The factory automation industry in DACH is transforming production processes through technology. Companies range from multinational corporations to innovative startups, specializing in robotics, software, and sensor solutions. This sector focuses on increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing quality in manufacturing. As industries adapt to digital and industry 4.0 trends, collaboration among suppliers, tech developers, and manufacturers becomes vital. The future points towards greater integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, driving a shift from manual operations to automated systems. Notably, robotic automation is expected to soar, catering to industries like automotive, electronics, and food processing.

The investor landscape in the DACH region presents a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors, each with unique strategies. Predominantly headquartered in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, these investors vary in size, from small teams to large organizations. Many date back decades, with experiences that span diverse industries. In 2024, they collectively took part in numerous deals, demonstrating a robust interest in the factory automation sector. Noteworthy firms include Bayern Kapital, Earlybird Venture Capital, and Siemens, showcasing both innovative fintech and solid corporate backing for expansion.

Top 19 Factory Automation Investors in DACH

1. 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, founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a prominent technology conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens generates significant revenue and operates globally. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in factory automation. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Controlotron, a provider of ultrasonic flowmetering technology, and Opto-Control Elektronik Prüfsysteme, which focuses on high-precision automatic optical inspection systems for electronics manufacturing. In 2022, Siemens further strengthened its position in the digital industrial space by acquiring Siemens Digital Industries Software and Senseye, a company that enhances its Digital Enterprise solutions. Additionally, Siemens' investment in Magazino, a robotics startup, showcases their commitment to integrating advanced robotics into factory automation processes. These transactions highlight Siemens' dedication to innovation and efficiency in the industrial sector.

2. 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, located 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. Momenta aims to enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainability through its expertise in critical industries. Notable transactions include their investments in Senseye, which focuses on predictive maintenance for manufacturing, and Sight Machine, which provides analytics for manufacturing processes. These investments highlight Momenta's commitment to supporting innovations that improve manufacturing efficiency and automation.

3. 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. Notable transactions in the factory automation context include the acquisition of Brooks Automation, a company involved in automation solutions, and BARTEC, a leading provider of industrial safety technology. Additionally, Capvis acquired Komax, which is known for its automation solutions, and Variosystems, which specializes in engineering and manufacturing services for electronic assemblies, further solidifying their presence in the factory automation industry.

4. Andritz

• Website: andritz.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Graz, Styria, Austria
• Founded year: 1892
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: andritz

Andritz AG, founded in 1892 and based in Graz, Styria, Austria, is a leading technology provider specializing in industrial equipment and solutions across various sectors, including pulp and paper, metals, and energy. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Andritz focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability for its business customers through innovative and digitalized solutions. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in factory automation-related areas. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Paperchine Inc., a global supplier of equipment and services for the paper industry, which enhances Andritz's offerings in the automation of paper production processes. Additionally, the acquisition of Euroslot KDSS, which specializes in filtration and separation equipment, further demonstrates Andritz's commitment to expanding its technological capabilities in industrial automation. These transactions reflect Andritz's strategic focus on innovation and its relevance in the factory automation landscape.

5. 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 made significant investments in the factory automation space, including a €7 million investment in sewts, a startup focused on industrial automation and deep tech, and a €10 million investment in Workerbase, which aims to create a more dynamic manufacturing industry through its SaaS platform. Additionally, their participation in the funding round for Fernride, a company involved in logistics automation, highlights their engagement in the factory automation sector. Overall, Bayern Kapital's investment strategy reflects a strong interest in supporting innovative solutions that enhance manufacturing and automation processes.

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 organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among their notable transactions, SICTIC has invested in Isochronic, which raised CHF 2 million for its next-generation industrial robots, and Axom Solutions AG, which secured CHF 800k for its visual inspection station aimed at enhancing pharmaceutical production processes. These investments highlight SICTIC's involvement in the factory automation sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting technologies that improve industrial efficiency and innovation.

7. 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, specializing in investments in mid-sized companies. Founded in 1965, the firm has over 55 years of experience in providing capital and advisory services to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies. While the firm primarily focuses on sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare, it has also made significant investments in the factory automation industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Broetje-Automation, which specializes in automation solutions, and the acquisition of FRIMO Group, a company involved in automation and tooling. Additionally, their investment in Stephan Machinery GmbH, which operates in the machinery sector, further highlights their engagement in factory automation-related businesses. Overall, Deutsche Beteiligungs AG demonstrates a diversified investment strategy that includes a focus on factory automation.

8. Earlybird Venture Capital

• Website: earlybird.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 29
• LinkedIn: earlybird-venture-capital

Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Germany, founded in 1997, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. They provide financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in the digital health and deep tech sectors. Their business model focuses on nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping them navigate growth challenges. Among their notable transactions, Earlybird invested in KREATIZE, a Berlin-based startup that raised €4 million in Series A funding to enhance manufacturing operations through data evaluation and machine learning, which is crucial for factory automation. They also backed Energy Robotics, a company that raised €2 million to develop software solutions aimed at integrating robotics into manufacturing processes. These investments highlight Earlybird's commitment to supporting innovations that can significantly impact the factory automation industry.

9. 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, based in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company founded in 2016, specializing in advanced machine tools and laser technology. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Trumpf provides a wide range of products and services aimed at enhancing manufacturing processes across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Notably, Trumpf has been active in the factory automation space, as evidenced by their acquisition of C-Labs Corporation, which focuses on intelligent automation solutions. Furthermore, their investment in 3YOURMIND, a 3D printing software startup, highlights their commitment to innovative technologies that support automation in manufacturing. These strategic moves demonstrate Trumpf's active role in advancing factory automation solutions.

10. La Famiglia

• Website: lafamiglia.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: la-famiglia-vc

La Famiglia is a venture capital fund based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments in technology companies, providing capital, market access, and strategic partnerships to tech entrepreneurs. La Famiglia focuses on enabling disruptive innovations across various industries, leveraging the expertise of world-leading entrepreneurs in its network. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Arculus, which raised over $17 million in Series A funding, and CloudNC, a U.K. startup developing AI software to automate manufacturing processes, which raised £9 million in Series A funding. These investments demonstrate La Famiglia's commitment to supporting advancements in factory automation and related technologies.

11. 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 invested in ANYbotics, a Swiss robotics startup that focuses on robotic inspection solutions, and Verity, a company that develops autonomous indoor drones for inventory management. These investments highlight Verve Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative technologies that drive automation in industrial environments. In 2023, Verity raised an additional $11M in Series B funding, with Verve Ventures participating, further emphasizing their role in advancing automation solutions.

12. Bosch

• Website: bosch.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1886
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, headquartered in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, Bosch operates in various sectors, including mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. The company is dedicated to sustainability and enhancing quality of life through innovative technology solutions. Notably, Bosch has made significant investments in the factory automation space, including the acquisition of Skyline Automation, which strengthens its energy and building technology services in North America. Furthermore, Bosch's acquisition of ZF Friedrichshafen AG's share in ZF Lenksysteme GmbH enhances its capabilities in electric steering systems, crucial for automated driving technologies. Additionally, the acquisition of Evergrande hofer powertrain GmbH's business operations through its subsidiary eAx solutions GmbH focuses on electric drive units, further emphasizing Bosch's commitment to automation in the automotive sector. These transactions highlight Bosch's active role in the factory automation industry.

13. 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 relevant to the factory automation sector, including the acquisition of IPR - Intelligent Peripherals for Robots GmbH in 2015, which specializes in robotics peripherals, and Lacon Electronic, an electronic manufacturing services company acquired in 2019. Other significant acquisitions include Technotrans, Schrack Technik, and VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH, all of which contribute to the automation and manufacturing landscape. This diverse portfolio highlights Hannover Finanz's commitment to supporting businesses that are integral to the factory automation industry.

14. Krones

• Website: krones.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1951
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: krones-ag

Krones AG, founded in 1951 and based in Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in technology solutions for the beverage and food industries. With over 10,000 employees, Krones provides a comprehensive range of products, including process technology, filling and packaging machines, and digital services aimed at enhancing production efficiency and sustainability for manufacturers and bottlers. Krones has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in factory automation. Notably, the acquisition of Process and Data Automation in 2017 and R+D Custom Automation in 2022 highlight Krones' commitment to integrating advanced automation solutions into its offerings. Additionally, the acquisition of a stake in Perfinox in 2024 further emphasizes its focus on enhancing research and development in automation technologies. These transactions reflect Krones' strategy to strengthen its position in the factory automation landscape, making it a relevant player in this sector.

15. Swisscom Ventures

• Website: ventures.swisscom.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: swisscom-ventures

Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in investments in high-potential technology startups. The firm provides not only financial support but also strategic advisory services, helping startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech. Notably, they have made significant investments in the robotics space, particularly with ANYbotics, a Swiss robotics startup known for its quadrupedal ANYmal robot. Swisscom Ventures led a $22.3 million Series A funding round for ANYbotics in December 2020 and participated in a $50 million Series B funding round in May 2023, which aimed to enhance the company's capabilities in robotic inspection solutions. These transactions highlight Swisscom Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations that are directly applicable to factory automation, making them a relevant player in this field.

16. 468Cap

• Website: 468cap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn: 468cap

468 Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in technology investments. Founded in 2020, the firm focuses on backing founder-led startups across various sectors, including AI, energy transition, and enterprise software. Notably, 468Cap has made significant investments in the factory automation space, including participation in funding rounds for companies like Rapid Robotics, which raised $37 million in Series B funding, and Noyes Technologies, a robotic warehousing maker that secured $3.8 million in seed funding. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in factory automation, reflecting a strategic approach to fostering growth in this sector. With a global investment strategy, operating from dual headquarters in Berlin and San Francisco, 468Cap is well-positioned to identify and support emerging technologies in the factory automation landscape.

17. Speedinvest

• Website: speedinvest.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these startups scale their operations. Their investment focus includes various technology sectors such as Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has been involved in several funding rounds for FERNRIDE, a German startup that develops automation solutions for logistics and warehouse operations. FERNRIDE raised significant amounts in multiple rounds, including $8.4 million in a Seed Round in 2021, $23.1 million in a Pre-Seed Round in 2019, and $50 million in a Series A funding round in 2023. This involvement highlights Speedinvest's interest in the factory automation sector, particularly in technologies that enhance operational efficiency in industrial settings.

18. Partners Group

• Website: partnersgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Forterro on March 1, 2022, for over $1.1 billion, a company that provides software solutions tailored for manufacturing and industrial operations, which is directly relevant to factory automation. Additionally, their acquisition of Megadyne on July 5, 2018, further emphasizes their engagement in sectors that support factory automation through power transmission solutions. These strategic investments highlight Partners Group's active role in enhancing operational efficiencies within the manufacturing landscape.

19. 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 been involved in several notable transactions, including a significant investment in SAEKI, a Swiss industrial robot startup that raised $2.3 million to develop its industrial 'microfactories' and build its first production hub. Additionally, they co-led a funding round for Chiral, a nanotechnology company, which aims to accelerate the development of its next machine, potentially relevant to factory automation. These transactions highlight Founderful's commitment to fostering innovation within the tech ecosystem, particularly in areas that intersect with factory automation.

Factory Automation Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Siemens	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1847	11
Momenta	Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland	11-50	2012	7
Capvis AG	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	11-50	1990	0
Andritz	Graz, Styria, Austria	10001+	1892	5
Bayern Kapital	Landshut, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1995	27
Sictic	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	51-200	1965	2
Earlybird Venture Capital	Germany	51-200	1997	29
Trumpf	Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	2016	2
La Famiglia	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2016	4
Verve Ventures	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
Bosch	Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1886	5
Hannover Finanz	Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany	11-50	1979	2
Krones	Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1951	2
Swisscom Ventures	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4
468Cap	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2020	27
Speedinvest	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
Partners Group	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
Founderful	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	1-10	2019	16

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