/Investor DB

STS Ventures GmbH

Venture capital

Cologne · Pre-Seed–Seed · 8 people tracked

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Investment thesis

STS Ventures positions itself between business angels and traditional VC firms, combining an angel's mindset with the capital of a VC. Founded by Stephan Schubert, a serial German internet entrepreneur behind companies such as OnVista, the firm typically backs pre-seed and seed stage technology startups. It emphasizes hands-on, partner-at-eye-level support drawing on decades of operating experience and a broad network of decision-makers, talent, and investors. STS favors numbers-driven founders who prioritize sustainable, steady growth and cost discipline over rapid cash burn, aiming to help build durable companies.

Source: firm website, verified Sep 27, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Seed
Check
$220K – $1.1M
HQ
Cologne, DE
Leads rounds
Leads
Instruments
Equity
Founded
1999
Tracked investments
59
Unicorns
2
IPOs
2
Acquisitions
1

Team · 8 people

from the firm's website & public directories
Kira Thormeier· Managerin

What they invest in

from 46 of 59 portfolio companies

SaaS ×17Consumer ×10E-commerce ×8Fintech ×8Marketplaces ×8Enterprise Software ×7B2B Marketplaces ×5Retail Tech ×5

HQs:Germany×29United States×5Switzerland×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 15 portfolio companies
20%
solo founders
3 of 15 mapped founding teams
40%
repeat founders
of 25 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×32 founders×73 founders×34+ founders×2

Where their founders studiedfrom 21 founders with education data

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management ×3Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz ×2Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München ×2Massachusetts Institute of Technology ×2

What their founders studiedfrom 24 founders with field-of-study data

Business & Management ×8Computer Science ×6Design & Architecture ×4Economics ×3

Where their founders worked beforefrom 25 founders with career history

McKinsey & Company ×3Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research ×2

5 founders hold a PhD · 1 hold an MBA (of 25 with degree data)

Investments · 59 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2024 · 12022 · 22020 · 12019 · 22016 · 12008 · 12007 · 19 dated

Airbnbairbnb.comin𝕏NASDAQ: ABNB

Airbnb is an online marketplace that enables people to book and list accommodations for short-term rentals, experiences, and services around the world.

ConsumerMarketplacesTravel & HospitalitySan Francisco, US

Brian Chesky(CEO)inNathan Blecharczyk(CTO)inJoe Gebbia(CPO)inBelinda Johnson(Executive Officer)inLaurence Tosi(Chief Financial Officer)inAndrew Swain(Executive Officer)in

Co-investors137 VenturesA.Capital VenturesA*ACME CapitalAglae VenturesAlign Ventures+78 more

Abebooksabebooks.de𝕏

AbeBooks is an online marketplace where independent booksellers offer new, used, rare, and antiquarian books as well as art objects and collectibles.

E-commerceMarketplaces

Co-investorsActon Capital

Acorns Growacorns.comin𝕏

Acorns provides automated investment services that allow users to invest in diversified portfolios of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) composed of stocks and bonds, with options including Bitcoin-linked ETFs.

FintechIrvine, US

Jeff Cruttenden(Founder)inWalter Cruttenden(Founder)inMark Dru(Founder)inMichael Bloch(Founder)

BoardJim Caccavo(Director)Jay Fishman(Director)

Co-investorsA-Rod CorpAnsa CapitalBain Capital VenturesBlack Jays VenturesComcast VenturesConnetic Ventures+18 more

Ampidoampido.comin

ampido operates an online platform for finding, reserving, and paying for parking spaces up to 90 days in advance, with in-app navigation to the spot.

MarketplacesMobility & TransportationBerlin, DE

Co-investorsHOWZAT Partners

Audibeneaudibene.dein

Audibene sells hearing aids and related digital solutions for people with hearing loss through Germany's largest network of partnered acousticians.

Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesBerlin, DE

Co-investorsActon CapitalHeartcore CapitalSunstone Capital

autengoautengo.comin

Autengo is an automotive dealership management system (DMS/Autohausmanager) and is part of the ALZURA Tyre24 Group, a European e-commerce operator for the automotive sector.

B2B MarketplacesE-commerceRetail TechSaaSFrankfurt, DE

B2Xb2x.comin

B2X provides a platform and operational orchestration services for managing the complete lifecycle of electronic hardware—from inbound warehousing through deployment, maintenance, repair, returns, and refurbishment—for technology brands and operators across consumer electronics, retail automation, enterprise, and mission-critical sectors.

Enterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSMunich, DE

Co-investorsBarkawi GroupCipio PartnersEarlybird Venture CapitalGrazia Equity GmbH

Baqendbaqend.com

Baqend offers Speed Kit, a software-as-a-service that accelerates website performance using service worker browser technology and caching.

Cloud ComputingDeveloper ToolsE-commerceSaaSHamburg, DE

Felix Gessert(CEO)in

Carsale24carsale24.comin

Carsale24 is an online marketplace where private sellers can list and sell their vehicles to verified dealers across Germany for free.

B2B Marketplaces

Co-investorsHV Capital

Deutsche Fensterbaudeutsche-fensterbau.de

Deutsche Fensterbau supplies and installs windows and doors for residential customers, handling consultation, project management, and installation through a network of local craftspeople.

Construction TechConsumer

Emmaemma-sleep.com

Emma sells mattresses and sleep products directly to consumers, offering a 100-night home trial, a 10-year warranty, and installment payments via Klarna.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerce

Dennis Schmoltzi(Founder)in

Co-investorsFranz Haniel & Cie. GmbH

Erste Hausverwaltungerste-hausverwaltung.dein

Erste Hausverwaltung acquires and integrates regional property management companies across Germany and digitizes their operations through an online platform.

Enterprise SoftwarePropTechSaaS

Co-investorsVENPACERound Hill Ventures

Finanzen100finanzen100.de𝕏

Finanzen100 operates a platform that connects retail investors with professional financial analysts and investment experts who share their analyses, watchlists, and investment recommendations.

FintechMarketing Tech

Handshakejoinhandshake.comin𝕏

Handshake is a three-sided job marketplace connecting 25 million knowledge workers, 1,600+ educational institutions, and 1 million employers.

AI & Machine LearningE-commerceEdTechFuture of WorkHR TechMarketplacesRetail TechSaaSSan Francisco, US

Garrett Lord(Founder)inBen Christensen(Founder)inScott Ringwelski(Founder)inJoseph Poon(Founder)

Co-investorsCoatue ManagementGSV VenturesKleiner PerkinsLightspeed Venture PartnersNotable CapitalSozo Ventures+18 more

hypcloudhypcloud.cominSeed · Jun 2019Acquired

A platform that helps property owners and investors obtain commercial real estate financing through an online brokerage interface.

FintechPropTechBerlin, DE

Yann Basly(Founder)inMarcus Joachim(Executive Officer, Director)Marton Matura(Head of Sales)Martin Simonis(Director People \u0026 Culture)

Co-investorsCaesar Business AngelsY CombinatorAtlantic LabsAxel Springer Digital VenturesPeak State VenturesVentureSouq

JoinMyTripjoinmytrip.de

JoinMyTrip is an online travel platform where users can find and join group trips organized by "TripLeaders" to destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.

MarketplacesTravel & Hospitality

JustWatchjustwatch.comin

JustWatch is a streaming guide platform that aggregates availability information for movies, TV shows, and sports across multiple streaming services.

MarketplacesMedia & Entertainment

David Croyé(Founder)inMichael Wilken(Founder)in

kaufDAkaufda.deinPre-Seed · Jan 2008

Kaufda aggregates retail flyers, coupons, and product offers from local merchants for German consumers seeking deals and store promotions.

MarketplacesRetail Tech

Co-investorsHeadline

Klimametrixklimametrix.global

Klimametrix provides a cloud-based ESG and sustainability compliance software platform for banks and corporations to manage climate risks, calculate emissions, assess biodiversity impacts, and meet regulatory requirements including EU taxonomy, CSRD, and GAR disclosure standards.

Climate TechEnterprise SoftwareFintech

Ligatusoutbrain.comin

Outbrain, operating as Outbrain Direct Response, runs a performance marketing and advertising platform for the Open Internet, helping advertisers achieve measurable outcomes at scale.

AdTechMarketing Tech

Yaron Galai(Founder)inOri Lahav(Founder)

Co-investorsFelicis VenturesGapMinderIndex VenturesLightspeed Venture PartnersRhodiumSmartGateVC+4 more

Lingodalingoda.comin𝕏

Lingoda is an online language learning platform offering live classes led by certified teachers, available 24/7 in small group or private formats.

EdTechSaaSBerlin, DE

Felix WunderlichinFabian Wunderlichin

Co-investorsConny & Co.German Startups GroupGrazia Equity GmbHHOWZAT PartnersKreos Capitalpd ventures+2 more

Mailomailo.de

mailo is a digital underwriting agency (Assekuradeur) that develops and manages insurance products for commercial, buildings, and private risks, distributed through insurance brokers.

FintechInsurTechSaaS

Dr. Matthias Uebing(CEO)

MediDatemedidate.de

proaesthetic is a chain of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery clinics in Germany offering surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments.

HealthtechMedical Devices

Co-investorsFJ Labs

Mogeniusmogenius.cominPre-Seed · Aug 2022

Mogenius offers a tunneling solution that provides secure access to databases, internal tools, and APIs running in Kubernetes clusters without exposing them publicly or requiring VPN management.

AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingCybersecurityDeveloper ToolsEnterprise Software

Gerrit Schumann(Co-founder & CEO)inBehrang Alavi(Co-founder & Co-CTO)inBenedikt Iltisberger(Co-founder & Co-CTO)inJan Lepsky(Co-founder & CPO)inHerbert Möckel(Co-Founder & CXO)in

Co-investorsD11ZInovexusSeed+SpeedSIVentures (prev. Smart Infrastructure Ventures)

Momentum Transfermomentum-transfer.comin𝕏

Momentum Transfer provides mail-in access to synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and scattering measurements, offering higher signal-to-noise and resolution than lab XRD with results in 2-4 weeks.

Deep TechNew MaterialsSaaS

Bernd Hinrichsen(Founder)in

Co-investorsGF BRYCK VenturesVenture Stars

Movingamovinga.cominSeries C · Dec 2016 · $18M

Movinga is a digital platform that connects customers with vetted local moving companies across Germany, offering end-to-end moving services including packing, transportation, and optional add-ons.

B2B MarketplacesConsumerLogistics & Supply ChainCologne, DE

Co-investorsEarlybird Venture CapitalETF PartnersGlobal Founders CapitalIndex VenturesRocket Internet SE

Novembernovember.dein

November is a German provider of funeral pre-planning and funeral services (Bestattungsvorsorge und Bestattungen), offering advance-provision insurance products and organizing funerals nationwide across Germany.

ConsumerFintechInsurTech

Robin Klemm(Gründer und Geschäftsführer (Founder & Managing Director))inLaurent Lukas(CCO)in

Co-investorsSalvia

Onvistaonvista.de

onvista is a financial information platform providing stock quotes, market data, analysis tools, and educational content for retail investors in the German-speaking market.

Fintech

Co-investorsActon Capital

Ottonovaottonova.dein

Ottonova offers private health insurance for employees, self-employed individuals, students, and government employees in Germany, as well as supplementary insurance for those enrolled in statutory health insurance.

Digital HealthInsurTechBerlin, DE

Dr. Roman Rittweger(Gründer)inSebastian Scheerer(Founder)inFrank Birzle(Founder)inDr. Bernhard Brühl(Vorstandsvorsitzender)Roman Rittweger(Founder)

Co-investorsEarlybird Venture CapitalVorwerk VenturesHV CapitalIschyros New YorkTengelmann Ventures

Pixsypixsy.comin𝕏

Pixsy is an online platform that detects unauthorized use of images online and provides case resolution services to enforce copyright, connecting users to a network of specialist law firms.

Creator EconomyLegalTechSaaSCovina, US

Daniel Foster(Founder)inTorsten Rüter(Head of Development)inKain Jones(Chief Executive Officer (CEO))in

Realtainmentartnight.com

ArtNight organizes guided painting events where participants create their own artwork with provided materials such as canvas, paints, brushes and aprons, led by artists.

ConsumerCreator EconomyMarketplaces

Aimie(Founder)

Co-investorsActon Capital

Rebikerebike1.dein

Rebike sells premium refurbished and used e-bikes and bicycles, sourced mainly from leasing returns and reconditioned through a TÜV Rheinland-certified multi-step process.

Circular EconomyE-commerceMobility & Transportation

Co-investorsFJ LabsGerman VenturesVorwerk Ventures

Repliquereplique.ioinSeed · Jun 2024

Replique operates in the digital manufacturing space, providing services related to on-demand production for industrial customers.

Advanced ManufacturingHardwareSaaS

Dr. Max Siebert(CEO & Co-Founder)inDr. Henrike Wonneberger(COO & Co-Founder)in

Retailretail.me

Retail.me provides operational digitalization software for consumer packaged goods manufacturers and grocery retailers in the food and beverage sector.

E-commerceRetail TechSaaS

Co-investorsGateway Trustee GmbHAlign VenturesNimble Partners

Shoeboxedshoeboxed.comin𝕏

Shoeboxed provides receipt scanning, expense tracking, and GPS mileage logging for self-employed Schedule C filers, freelancers, and small business owners, turning mailed-in paper receipts and app-captured expenses into audit-ready, categorized tax records.

Enterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSSales TechDurham, US

Taylor Mingos(Co-founder)inTobias Walter(Co-founder)inDoug Breaker(Owner & CEO)in

Co-investorsNovak Biddle Venture Partners

Sourc Esourc-e.comin

Sourc-e is a procurement platform for German corporate clients that sources and manages printing materials, promotional items, packaging, and textiles from request through delivery.

B2B MarketplacesEnterprise SoftwareSaaS

SUSHI BIKESsushi-bikes.comin

SUSHI Bikes makes lightweight, affordable city e-bikes with a removable battery and around 75 km of range, aimed at commuters, students, and first-time e-bike riders.

Direct to ConsumerHardwareMobility & TransportationMunich, DE

Swaarmswaarm.cominSeed · Aug 2022

Swaarm is a digital marketing and advertising platform that provides performance tracking tools and analytics to help businesses manage and optimize their digital advertising campaigns.

AdTechMarketing TechSaaS

Yogeeta Chainani(Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer)inAlexandru Dumitru(Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer)in

talent360talent360.ioin

talent360 offers talent.Flow, a recruiting software and digital operating system that automates the application and hiring process for staffing agencies and personnel service providers.

Future of WorkHR TechSaaS

Marc Schach(Co-founder, CEO & Geschäftsführer)inDenny Riedl(Co-founder & CTO)in

TalentSpacetalentspace.io𝕏Seed · Oct 2020 · $4M

Handshake provides an end-to-end career fair management platform for universities and careers services to host in-person, virtual, and hybrid career fairs.

B2B MarketplacesEdTechHR Tech

Co-investorsPlug and Play Ventures468 Capital

TEATOXteatox.de

This is an affiliate/review website about online "Plinko" casino games, presenting rankings and reviews of gambling operators where users can play Plinko for real money or crypto.

ConsumerMedia & Entertainment

TRITOLOtritolo.comin

TRITOLO provides software for offers and project processing, with emphasis on compliance and data security under GDPR standards, built on Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure.

Enterprise SoftwareSaaS

UpsellGuruupsellguru.cominMar 2019

UpsellGuru provides an automated upselling platform for hotels that delivers personalized upgrade offers to guests across multiple channels (email, SMS, WhatsApp) before, during, and after their stay.

Marketing TechRetail TechSaaSSales TechTravel & Hospitality

Karl SchmidtnerinMatteo GalliinHans Schmidtnerin

Weissmalerweissmaler.de

Weissmaler is a German-language blog covering home renovation, interior design, gardening, sustainability, smart home technology, and living trends.

ConsumerMedia & Entertainment

X Bionicx-bionic.com

X-BIONIC designs and manufactures the TerraSkin X00/C, a technical trail running shoe featuring proprietary SpeedFrame suspension, carbon plate insert, and integrated sock system for off-road running on technical terrain.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerHardwareSports TechSwitzerland, CH

Zoopluszooplus.de

zooplus is an online retailer of pet food and supplies for dogs, cats, birds, rodents, horses, and fish.

ConsumerE-commerce

Co-investorsActon CapitalHellman & FriedmanEQT

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

freshnailsInteractivedataLocartaMansionetmomsPicture Framing GmbH (Mozaik)PurefoodReputamiSnapbussovityTCG VaultTiltaVantik

Exits · 3

2 IPOs · 1 acquisitions · showing 1

AirbnbNASDAQ: ABNB

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies
Airbnb launches new housing accelerator

Airbnb · news.airbnb.com · Sep 14, 2026

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has STS Ventures GmbH made?
STS Ventures GmbH has 59 tracked investments, 3 of which have exited.
What stage does STS Ventures GmbH invest at?
STS Ventures GmbH invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
What is STS Ventures GmbH's typical check size?
STS Ventures GmbH typically writes checks of $220K – $1.1M.
What sectors does STS Ventures GmbH focus on?
STS Ventures GmbH focuses on Consumer, Enterprise Software, Hardware, Healthtech, Retail Tech, SaaS, Sector Agnostic.
Where is STS Ventures GmbH located?
STS Ventures GmbH is headquartered in Cologne, DE.
Does STS Ventures GmbH lead rounds?
Yes, STS Ventures GmbH leads investment rounds.
Who does STS Ventures GmbH co-invest with?
STS Ventures GmbH most often shares deals with Acton Capital, Earlybird Venture Capital, FJ Labs, among 48 tracked co-investors.

Co-investors · 4

Earlybird Venture Capital

Earlybird Venture Capital is a European venture capital investor that backs early-stage technology founders with capital, strategic support, and access to an international network.

Both backed · 3
$540K – $12M
468 Capital

468 Capital is a technology investment firm with offices in Berlin and San Francisco that invests across multiple stages in software, AI, and internet companies. The firm focuses on thesis-driven investments in businesses with experienced founding teams.

Both backed · 2
Inovexus

Inovexus is a community-powered venture platform that supports founders across Europe and beyond, combining investor community leadership with capital access.

Both backed · 1
Cusp Capital

Cusp Capital is a European technology-focused venture capital firm that invests in startups across selected theses including industry-specific software, digitization and sustainability (ESG), digital products for lower-income consumers, and European digital infrastructure.

$7.6M

Firms observed investing alongside STS Ventures GmbH, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with STS Ventures GmbH's recorded portfolio.

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