2022 – High-Tech Gründerfonds end-of-year review

We’d like to begin this end-of-year review by saying thank you to all those who support us, enable us to do our work and place their trust in us. This particularly applies to the founders, numerous co-investors and shareholders of our portfolio companies as well as our fund investors. This year saw the launch of our fourth fund, HTGF IV, which more than 40 private companies have invested in alongside the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and KfW Capital. Among the fund’s investors are successful SMEs, including numerous hidden champions, as well as family offices and large corporations. They all recognise the potential impact that start-ups can have – and the benefits that can arise for both themselves and the start-ups through partnerships and cooperations.

We’re delighted to see this level of trust being placed in High-Tech Gründerfonds and were able to exceed expectations at first closing in June: significantly more than €400 million is available for seed investments in the HTGF IV fund. Final closing will take place at the start of 2023. The fund volume is considerably higher than that of our previous funds. More money is available for the roughly 200 start-ups in which HTGF IV will invest – a positive sign in these uncertain times.

2022 was the second-best year in our history in terms of exits. Good companies clearly remain in demand, despite these challenging circumstances. At HTGF, we have experience in dealing with crises. HTGF was founded at a challenging time back in 2005. Since then, we have experienced crises both great and small, including the 2008/9 financial crisis, the coronavirus pandemic and the present-day situation.

The HTGF portfolio is highly resilient. While our start-ups witnessed a slight dip in fundraising overall compared to the previous year, the funding volume remained at a similar level to 2019 and 2020, which is a good sign.

The entire HTGF team, which has again grown in size considerably this year, played a big part in these results. We are all aware that the present situation is challenging for many people. This will remain the case, as the crises are unlikely to be over soon. The financial climate may remain difficult for young companies, despite there being a lot of capital on the market.

Here at HTGF, we will continue to work hard to exceed the expectations of our portfolio companies and fund investors. This is a goal that unites the whole HTGF team. We will keep making funds available, as was the case this year – a year in which we maintained our investments at a high level and made more than 40 seed investments. We firmly believe that innovation and technology hold the key to solving many challenges.

For founders, the current situation requires them to fully concentrate on their business operations. Effectiveness and efficiency are key. Over 17 years of experience has shown us that successfully run start-ups are able to overcome challenging times; many companies were even founded in such circumstances. It is important that we all make the most of these opportunities.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and look forward to our continued cooperation in 2023!

Alex von Frankenberg, Guido Schlitzer and the entire HTGF team

2022 review and 2023 preview from our investment teams

What opportunities and challenges did we face in 2022? And what trends and technologies can we expect to see next year? Our three investment teams – industrial tech, life sciences & chemistry, and digital tech – reflect on an eventful year and look ahead to 2023.
Find out more.