The commercial cleaning industry in the DACH region encompasses a wide range of services, including office cleaning, industrial sanitation, and specialized cleaning solutions tailored to various sectors. Market players range from small local operators to large multinational companies. This industry increasingly embraces technology, with the rise of automated cleaning solutions and eco-friendly products gaining traction. The growth trajectory of this sector appears strong, fueled by rising health standards and the push for sustainable practices. Additionally, innovative cleaning solutions are becoming the norm, as customers demand greener options and smarter services to maintain cleanliness in an ever-evolving world.


The list of commercial cleaning investors in DACH showcases a range of corporate giants and private equity firms, with headquarters in Germany and Switzerland. Established between 1849 and 2011, these companies vary in size, from small firms with under ten employees to large corporations with over 10,000. Their deal activity in 2024 reflects a blend of intentions, with some like Brenntag aggressively expanding in acquisitions while others, such as Egeria and Capvis, opt for strategic positioning, making a significant impact on the commercial cleaning market.


Top 18 Commercial Cleaning Investors in DACH


1. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. Rocket Internet has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the home services sector. For instance, they participated in the Series B funding round for Helpling, a global platform for on-demand home services, which raised €43M. This investment highlights their engagement in the cleaning industry. Additionally, they have invested in Laundrapp, a laundry service startup, which also aligns with the cleaning sector. These transactions demonstrate Rocket Internet's capability and interest in supporting companies that operate within the commercial cleaning context, alongside their broader investment strategy in eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech.


2. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across various industries. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers, providing a diverse range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. In 2024, Brenntag has been active in expanding its portfolio through several acquisitions, including Monarch Chemicals, which enhances their capabilities in commodity and agricultural chemicals, and Industrial Chemicals Corporation, which strengthens their regional presence in the U.S. Additionally, their acquisition of Shanghai Saifu Chemical Development indicates a strategic move to enhance their presence in the personal care chemicals market, which often overlaps with commercial cleaning products. These transactions highlight Brenntag's commitment to expanding its chemical distribution capabilities, including those relevant to the commercial cleaning industry.


3. 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 investments, focusing on partnering with healthy businesses to drive sustainable growth through strategic investments. Egeria operates primarily in the Netherlands, the DACH region, and North America, providing both capital and management expertise to businesses seeking to expand. Notably, Egeria has been involved in significant transactions within the commercial cleaning context, including the acquisition of CleanLease in 2010, which is directly related to the commercial cleaning industry. They also acquired Royal Sanders in 2015, a company that produces cleaning and personal care products, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors related to cleaning. These transactions highlight Egeria's capability and interest in the commercial cleaning market, making them a relevant investor in this space.


4. Henkel

  • Website: henkel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1876
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: henkel

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is a prominent chemical manufacturer and consumer goods company based in Düsseldorf, Germany, founded in 1876. The company specializes in adhesive technologies and consumer brands, offering a diverse range of products including adhesives, sealants, and home care items. Henkel emphasizes innovation and sustainability in its operations. Notably, Henkel has made significant investments in the commercial cleaning sector, including the acquisition of JemPak Corporation, a leading manufacturer of laundry and home care products, for 118 million Canadian dollars. This acquisition enhances Henkel's position in the North American market for cleaning products. Additionally, Henkel participated in a Series B funding round for Washmen, a Dubai-based laundry service, which raised $6.2 million to expand operations and develop technology. These transactions highlight Henkel's strategic focus on the commercial cleaning industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.


5. 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. Capvis partners with institutional investors, such as pension funds, to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. The firm focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has been involved in the acquisition of NWG Service, a company in the commercial cleaning sector, in 1997, which highlights its historical engagement in this industry. Additionally, Capvis acquired Tobler Allround AG in 2000 and Kaffee Partner in 2010, showcasing its diverse investment strategy, although these latter companies are not directly related to commercial cleaning.


6. Tamedia

  • Website: tamedia.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1893
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: tamedia

Tamedia is a media company based in Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland, founded in 1893. It specializes in journalism and publishing, offering a variety of products including newspapers and digital news platforms. In addition to its core focus on quality journalism and advertising services, Tamedia has ventured into the household services market through investments in companies like Helpling and Book a Tiger. Helpling, an online marketplace for household services, received a significant investment from Tamedia, which also acquired the Swiss operations of Book a Tiger, a competitor in the cleaning service space. These transactions highlight Tamedia's strategic interest in the commercial cleaning sector, positioning them as a relevant player in this industry.


7. 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 focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital invested in Freska, a cleaning service company, in February 2018, which highlights their engagement in the commercial cleaning industry. Additionally, they have been involved with computeruniverse, although this transaction is less relevant to the cleaning sector. Acton Capital aims to help companies develop tailored growth strategies to achieve long-term success, making them a supportive partner for startups in the commercial cleaning space.


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 have been involved in various transactions, including significant investments in Everdrop, a Munich-based startup that raised €18 million in Series A funding and $80 million in Series B funding. Everdrop focuses on developing sustainable household products, including cleaning solutions, which positions HV Capital as a relevant player in the commercial cleaning industry. Additionally, their investment in MyHammer AG, a platform for service providers, further showcases their diverse investment strategy.


9. 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, including services such as succession planning, growth financing, and corporate spin-offs. Invision primarily operates in Switzerland and Germany, focusing on businesses with strong market positions. Notably, Invision has been involved in several relevant transactions in the commercial cleaning context, including the acquisition of the Dr. Deppe Group in 2017, a leading manufacturer of clinical disinfectants and cleaning products. This acquisition aimed to support the company's growth and international expansion, highlighting Invision's commitment to the commercial cleaning industry. Additionally, they have made other acquisitions, such as Pfeifer GmbH and Kraft & Bauer, which, while not directly related to cleaning, demonstrate their active investment strategy in various sectors.


10. OTI Greentech AG

  • Website: oti.ag
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: oti-greentech-ag

OTI Greentech AG is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The company specializes in providing innovative chemical solutions and cleaning services tailored for various industries, including maritime, infrastructure, and oil & gas. Notably, OTI Greentech has made significant strides in the commercial cleaning sector through its acquisitions. In 2021, they signed a binding agreement to acquire KMI Cleaning Solutions, Inc. for approximately $2.762 million, which is a major supplier of cleaning chemicals and equipment specifically for the truck wash market in the USA and Canada. This acquisition highlights OTI's commitment to expanding its footprint in the commercial cleaning industry. Additionally, OTI has previously acquired Uniservice Unisafe Srl and UNIservice SAFETY srl, further enhancing its capabilities and distribution in the cleaning solutions market. These transactions underscore OTI Greentech's strategic focus on the commercial cleaning sector, making them a relevant investor in this space.


11. Paragon Partners

  • Website: paragon.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: paragon-partners_2

Paragon Partners GmbH is a Munich-based private equity investment firm founded in 2004, specializing in private equity investments in established medium-sized enterprises. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance business operations and foster growth, catering to institutional investors seeking sustainable investment opportunities. Notably, Paragon Partners has made significant acquisitions, including ABL-TECHNIC in 2007 and the industrial services division of Condecta AG in 2017. The acquisition of Condecta AG is particularly relevant as it operates in the industrial services sector, which often includes commercial cleaning services, thereby highlighting Paragon Partners' potential interest in the cleaning industry.


12. Kärcher


Kärcher, officially known as Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG, is a prominent cleaning equipment manufacturer based in Winnenden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded in 2011, the company has established itself as a leader in the cleaning technology industry, offering a diverse range of products including high-pressure cleaners and floor care equipment for both professional and private customers. Kärcher is not only recognized for its innovative cleaning solutions but also for its strategic investments in the cleaning sector. Notably, Kärcher New Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies like Skyline Robotics, which raised $6.5 million in 2022 and $3 million in 2018 to develop robotic solutions for cleaning skyscrapers. These investments highlight Kärcher's active role in advancing cleaning technologies and their commitment to enhancing the commercial cleaning landscape.


13. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

  • Website: dbag.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1965. The firm specializes in investments in mid-sized companies, providing capital and advisory services to enhance growth potential. With over 55 years of experience, Deutsche Beteiligungs AG has a successful fund advisory business and focuses on sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare. Notably, they have made significant investments in companies like Cleanpart Group, which specializes in cleanroom cleaning services, indicating their engagement in the commercial cleaning sector. Other transactions include the acquisition of Clyde Bergemann Power Group and Kraft & Bauer, showcasing their diverse investment strategy. Their acquisition of Cartonplast Group further highlights their capability in managing substantial investments, making them a versatile player in the private equity landscape.


14. Freudenberg Group


Freudenberg Group is a diversified corporate investor based in Weinheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1849. The company specializes in innovative cleaning solutions and household products, catering to both consumers and businesses. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and customer needs, Freudenberg operates globally, leveraging its extensive market expertise. Notably, in July 2023, Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions acquired Vermop, a company with sales of approximately EUR 46 million in 2022, which will continue to operate independently while being integrated into Freudenberg's group. This acquisition underscores Freudenberg's strategic focus on enhancing its cleaning solutions portfolio. Additionally, Freudenberg has made other acquisitions, such as RSP Products, which, while primarily focused on indoor air filtration, reflects the company's broader strategy to expand its business in related sectors. Overall, Freudenberg Group is positioned as a significant player in the commercial cleaning industry.


15. Aevis Victoria Sa

  • Website: aevis.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1950
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: aevis-holding-sa

AEVIS VICTORIA SA is an investment company based in Fribourg, Switzerland, founded in 1950. The firm specializes in healthcare, hospitality, and infrastructure, operating private hospitals and luxury hotels to enhance the quality of life through its diverse investments. Notably, AEVIS VICTORIA SA led a €23M Series B funding round for Batmaid, the parent company of a cleaning services platform, which aims to expand its operations into 21 cities across 15 countries. This investment highlights AEVIS VICTORIA's engagement in the commercial cleaning sector, showcasing their interest in companies that provide essential services.


16. Investis Holding SA

  • Website: investisgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: investis-sa

Investis Holding SA is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1994. The company specializes in residential properties and real estate services, primarily operating in the Geneva region. Investis focuses on the middle market segment, providing affordable living options while managing a diverse portfolio of residential properties. In addition to its core business, Investis has made strategic investments, including a notable acquisition of a stake in Batmaid (Vanguard Internet SA) in June 2018. This investment was aimed at enhancing Batmaid's growth by providing access to over CHF 1 billion worth of buildings for its digitalized facility services, which includes commercial cleaning. This transaction highlights Investis's engagement in the commercial cleaning sector, indicating a broader interest beyond just residential real estate.


17. Sika

  • Website: sika.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sika

Sika AG is a specialty chemicals company founded in 1910, headquartered in Baar, Zug, Switzerland. With a global presence in 103 countries, Sika develops and produces innovative solutions primarily for the construction and industrial sectors. Their product range includes concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, and flooring solutions, catering to construction companies and contractors. Recently, Sika has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position, including a stake in an innovative flooring company on November 28, 2023, and the acquisition of Chema, a leading manufacturer of tile setting materials in Peru, announced on August 7, 2023. These transactions highlight Sika's commitment to expanding its footprint in sectors that are relevant to commercial cleaning, as flooring and tile materials are critical in maintaining clean and sustainable commercial environments.


18. Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit


Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit is a corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in providing Growth Debt financing to mid-late stage technology companies in Europe, particularly in Germany. They offer customized loan facilities aimed at helping businesses grow, expand into new markets, and enhance shareholder value while minimizing dilution and management distraction. Notably, they participated in a Series B financing round for Book A Tiger, a digital facility services company, which secured €8 million in funding. This transaction highlights their engagement in the facility services sector, which encompasses commercial cleaning, indicating their potential relevance in this industry.



Commercial Cleaning Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
Egeria REI GmbH Ijzendoorn & Co. KGBerlin, Berlin, Germany51-20019970
HenkelDüsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18763
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
TamediaBoswil, Aargau, Switzerland1001-500018930
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Invision AGZug, Zug, Switzerland11-5019970
OTI Greentech AGZug, Zug, Switzerland1-1020060
Paragon PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020042
KärcherWinnenden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+20112
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
Freudenberg GroupWeinheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18490
Aevis Victoria SaFribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland1001-500019501
Investis Holding SAZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1001-500019940
SikaBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19102
Davidson & W Technology Growth CreditBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020150


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