The non-ferrous metal producing industry in DACH focuses on metals not containing significant amounts of iron, such as aluminum, copper, and zinc. Companies in this sector span mining, manufacture, and distribution, supplying raw materials for industries including automotive, electronics, and construction. This industry is evolving towards sustainability, with an increased demand for ethically sourced materials and recycled metals as innovative technologies pave the way for more efficient production processes. Exciting advancements are underway, particularly concerning battery materials essential for electric vehicles, reflecting the industry's adaptability to changing economic and environmental needs.


Investors in the DACH region's non-ferrous metal sector vary significantly in type, representing corporates, venture capital firms, and private equity. These investors are headquartered across Switzerland and Germany, reflecting the rich industrial backdrop. Most have over 10 employees, with many large enough to employ thousands. In 2024, investments spanned from technological startups to major acquisitions. Notably, firms like Glencore and Volkswagen Group engage actively, impacting the future of metal production with their funding strategies.


Top 8 Non Ferrous Metal Producing Investors in DACH


1. Glencore

  • Website: glencore.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: glencore

Glencore plc is a multinational commodity trading and mining company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1978. With over 10,000 employees, Glencore operates across various sectors, including metals, minerals, and energy. The company is a significant supplier of essential commodities such as copper and cobalt, which are critical in various industries, including electronics and renewable energy. In recent transactions, Glencore has demonstrated its commitment to the non-ferrous metal sector by acquiring approximately 82.19% of PolyMet Mining through a rights offering, which raised approximately $195 million. Additionally, Glencore has been involved in debt financing for companies like Vedanta Resources and Capstone, further solidifying its role in the non-ferrous metal industry. Glencore is dedicated to responsible sourcing and sustainability in its operations, aligning with the growing demand for ethically sourced materials in the market.


2. Wieland Group

  • Website: wieland.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1820
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: wielandgroup

Wieland Group, founded in 1820 and based in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturer specializing in semi-finished products made from copper and copper alloys. The company serves various industries, including automotive and aerospace, by providing high-quality materials and components. In recent years, Wieland has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the non-ferrous metal market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Concast Metal Products Co. and Randall Bearings Inc. in January 2024, which bolstered their position in the premium copper market in North America. Additionally, they acquired Morgan Bronze Products, Inc. in October 2024, focusing on precision machined parts, and Busby Metals in April 2022, which expanded their aerospace product portfolio. Other significant acquisitions include Farmers Copper, Ltd. in July 2023 and Heyco Metals in January 2023, both aimed at strengthening their North American footprint and service capabilities. Wieland Group operates globally with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in their product offerings.


3. 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 invested in Theva, a German superconductor manufacturer, which raised EUR7 million in a Series C funding round in 2017, with the aim of mass producing superconductors for various applications, including those in the non ferrous metal sector. This investment highlights eCAPITAL's engagement in the non ferrous metal producing industry, despite their broader focus on technology.


4. 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 participated in significant transactions within the non ferrous metal sector, including investments in Fractory, a U.K.-based metal fabrication marketplace. In 2021, they contributed to Fractory's $9 million Series A funding round, aimed at expanding its services and manufacturing capabilities in various international markets. Additionally, their involvement in Fractory's later funding round in 2023 further emphasizes their engagement in the metal industry. This indicates that while their primary focus may not be solely on non ferrous metals, they are actively investing in companies that operate within this space, showcasing their relevance to the sector.


5. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is a corporate investor based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. While primarily known as an energy trading company operating globally in the commodity markets, Mercuria has diversified its investment portfolio to include significant stakes in the non ferrous metal sector. Notably, they have invested in TechMet, a company focused on securing key metals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy, contributing $120 million to their funding rounds. Additionally, Mercuria participated in a $12.5 million Series A financing for Nth Cycle, which aims to deploy recycling technologies for metals. Their involvement in REEtec, which is building a production plant for separating rare earths, further highlights their commitment to the non ferrous metal industry. These transactions illustrate Mercuria's strategic interest in supporting the transition to sustainable energy through investments in critical metal supply chains.


6. EIT RawMaterials


EIT RawMaterials is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Berlin, Germany. It focuses on advancing Europe's transition into a sustainable economy by enhancing the capabilities of stakeholders in the raw materials sector. The organization collaborates with industry, academia, and startups to drive innovation and secure sustainable access to critical raw materials. In recent years, EIT RawMaterials has been involved in several transactions that support innovation in the raw materials sector. For instance, they participated in the seed round for AM 4 AM, which raised over $1.4 million in October 2024, potentially contributing to advancements in materials technology. Additionally, they have provided grants to various projects, such as UP Catalyst, which raised over $1.7 million in March 2022, and Geopyörä Oy, which received funding in July 2022. These activities demonstrate their commitment to fostering innovation that could impact the non-ferrous metal industry.


7. Volkswagen Group Investor Relations


Volkswagen Group Investor Relations is a corporate investor based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1937. As a leading automotive manufacturer and energy solutions provider, Volkswagen Group focuses on electric vehicles and sustainable energy options, including charging solutions through products like the Elli Charger 2. In recent transactions, Volkswagen has made significant investments in companies related to non-ferrous metals, notably acquiring a 9.9% stake in Patriot Battery Metals for $48 million. This strategic partnership aims to secure lithium supplies, essential for battery production, highlighting Volkswagen's commitment to integrating sustainable materials into their electric vehicle production. Additionally, Volkswagen has been involved in funding rounds for QuantumScape and Northvolt, companies that are pivotal in the battery technology space, further emphasizing their interest in the non-ferrous metal sector.


8. H.I.G. European Capital Partners Gmbh


H.I.G. European Capital Partners Gmbh is a private equity investment firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and asset management, focusing on helping mid-sized businesses grow through management buyouts, special situations, and growth capital investments. Notably, H.I.G. Europe has made significant investments in the non ferrous metal sector, including the acquisition of ALTEO, a leading global producer of specialty non-metallurgical grade alumina, which they acquired from Rio Tinto Group in 2012. This acquisition highlights their commitment to supporting the growth and development of companies within the non ferrous metal industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Metalprint, a manufacturer of forged brass and aluminum components, further emphasizes their involvement in this sector. H.I.G. Europe aims to provide strategic guidance and capital to enhance the operations and market position of the companies they invest in.



Non Ferrous Metal Producing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
GlencoreBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19783
Wieland GroupUlm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18203
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047
EIT RawMaterialsBerlin, Berlin, Germany51-20020152
Volkswagen Group Investor RelationsWolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany10001+19371
H.I.G. European Capital Partners GmbhHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020060


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