One thing is certain, AM companies are maturing and the VC firms that want to support them have understood the need to bring a legitimate tech experience around the table. Kerstin Herzog and Frank Carsten Herzog bring that legitimacy and more.
“Those who remain ashore will never discover new oceans.” This quote from Ferdinand Magellan announces the vision of HZG Additive Manufacturing Tech Fund, a venture capital firm from HZG Group founded in 2021 with the ultimate goal of supporting Additive Manufacturing companies based in the DACH region.
The company will essentially focus on Series A investments in Early-Stage companies developing products, materials, software and applications for the Additive Manufacturing Industry. While it is a highly fragmented market, the focus on the DACH region is quite understandable as it ticks several boxes in terms of reputation: stable economy, strong consumer confidence, and a large number of quality, founder-led businesses.
The fund officially debuts its activity with €60 million. This capital is said to be the upper limit as the initiative led to a ‘‘significant oversubscription”, with €25 million invested by Kerstin Herzog and Frank Carsten Herzog – the original founders of Concept Laser and managing partners of HZG Additive Manufacturing Tech Fund.
“We were confident that our offer would attract investors. However, being able to close the fund so fast came as a pleasant surprise,” commented Frank Carsten Herzog, founder and Managing Partner of HZG Group. “We are in the fortunate position of having assembled a hand-picked group of investors with whom we will be able to engage in intensive dialogue. With our combined experience, proven track record and access to an excellent 3D printing infrastructure, we aim to effectively support young entrepreneurs, taking them to the next level and establishing them as industry partners.”
“As a technology leader in eye laser systems, SCHWIND eye-tech solutions is constantly working on innovative solutions,” added Rolf Schwind, one of the HZG fund investors. “Additive technologies allow us to rethink our high-tech products. The clear focus of the HZG Fund on 3D printing and the experience of Frank Carsten Herzog and Kerstin Herzog as pioneers in this field convinced me to continue investing in this future topic.”
Read more: Go Big or Go Home: What does raising money from VC firms mean for Additive Manufacturing Companies?
The vision is clear, the geographical area of focus is well determined, in a nutshell, the goals are SMART and the founders behind it are legitimate. The next question is, who will be the first company to benefit from this experience?
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