
Acton Capital
Description
Acton Capital is a prominent growth venture capital investor based in Munich, Germany, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1999 as a spin-off from Hubert Burda Media. The firm specializes in backing tech-enabled business models, focusing on companies that have demonstrated proven traction and possess significant potential for scaling. With a strategic emphasis on both B2C and B2B sectors, Acton Capital has established itself as a key player in the European and North American growth equity landscape, supporting innovative companies that leverage technology to disrupt traditional industries or create new markets.
The firm's investment strategy centers on providing growth capital to businesses with strong market positions and sustainable competitive advantages. Acton Capital typically targets companies in their growth phase, seeking to invest in businesses that have moved beyond the early startup stage and are ready to accelerate their expansion. Their typical first check size ranges from approximately $5.4 million (€5 million) to $27 million (€25 million), reflecting their commitment to substantial, impactful investments in established yet rapidly growing enterprises. This approach allows them to partner with founders who are looking for more than just capital, but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network.
Acton Capital boasts an impressive portfolio of successful companies, including early investments in global e-commerce giant Etsy, luxury fashion retailer Mytheresa, and cloud-native banking platform Mambu, which achieved unicorn status. The firm has consistently raised substantial funds to support its investment activities, demonstrating strong investor confidence. For instance, Acton Capital Partners V (ACT V) closed at €225 million in 2021, and more recently, Acton Capital Partners VI (ACT VI) successfully closed at €250 million in 2023, underscoring their continued commitment to the growth equity market. Their track record of successful exits and their focus on long-term partnerships solidify their reputation as a discerning and impactful investor in the tech ecosystem.
Investor Profile
Acton Capital has backed more than 128 startups, with 8 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 56 rounds, about 44% of its total and boasts 43 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Germany, Canada, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on E-Commerce, Internet, Software.
- Led 8 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $5.4M – $27M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (27%)
- Series A (25%)
- Series B (24%)
- Series C (9%)
- Seed (8%)
- Series D (5%)
- Series F (1%)
- Series E (1%)
Country Focus
- Germany (54%)
- Canada (15%)
- United Kingdom (11%)
- United States (8%)
- France (4%)
- The Netherlands (2%)
- Switzerland (2%)
- Belgium (1%)
- Russian Federation (1%)
- Estonia (1%)
Industry Focus
- E-commerce
- Internet
- Software
- Retail
- Fashion
- Recruiting
- Shopping
- Saas
- Human Resources
- Service Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
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