The book ecommerce platform industry in DACH is rapidly evolving, encompassing a variety of companies that enable the buying and selling of books online. This includes traditional retailers, secondhand book marketplaces, and niche platforms targeting specific genres or a digital audience. As consumer preference shifts towards online shopping and digital formats, companies are investing in technology to enhance user experience and expand their distribution capabilities. The introduction of innovative features, such as personalized recommendations and subscription models, highlights how the industry is adapting to meet the demands of modern readers and growing competition.


This list features a mix of prominent investors in the book ecommerce space across the DACH region, including both venture capital firms and corporate investors. Based in locations such as Munich, Berlin, and Neunkirchen, these investors range from small firms with a handful of employees to large organizations with thousands. Founded between 1972 and 2016, they collectively engaged in numerous deals in 2024, focusing on supporting startups and established companies in the book ecommerce sector, showing their significant interest in digital and tech-driven enterprises.


Top 7 Book Ecommerce Platform Investors in DACH


1. 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. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. Notably, HV Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the book ecommerce context, such as investments in Audible, a leading audiobook platform, which raised funds in both 2004 and 2006. Additionally, they invested in Bol.com, an online retail platform that includes books among its offerings. These transactions highlight HV Capital's engagement in the digital book space, although their portfolio spans various industries.


2. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Acton Capital has a notable history of investments in the book ecommerce sector, having invested in AbeBooks, a prominent online marketplace for books, and JustBooks, which also operates in the book industry. Furthermore, they have supported Momox, a leading online buy-back service for books, CDs, DVDs, and games in Germany. These investments highlight Acton Capital's commitment to the book ecommerce platform industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


3. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups. Their services include consulting in technology and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Wonderbly, a children's book publisher, where they contributed to both Series A and Series B funding rounds. This involvement highlights their interest in the book ecommerce sector. Additionally, they have invested in various other tech-driven companies, showcasing their broad investment strategy while maintaining a focus on innovative startups.


4. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh


Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, is a global media, services, and education company based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann operates across various sectors, including television, streaming services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in the book industry, acquiring Penguin Random House in 2017 and agreeing to acquire Simon & Schuster in 2020 for $2.175 billion. These acquisitions have strengthened their position in the U.S. book market. Additionally, their investment in Audible, a leading audiobook platform, and their stake in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co. highlight their commitment to expanding their influence in the digital and international book markets. This diverse portfolio positions Bertelsmann as a key investor in the book ecommerce platform space.


5. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investments in digital technology and media companies. With a focus on providing long-term growth equity, they aim to support entrepreneurs in overcoming financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notably, Burda has participated in multiple funding rounds for Etsy, a prominent ecommerce platform, contributing to its growth with investments in Series D, E, and subsequent rounds totaling approximately $92 million. This involvement highlights Burda's engagement in the ecommerce sector, showcasing their potential interest in similar platforms, including those focused on books.


6. EnjoyVenture


EnjoyVenture GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in seed and growth financing for technology start-ups. Founded in 2000, the firm has invested in over 150 businesses, focusing on innovative business models. Notably, EnjoyVenture was involved in the seed round investment for readfy, a company that operates in the digital reading and book distribution space, which aligns with the book ecommerce platform industry. Other investments include 8select, StudyHelp, and NewStore, which, while not directly related to books, showcase EnjoyVenture's commitment to supporting technology-driven startups. The firm not only provides financial backing but also offers strategic consulting to help startups navigate challenges and achieve market success.


7. BayBG Venture Capital

  • Website: baybg-vc.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: baybg-venture-capital

BayBG Bayerische Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH is a venture capital firm based in Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in Bavaria, and provides venture capital and advisory services to help these startups grow and scale their operations. BayBG has a strong focus on technology companies and leverages its extensive network and experience to support its portfolio companies. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Digital Publishing, which raised EUR 5 million in a financing round, highlighting their engagement in the digital publishing sector. This investment aligns with the book ecommerce platform industry, as digital publishing is a crucial aspect of how books are sold and distributed online. Other investments include commercetools, a platform that could indirectly relate to ecommerce, and various other startups, showcasing their diverse investment strategy.



Book Ecommerce Platform Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
EnjoyVentureNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5020002
BayBG Venture CapitalHirschbach, Bavaria, Germany51-20019723


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