BREMEN and COLOGNE, Germany — Jun. 3, 2024 — Bremen has been home to several promising startups. Historically, these startups had to seek growth financing from professionally managed venture capital funds outside the region. This is now set to change, as the investment firm Capnamic has successfully executed the First Closing of Bremen's inaugural venture capital fund.
The seasoned team behind this new fund comprises Prof. Dr. Christian Horneber and Niklas Raberg from Capnamic. “In recent years, Bremen has developed a vibrant startup ecosystem with significant potential for high-growth ventures,” remarked Christian Horneber. This development is bolstered by the economic climate along the Weser River. Niklas Raberg added, “Bremen hosts several key industries, including aerospace, logistics, nutrition, and artificial intelligence. These sectors are pivotal for future technologies that often present startups with exciting opportunities for innovative business models.”
The fund will invest in startups based in Bremen and in emerging companies that support Bremen’s key industries with their innovations. A total of 15 startups will be financed through this new venture capital fund. The fund is return-focused, investing exclusively in startups that have the potential to generate multiple returns on the invested capital upon exit.
This new venture capital fund is a Bremen initiative, created in partnership with Capnamic, Sparkasse Bremen, and the Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB), and enjoys broad support from the business community, chambers of commerce, universities, and political leaders. The team set up by Capnamic specifically for the new fund in Bremen is delighted to have two anchor investors, BAB and Sparkasse Bremen. Both banks have long recognized the importance of startups as drivers of innovation for the region and are contributing several million euros to the fund. Additionally, nine prominent local entrepreneurs have also invested in the fund, with further participation open until the target volume of €30 million is reached. Investors are encouraged to act swiftly.
“With this joint venture capital fund from Sparkasse, BAB, and private investors, we can significantly enhance innovation and support for startups in Bremen,” said Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports, and Transformation of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen. “This collaboration between private and public investors not only underscores the potential to sustainably advance the region but also lays the foundation for future job creation.”
Ralf Stapp, CEO of BAB, expressed his enthusiasm for the development: “The establishment of this fund is a crucial, previously missing piece in Bremen’s startup ecosystem. It aims to retain startups in the region, attract new ones, and strengthen key industries.” Klaus Windheuser, Board Member of Sparkasse Bremen, added, “We are pleased to have Capnamic, a professional and independent venture capital firm, managing the fund, bringing their proven expertise and exceptional performance.”
The newly established fund has a ten-year term, ensuring that startups in Bremen will have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced venture capitalists in the years to come.
About Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB) – The Development Bank for Bremen and Bremerhaven
The Bremer Aufbau-Bank GmbH supports the state of Bremen in regional development, structural, and economic policy, and accompanies companies through all stages of development. In partnership with local banks and savings banks, BAB focuses on all economic activities that are in the interest of the federal state of Bremen. Other key areas of focus for BAB include housing promotion and the Starthaus, the central contact point in Bremen's startup ecosystem.
For more information about Bremer Aufbau-Bank: www.bab-bremen.de
Press Contact for Bremer Aufbau-Bank: Diana Bluhm, kommunikation@bab-bremen.de
About Sparkasse Bremen
With total assets of more than 14.5 billion euros and around 1,160 employees, Sparkasse Bremen is the market leader in financial services in the Hanseatic city. Founded in 1825 as a Free Savings Bank by Bremen citizens, it is now one of the largest savings banks in Germany. It is a strong partner for medium-sized businesses and supports entrepreneurial growth with industry expertise and local competence. It invests a significant portion of its earnings into the quality of life of Bremen's residents – from kindergartens and sports clubs to major cultural highlights of the city. Special attention is given to the promotion of children and youth.
For more information about Sparkasse Bremen: www.sparkasse-bremen.de
Press Contact for Sparkasse Bremen: Nicola Oppermann & Elke Heussler, kommunikation@spkbremen.de
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