Europe’s real estate development industry plays a pivotal role in shaping urban landscapes. This sector encompasses various entities, including private equity firms, venture capitalists, corporate investors, and traditional development companies. They engage in transforming land into residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, balancing innovation and sustainability. The industry is increasingly leaning towards eco-friendly construction and smart technology integration, to address pressing housing challenges and adaptive reuses of existing buildings. With urbanization continuing, the focus remains on creating efficient spaces that foster community well-being and economic vitality. The evolving market promises exciting opportunities for growth and modernization.


The investors highlighted in this article represent a broad range of investment types, from private equity firms like Partners Group to venture capital players like Foundamental. Incubated in diverse locales—such as London, Stockholm, and Luxembourg—they range in size from small teams of 11 to over 10,000 employees. Founded between 1665 and 2011, these firms collectively made a striking 115 investments in 2024 alone, demonstrating their active engagement in Europe's real estate development scene despite economic fluctuations and uncertainties. Consider their profiles and how they are reshaping the market and seizing opportunities for growth.


Top 19 Real Estate Development Investors in Europe


1. 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 an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. With over USD 149 billion in assets under management, the firm provides a range of investment solutions to institutional investors, private banks, and individual investors, helping them navigate the complexities of private markets. Recently, Partners Group has made significant strides in the real estate sector, including a strategic minority stake in Citivale Group Holdings Ltd, a developer focused on logistics and light industrial assets. Additionally, they acquired Bellevue Connection, a 227,811-square-foot mixed-use property in downtown Bellevue, showcasing their commitment to real estate development. These transactions highlight Partners Group's innovative approach and dedication to sustainability within the real estate market.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB supports sustainable projects across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on promoting growth and job creation. In the context of real estate development, EIB has been involved in several significant transactions. For instance, they signed a €150 million financing agreement with Vesteda to enhance the sustainability of existing homes and to fund the purchase of new affordable and sustainable residential complexes. This follows a previous agreement in 2020, highlighting EIB's ongoing commitment to real estate development. Additionally, EIB has participated in debt financing for other companies like Gropyus and CTP, which, while not exclusively focused on real estate, contribute to the broader development landscape.


3. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has made significant investments in the real estate development sector, including a £4.25 million equity investment in Woodall Homes to support land acquisition and development activities. They also invested £15.5 million in Burrington Estates, further demonstrating their commitment to the real estate market. Additionally, BGF has supported Braidwater, a housebuilder in Northern Ireland, with growth capital to enhance their residential property development across multiple sites. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in facilitating growth within the real estate development industry.


4. Paragon Business Finance PLC


Paragon Business Finance PLC is a financial services company based in Hedge End, England, that offers a range of banking products, including savings accounts, mortgages, and various types of loans. Founded in 1982, the company serves both individual consumers and businesses, providing tailored financial solutions to meet their needs. Paragon has been actively involved in the real estate development sector, particularly through its subsidiary, Paragon Development Finance. They have participated in significant funding transactions for residential developers, such as a £23.6 million funding facility for Storey Homes to develop 109 homes in Houghton Regis, and a £3.2 million investment for Brookland Group to build 13 new homes in Derbyshire. Additionally, they have invested £5.8 million in Piper Homes for the development of 28 homes in Birmingham, showcasing their ongoing commitment to supporting residential development projects across the UK.


5. RSK Group

  • Website: rskgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rsk-group

RSK Group is a corporate investor based in Helsby, England, specializing in environmental consultancy and engineering services. Founded in 1989, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, and construction. In recent years, RSK has actively expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in the real estate development sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Morrison Construction, which strengthens their construction services, and Kendall Kingscott, a consultancy that focuses on remodeling and adapting existing buildings. These acquisitions reflect RSK's commitment to improving sustainability practices in real estate development and enhancing their consultancy services in the sector.


6. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments. The platform has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the real estate development sector. For instance, it facilitated funding for Pocket Living, an affordable housing provider, which raised significant capital to expand its operations in the UK housing market. Additionally, Crowdcube supported nHouse, a supplier of sustainable modular housing, which successfully raised over £180,000 to scale its marketing and develop new designs. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active participation in the real estate development industry, making it a noteworthy investor in this field.


7. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the real estate development sector, exemplified by their acquisition of HusCompagniet in 2015, a company focused on home construction, and Apleona in 2016, which offers real estate services. More recently, in 2024, EQT acquired PropertyGuru Group for approximately USD 1.1 billion, further solidifying their commitment to the real estate market. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in the real estate development industry, making them a relevant player in this space.


8. Savills

  • Website: savills.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1855
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: savills

Savills plc is a prominent real estate services company based in London, England, with a history dating back to 1855. The firm offers a wide range of property-related services, including asset management, consultancy, and investment advice, catering to individual buyers, investors, and businesses globally. In 2023, Savills Investment Management acquired Skyhomes, two Build to Rent properties in Valencia for approximately €66 million, demonstrating their active role in the residential development sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Broadgate Estates and the UK property management business of Montagu Evans further illustrates their commitment to enhancing their property management services and expanding their client base. These strategic acquisitions align with their goal of capitalizing on growth opportunities in the real estate market, particularly in the development and management of residential and commercial properties.


9. 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 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. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several significant transactions in the real estate sector, including the acquisition of RREEF for $440 million in 2002, which highlights its commitment to real estate investment management. Additionally, Deutsche Bank has facilitated substantial debt financing for various companies, such as Azora, which raised approximately $683 million in 2023, and Clikalia, which secured over $915 million in two separate debt financing rounds in 2021. These transactions underscore Deutsche Bank's active role in supporting real estate development through financial services.


10. Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa Sanpaolo


The Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa Sanpaolo is part of a major banking and financial services provider based in Turin, Piedmont, Italy. Founded in 2007, Intesa Sanpaolo offers a wide range of financial products, including loans and investment management services, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. In recent years, the office has been involved in several notable transactions that highlight its engagement in the real estate sector. For instance, they participated in a significant debt financing round for Aldar Properties, raising approximately $2.45 billion, and also supported CTP with $535 million in post-IPO debt. Additionally, they were involved in a $91.67 million debt financing for REAM SGR Spa, further emphasizing their role in facilitating capital for real estate development projects. These activities demonstrate a clear interest in the real estate market, positioning them as a relevant player in the industry.


11. Foundamental

  • Website: foundamental.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: foundamental

Foundamental is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2019, specializing in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) technology sectors. With a team size of 11-50, they provide early-stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping founders navigate the challenges of building their businesses. Their portfolio includes companies focused on 3D design, construction, renovation, and supply chain logistics, primarily targeting businesses in the AEC industry. Notable transactions include their investment in Brick&Bolt, a construction services platform that raised $2.25 million in a Series A funding round, aimed at enhancing its technological infrastructure and expanding its operations in India. Additionally, Foundamental participated in a funding round for Homebase, a Vietnam-based real estate technology platform, which raised $30 million to strengthen its market position in Southeast Asia's Proptech industry. These investments highlight Foundamental's commitment to supporting innovation within the real estate development sector.


12. 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. Specializing in early-stage technology investments, Picus Capital partners with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech and healthcare. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and build sustainable category leaders globally. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in several companies relevant to the real estate sector, such as Kocomo, a Mexican proptech that raised $50M in debt financing and $6M in equity, and StrideUp, which received £1.6m in Seed funding to improve home buying processes. These transactions highlight Picus Capital's engagement in the real estate development space, making them a noteworthy player in this industry.


13. Lomond

  • Website: lomond.group
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: lomond-capital

Lomond is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in property management and real estate agency services. Founded in 2010, the company has rapidly expanded its operations, completing over 50 acquisitions in recent years. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Centrick, which added a rental portfolio of 1,300 homes, and DJ Alexander, enhancing their management portfolio to over 30,000 properties across the UK. Additionally, the acquisition of ERE Lettings allowed Lomond to manage nearly 600 more properties, bringing their total portfolio to over 37,000 properties valued at approximately £8 billion. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Lomond's commitment to growth in the real estate sector, positioning them as a significant player in property management and investment management.


14. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions within the real estate development context, including investments in Maisons Pierre, Groupe IDEC, and Maisons SOCOREN, which focus on construction and real estate. Their investment in FREY, a company that develops and manages retail real estate, further emphasizes their engagement in the real estate sector. Overall, Crédit Mutuel Equity's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a relevant player in the real estate development industry.


15. Pollen Street Capital


Pollen Street Capital is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 2013, specializing in private equity and credit within the financial services sector. The firm partners with innovative businesses to provide capital and strategic insights, focusing on sectors such as lending, insurance, and technology-enabled services. Among their notable transactions, Pollen Street Capital has invested in MSP Capital, providing a £100m development funding facility aimed at enhancing the lender's capacity in the development finance market. They also have a history of involvement with Allied London Properties, indicating their engagement in real estate investments. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting growth and transformation across various sectors, including real estate development.


16. Lrg

  • Website: lrg.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Wokingham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: leaders-romans-group

Leaders Romans Group (LRG) is a corporate property services company based in Wokingham, England, founded in 1983. They offer a comprehensive range of services including residential sales, lettings, property management, and development consultancy. LRG caters to landlords, tenants, property developers, and housing associations, providing expert guidance and tailored solutions to navigate the property market effectively. In recent years, LRG has been actively expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Hose Rhodes Dickson, Stirling Ackroyd, and The Acorn Group, among others. These transactions enhance their presence in the residential sales and lettings sectors, which are closely tied to real estate development. Their ongoing acquisition strategy indicates a commitment to growth in the property market, further solidifying their role in the real estate development landscape.


17. Pi Labs

  • Website: pilabs.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: pi-labs-ltd-

Pi Labs is a venture capital firm based in London, founded in 2014, that focuses on early-stage startups in the real estate technology sector. The firm aims to create a digital and sustainable built world by providing funding, mentorship, and access to a global network for founders. Notable transactions include their participation in LandTech's funding rounds, where they contributed to a Seed round in 2015 and a Series A round in 2021, alongside other significant investors like JLL Spark. These investments highlight Pi Labs' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the real estate sector, which can enhance development processes and technologies. Other investments include Wealthi, Aprao, and Unihood, which also align with the technological advancement of the real estate industry.


18. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Virgil, a property company in Paris that raised €2.1 million in funding, and Triplemint, a New York City-based real estate brokerage that raised $1.65 million in seed funding. Additionally, Kima Ventures has also invested in Home61, a real estate technology company. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the real estate development sector, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative companies within this industry.


19. Omnes

  • Website: omnescapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: omnes-capital

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, specializing in investment management with a focus on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities. Founded in 1999, the firm emphasizes long-term partnerships to foster growth and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects. Among their notable transactions, Omnes acquired Groupe InCa in 2017, a move that likely enhances their footprint in the construction and real estate sector. Additionally, their investment in Maisons France Confort in 2004 indicates their engagement in the housing market. These transactions highlight Omnes Capital's involvement in real estate development, alongside their broader investment strategy in sustainable and renewable sectors.



Real Estate Development Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Paragon Business Finance PLCHedge End, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019826
RSK GroupHelsby, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19893
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
SavillsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18555
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa SanpaoloTurin, Piedmont, Italy10001+200731
FoundamentalBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020197
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528
LomondLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000201010
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Pollen Street CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020139
LrgWokingham, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019833
Pi LabsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020148
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
OmnesParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019998


Want to find more investors focusing on the real estate development industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the real estate developmentindustry, 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!