Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The early childhood education industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region focuses on providing crucial learning experiences for children from birth to age six. This sector includes various players, such as nurseries, preschools, and educational technology firms, offering interactive learning tools, cognitive development programs, and specialized care. Recent trends indicate a growing emphasis on digital platforms for remote and personalized learning solutions. Innovative ideas, like gamified education apps and hybrid curricula that blend traditional and modern approaches, continue to emerge. As more families prioritize quality early education, this industry is rapidly evolving to meet new demands and expectations.

This list features a mix of venture capital and private equity players headquartered primarily in Germany and Switzerland. Founded between 1997 and 2022, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms vary in size from small teams to larger corporations. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood education sector, with transaction counts ranging from a couple to nearly 80 deals. Notable participants, such as HV Capital and W Ventures, showcase a blend of innovative start-ups and corporate backing that reflect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for young learners.

Top 18 Early Childhood Education Investors in DACH

1. HV Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn:

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 provides capital and strategic guidance to startups from seed stage to exit. With over â‚�2.8 billion under management, HV Capital has a diverse portfolio that includes significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood education sector, particularly through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir multiple funding rounds for Lingokids, which raised a total of $60 million across Series A, B, and C rounds. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Sdui, a platform that enhances communication in educational settings. This demonstrates HV Capital's active role in supporting innovative educational solutions for children.

2. IBB Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only capital but also expertise and resources to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in Sofatutor, a German online tutoring platform that focuses on providing educational content and resources for students, including those in early childhood education. Their involvement in multiple funding rounds for Sofatutor, including Series A, B, and C, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting educational technology that benefits young learners. Additionally, IBB Ventures has invested in Kindaling, a platform that connects parents with childcare services, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood education sector.

3. W ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

W Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing investment and consulting services to startups and established businesses across various sectors, with a focus on accelerating digital business ideas from seed to growth. They offer expertise in strategy consulting, financial management, and project development. Notably, W Ventures has been involved in several seed round investments, including Edukita, which raised an undisclosed amount on May 2, 2024. This investment suggests Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood education sector, alongside oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments such as Yago, Papamo, and Yondemy, which, while not directly related to early childhood education, demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting innovative startups.

4. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

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 exceeding 10,000, Bertelsmann operates across various sectors, including television, streaming, book publishing, and music production. The company has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, including notable transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding rounds for Synergis Education, which raised $33 million in 2013 and $7.7 million in 2015, focusing on educational services. Additionally, Bertelsmann led a $4 million Series B funding round for WizIQ, an online education platform, and acquired Relias Learning for $540 million, a company providing online education courses primarily for healthcare and disabled-care sectors. These transactions highlight Bertelsmann's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative educational solutions.

5. Seedstars

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Seedstars is a venture capital firm based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, such as Edves, which raised $50,000 in a grant aimed at educational initiatives, and Orcas, an Egyptian edtech startup that raised $2.1 million to enhance its technology product and expand its reach. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested $850,000 in Mindtera, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to educational development.

6. Ananda Impact Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Ananda Impact Ventures is an impact investment firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage companies that aim to create significant social and environmental impact. They provide both investment and strategic support to entrepreneurs across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and sustainability. Notably, Ananda has invested in Kinderzentren Kunterbunt, which focuses on early childhood education, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in this sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r ventures like DEUTSCHLAND RUNDET AUF, which, while not directly related to early childhood education, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy in impactful initiatives. Their commitment to scaling operations for social good positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a valuable player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education landscape.

7. LGT Venture Philanthropy

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

LGT Venture Philanthropy is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. It is dedicated to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ quality of life for disadvantaged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. The organization provides funding, business expertise, and access to networks to support local organizations across various sectors, including health, education, and environmental initiatives. Notably, LGT Venture Philanthropy has been involved in several transactions relevant to early childhood education, such as providing grants to SmartStart, which focuses on early childhood development, and moÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs2moÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs, which supports maternal and child health. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Varthana, a company that provides financing for educational institutions, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to improving educational access and quality, which is essential for early childhood education.

8. Speedinvest

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

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Speedinvest has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in GoStudent, an online tutoring platform that raised significant funds through multiple rounds, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for Sunlight, a learning and development platform for businesses, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in educational initiatives. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's potential relevance to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood education space, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are actively supporting companies that contribute to educational technology and services.

9. Angel Invest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn:

Angel Invest is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. They specialize in angel investments in early-stage technology startups, providing both funding and coaching to help founders achieve product-market fit and prepare for Series A funding. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Angel Invest participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding round for bina, an edtech startup focused on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education of children aged 4 to 12, which raised $1.4 million in 2021. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood education sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology startups across Europe.

10. Partners Group

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

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, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Partners Group has invested in EuroKids International, a company focused on early childhood education, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in this sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of BeNative Business English, which, while not exclusively early childhood education, contributes to educational services. These investments reflect Partners Group's diverse portfolio and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, particularly in early childhood education contexts.

11. Aenu

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Aenu is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on empowering climate tech founders by providing investment brokerage and advisory services, primarily targeting tech entrepreneurs addressing climate change and sustainability challenges in Europe. Notably, Aenu has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, including Edurino, which raised nearly $3.8 million in a Seed Round in February 2022 and an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed Round in March 2021. These investments highlight Aenu's commitment to supporting innovative educational technologies that can enhance early childhood learning experiences. Additionally, Aenu has participated in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r educational technology investments, such as Labster, which raised over $47 million in a Series C round, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education space.

12. Sictic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn:

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Taskbase, an edtech startup that raised CHF 1.3 million, which is directly relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have engaged with oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r startups like Beekee and Menon Skills, which may also have educational components, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education landscape.

13. ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. Notably, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood nutrition sector, acquiring Gerber Products Company in 2007 for $5.5 billion, which bolstered its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US baby food market. In 2012, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanded its reach by acquiring Wyeth Nutritionals for $11.85 billion, enhancing its portfolio in infant nutrition. More recently, in 2023, ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé Malaysia acquired Wyeth Nutrition's Malaysian unit, reinforcing its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nutrition category. These transactions highlight ±·±ð²õ³Ù±ôé's strategic focus on providing nutritious food options for infants and young children, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ objectives of early childhood education.

14. Museum Ravensburger

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1883
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Museum Ravensburger, founded in 1883 and located in Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany, is a corporate investor and a well-known toy manufacturer and retailer. The company specializes in board games, puzzles, and educational toys, catering to families and educational institutions with products designed to foster learning and interaction. In recent years, Ravensburger has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early childhood education sector, notably participating in funding rounds for Lingokids, a platform that raised $40 million in Series C funding and $10 million in Series B funding. These investments are aimed at developing new educational content for children, highlighting Ravensburger's commitment to enhancing early childhood education through innovative and engaging learning tools.

15. Calm/Storm

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Calm/Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in health tech startups, and is dedicated to supporting purpose-driven founders. Their portfolio includes diverse teams addressing sensitive health issues. Notably, Calm/Storm has invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Doshi app, which secured £1 million in a Pre-Seed round to extend its gamified learning experiences into financial services and develop AI-based features for personalized learning. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative educational technologies, particularly those that can enhance learning experiences for children, thus connecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on health tech with early childhood education.

16. Point Nine

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. Point Nine provides funding at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed stage and is committed to participating in subsequent funding rounds to help startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Notably, Point Nine has invested in Brainly, a social learning network that raised funds in multiple rounds, including a seed round in 2012 and Series A and B rounds in 2014 and 2017, respectively. This platform enhances educational engagement among students, making it relevant to early childhood education. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Preply, an online language learning platform, which raised significant funding in Series A and B rounds in 2020 and 2021. These investments highlight Point Nine's involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, particularly in technology-driven solutions that can support early learning initiatives.

17. Pirate Impact

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Pirate Impact is an impact investment firm based in Berlin, Germany, that aims to transform Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ economy towards impact capitalism. They provide consulting services to entrepreneurs and businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sustainability sector, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate impact investments and implement climate action strategies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for Edurino, which raised approximately $3.8 million in February 2022. Edurino is an educational technology platform designed to support early childhood learning through interactive and engaging content. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in a Series C funding round for Labster, which focuses on providing virtual lab simulations for education, although this is less directly related to early childhood education. Overall, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Edurino highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in educational initiatives, particularly those that cater to young learners.

18. b2venture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors. Founded in 2000, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has established itself as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European venture capital landscape, providing financial backing and support to innovative startups. Notably, b2venture has participated in funding rounds for Edurino, a digital education platform that raised â‚�10.5 million in Series A funding in March 2023 and $3.8 million in a Seed round in February 2022. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Pre-Seed round for Coleap, which raised over $3.3 million in April 2021. These transactions highlight b2venture's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, particularly in supporting early-stage companies that contribute to early childhood education.

Early Childhood Education Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	18
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2019	11
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland	201-500	2012	6
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2010	6
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	0
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2018	23
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2022	9
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland	10001+	1866	2
	Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	1883	0
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	1-10	2020	13
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2011	16
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10		0
	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	11-50	2000	15

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