ECM Equity Capital Management GmbH

Overview

ECM Equity Capital Management GmbH is an independent, growth-oriented private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Germany. Since its establishment in 1995, ECM has raised the German Equity Partners (GEP) funds I-V, with aggregate equity commitments exceeding €1 billion. The firm primarily invests in leading mid-market companies with attractive growth potential, focusing on ownership successions, partnership transactions, and corporate spin-offs. As of 2025, ECM is investing from its fifth fund, GEP V, which has a capital commitment of €325 million. The firm's investment strategy encompasses buyouts, growth capital, and distressed situations, targeting companies with enterprise values between €20 million and €150 million. ECM typically invests between €10 million and €100 million, considering both majority and minority stakes. The firm has a diverse portfolio across various industries, including technology, healthcare, automotive, industrial machinery, business services, education, media and entertainment, retail, software, travel, edtech, medtech, legaltech, and healthtech. ECM's geographical focus includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it seeks to partner with management teams and entrepreneurs to further develop companies in their respective niches. The firm's investment horizon is typically three to seven years, during which it actively supports portfolio companies in realizing growth strategies and implementing demanding change processes. ECM's team comprises approximately 14 employees in Germany, reflecting its commitment to providing dedicated support to its portfolio companies.

Investment Focus

• Companies with enterprise values between €20 million and €150 million
• Investment sizes between €10 million and €100 million
• Focus on ownership successions, partnership transactions, and corporate spin-offs
• Targeting companies with attractive growth potential in German-speaking Europe

Portfolio Companies