The chemical manufacturing industry in DACH is a vibrant sector known for producing essential products that influence various markets. Companies here develop everything from specialty chemicals and polymers to agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Driven by technological advancements and sustainability efforts, the sector is increasingly shifting toward more eco-friendly processes. In recent years, the focus has expanded to include biochemicals and innovative applications in health, agriculture, and energy. As demand for sustainable materials grows, the industry is evolving to meet environmental challenges while maintaining a strong economic footprint.


Investors in the DACH chemical manufacturing scene vary in type, consisting mainly of corporate ventures, private equity firms, and venture capitalists. They are primarily headquartered across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, showcasing a mix of sizes—most boasting 10,000+ employees. Founded from 1864 to 2015, these investors made significant deals in 2024, reflecting their active participation in supporting growth and innovation in this crucial sector. Noteworthy names, including BASF Venture Capital and Leaps by Bayer, illustrate the investment landscape's rich opportunities.


Top 19 Chemical Manufacturing Investors in DACH


1. 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 and users. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas. The company provides a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals, along with value-added services that simplify access to complex supply chains. Brenntag has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of ALTIVIA Corporation for $125 million in 2013, which allowed ALTIVIA's core businesses to join Brenntag's global distribution network. In 2024, Brenntag acquired Monarch Chemicals, a UK-based distributor of commodity and agricultural chemicals, enhancing its service capabilities in the UK. Additionally, the acquisition of the Aik Moh Group in 2023 aims to strengthen Brenntag's presence in Southeast Asia, further solidifying its role in the chemical distribution market. These transactions highlight Brenntag's commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities within the chemical industry.


2. 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, one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies that align with BASF's commitment to sustainability and product performance across various industries, including automotive, construction, and agriculture. Notably, BASF Venture Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as FRX Innovations, which specializes in environmentally friendly flame retardant plastics, and P2 Science, which develops sustainable chemical processes. These investments highlight BASF Venture Capital's strategic focus on enhancing its chemical manufacturing capabilities and supporting the development of sustainable solutions within the industry.


3. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle major global challenges in health and food security. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has been involved in significant transactions such as its investments in AgBiome, a company dedicated to developing innovative crop protection products. AgBiome raised substantial funding through various rounds, including $65 million in Series C financing in 2018, which was aimed at bringing its agricultural solutions to market. Additionally, Leaps by Bayer participated in a $55 million funding round for Oerth Bio in 2020, further emphasizing its commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. Through these investments, Leaps by Bayer supports the development of innovative solutions that are integral to the chemical manufacturing landscape, particularly in the agricultural sector.


4. 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 leading multinational chemical manufacturer based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, with a workforce of over 10,000 employees. Founded in 1865, BASF provides a diverse range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction. The company emphasizes innovation and sustainability, helping its customers address environmental challenges and enhance operational efficiency. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Ciba Holding in 2009, which expanded BASF's portfolio in specialty chemicals, and the acquisition of Chemetall GmbH in 2016 for $3.2 billion, enhancing their surface treatment business. Additionally, BASF's investment in LanzaTech in 2023 and their involvement with Pyrowave highlight their commitment to advancing sustainable chemical technologies. These transactions underscore BASF's active role in the chemical manufacturing sector and its strategic focus on growth and innovation.


5. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, with a total of 9 investments in 2024 alone. One of their notable transactions includes a Series A investment in Chemify, a company that is involved in chemical manufacturing, raising $43 million in a funding round that included other prominent investors. Additionally, Possible Ventures has invested in Insempra, which raised $20 million in a Series A round, and FLO.materials, which is also related to materials science. These transactions highlight Possible Ventures' engagement in the chemical sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


6. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. The company has a global presence and offers a range of services including testing, inspection, certification, and training. In recent years, SGS has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the chemical manufacturing context. For instance, the acquisition of Sulphur Experts Inc. in 2021 allows SGS to strengthen its expertise in process engineering and testing for sulfur recovery, a critical area in chemical manufacturing. Additionally, the acquisition of Polymer Solutions Group in 2018 further expands their materials analysis capabilities, which are essential for quality assurance in chemical products. These transactions illustrate SGS's commitment to enhancing its services in the chemical sector, making it a relevant player in the industry.


7. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, eCAPITAL has been involved in several transactions relevant to the chemical manufacturing industry, including investments in amynova polymers, which raised $2,528,400 in a venture round in January 2017, indicating their interest in the polymer sector. Additionally, their investment in Cysal, a company that has potential applications in chemical processes, further highlights their engagement in this field. While their primary focus may not be exclusively on chemical manufacturing, their portfolio reflects a strategic interest in companies that operate within this industry.


8. 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. They support their 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 that touch upon the chemical manufacturing industry, such as their investment in H.C. Carbon GmbH, which focuses on carbon-based materials, and Insempra, which raised significant capital in 2024. These investments highlight their engagement with companies that have potential applications in the chemical sector, showcasing their broader investment strategy that includes chemical manufacturing.


9. 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, helping them grow in various markets. Their investment portfolio includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures participated in funding rounds for Puraffinity, a startup dedicated to PFAS removal, raising significant amounts in Series A funding. This involvement highlights their interest in chemical manufacturing applications, particularly those aimed at addressing environmental challenges. Additionally, they have invested in IRUBIS, a biotech startup, indicating their engagement in innovative sectors that may overlap with chemical manufacturing.


10. Holcim

  • Website: holcim.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: lafargeholcim

Holcim is a leading building materials manufacturer based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in innovative and sustainable construction solutions. Founded in 1912, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to decarbonizing building practices and promoting circular construction. Holcim's product portfolio includes cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete, catering primarily to construction companies and architects. In recent years, Holcim has expanded its reach into the chemical manufacturing sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in January 2023, Holcim acquired Nicem srl, a leader in ground calcium carbonate, to enhance its sustainable building solutions. Additionally, the acquisition of Polymers Sealants North America in October 2022, which specializes in waterproofing and coatings, further strengthens Holcim's position in the specialty chemicals market. These transactions reflect Holcim's strategy to integrate chemical products into its offerings, supporting its goal of achieving 30% of Group net sales from its Solutions & Products business by 2025.


11. 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, and partners with institutional investors such as pension funds to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. Capvis focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has been involved in significant transactions in the chemical manufacturing context, including the acquisition of a Swiss chemical company in a management buyout valued at CHF 81 million in December 2004. This transaction highlights Capvis's engagement in the chemical sector. Additionally, while their more recent acquisitions, such as ProXES and Gotha Cosmetics, are not directly in chemical manufacturing, they indicate Capvis's broader interest in industrial and manufacturing sectors, which may overlap with chemical manufacturing in certain contexts.


12. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions in the chemical manufacturing context, including the acquisition of OQEMA, a company that specializes in the distribution of chemical products, and Biesterfeld, which is also engaged in the chemical sector. Other acquisitions, such as RADO Gummi and MPA Pharma GmbH, further demonstrate their active role in industries related to chemical manufacturing. Through these investments, Hannover Finanz helps businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring, contributing to the overall development of the chemical manufacturing landscape.


13. Evonik Methionine SEA Pte Ltd


Evonik Methionine SEA Pte Ltd is a corporate investor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and is a subsidiary of Evonik Industries, a prominent specialty chemicals manufacturer. Founded in 2007, the company focuses on providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including health care, animal nutrition, and performance materials. Evonik is known for its commitment to sustainability and product performance, serving industries such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Porocel International, which enhances its catalyst business, and Evonik Silco Materials LLC, a colloidal silica maker, which strengthens its position in the semiconductor sector. Additionally, Evonik has acquired Monarch Catalyst Pvt. Ltd. to enhance its catalyst business in Asia, and Botanica, a Swiss plant extract producer, to expand its active cosmetic ingredients market presence. These strategic acquisitions reflect Evonik's dedication to advancing its chemical manufacturing capabilities and portfolio.


14. Thia Ventures

  • Website: thiaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: thia-ventures

Thia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies at the intersection of food, biotech, and health. They provide funding and support to innovative startups aiming to transform food systems and improve health outcomes. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies specializing in enzyme engineering, cultivated meats, and biofertilizers. Notable transactions include their investment in Allozymes, which raised $15 million for enzyme engineering, and Pow.bio, which raised $9.5 million for expanding operations in alternative protein production. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Chromologics, a company developing natural food colorants, and Liberation Labs, which focuses on precision fermentation for alternative proteins. These investments highlight Thia Ventures' commitment to supporting technologies that have a direct impact on the chemical manufacturing landscape, particularly in sustainable and bio-based solutions.


15. Givaudan

  • Website: givaudan.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1895
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: givaudan

Givaudan is a leading manufacturer specializing in flavors, fragrances, and active cosmetic ingredients, founded in 1895 and based in Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, Givaudan provides innovative sensory solutions to food and beverage companies, personal care brands, and household goods producers, enhancing consumer experiences. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Quest International, which bolstered their leadership in the fragrance and flavor industry, and the acquisition of Induchem, a Swiss cosmetic ingredients maker specializing in biocatalysis and biochemical synthesis. Additionally, Givaudan's acquisition of Centroflora Nutra, focusing on botanical extracts, further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the chemical manufacturing sector. These strategic moves highlight Givaudan's active role in the chemical manufacturing industry, particularly in the development of natural extracts and cosmetic ingredients.


16. 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 leading specialty chemicals company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1910. With a global presence in 103 countries, Sika specializes in developing and producing innovative solutions primarily for the construction and industrial sectors. Their extensive product range includes concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, and flooring solutions, catering to construction companies and contractors who prioritize durability and sustainability in their projects. In recent years, Sika has made significant acquisitions to enhance its position in the chemical manufacturing space. Notably, they acquired Cromar Building Products, a UK-based company specializing in roofing products and building chemicals, to strengthen their presence in the roofing sector. Additionally, Sika's acquisition of Adeplast SA, a leading manufacturer of construction materials in Romania, aims to bolster their capabilities in the local construction chemicals market. Furthermore, their investment in Concria Oy, a Finnish startup focused on innovative concrete flooring technology, showcases Sika's commitment to advancing chemical solutions in the construction industry. These strategic moves underline Sika's active role in the chemical manufacturing sector.


17. Amcor

  • Website: amcor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1864. The company specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions across various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. Amcor is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In the context of chemical manufacturing, Amcor has been involved in several relevant transactions, such as the acquisition of B-Pack Due, a manufacturer of film for high-performance applications, which enhances their flexible business and expands their position in the production of cast polypropylene film. Additionally, Amcor has invested in Bloom Biorenewables Ltd, which focuses on developing renewable materials, further indicating their engagement in the chemical sector. These activities highlight Amcor's strategic interest in the chemical manufacturing industry, making them a significant player in this space.


18. 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 and focuses on providing capital and advisory services to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies. While DBAG primarily invests in sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare, it has also made significant investments in the chemical manufacturing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Pfaudler Process Solutions Group, which specializes in process solutions for the chemical industry, and Coperion, a manufacturer of equipment and systems for the plastics and chemical industries. Additionally, DBAG has been involved in the management buyouts of companies like Romaco Group and Stephan Machinery, which also have ties to industrial processes relevant to chemical manufacturing. With over 55 years of experience, DBAG operates a successful fund advisory business and continues to diversify its portfolio across various industries, including chemicals.


19. BlueYard Capital

  • Website: blueyard.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: blueyard-capital

BlueYard Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across a variety of innovative sectors, including cryptocurrency, biotechnology, and engineering. BlueYard Capital is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs by providing funding and resources to develop groundbreaking technologies that address significant global challenges. Among their notable transactions, they led a seed round for Visolis, a California-based company that employs synthetic biology to manufacture bio-based chemicals, highlighting their engagement in the chemical manufacturing sector. Additionally, they have invested in Insempra, which has raised significant funding in recent years, further indicating their interest in chemical production. Their portfolio reflects a diverse range of projects aimed at creating decentralized solutions and advancing scientific research, with a clear interest in the chemical manufacturing domain.



Chemical Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
HolcimZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+191212
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Evonik Methionine SEA Pte LtdEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5020070
Thia VenturesPlan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020213
GivaudanVernier, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18950
SikaBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19102
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
BlueYard CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020169


Want to find more investors focusing on the chemical manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the chemical manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!