Updated:
Fraunhofer Venture
Fraunhofer Venture is the central point of contact for researchers and entrepreneurs who want to change the world with Fraunhofer technology.
Fraunhofer Venture
Fraunhofer Venture is the central point of contact for researchers and entrepreneurs who want to change the world with Fraunhofer technology. It stands for technology transfer via spin-offs and offers comprehensive support from idea to exit, internal funding opportunities, access to seed capital, and a strong network in industry and venture capital. Since 2001 it has accompanied over 500 spin-offs on their path from first idea through founding, sometimes to a successful exit.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital
Year founded
1999
Location
Region
Europe
Country
Germany
City
Munich
Corporate office
Munich, Germany
Principals
Andreas Aepfelbacher
stellvertretender Leiter von Fraunhofer Venture
Alina Stahl
Investment Managerin
Manuel Hösle
Investment Manager
Michael Kuschel
Legal Counsel
Dominik Malter
Investment Manager
Laurenz Darling
Legal Counsel
Friederike Krämer-Plath
Legal Counsel
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does Fraunhofer Venture source its portfolio companies?
Nearly all originate as projects within one of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's 76 applied-research institutes. Fraunhofer Venture evaluates the commercial viability of the underlying IP and structures a spin-off entity, providing initial seed capital and management support. External deal flow is not part of the model.
Does Fraunhofer Venture manage a traditional venture fund?
No. It deploys internal Fraunhofer funding programs rather than third-party limited-partner capital. The firm acts as a company builder and seed investor, then facilitates introductions to external VCs and corporate strategics for Series A and later rounds.
What investment stages does Fraunhofer Venture cover?
It is active from pre-seed through late-stage. The unit handles spin-off feasibility, seed funding, and early growth; it lists 'Expansion / Late Stage' and 'Divestiture' as areas of involvement, reflecting ongoing support for maturing portfolio companies and eventual exit processes.
Which sectors does Fraunhofer Venture explicitly target?
Deep tech and industrial innovation dominate. The active portfolio includes advanced manufacturing, energy storage, semiconductor materials, medical technology, AI-driven software, and sustainable materials. Recent additions also show exposure to food-tech and media AI.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
Need institutional-grade insight on venture capital firms?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: