Axel Springer

Axel Springer, established in 1946, is a prominent media company headquartered in Berlin, Germany. It operates in the print and digital publishing sectors, offering a wide range of newspapers, magazines, and digital sales channels. With a strong presence in over 40 countries, Axel Springer is the market leader in the German print business and has a significant global footprint. The company's core business segments include informative and entertaining journalism, marketing, and classifieds. Axel Springer is committed to accelerating its digital transformation, aiming to become the leading digital publisher. It achieves this by evolving its established media brands, developing new online platforms, and strategically acquiring web companies. Additionally, Axel Springer Digital Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in early-stage startups in the mobile, internet of things, and software sectors, focusing on classified ad models, marketing models, and digital publishing companies.

Stephanie Caspar

President Classifieds Media

Mathias Dopfner

Co-Owner, CEO and Chairman

Jan-Philipp Gräfe

Principal

Ulrich Schmitz

Managing Director

Past deals in Germany

Inkitt

Series B in 2021
Inkitt GmbH operates an online community that connects writers and readers, facilitating the sharing and promotion of stories across various genres, including horror, romance, and sci-fi. Founded in 2013 and based in Berlin, the company publishes books using crowd wisdom and data-driven insights to predict future bestsellers. Its core platform, Inkitt, allows authors to share their works in progress and receive feedback from readers, who can access these manuscripts for free for a limited time. In addition to Inkitt, the company also operates Galatea, which sells optimized stories in a chapter-by-chapter format, and GalateaTV, which adapts successful e-books into short-form television series. Inkitt's proprietary ReadRank algorithm identifies high-potential stories, enhancing the overall user experience and driving its publishing success. The company aims to leverage AI for hyper-personalization, tailoring stories to individual reader preferences across multiple media formats.

Wunderflats

Series C in 2021
Wunderflats GmbH is a Berlin-based company that operates an online platform for renting furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014, the platform connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, facilitating a seamless rental experience. It offers a diverse range of housing options, such as family homes, business apartments, and student accommodations, making it easier for clients to find suitable living arrangements. By streamlining the rental process, Wunderflats aims to enhance the convenience of finding and renting furnished apartments in Germany.

Fyppit

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Fyppit is an online marketplace designed to facilitate local shopping by allowing customers to purchase products from nearby shops and receive them the same evening through e-cargo bike deliveries. The platform aims to empower local businesses by providing them with essential services such as product listing, marketing, customer support, and logistics, enabling them to offer same-day delivery without the need for in-house infrastructure. Currently piloting in three districts of Berlin, Fyppit has over 40 active selling shops and is committed to creating a more balanced e-commerce environment that emphasizes fair commissions, equitable wages, and eco-sustainability. The company is backed by an experienced founding team with backgrounds in notable startups and aims to enhance the convenience of online shopping while supporting local economies.

Framen

Series B in 2021
FRAMEN GmbH is an advertising service provider based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, specializing in the streaming of advertisements, news, and stories on public screens. Founded in 2018, the company operates an internet-based platform that enables users to find information, ratings, and reviews related to advertising spaces, screens, and billboards. FRAMEN also offers browser-based software for tracking screen time and displayed content, catering to a diverse clientele that includes cultural institutions, artists, and public organizations. The company focuses on contextual advertising in various indoor environments, such as fitness studios, hotels, and shopping centers, effectively connecting advertisers with their target audiences in unique locations across Germany and France.

Framen

Acquisition in 2020
FRAMEN GmbH is an advertising service provider based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, specializing in the streaming of advertisements, news, and stories on public screens. Founded in 2018, the company operates an internet-based platform that enables users to find information, ratings, and reviews related to advertising spaces, screens, and billboards. FRAMEN also offers browser-based software for tracking screen time and displayed content, catering to a diverse clientele that includes cultural institutions, artists, and public organizations. The company focuses on contextual advertising in various indoor environments, such as fitness studios, hotels, and shopping centers, effectively connecting advertisers with their target audiences in unique locations across Germany and France.

Homeday

Venture Round in 2020
Homeday GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Cologne, Germany, operates an online platform that facilitates the connection between real estate agents and private property owners. The company focuses on data-driven matchmaking to streamline the process of selling properties. In addition to its core service of pairing brokers with property owners, Homeday offers real estate appraisal, land valuation, and leasing services. By leveraging technology, the platform aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of real estate transactions.

Goggo Network

Series A in 2019
Goggo Network is a Berlin-based company focused on developing autonomous driverless cars and creating autonomous mobility networks. The company aims to address contemporary transportation challenges, such as heavy traffic and pollution, by providing autonomous, electric, and shared mobility solutions. Goggo Network also works on establishing the legal and engineering frameworks necessary for the European autonomous mobility industry, facilitating the integration of these technologies into existing infrastructures. Through its initiatives, Goggo Network seeks to lead the shift towards driverless transportation, fostering a more efficient and sustainable mobility ecosystem for all.

Fineway

Series A in 2019
25$m+ funded, Munich-based travel SaaS startup. Running the most advanced B2B platform for individual travel. - Top3 Winner Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award 2019 - Top3 Winner Gründerszene Growth Award 2018 - Best Consumer Product @ EyeForTravel 2018 (London)

Anzu.io

Series A in 2019
Anzu.io, Inc. is an advertising technology company that specializes in integrating brand advertisements into digital gaming environments, including mobile, PC, console, and the metaverse. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, with an office in Berlin, Anzu provides a non-disruptive in-game advertising solution that enhances player experience while enabling advertisers to connect with their target audiences programmatically. The company utilizes a patented 3D ad tracking engine to measure ad viewability in games, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Anzu's platform supports various game engines and offers developers a full-suite ad monetization solution that allows for seamless ad placements, thereby generating consistent revenue. The company has garnered support from prominent investors such as Sony Innovation Fund, NBCUniversal, and PayPal Ventures, as it strives to improve the advertising landscape for brands, developers, and gamers alike.

Familynet

Series A in 2019
Familynet GmbH, based in Potsdam, Germany, develops a mobile application called Looping that facilitates the organization of groups and events for families, friends, and partners. The app helps users streamline their daily activities by enabling them to invite participants, create and customize schedules, and observe appointments in real time. Familynet offers both free and premium versions of the app, which include features such as group chats, lists, calendar export and import, and a widget. The company operates as a subsidiary of Imaginarium, S.A. since 2008.

Wunderflats

Series B in 2019
Wunderflats GmbH is a Berlin-based company that operates an online platform for renting furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014, the platform connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, facilitating a seamless rental experience. It offers a diverse range of housing options, such as family homes, business apartments, and student accommodations, making it easier for clients to find suitable living arrangements. By streamlining the rental process, Wunderflats aims to enhance the convenience of finding and renting furnished apartments in Germany.

CeleraOne

Acquisition in 2019
CeleraOne GmbH, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, specializes in real-time data processing and analytics through its innovative platform. The company provides solutions primarily for paid content technology, catering to numerous publishers in Germany and Switzerland. CeleraOne focuses on managing large volumes of user data and audience development, enabling its clients to optimize their content offerings and engage effectively with their audiences. As of March 2019, it operates as a subsidiary of Axel Springer SE.

Homeday

Series B in 2018
Homeday GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Cologne, Germany, operates an online platform that facilitates the connection between real estate agents and private property owners. The company focuses on data-driven matchmaking to streamline the process of selling properties. In addition to its core service of pairing brokers with property owners, Homeday offers real estate appraisal, land valuation, and leasing services. By leveraging technology, the platform aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of real estate transactions.

Vermietet.de

Venture Round in 2018
Vermietet.de is a Berlin-based company founded by a group of entrepreneurs and investors with the aim of simplifying real estate ownership. Recognizing the complexities involved in property management, the company has developed a property management platform designed to facilitate secure and efficient management for property owners. This platform assists landlords with various administrative tasks, including document creation, property maintenance, tenant search, and communication. By enabling transparent property valuation, utility cost calculation, and efficient monthly rental payment checks, Vermietet.de seeks to enhance the experience of property ownership and management.

DIPAT

Venture Round in 2017
DIPAT is Germany's first online medical service specializing in creating and managing living wills. Through an online interview process, users can independently generate, store, and update personalized preventive care documents. To enhance visibility in emergencies, users receive a signal sticker featuring a retrieval code for their health card, which alerts medical personnel. When a living will is accessed, DIPAT promptly notifies the designated contacts via SMS and email, addressing a critical gap in healthcare, as over 90% of existing living wills are often ineffective due to inaccuracies or outdated information. Since its inception in January 2016, DIPAT has garnered the support of over ten thousand users, as well as recognition from media, political circles, medical professionals, and health insurance providers. Looking ahead, DIPAT aims to expand its collaborations with health insurance companies, broaden its services in the international health market, and enhance its product offerings.

Fineway

Series A in 2017
25$m+ funded, Munich-based travel SaaS startup. Running the most advanced B2B platform for individual travel. - Top3 Winner Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award 2019 - Top3 Winner Gründerszene Growth Award 2018 - Best Consumer Product @ EyeForTravel 2018 (London)

caroobi

Series A in 2017
Caroobi GmbH, established in 2015 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, operates as an integrated marketplace for automotive aftersales services. The company specializes in streamlining the repair experience for customers by offering a wide range of car repair services and replacement parts through its network of workshops. These services include transmission repair, engine and cylinder head gasket replacement, motor services, inspection and quality checks, gear repair, turbocharger and coupling changes, timing belt and chain replacement, and car wrapping. Caroobi also provides auto parts such as engine exchange parts, transmission replacement parts, and turbocharger exchange parts. The company's platform enables users to book these services at transparent and fixed prices, aiming to revolutionize the automotive aftersales industry across Europe and beyond. As of June 15, 2020, Caroobi operates as a subsidiary of Deutsches Werkstattnetz GmbH.

Vermietet.de

Venture Round in 2017
Vermietet.de is a Berlin-based company founded by a group of entrepreneurs and investors with the aim of simplifying real estate ownership. Recognizing the complexities involved in property management, the company has developed a property management platform designed to facilitate secure and efficient management for property owners. This platform assists landlords with various administrative tasks, including document creation, property maintenance, tenant search, and communication. By enabling transparent property valuation, utility cost calculation, and efficient monthly rental payment checks, Vermietet.de seeks to enhance the experience of property ownership and management.

Invesdor

Series B in 2016
Invesdor (formally Kapilendo) is an innovative online credit market place that enables small and medium-sized companies to make cheap, fast and unbureaucratic financing by private investors in comparison to banks. The funding candidates are subjected to a credit check at the highest level by Kapilendo AG and then presented on the platform. This gives investors the opportunity to decide in which projects they are investing and to achieve an attractive return and a high diversification of the risk already with low investment yields.

Clark

Series A in 2016
Clark is a Berlin-based insurance platform founded in June 2015 by Dr. Christopher Oster and Steffen Glomb. The company aims to simplify and enhance the insurance experience by providing transparent and affordable coverage options. Through its digital platform, available via iOS and Android applications as well as a website, Clark allows users to assess their insurance status and identifies opportunities for optimization by comparing tariffs from various insurance providers. By leveraging technology alongside insurance expertise, Clark offers customer-centric advice, enabling users to manage their insurance needs efficiently and cost-effectively. The company is supported by the FinTech incubator FinLeap and the Institute for Transparency, further enhancing its commitment to promoting clarity and fairness in the insurance industry.

NextMarkets

Series A in 2016
nextmarkets GmbH, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, specializes in developing a user-friendly web and mobile trading platform aimed at private investors. The platform allows users to intuitively trade a wide range of financial instruments, including equities, foreign exchange, bonds, and commodities. Recognizing the challenges faced by private investors—many of whom struggle in the stock market due to behavioral economic factors—nextmarkets provides educational resources and trading strategies to enhance users' understanding of market dynamics. By equipping investors with the necessary tools and knowledge, nextmarkets aims to promote sustainable and informed trading practices.

Wunderflats

Seed Round in 2016
Wunderflats GmbH is a Berlin-based company that operates an online platform for renting furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014, the platform connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, facilitating a seamless rental experience. It offers a diverse range of housing options, such as family homes, business apartments, and student accommodations, making it easier for clients to find suitable living arrangements. By streamlining the rental process, Wunderflats aims to enhance the convenience of finding and renting furnished apartments in Germany.

Homeday

Series A in 2016
Homeday GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Cologne, Germany, operates an online platform that facilitates the connection between real estate agents and private property owners. The company focuses on data-driven matchmaking to streamline the process of selling properties. In addition to its core service of pairing brokers with property owners, Homeday offers real estate appraisal, land valuation, and leasing services. By leveraging technology, the platform aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of real estate transactions.

Clever-tanken

Acquisition in 2016
Clever-tanken is a financial platform based in Heroldsberg, Germany, specializing in providing users with up-to-date information on fuel prices and fuel stations. The company offers a comprehensive service that allows customers to access statistics, vouchers, and deals related to fuel prices, helping them find the most affordable gasoline options in their area. Through its internet portal, Clever-tanken enables users to stay informed about daily fuel prices, enhancing their ability to make cost-effective decisions when refueling.

Axel Springer Digital Classifieds

Acquisition in 2015
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH provides online classified advertising services. It owns and operates a French real estate portal, SeLoger; a German real estate portal Immonet; a German city portal, meinestadt.de; a job portal in the United Kingdom, Totaljobs; and a pan-European job portal, StepStone.

Wunderflats

Seed Round in 2015
Wunderflats GmbH is a Berlin-based company that operates an online platform for renting furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014, the platform connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, facilitating a seamless rental experience. It offers a diverse range of housing options, such as family homes, business apartments, and student accommodations, making it easier for clients to find suitable living arrangements. By streamlining the rental process, Wunderflats aims to enhance the convenience of finding and renting furnished apartments in Germany.

Retale

Venture Round in 2015
Retale brings the retail weekly ad to life! Retale is a free iOS, Android, Apple Watchy and Kindle Fire app, as well as online resource for shopping at local stores. Based on your zip code, it makes brochures, circulars and coupons from a number of retailers available in a simple, attractive format to users so they can plan their weekly shopping. Users can flip through brochures, get information about products, and learn about offers and deals. It provides a comprehensive overview of all stores and retailers, along with their address and store hours. Check out the apps here: http://www.retale.com/Mobile Retale is a concept that started in Germany four years ago, and is now used by 15 million active users in six countries. Retale currently has more than 3.5 million users and 150 of the largest retailers in the United States You can try out the apps for your Android device, your iPhone, AppleWatch, iPad or Kindle Fire tablet, and check out the web portal at http://www.retale.com.

LAUT

Series A in 2015
laut.ag is a German music technology company that operates a platform for User Generated Radio™ called laut.fm, as well as a music magazine known as laut.de. The company focuses on providing radio broadcasting services and creating an interactive music experience for users. Through its platforms, laut.ag enables individuals to engage with music and share their tastes while also offering insights and information about the music industry.

Leisure Group

Acquisition in 2014
The Leisure Group is one of the largest players in the European online market for accommodation rentals, such as holiday homes, holiday parks and hotels. @Leisure is the market leader in both the Benelux and the German online travel markets. Leisure offers in excess of 300,000 holiday properties in 36 countries, approximately 20,000 of which are under direct contract.

Vertical Media

Acquisition in 2014
Vertical Media is a Berlin-based digital marketing agency that specializes in web design, social media, and marketing solutions. The agency focuses on helping businesses enhance their online presence and streamline their operations using modern web marketing strategies. Additionally, Vertical Media publishes online magazines aimed at digital entrepreneurs and companies, providing valuable insights and resources for the digital economy.

Grunderszene

Acquisition in 2014
Gruenderszene is the German-speaking online magazine for the digital industry in Germany. Vertical Media is the publishing house behind the magazine which is based in Berlin. It started as a privat blog-project of the German serial-entrepreneur [Lukasz Gadowski](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/lukasz-gadowski). Gruenderszene has become a major player in the online coverage of the startup industry in Germany,it delivers news and articles about the German internet, web and tech scene. Gruenderszene is also an organizer of industry events, such as e.g. the "Spätschicht" event in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich. The English version of Gründerszene is called VentureVillage.eu. The company was acquired by [Axel Springer](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/axel-springer) in June 2014.

Retale

Venture Round in 2013
Retale brings the retail weekly ad to life! Retale is a free iOS, Android, Apple Watchy and Kindle Fire app, as well as online resource for shopping at local stores. Based on your zip code, it makes brochures, circulars and coupons from a number of retailers available in a simple, attractive format to users so they can plan their weekly shopping. Users can flip through brochures, get information about products, and learn about offers and deals. It provides a comprehensive overview of all stores and retailers, along with their address and store hours. Check out the apps here: http://www.retale.com/Mobile Retale is a concept that started in Germany four years ago, and is now used by 15 million active users in six countries. Retale currently has more than 3.5 million users and 150 of the largest retailers in the United States You can try out the apps for your Android device, your iPhone, AppleWatch, iPad or Kindle Fire tablet, and check out the web portal at http://www.retale.com.

kaufDA

Acquisition in 2011
kaufDA is a German company that operates an online platform focused on digital advertising and local shopping. Founded in 2008 and based in Berlin, it provides users with the ability to search for the best local sales and access brochures and catalogs from various retailers, including top fashion brands. The platform facilitates local searches, helping consumers find stores in their vicinity and stay informed about prevailing offers and promotions. By bridging the gap between digital advertising and local retail, kaufDA enhances the shopping experience for users seeking convenient and cost-effective options.

StepStone

Acquisition in 2009
StepStone is a prominent recruitment platform based in Berlin, founded in 1996 by Walter de Brouwer. The company focuses on connecting job seekers with employers through its innovative AI-powered hiring platform. StepStone offers digital recruiting services that facilitate the discovery of suitable candidates for small and medium-sized businesses. Candidates can create personalized profiles detailing their preferences and qualifications, which are then shared with recruiters. In addition to connecting applicants and employers, StepStone provides recruiters with tools for job advertising, candidate searches, and recruitment campaigns, aiming to streamline the hiring process and enhance talent acquisition.

idealo

Acquisition in 2006
Idealo Internet GmbH, founded in 2000 and based in Berlin, Germany, operates as a prominent online price comparison service. The platform enables users to compare prices across a wide array of products, including electronics, toys, and travel services. Attracting around 7 million unique visitors each month, Idealo has expanded its offerings to include dedicated travel sites such as flug.idealo and hotel.idealo. The company, which has grown significantly since its inception, employs over 600 individuals and was acquired by Axel Springer SE in 2006. Idealo continues to enhance its services and market presence, establishing itself as a key player in the price comparison sector.

ProSiebenSat.1 Media

Acquisition in 2005
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, established in 2000, is a prominent German mass media company. It operates 15 television stations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reaching approximately 42 million households in Europe. The company's portfolio also includes radio stations and print businesses. ProSiebenSat.1 Digital, a subsidiary, focuses on new media services. The company is headquartered in Unterföhring, Germany.

PropertyGate.com

Acquisition in 2001
PropertyGate.com AG, founded in 1999 and based in Hamburg, Germany, operates an online platform focused on real estate. The company serves as a distribution channel for real estate brokers and building contractors, offering detailed information about properties both in Germany and internationally. Users can access valuable data on property prices and other relevant details, facilitating informed decisions in the real estate market. As of August 31, 2001, PropertyGate.com AG is a subsidiary of Axel Springer Verlag AG.

Berliner Morgenpost

Acquisition in 1959
Berliner Morgenpost is a German daily newspaper established in 1898 by Leopold Ullstein, known for its significant role in the media landscape of Berlin. The publication has a strong digital presence and operates as a digital publishing company. In 1959, Berliner Morgenpost was acquired by Axel Springer, a major European media conglomerate. The newspaper provides a range of news coverage, including local, national, and international topics, catering to a diverse readership. With its long history and adaptation to the digital age, Berliner Morgenpost continues to be a prominent source of news in Germany.
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