DB1 Ventures

What is DB1 Ventures?

DB1 Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Deutsche Börse Group, which is Germany's leading stock exchange operator. Operating as a strategic investment entity, DB1 Ventures focuses on opportunities that are strategically relevant to the core businesses of Deutsche Börse.

Their investment thesis pivots on identifying innovative and scalable companies within the financial services sector, especially those encapsulated by the broader Information Technology and Market structure ecosystem. They offer patient capital with a long-term investment horizon, aligning their interests with those of the portfolio company, and aiming to support the growth journey through access to a global network, industry expertise, and capital.

DB1 Ventures targets investments in several industries primarily related to financial services, including Software, IT and TMT (Technology, Media, Telecom), BioTech, Healthcare technology, Medical Devices, and Hardware and Manufacturing, underscoring a comprehensive approach to fostering innovation across traditional and emerging sectors.

By leveraging Deutsche Börse Group’s vast resources and strategic position, they aim to drive transformative change and build mutually beneficial relationships, providing not just funding but also strategic support to their portfolio companies.

Their investments typically revolve around the equity stake criterion, reflecting a commitment to engage substantially with companies that share a synergy with Deutsche Börse's business model and aspirations.

What they say:

DB1 Ventures’ vision is to be a strategic partner of choice for early-stage to growth-stage fintech start-ups along the capital markets infrastructure value chain.

What we look for: We invest in Fintech start-ups, with a specific focus on capital markets infrastructureGeography agnostic€5–25 million investment sizeMinority, significant minority stakesLead and co-participate in investmentsReturn targets: 1) Financial KPIs; 2) Strategic valueFocus on early-stage to growth-stage companies (post-Series A)

How we help: We understand what it means to operate within the capital markets space and can help start-ups strategically with our expertise and connections to relevant players.