acquisition of Aquis Exchange for £207 million, further solidifying their role in the stock trading sector. Additionally, SIX has invested in fintech ventures, such as Keyrock, which raised $72 million in a Series B funding round, indicating their commitment to innovation in financial markets. These transactions highlight SIX's active participation in the stock trading industry and its broader financial services ecosystem.


4. 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, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups from seed stage to exit. Notably, HV Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the fintech sector, particularly with Scalable Capital, a leading digital wealth manager. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Scalable Capital, including a €60 million equity financing in December 2023 and a $182.9 million Series E round in June 2021. These investments are aimed at enhancing Scalable Capital's growth in wealth management and brokerage, highlighting HV Capital's active role in the stock trading ecosystem through their support of innovative financial solutions for retail clients.


5. CommerzVentures

  • Website: commerzventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: commerzventures

CommerzVentures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, specializing in investing in fintech startups. Founded in 2014, the firm manages €550 million across three funds and provides advisory services to help these startups grow in the competitive financial technology sector. Among their notable transactions, CommerzVentures invested in eToro, a prominent trading platform, during its Series D funding round in 2015, which raised $12 million. They also participated in the funding of FINBOURNE Technology, which raised over $58 million in a secondary market round in 2024, focusing on capital markets data analytics. These investments indicate their active role in the stock trading ecosystem, despite their broader fintech focus.


6. 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 prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands such as BILD and Business Insider. The company is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. As an investor, Axel Springer has made significant moves in the stock trading context, including the acquisition of a 50.1% stake in wallstreet:online AG and a 75.1% interest in wallstreet:online capital AG, which are part of their strategy to expand digital financial information services. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for startups like nextmarkets and Invesdor, raising substantial amounts in Series A and Series B rounds, respectively. These transactions highlight Axel Springer's active role in the financial and trading sectors, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in this space.


7. Laser Digital

  • Website: laserdigital.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: laserdigital

Laser Digital is a financial services firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2022. It specializes in digital assets and offers a range of services including trading, asset management, and investment solutions tailored for institutional investors. The firm combines traditional finance practices with innovative digital asset strategies to help clients navigate the complexities of the digital market. In 2023, Laser Digital made significant moves in the digital trading space, including the acquisition of Elysium Technology Group, which provides post-trade solutions for OTC foreign exchange and digital assets. Additionally, they invested in Infinity Exchange, a platform that enhances capital efficiency in decentralized finance (DeFi), indicating their commitment to integrating traditional trading with digital asset solutions. Their involvement in funding rounds for Crossover Markets Group further highlights their active participation in the trading sector, making them a notable player in the evolving landscape of financial services.


8. Discovery Ventures


Discovery Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a strong emphasis on the Fintech, B2B SaaS, and Artificial Intelligence sectors. Founded with the mission to provide financial backing and strategic support to tech entrepreneurs, Discovery Ventures has participated in several notable transactions. Among these, they invested in Trade Republic, a prominent trading platform that raised $12 million in a Series A round in July 2019, highlighting their involvement in the stock trading ecosystem. Additionally, their investment in NaroIQ, which raised approximately $2.9 million in a Pre-Seed round in February 2024, further demonstrates their commitment to supporting innovative financial technology solutions. Overall, Discovery Ventures plays a significant role in nurturing companies that may influence the stock trading landscape.


9. FiveT Hydrogen AG

  • Website: fivet.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arth, Schwyz, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: fivet-hydrogen-ag

FiveT Hydrogen AG is a venture capital firm based in Arth, Schwyz, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in impactful investments in technology-driven sectors, particularly focusing on energy transition, financial technology, and life sciences. They provide investment management and consulting services to businesses and organizations, assisting them in navigating carbon markets and investing in sustainable technologies. FiveT Hydrogen AG has been involved in several notable transactions, including a $7 million investment in Crypto Valley Exchange during its Seed Round in April 2024, and a $16.9 million investment in Wyden during its Series B funding round in November 2024. These transactions highlight their active participation in sectors that intersect with stock trading, particularly in fintech and innovative platforms, further emphasizing their relevance in the investment landscape.


10. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups. With a focus on consulting in tech and growth, they offer access to a network of investors and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has been involved in significant transactions within the fintech sector, particularly with Trade Republic, a leading European stock trading platform. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Trade Republic, including a $900 million Series C round in May 2021, which helped elevate the company's valuation to over $5 billion. Additionally, they have invested in LIQID Investments, another fintech company, further demonstrating their active role in the financial technology space. This combination of early-stage investment and involvement in fintech positions Project A as a relevant player in the stock trading investment landscape.


11. C3 Venture Capital

  • Website: c3venture.capital
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn:

C3 Venture Capital is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in managing early-stage funds that invest in technology companies worldwide, with a particular emphasis on accelerating the growth and adoption of blockchain technology. In 2024, C3 Venture Capital participated in significant funding rounds, including a $16.9 million Series B investment in Wyden, and previously led a $2.4 million pre-Series A funding round for League of Traders, a South Korean crypto trading app. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting platforms that facilitate trading activities. Other notable transactions include investments in Wizpace and Cashlink, further demonstrating their active role in the fintech and trading sectors.


12. PostFinance

  • Website: postfinance.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Bern, Bern, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1906
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: postfinance

PostFinance AG is a financial services company based in Bern, Switzerland, that offers a variety of banking and investment solutions to individual and business customers. Founded in 1906, PostFinance serves approximately 2.5 million customers with tailored financial products. In recent years, PostFinance has engaged in several notable transactions, including leading a Pre-Series A financing round for Properti, a Swiss proptech company, and participating in Series B funding for Wyden, raising $16.9 million. Additionally, they have invested in BetterTradeOff through both Seed and Series A rounds, showcasing their active role in supporting innovative startups. These investments reflect PostFinance's strategy to diversify its portfolio and engage in the venture capital space, further solidifying its position as an investor in the financial market.


13. Allianz

  • Website: allianz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1890
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: allianz

Allianz, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading insurance company that offers a wide range of insurance products and investment management services. With a global presence and a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Allianz focuses on risk management and asset protection, helping customers navigate financial uncertainties. In recent years, Allianz has made notable investments in the digital wealth management space, such as leading a £40 million funding round for Moneyfarm, a prominent online wealth manager. This investment reflects Allianz's commitment to innovative financial solutions. Additionally, Allianz X, the digital investment unit of Allianz Group, acquired Finanzen.de AG, a key player in the European B2B online marketplace for insurance and financial services. These transactions highlight Allianz's active role in the stock trading and investment management sectors, further solidifying its position as a relevant investor in this category.


14. Barclays Consumer Bank Europe


Barclays Consumer Bank Europe is a corporate investor based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1991. As a financial services company, it offers a range of products including credit cards, loans, and savings accounts, primarily catering to individual consumers. The bank operates through an online platform and mobile app, providing flexible financial solutions. In 2024, Barclays Consumer Bank Europe has made five investments, including notable transactions in the stock trading context. They participated in a Post-IPO equity investment in Global Net Lease, raising $237 million, and a Post-IPO debt investment in W. P. Carey, which raised approximately $552 million. Additionally, their involvement in fintech companies like Scalable Capital and LendingCrowd highlights their active role in the financial sector, further supporting their relevance as an investor in stock trading.


15. Cobatest

  • Website: commerzbank.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: cobatest

Cobatest, a venture capital arm of Commerzbank AG, is based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, and has been operational since 1870. As a public entity, it provides a comprehensive range of banking services, including current and savings accounts, loans, and investment management. In 2024, Cobatest has made six investments, showcasing its active role in the financial sector. Notably, it acquired a significant equity stake in comdirect bank Aktiengesellschaft, which will allow for a merger and enhance its digital banking capabilities. Additionally, Cobatest has taken a majority stake in Aquila Capital Investmentgesellschaft, further solidifying its position in the investment landscape. These transactions highlight Cobatest's commitment to expanding its investment portfolio and integrating innovative financial services, making it a relevant player in the stock trading industry.


16. DWS Group

  • Website: dws.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: dws-group-com

DWS Group is an asset management company based in Frankfurt, Germany, founded in 1956. It offers a variety of investment solutions, including Xtrackers ETFs, catering to both individual and institutional clients. DWS Group focuses on portfolio management and investment advice, helping clients navigate the complexities of financial markets. In recent years, DWS has engaged in several notable transactions that reflect its active investment strategy. For instance, they are in talks to acquire a stake in Deutsche Digital Assets, a move aimed at enhancing their presence in the digital currency ecosystem. Additionally, DWS has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 15% equity stake in Neo Mena Technologies, a fintech company, which underscores their commitment to expanding digital asset management services. Furthermore, their participation in funding rounds for companies like ESG Book and Arabesque AI highlights their interest in innovative financial technologies and sustainable investing, further solidifying their role as an active investor in the stock trading landscape.


17. Neosfer

  • Website: neosfer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn:

Neosfer is a venture capital firm and consulting company based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in startups within the financial services sector, providing venture capital, strategic consulting, and networking opportunities to ambitious founders. In 2021, Neosfer participated in a seed round for Stockrepublic, raising approximately $2.3 million, which indicates their interest in innovative financial services. Additionally, they have been significantly involved with TransFICC, a company that raised a total of $25 million in a Series B round in 2025, along with previous funding rounds totaling over $30 million. These transactions highlight Neosfer's commitment to supporting companies that enhance market connectivity and efficiency, which are crucial aspects of stock trading.



Stock Trading Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Deutsche BörseEschborn, Hesse, Germany10001+19903
SixZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1001-500020088
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
CommerzVenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1-1020146
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
Laser DigitalZurich, Zurich, Switzerland51-200202225
Discovery VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-103
FiveT Hydrogen AGArth, Schwyz, Switzerland11-5020212
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
C3 Venture CapitalFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1-1020212
PostFinanceBern, Bern, Switzerland1001-500019063
AllianzMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+18905
Barclays Consumer Bank EuropeHamburg, Hamburg, Germany501-100019915
CobatestFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1-1018706
DWS GroupFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1001-500019566
NeosferFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020135


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