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The leadership development training industry in DACH focuses on enhancing professional skills and competencies. Companies involved range from large corporations to innovative startups, offering services such as coaching, workshops, and digital platforms. Emerging trends include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of hybrid learning environments and a growing emphasis on personalized development. Notably, technology's integration into training solutions is shaping new learning experiences. The sector is poised for growth as organizations realize Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ importance of cultivating effective leadership and fostering employee engagement. With an increased push for diversity and inclusion, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is evolving to meet Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ changing needs of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ workforce.

In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region saw a vibrant array of investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development training sector, featuring venture capital firms and corporate giants. Geographic diversity is evident, with firms based in cities like Berlin, Cologne, and Vienna. Most investors are relatively small in size, with employee counts between 11-50, but a few giants, like The Adecco Group, surpass 10,000. Founded between Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ late 19th century and 2018, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms have counted numerous investments—with deal counts ranging from 3 to 45—highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active participation in this critical market segment.

Top 12 Leadership Development Training Investors in DACH

1. APX Talent Pool

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

APX Talent Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2018, that specializes in earliest-stage investments in startups with digital business models. Backed by prominent entities like Axel Springer and Porsche, APX provides funding and growth assistance to ambitious pre-seed startups, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of launching and scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Notably, APX has participated in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development training context, including a $5 million seed investment in Sharpist, a Berlin-based digital ecosystem for personalized learning and development. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Flow Lab, a mental fitness startup, which underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative solutions that enhance leadership capabilities. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Innential and Emocional, both of which are in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early stages of development, indicating APX's focus on nurturing emerging companies that may contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development sector.

2. 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 companies scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in multiple funding rounds for CoachHub, a Berlin-based digital coaching platform that aims to enhance leadership development through personalized coaching. CoachHub raised significant amounts in several rounds, including $20 million in Series A (2019), $30 million in Series B (2020), and $80 million in Series B (2021), culminating in a $200 million Series C round in 2022. This consistent investment in CoachHub highlights Speedinvest's commitment to supporting leadership development initiatives within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tech ecosystem.

3. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh

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

Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, a corporate investor based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a global media, services, and education company. With over 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann operates in various sectors, including television, streaming, book publishing, and music production. The company has actively invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, particularly in companies that focus on upskilling and professional development. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in Emeritus, which raised $650 million to expand its educational offerings, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir lead investment in Udacity's $105 million Series D round, which aims to enhance online learning experiences. These investments reflect Bertelsmann's strategic focus on fostering education and leadership development through innovative solutions.

4. 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 funding but also expertise and resources to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses thrive in a competitive market. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in CareerFoundry, which raised over $5 million to enhance community engagement and student success, directly contributing to leadership and career development. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in EduBITES, an EdTech company, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on educational initiatives that can foster leadership skills. IBB Ventures also participated in funding rounds for Likeminded, a digital mental health solution provider, which can play a role in leadership development by promoting mental well-being in professional settings.

5. Sgs

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1878
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a global presence and a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In recent years, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its training portfolio, particularly in leadership development. Notably, in 2017, SGS acquired Leadership Directions Pty Ltd, which specializes in leadership and organizational development training, generating annual revenues exceeding AUD 4.6 million. This acquisition aimed to establish a foothold for SGS Academy in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Eastern Australian market. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, in 2019, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired LeanSis Productividad, a company focused on operational and manufacturing training services, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir training offerings. These transactions highlight SGS's commitment to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir training services, particularly in leadership development.

6. 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 emphasizes supporting purpose-driven founders. Their portfolio showcases diverse teams tackling sensitive health issues. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Leaders21com, a company that likely has a focus on leadership development, and in Doshi App, which is extending its gamified learning experiences into financial services and developing AI features for personalized learning. These transactions highlight Calm/Storm's engagement in areas that intersect with leadership development training, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus on health tech.

7. Capnamic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Capnamic is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, providing funding and strategic support to startups to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m thrive in competitive markets. Capnamic focuses on delivering high returns through careful portfolio management and investment strategies. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y co-led a â‚�20.29M Series A funding round for Sharpist, a Berlin-based company that offers leadership coaching and development services. This investment highlights Capnamic's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development training sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding rounds for how.fm, a SaaS training platform, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in training and development solutions. These investments reflect Capnamic's strategy of supporting innovative companies that enhance professional growth and leadership capabilities.

8. 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 supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over â‚�2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development training sector, particularly through its investments in CoachHub, a Berlin-based digital coaching platform. CoachHub has successfully raised multiple funding rounds, including a $200 million Series C round in June 2022, and earlier rounds of $80 million and $30 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. These investments highlight HV Capital's focus on companies that facilitate leadership development and coaching, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in this industry. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in Greator, anoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r coaching startup, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development training space.

9. Atlantic Labs

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm supports exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir entrepreneurial journey, focusing on startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health. Notably, Atlantic Labs has invested in Bunch AI, a company that has raised a total of $4.4 million in seed capital, including a recent $1 million infusion aimed at teaching leadership skills to younger generations. This investment highlights Atlantic Labs' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development training space, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic guidance and capital support for innovative solutions in this field.

10. allygatr

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Allygatr is a Berlin-based investment firm founded in 2012, specializing in HR technology. With a team size of 11-50, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y focus on investing in HR tech startups and providing consulting services to help businesses navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving landscape of human resources technology. In 2023, allygatr participated in a venture round for Skillties, a startup that may offer solutions relevant to leadership training. They also invested in Talent2Go in a seed round in 2024, which could be anoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ HR tech space that supports leadership development. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r startups like Candoora and Lene Health furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ HR sector, which is integral to leadership development.

11. Picus Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn:

Picus Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, specializing in early-stage technology investments. With a focus on empowering innovative startups across various sectors, Picus Capital provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and HR support. Their mission is to help entrepreneurs challenge Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ status quo and build sustainable category leaders globally. Notably, Picus Capital has participated in several transactions relevant to leadership development training, including investments in Junto, an edtech startup aimed at enhancing educational experiences, and Zavvy, an employee enablement platform that focuses on improving workforce capabilities. These investments reflect Picus Capital's commitment to fostering environments conducive to leadership growth and employee development.

12. Redstone

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

Redstone is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2014. It specializes in investing in technology startups across various sectors, including FinTech, Industrial, Sustainability, and Quantum. Redstone provides investment management services and conducts research on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ venture capital landscape, particularly focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ participation of pension funds in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ startup ecosystem. Notably, Redstone has participated in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EdTech space, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding for Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences, which raised $10 million to enhance its technological infrastructure and expand its academic portfolio. This investment is particularly relevant to leadership development training as it supports Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education of future leaders. Additionally, Redstone was involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Seed funding round for EduBITES, an EdTech company, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to educational initiatives that can foster leadership skills. Overall, Redstone's focus on innovative educational solutions positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leadership development training sector.

Leadership Development Training Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2018	7
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	18
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1878	5
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	1-10	2020	13
	Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2012	6
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2013	13
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2012	3
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2015	28
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2014	14

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