The executive search firms industry in DACH focuses on connecting businesses with top-tier talent across various industries. Companies operating in this sector include specialized recruitment agencies and technology-driven platforms that enhance the efficiency of hiring processes. They often provide services such as talent scouting, market mapping, and strategic HR advice to organizations filling executive and leadership roles. Given the increasing digitalization and remote work trend, the industry is embracing innovation, utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline operations and improve candidate matching. As a result, many agencies are pivoting towards tech solutions while emphasizing personalized client service.


The list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors, primarily based in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. With companies founded from 1833 to 2018, their sizes range from small teams of 1-10 to major establishments with over 10,000 employees. During 2024, these investors collectively made numerous deals, particularly focusing on HR technology and recruitment solutions. Firms like Deutsche Bank and The Adecco Group highlight the significant investment activity in this sector, evidencing a robust interest in talent acquisition and management as the industry evolves to meet new challenges.


Top 18 Executive Search Firms Investors in DACH


1. 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. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Fetcher, a NYC-based outbound recruiting platform, participating in multiple funding rounds including a seed round in 2019 and a Series A round in 2021. Additionally, they have invested in Joblift, a job search platform, which further demonstrates their engagement in the recruitment and talent acquisition space. These investments highlight Picus Capital's relevance to the executive search firms industry.


2. 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, founded in 1996 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a corporate investor and a leading recruitment agency that connects employers with job seekers through advanced technology. The company operates in over 30 countries and serves approximately 140,000 businesses across various industries. StepStone has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings in the recruitment space. Notably, they acquired Universum, a Swedish specialist in employer branding services, in 2018, which complements their recruitment services by helping companies attract top talent. In 2021, they acquired Mya Systems, a U.S.-based conversational AI technology platform, to improve job seeker engagement and matching processes. Additionally, their acquisition of Appcast, a technology provider in the digital job classifieds market, for approximately EUR 70 million in 2019, further illustrates their commitment to expanding their portfolio in recruitment technology. These transactions highlight StepStone's active role in the recruitment industry, particularly in areas relevant to executive search firms.


3. allygatr


Allygatr is an investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012, specializing in HR technology. With a team size of 11-50, they focus on fostering innovation and supporting the growth of startups in the HR sector. In 2024, allygatr has already made three investments, showcasing their active role in the market. Notable transactions include their investment in Searchtalent, which raised funds in a venture round, indicating a commitment to enhancing recruitment solutions. They also invested in Talentlobby, an Austrian startup providing AI-powered recruiting solutions for the hospitality industry, which aligns with the broader HR technology landscape. Their investment in Board Owl and Senior Connect further demonstrates their focus on innovative HR solutions, making them a significant player in the executive search firms context.


4. The Adecco Group


The Adecco Group, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading staffing agency that provides a comprehensive 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 made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the executive search and talent management sectors. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions in 2015, aimed at enhancing their talent management and consulting services, and the acquisition of Vettery in 2018 for $100 million, which further solidified their position in the talent marketplace. Additionally, their acquisition of Altedia in 2005 and Stafford Long & Partners Limited in 2018 demonstrates their commitment to expanding their footprint in the human resources and executive search domains.


5. Adecco

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

Adecco is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1996. As a leading staffing agency, Adecco 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. Notably, Adecco has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the executive search and recruitment sector. For instance, the acquisition of Penna in 2016 combined its Career and Talent Solutions businesses, creating a leading provider of talent development and transition services in the UK. In 2021, Adecco acquired Qapa, a digital staffing company in France, for 65 million euros, aiming to enhance its digital offerings. Additionally, Adecco led a Series A funding round for Talentoday, an HR tech startup, which highlights their interest in innovative solutions within the recruitment space. These transactions underscore Adecco's active role in the executive search industry.


6. 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 in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures participated in a significant funding round for Jomigo, a Berlin-based recruiting tech startup that aims to innovate the headhunting market through a crowd-recruiting concept. This investment highlights their engagement in the executive search industry. Additionally, they have been involved with viasto, a company that has raised funds in both seed and venture rounds, further indicating their interest in recruitment technology. Their diverse portfolio, while spanning various sectors, includes key investments that align with the executive search domain.


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. The firm has been actively involved in various funding rounds, including notable investments in Experteer, a platform for executive job listings, where they participated in multiple funding rounds from seed to Series C. Additionally, HV Capital invested in CoachHub, a Berlin-based digital coaching platform, which raised significant funding in Series B and C rounds. This involvement in companies that focus on professional development and coaching indicates HV Capital's interest in sectors that are relevant to executive search firms, as they contribute to talent management and development.


8. Crosslantic Capital


Crosslantic Capital Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializing in growth equity investments. Founded in 2017, the firm partners with fast-growing businesses, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help them scale effectively. Crosslantic Capital primarily focuses on companies with proven business models and sustainable revenue growth in the DACH region. Notably, they acquired CAREERTEAM, a company in the executive search and recruitment sector, on February 27, 2019, which highlights their active involvement in this industry. Additionally, they have supported Atheneum, a global knowledge-sharing platform, through multiple funding rounds, indicating their interest in companies that enhance professional services, which can be relevant to the executive search domain.


9. 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 Empion, a Berlin-based provider of HR management software solutions, which raised €6M in a seed round in October 2023, and previously raised $2.5M in a pre-seed round in June 2022. This involvement highlights Redstone's interest in the HR technology sector, which is closely related to executive search firms. Additionally, Redstone has engaged with other startups like Atheneum and ForteAI, further showcasing its active role in the technology investment landscape.


10. Ringier

  • Website: ringier.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1833
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: ringier

Ringier AG is a Swiss media company founded in 1833, based in Zurich, Switzerland. It operates in media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions, serving both consumers and businesses. Ringier has a diverse portfolio of brands and plays a significant role in the media landscape across Europe and Africa. Notably, Ringier has made strategic acquisitions in the job portal sector, including MyJobs Myanmar, Brighter Monday, and Jobberman, which enhance its digital presence in the recruitment market. These transactions reflect Ringier's interest in the employment sector, positioning it as a relevant player in the executive search firms context.


11. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments across Europe. With a focus on innovative startups, they provide capital, mentorship, and resources to founders in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies like Joblift, which raised $16.6 million in Series B to enhance job search solutions, and Medwing, a health-tech company that has raised significant capital to address healthcare workforce challenges. Their investments in these companies highlight their engagement in sectors that are closely related to recruitment and talent acquisition, making them a noteworthy player in the executive search firms landscape.


12. 3TS Capital Partners


3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors, particularly in technology, internet, media, communications, and technology-enabled services. Notably, 3TS has made significant investments in companies relevant to the executive search industry, such as Take the Interview, which raised $5 million in Series B funding to enhance its HR technology platform, and ConveyIQ, which raised $5.5 million to accelerate its talent communication and recruiting automation services. These transactions highlight 3TS's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the HR and recruitment space, making them a relevant player in the executive search firms investment landscape.


13. 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 wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent years, Deutsche Bank has made significant investments that reflect its interest in innovative workforce solutions, such as its equity investment in SkyHive, a workforce technology innovator, which aligns with the evolving needs of the labor market. Additionally, Deutsche Bank's acquisition of Numis for £410 million demonstrates its strategy to enhance its financial services portfolio, which could indirectly benefit executive search firms by providing them with better financial management tools and resources. Overall, Deutsche Bank's diverse investment activities position it as a potential player in the executive search firms sector, particularly through its focus on workforce technology and financial services.


14. Momenta

  • Website: momenta.one
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: momentapartners

Momenta is a venture capital firm founded in 2012, based in Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland. The firm specializes in industrial impact and digital transformation, providing strategic investments and advisory services to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain. Notably, Momenta has made significant acquisitions in the executive search domain, including Enertech Search Partners in September 2018, which enhances their capabilities in talent acquisition and advisory services. They also acquired 151 Ventures and 151 Advisors in April 2019, further expanding their advisory business in the Connected Industry sector. These transactions highlight Momenta's commitment to integrating executive search capabilities within their broader investment strategy, making them a relevant player in this space.


15. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond, providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the executive search context, such as leading a €9.5 million Series B financing round for Expertlead, a company that aims to become a global leader in IT recruiting. They also led a €7 million Series A funding round for Expertlead, further emphasizing their focus on the recruitment industry. Additionally, Acton Capital has invested in other sectors, but their active role in funding companies like Expertlead highlights their relevance to the executive search firms industry.


16. 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. Notably, TA Ventures has invested in companies related to recruitment and job technology, such as Jobtech, which raised $1.8 million in a seed round in June 2020, and Joblift, which also secured funding in a seed round in July 2015. Additionally, they participated in the funding round for Seafair, a maritime recruitment platform that raised $5.7 million in October 2021. This involvement highlights TA Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the recruitment space, further establishing their relevance in the executive search firms industry.


17. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh


Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, a corporate investor based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a global media, services, and education company. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann operates across various sectors, including television, streaming, book publishing, and music production. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Lagou, a tech recruitment platform in China, and Udacity, an online education provider that raised $105 million in Series D funding. Their investments in these companies highlight their engagement in the recruitment and education sectors, which are relevant to the executive search industry.


18. 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. In 2024, Founderful has made 16 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in HRtech startups like Kollabo, which aims to create a digital ecosystem for blue-collar workers in the DACH region. Additionally, they participated in the funding rounds for CareerLunch and Anthropos, both of which are relevant to the HR and recruitment space. These transactions highlight Founderful's engagement with companies that could be related to executive search, although their overall focus remains broader within the tech sector.



Executive Search Firms Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528
StepStoneDüsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500019962
allygatrBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020123
The Adecco GroupZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+19960
AdeccoZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+19960
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Crosslantic CapitalDüsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020171
RedstoneBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201414
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
3TS Capital PartnersVienna, Vienna, Austria11-5019990
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
MomentaEngelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland11-5020127
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
FounderfulZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-10201916


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