Investing in driven founders who reshape their industries.
For the next generation.

Backing founders who are reshaping their industries. For a sustainable next generation.

Waterdrop

Tasty hydration, made simple.

Drink more water. Founded in Austria, the company is shaking up the beverage industry with the world's first "microdrink" that is sugar free, damn tasty and saves up to 98% of plastic.

Share

Building the world’s leading social impact brand.

Your purchase does good - with immediate and direct effect! The social alternative for your everyday consumption: each purchased product contributes to a social project that has a positive impact.

MicroHarvest

Unleashing the Power of Microorganisms.

Growing demand for proteins require healthier and more sustainable proteins. Micro Harvest uses fermentation of microorganisms to create protein for the likes of pet food or animal feed, whilst reducing CO2 emissions.

Sastrify

SaaS-Procurement, simplified.

Providing transparency in SaaS Procurement
Optimize and automate your SaaS procurement, usage, decision processes and license management

Holy

Supplying Hydration and Energy.

Healthy, functional powder-based energy and other softdrinks. Holy redefines the drinking experience—no taurine, no sugar, but loaded with electrolytes and minerals.

Supporting you from
Seed to Series A and beyond.

Year we were founded
2000
Funded companies
> 0
Assets under management
> 0 M€

“Building up and managing growth at waterdrop is only possible with strong support. The Simon Capital team has been that reliable partner by contributing significantly through continuous sparring and network since day one in addition to their investment.”

Martin Murray, Founder and CEO Waterdrop

“Being on the mission to generate social impact through daily consumption with a wide range of consumer products comes with complexity. We are very happy, to have Simon Capital on our co-driver seat, who constantly supported us beyond financing wherever we need sparring.”

Ben Unterkofler, Co-Founder Share

"Simon Capital is not just a financial partner, but a true ally in our mission. They provide great support and their unparalleled know-how in industrial biotech and their network in the agri-food sector is instrumental to our journey towards making sustainable protein ingredients at scale a reality of today."

Katelijne Bekers, Co-Founder Micro Harvest

„With their extensive network into the VC ecosystem and the German Mittelstand, Simon Capital helped us with spot-on introductions to potential new clients and like-minded investors to help us build on our mission to create a SaaS procurement platform enabling transparency that ultimately saves time and money.”

Sven Lackinger, Co-Founder Sastrify

„Simon Capital has not only substantial know-how in D2C and consumer brand plays, but also is a true sparring on eye level when it comes to growth strategy.”

Frederick Joost, Co-Founder Holy

Using our powerful network and expertise rooted in an entrepreneurial family heritage to lift new generations of sustainable businesses.

We invest.

We invest in mission-driven founders that identify the needs of their customers with innovative business models and disrupting product solutions in order to shape a better and sustainable future for the next generation.

We support.

We believe ‘capital’ should be more than just mere money. Thus, we will provide capital beyond money in form of access to personal networks, industrial knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. This support will last from Seed to Series A – and beyond. 

Investment Thesis

01

Consumption.

Feeding the planet is the biggest societal and climate challenge in current times – solving this will be of pivotal importance for the upcoming decades. By inventing more efficient, healthy, and sustainable technology and product solutions, we invest into B2B and B2C consumption innovations that are better for the people and the planet.

Shaping.
Consumption.
Together.

02

Wellbeing.

Using state-of-the art scientific and technological advances, earth inhabitants’ lives are transformed towards more healthiness with respect to mental and physical conditions. Digital solutions are driving towards higher transparency, connectivity, and thus better performance creating superior living standards for the society.

Shaping.
Wellbeing.
Together.

03

Productivity.

Superior digital solutions along the value chain and innovative product experiences that disrupt analog businesses and ease complex processes with the aim to revolutionize existing segments or innovate new ones with the ability to adapt according to data will be key to safeguard the wealth and living on our planet.

Shaping.
Productivity.
Together.

We believe in sustainability as the base for lasting businesses. For the next generation.

Investment Portfolio

Lifestyle microdrinks and powerful global motivator to drink more water

Innovator for CBD and THC-based products in Europe

Healthy and functional on-the-go drinks based on sustainably packaged powder

The all-in-one SaaS procurement platform for agile teams

Alternative seafood

Transforming local brands into global household names

Leading digital spice love brand and social media food channel

exited

Clean label, plant-based meat replacement for sustainable nutrition

Leading data-based tracker for health conscious generations
Future of sustainable and healthy Water consumption
inactive

Smart micro market solution to offer modern and healthy food

inactive

Plant-based dairy alternative with proprietary technology

Providing solutions against hair loss – full hair for a new self-confidence.

Door opener and must-use B2B Ordering Platform for kiosks

Changing the way we enjoy cocktails worldwide with alcohol free spirits and RTDs

Plant-based pet food saving substantial packaging resources 

Leading health and love brand around nut-based products

inactive

End-to-end digitized solution and process to produce milk-free casein

Sustainable proteins of the future, harnessing the power of microorganisms

PnP technology for carbon calculation & curated CO2 compensation

Medical practice software

Holistic tool for efficient management of (flexible) employees

Collegial AI Tool for customer support teams

Embodiment of impact-driven, social consumption in our modern society

The investments marked with an asterisk were made by the investment team of Simon Capital GmbH & Co.KG for the Bitburger Ventures GmbH Portfolio. Bitburger Ventures GmbH is a limited partner (Kommanditistin) of Simon Capital GmbH & Co KG.

Strong partners

Offering access to a unique set of industry and venture networks.

01

Expert Access

Thanks to a highly diversifed network of industry leading companies of our investor, we have access to a unique set of industry and venture networks that we leverage for investment decision making and actively offer our investee companies as value-add in addition to our financial contribuionts. We understand ourselves as an accessible, reliable, and collaborative team – we remain on the co-driver seat beyond stages.

02

Powerful Network

In the past years we have built up a highly diversified and valuable network of trusted partners and co-investors. In addition to our direct investments, we are  also invested into leading early-stage funds, with whom we have co-invested in the past and will also do in the future. These networks give us access to world-leading early-stage co-investors and know-how.

03

Lasting Commitment

There is no ‘short-term’ in family. So being backed by one of the most renowned family businesses in Germany comes with lasting dedication. We are here to stay and will continue to invest in the foreseeable future thereby leveraging our experiences and expertise.

 

We are a team of highly motivated, well-experienced investment professionals.

Dr. Friedrich Droste

Managing Partner

Jan Leicht

Managing Partner

Nico Heinz

Senior Investment Manager

Niklas Leske

Senior Investment Manager
Dr. Droste

Dr. Friedrich Droste

Managing Partner

Jan Leicht

Managing Partner

Malissa Doré

Team & Office Manager

Fabienne Müller

Head of Finance and Operations

Nico Heinz

Senior Investment Manager

Niklas Leske

Senior Investment Manager

Ready to get in touch?

Shaping. Tomorrow. Together.

© 2023 Simon Capital | all rights reserved

Infinite Roots

Foods of the future.

Cathy Hutz – Founder Infinite Roots

When we started our mission in 2018, the goal was to use side streams from the current food production to cultivate a minimally processed, nutrient-rich, clean label meat alternative. Ever since seed phase, the team has supported us on our journey, recently leading to a strategic R&D and production cooperation with one of the largest brewery groups in Germany. In this partnership we develop innovative ways to produce food and strategically expand our capacities. The cooperation is a testimony to how innovation can provide impactful solutions to critical challenges facing the food industry: Global food insecurity, waste and shortage of fermentation capacities.

www.infiniteroots.com

Just Spices

Make every dish tasty – the leading digital food brand.

Ole Strohschnieder, 
Founder Just Spices

Being one of the leading food brands on social media in Germany with a strong D2C focus, we have seen potential to bring our products into the retail landscape as well. Due to the large retail exposure and excellent know-how from Bitburger as one of the leading breweries in Germany, Simon Capital helped us with constant sparring to bring our spices in shelves across the country. Also, we joined forces with a concrete product collaboration in order to address our common market – is BBQ without beer even allowed? ;)

www.justspices.de

Dr. Droste

Dr. Friedrich Droste

Managing Partner

Friedrich is Managing Partner at Simon Capital and previously the initiator of CVC activities which culminated in the independent setup of the fund. Friedrich is responsible for investments in e.g.,  waterdrop, share, Just Spices, Mushlabs and Sanity Group and is serving in multiple VC/PE boards.  Friedrich has also led Group Strategy and Digitalization at Bitburger Group for several years being responsible for transformational und investment projects; he also spent several years at Henkel Consumer Goods in Corporate Finance and as Project lead for numerous global M&A and Strategy projects. Friedrich holds a Diploma in Mathematical Economics from the University of Bonn and Helsinki School of Management. In addition, he holds a PhD in Game Theory from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management and Lancaster School of Management. 

When he is not shaping tomorrow, Friedrich loves to improve his Tennis skills together with his three very energetic kids.

Jan Leicht

Managing Partner

Jan is Managing Partner of Simon Capital and has previously worked with the world’s largest growth funds and most renowned investors in private markets. Over the past years, he has been working in the private equity and growth equity group of Bain & Company serving over dozens of commercial due diligences, sector screens and fund strategies. Jan has focused on European startup investments and portfolio work with EMEA’s elite growth ventures in Tech and eCommerce . He holds a Master of Science in Business Administration where he specialized on Finance from University of Mannheim and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. 

When he is not shaping tomorrow, Jan is enthusiastic about motorsports (no wonder as he grew up next to the world-famous Nürburgring), enjoys long runs, race biking and reading.

Nico Heinz

Senior Investment Manager

Nico is Senior Investment Manager at Simon Capital and was part of the investment team from Bitburger Ventures before where he helped to build the VC Fund- and Directportfolio.  Beside establishing the venture activities, Nico was involved in several strategy and digitization projects within the Bitburger Group. Prior to that, Nico worked as a consultant in the financial industry in Luxembourg for 4 years, helping Banks and Funds in Germany, UK and Luxemburg to implement risk measurement and liquidity models with special focus on derivatives. He holds an MSc in General Management from the Steinbeis University Berlin and a BA from University Trier.

When he is not shaping tomorrow, he’s an sport enthusiast who loves playing football or climbing hills with his bike or running shoes.

Niklas Leske

Senior Investment Manager

Niklas is Investment Manager at Simon Capital and was part of the Investment team from Bitburger Ventures before. Next to Bitburger Ventures he was involved and responsible for several strategy and digitalization projects for the Bitburger Holding and Brewery. Prior to his time in VC, he collected wide consulting expertise at KPMG and INVERTO, a BCG subsidiary, in value chain optimization and cost-cutting projects for e.g., Private Equity clients both in Germany and abroad. He holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Bamberg, a BBA from Fontys Business School and an executive education diploma from Oxford Saïd Business School in Venture Financing. He is a big fan of data-driven business models, strong brands and smart solutions for a more sustainable future. 

When he is not shaping tomorrow, you will find him diving oceans, hiking mountains or strolling around in the forests with his dog.

Malissa Doré

Team & Office Manager

Malissa, a seasoned professional with a rich tapestry of experience joined Simon Capital as team assistant. With a background spanning Art & Design studies in Buckinghamshire University to a 2.5-year stint in German hotel training, her roots in Ireland and UK add a touch of cultural diversity to her journey. Her career has revolved around delivering exceptional service, from managing office services at Bain & Company Germany to overseeing operations at Broich Premium Catering. With a solid foundation in hospitality, she is seamlessly blended creativity and service, always ensuring the well-being of clients, guests, and colleagues. She finds immense joy in the intersection of creativity and service, and her work reflects a commitment to delivering not just a product or service, but an unforgettable journey.

When she is not shaping tomorrow, the seaside is where she and her husband find inspiration and rejuvenation. Together with her most devoted companion, her dog, she explores the beauty of life and finds joy in the simple moments.

fabienne

Fabienne Müller

Head of Finance and Operations

Fabienne is Head of Finance and Operations at Simon Capital and has previously worked for one of the biggest infrastructure investors in the Nordics. She has focused on pressing ahead the energy transition by supporting transactions in a wide range of green power generation technologies (onshore wind, solar, Power-to-X) in both equity and mezzanine investments. Prior to that, Fabienne worked as an auditor at Deloitte in Frankfurt, gaining valuable experience in financial analysis, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. Fabienne holds a MSc in Accounting & Finance from the University of Rotterdam and a BSc in Technology & Management from the Technical University Munich.

When she is not shaping tomorrow, you most likely find her somewhere outside – conquering mountains via ski, bike or hiking shoes, or spending time at the sea, preferably kite surfing or diving.

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