Top 10 Early Stage Investors in Germany: Who to Turn to for Funding

If you are an entrepreneur or startup in Germany, you are likely hoping to attract the attention of investors to help grow your business. It can be difficult to know where to begin, however, to make connections with the top early stage investors in Germany. That is why we have compiled this list of the top ten early stage investors in Germany to get you started.

The key is to connect with the right early stage investor in Germany for your business. After all, finding the right investors for your venture requires identifying a few key criteria that suit your business model and needs. The top early stage investors in Germany have experience in various fields, such as tech and finance, and can help you identify a range of funding sources and options.

Whether you are looking for seed funding or a Series A or B round, the key is to find the right early stage investor in Germany to back your business. With this in mind, let us take a look at the top ten early stage investors in Germany.

1. Earlybird Venture Capital

Earlybird Venture Capital is one of the oldest venture capital firms in Germany, having been in business since 1997. The company is also one of the most active, having invested in over 120 companies and completing 25 exits. Earlybird is a perfect fit if you are looking for an early stage investor in Germany that has a record of long term relationships with companies.

Earlybird’s portfolio includes companies in a range of sectors, including software and digital health, and the company focuses on a data- driven approach to identify entrepreneurs and startups. Earlybird specifically looks for startups and entrepreneurs with a business model that can scale quickly, and provides resources and knowledge to help them elevate their business to the next level.

2. High-Tech Gründerfonds

High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is an early stage investor in Germany that focuses on startups in the technology, media and web industries. Established in 2005, the company has invested in a number of successful startups and completed several profitable exits, making it one of the most successful venture capital firms in Germany.

The organization invests in startups at the early stages, providing seed capital and advice to help businesses get their products and services to the market. HTGF also provides resources to help entrepreneurs network and form business relationships in the tech, media and web sector.

3. Atlantic Labs

Atlantic Labs is an early stage investor in Germany that specializes in tech investments with a focus on mobile, eCommerce, internet and software. The company has made over 70 investments since its founding in 2012, with many of them leading to successful exits.

Atlantic Labs provides both capital and advice to entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on product market fit and customer acquisition. As an experienced investor in the tech sector, Atlantic Labs provides resources to help founders develop their network, recruit talent and expand their business’ reach.

4. Target Partners

Target Partners is an early stage investor in Germany that has been active in the market for more than 25 years. The company is now managing over €600 million in capital across various funds.

Target Partners focuses on tech startups in industries such as communications, software, security and enterprise services. The company ideally looks for entrepreneurs developing technology that can disrupt existing markets or create entirely new ones. Additionally, Target Partners provides assistance in areas such as marketing, finance and operations to help founders succeed in Germany's tech market.

5. Axeltree Ventures

Axeltree Ventures is a relatively new entrant to the early stage investor market in Germany, having been founded in 2015. The company’s partners are operating executives and founders that have vast experience in setting up and running technology-based businesses.

Axeltree Ventures focuses on companies building technology products, either software or hardware. The company particularly looks for businesses that have technology which can make a difference to their markets. Additionally, the expertise of the team at Axeltree Ventures can be a great assistance to entrepreneurs, helping them with business operations, finance and other areas.

6. Point Nine Capital

Point Nine Capital is a Berlin-based early stage investor in Germany that focuses on technology-based startups. The company is managed by experienced venture capitalists, who have extensive experience with early stage investments.

Point Nine Capital mainly offers Series A funding, with its portfolio including companies such as Peakon and Delivery Hero. The team at Point Nine Capital provides entrepreneurs with advice and resources to help them grow their businesses, and the company's network can be a great help in identifying potential customers and partners.

7. Speedinvest

Speedinvest is an early stage investor in Germany that focuses on tech startups, especially those in the digital economy, such as fintech, AI, health and mobility. Established in 2012, the company has grown rapidly and currently manages over €450 million in capital.

Speedinvest provides both capital and expertise to entrepreneurs, having in place a team of experts from various fields, such as technology, marketing and finance. The company particularly looks for startups that have the potential to disrupt existing markets, as well as for businesses that have the potential to scale quickly.

8. Project A Ventures

Project A Ventures is an early stage investor in Germany that focuses on early stage investments in digital businesses with a focus on technology, marketing and distribution. Since its founding in 2012, the company has made over 120 investments and successfully exited several businesses.

Project A Ventures has a team of experienced venture capitalists and operating executives who are able to provide entrepreneurs with advice and resources to help them succeed. The company is also well connected, enabling entrepreneurs to find the right customers and partners.

9. Frühphase

Frühphase is an early stage investor in Germany that focuses on seed funding for digital startups, in industries such as software, digital media and eCommerce. Established in 2012, the company has an experienced team of investors, entrepreneurs and former bankers who provide advice and resources to help founders succeed.

Frühphase provides capital and business insights, helping founders accelerate their businesses. As experienced venture capitalists, the team at Frühphase is well connected, enabling entrepreneurs to quickly and effectively find the right contacts.

10. Global Founders Capital

Global Founders Capital is an early stage investor in Germany focused on tech startups in industries such as AI, robotics, software and renewable energy. The company was founded in 2016 and has since made over 30 investments, including companies such as Auto1, Coup and HelloFresh.

Global Founders Capital provides early stage capital to startups, as well as expertise to help entrepreneurs develop their products and services. The team at Global Founders Capital also has extensive experience in the tech sector, helping founders to connect with investors, partners and customers to further their businesses.

We hope this list of the top ten early stage investors in Germany will help you get started on your journey to attract investors. Finding the right investors to help your business grow is only possible if you are able to identify a few key criteria that suit your company's needs. The good news is that the top early stage investors in Germany have expertise in various fields and can provide resources and advice to help take your business to the next level.

Being a successful entrepreneur in Germany requires connecting with the right early stage investor. As mentioned, the key is to find a fund or company that fits with your business model and needs. Be sure to keep this list of the top ten early stage investors in Germany in mind when looking for venture capital, seed funding or Series A or B funding.