This year’s Sifted 100: DACH & CEE brings together the fastest-growing startups across Germany, Central, and Eastern Europe into one definitive ranking, tracking revenue growth over the past three years. But behind every breakout startup is a network of investors helping fuel their rise.
In 2025, the startups featured on the list raised an average of €100 million—28% more than last year’s average across separate DACH and CEE lists. Collectively, the cohort has secured backing from 765 investors, and nearly half of those also invested in last year’s top performers. Venture capital firms made up the largest segment, but angels, public bodies, and corporate investors all played a role.
Here are the top 10 most active investors in the 2025 Sifted 100: DACH & CEE, ranked by portfolio count and weighted by the two-year CAGR of their startups.
1. HV Capital
Portfolio Count: 6 | Average CAGR: 303.97%
Germany-based HV Capital tops the list with six companies, including the #1-ranked Finn and deeptech unicorn Neura Robotics. Known for early bets on HelloFresh and Delivery Hero, HV continues to dominate Germany’s VC landscape. Its ability to scale seed investments to growth rounds remains unmatched.
2. Startup Wise Guys
Portfolio Count: 6 | Average CAGR: 147.44%
With roots in Estonia, Startup Wise Guys remains a powerhouse in early-stage B2B SaaS. While its count dropped slightly from 2024, it still holds a strong presence with startups like Supliful and Montonio, thanks to its accelerator-led model and hands-on mentorship.
3. Speedinvest
Portfolio Count: 6 | Average CAGR: 122.85%
Austria’s Speedinvest jumped up seven spots this year, backing high-growth names like Wefox and Pliant. With over €1 billion under management and teams across Vienna, Berlin, London, and Paris, the firm is known for scaling Europe’s most promising early-stage startups.
4. Plug and Play
Portfolio Count: 5 | Average CAGR: 290.37%
Silicon Valley’s Plug and Play continues to be a major player in Europe, connecting startups with corporates through local programs. It remains a key backer of companies like Parloa and Seon, and played an early role in the rise of Finn.
5. European Innovation Council (EIC)
Portfolio Count: 5 | Average CAGR: 136.28%
As the EU’s flagship public tech fund, the EIC combines equity with grant capital. Its €4 billion fund supports science-driven companies such as xFarm Technologies and Avelios Medical, positioning the EU as a deeptech investor with real teeth.
6. Specialist VC
Portfolio Count: 5 | Average CAGR: 125.55%
This Estonia-based VC surged from 69th to 6th place this year. Specialist VC’s bets on Vok Bikes, Montonio, and MyDello underscore its sharp focus on B2B SaaS, fintech, and Baltic innovation. It’s also an early backer of Bolt and Starship Technologies.
7. EIT
Portfolio Count: 5 | Average CAGR: 79.48%
Despite slipping from 1st place in 2024, EIT still plays a vital role in Europe’s science-based startup ecosystem. Its support for energy and sustainability startups like PVcase and Roofit.Solar highlights its continued relevance.
8. Partech
Portfolio Count: 4 | Average CAGR: 153.79%
The French-American firm Partech rose sharply in 2025’s ranking thanks to key plays like The Exploration Company and xFarm Technologies. Its strength in B2B SaaS and fintech remains a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive VC field.
9. SevenVentures
Portfolio Count: 4 | Average CAGR: 85.18%
SevenVentures, the venture arm of media giant ProSiebenSat.1, leverages television advertising for equity. Startups like mybacs and Timeless Investments have benefited from broad audience exposure thanks to its unique value proposition.
10. Citi
Portfolio Count: 3 | Average CAGR: 414.39%
Citi rounds out the list with the highest average CAGR of any investor in the top 10, largely driven by its investments in Finn and Everphone. Beyond equity, Citi supports startups with venture debt—including a massive €1 billion facility for Finn.
