Updated:
Software AG Stiftung
Software AG Stiftung was established in 1992 by Peter Schnell after he built Software AG into a listed technology company. The foundation receives its...
Software AG Stiftung
Software AG Stiftung was established in 1992 by Peter Schnell after he built Software AG into a listed technology company. The foundation receives its resources from that IT fortune and applies them to anthroposophical and social causes. It functions as one of Germany's larger independent charitable foundations with a stated focus on education, health, nature protection, and youth services. Capital is deployed across direct real-asset ownership, mission-related equities, and social enterprises. Confirmed holdings include a 60.5 MW solar park in Guillena, Spain, three German wind parks held via SAGST Renewables GmbH, a stake in Swiss renewable operator Aventron AG, and an ownership position in GLS Gemeinschaftsbank. The foundation also manages the Hofgut Oberfeld biodynamic farm and supports the Loheland Settlement. Geographic reach centers on Germany with selected renewable assets in Spain and project work in Brazil alongside the Mahle Foundation. The endowment stands at approximately $1.5 billion. The foundation maintains its headquarters at Am Eichwäldchen 6 in Darmstadt and participates in the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen and Philea. In 2023 it completed the sale of its 25.1 percent holding in Software AG to Silver Lake. Adjacent vehicles include the Alanus Stiftung, which supports Alanus University. Governance separates the original Software AG equity position from ongoing charitable grant-making through a dedicated asset-management function led by the CFO. This structure allows the foundation to retain full ownership of renewable and social holdings while executing an annual grant program estimated at $27 million.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1992
Location
Region
Europe
Country
Germany
City
Darmstadt
Corporate office
Am Eichwäldchen 6, 64297 Darmstadt, Germany
Principals
Peter Schnell
Founder
Altss tracks 1 additional named team member for this firm — including direct investment leads, IR, and operating principals not listed on the public website.
Book a demoSector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Software AG Stiftung?
Markus Ziener serves as CFO and Executive Board member with responsibility for asset management. The foundation also retains external advisors including KGAL Investment Management since 2021.
Does Software AG Stiftung participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The foundation executes direct ownership of real assets and operating businesses. It holds 100 percent of SAGST Renewables GmbH and maintains positions in Aventron AG and GLS Gemeinschaftsbank.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
The endowment originates from Peter Schnell, founder of Software AG. The foundation sold its final stake in the company to Silver Lake in 2023.
What investment stages does Software AG Stiftung typically target?
The foundation focuses on mission-related direct investments in renewable energy infrastructure and social enterprises rather than venture-stage or growth equity.
How is Software AG Stiftung related to Software AG the company?
Peter Schnell founded both entities. The foundation divested its remaining 25.1 percent equity position in the listed company during 2023.
Does Software AG Stiftung maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
The foundation operates its own grant program and maintains a partnership with the Alanus Stiftung. Asset management and charitable distributions are handled through distinct internal functions.
What is Software AG Stiftung's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?
The foundation has collaborated with the Mahle Foundation on projects in Brazil. It otherwise executes investments through wholly owned vehicles or direct holdings.
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 endowments & foundations?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: