Ingo Jacoby

BayTech invests in early-stage technology and life sciences companies in Western Europe. The firm targets high-growth startups primarily in Germany and France, and focuses on sectors including communications, software, semiconductors, internet-enabled businesses, medical technology and biotechnology. They seek to invest in potential international market leaders. Their investment criteria include a knowledgeable management team, a potential for high-growth in an attractive market, a sustainable competitive advantage and a clear exit opportunity via IPO or trade sale within five years. BayTech's investment approach is hands-on from day one. The firm's strategy includes getting involved in the decision processes of a potential investee before committing capital, to actively shape their strategy and refine their business plan. The firm initially invests between EUR 1 and 3 million, either as the lead investor or in syndication. They may participate in subsequent financing rounds as well. Board representation is an investment prerequisite.

Argantis is a hands-on manager which invests in small and mid-sized companies across sectors in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. They seek to invest EUR 30-100 million in established companies with sales revenues of EUR 30-250 million with a compelling corporate strategy, positive cash flows and managers/owners with personal integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. The firm supports and assists entrepreneurs and managers transacting complex financial deals including MBOs/MBIs, OBOs, growth financing, succession planning and corporate spin-offs, typically investing EUR 10-30 million of their own equity and providing them with business expertise. Argantis prefers to take majority stakes in their investee companies, and employs an entrepreneurial approach that uses incentives to leverage business success, partnership-based cooperation, and mutual trust and respect for existing values. The firm generally holds their investments for three to seven years.