# Fraunhofer Venture

Fraunhofer Venture is a Venture Capital based in Munich, Germany.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Venture Capital
- **Headquarters:** Munich, Germany
- **Region:** Europe
- **Address:** Munich, Germany
- **Founded:** 1999
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** www.fraunhoferventure.de
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/fraunhoferventure

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

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.

## Sectors

- Enterprise Software
- Industrial Tech
- Digital Health
- ClimateTech
- AI/ML
- Robotics & Automation
- Energy Transition & Renewables
- Media & Entertainment
- Mobility & Transportation

## People

- 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

## 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.

## Related profiles

- [Fraunhofer Technologie-Transfer Fonds](https://altss.com/profile/fraunhofer-technologie-transfer-fonds-gmbh)
- [Frazier Healthcare Partners](https://altss.com/profile/frazier-healthcare-partners)

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Last updated: 2026-08-11T15:06:49.768Z

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