Entrepreneurial
Capital for the
German Mittelstand
Long-term entrepreneurial capital focusing on
Hidden Champions in the DACH region.
150+
Years in Experience
5
Portfolio Companies
DACH
Regional Focus
Why Vorsprung?
We bridge the gap between entrepreneurial vision and family capital, focusing on German Mittelstand companies with exceptional potential.
Long-term Investment
Horizon
Buy-Hold-Develop model with patient capital from experienced investors
30+ Entrepreneurial
Families
Family equity providing stability and long-term perspective
Active Portfolio
Development
Development through strategic initiatives and hands on operational support
ESG-Focused
Value Creation
Sustainable growth aligned with family business value
International
Expert Network
Deep international ties give global reach to our locally driven strategy
Our Mission
Our mission is to be a trusted long-term partner for outstanding Mittelstand companies. As value investors, we provide entrepreneurial capital and expertise that drive sustainable growth while safeguarding businesses’ principles and independence.
By combining family and institutional capital with the discipline of private equity, we build enduring success for all stakeholders.
Our Portfolio
First
Vorsprung Investment
2021
Portfolio Company Employees
1200+
Avg.
Revenue
Growth
+200 bps
Avg.
EBITDA
Margin
XYZ%
Avg. EBITDA Margin Improvement
+200 bps
Our Differentiators
Industry Expertise
With decades of hands-on private equity and operational experience, we bring sector-specific insight that allows us to source proprietary opportunities and support portfolio companies with proven, value-enhancing strategies. Our track record across diverse industries gives investors confidence that we can unlock growth even in complex market environments.
Entrepreneurial Partnerships
We work hand in hand with founder and owner families, offering flexible rollover options and long-term collaboration that preserve their entrepreneurial heritage. By connecting them to our wider network of like-minded business families, we ensure continuity, shared values, and sustainable growth for the future.
Family Business Value
Backed by over 30 prominent entrepreneurial families, we invest our own capital with a long-term mindset, ensuring true alignment of interests with business owners. This approach creates trusted partnerships where continuity, legacy, and sustainable growth are safeguarded for the next generation. By preserving entrepreneurial DNA while providing strategic support, we help companies thrive well beyond the transition.
Operational Excellence
From day one post-acquisition, we strengthen management teams, professionalize structures, and unlock both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Our hands-on approach to governance, reporting, and strategy ensures companies scale sustainably while maintaining their entrepreneurial spirit.
ESG Focused Approach
We actively transform companies with limited or no ESG footprint into sustainability and impact leaders in their industries. By integrating environmental, social, and governance standards into strategy and operations, we not only enhance long-term value but also ensure businesses remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving market.
Lean Governance
We design flexible ownership and governance structures that respect the individuality of each business and its leadership. By avoiding bureaucracy and focusing on pragmatic decision-making, we give entrepreneurs the freedom to run their companies while benefiting from our strategic and financial support.
Our Mission
We provide patient, entrepreneurial capital to exceptional German Mittelstand companies, enabling them to achieve sustainable growth while preserving their core values and operational independence.
Our unique approach combines the stability of family capital with the expertise of institutional private equity, creating lasting partnerships that benefit all stakeholders.
2019
Founded
Hamburg, Germany
Location
German Mittelstand
Focus
25 - 150m+
Investment Size
35+
Family Investors
Mid- to Long-term
Investment Horizon
Our Differentiators
1. Industry Expertise
Share your feature information here to attract new clients.
2. Family Business Values
Share your feature information here to attract new clients.
3. ESG Focused Approach
Share your feature information here to attract new clients.
4. Operational Excellence
Share your feature information here to attract new clients.
5. Lean Governance
Share your feature information here to attract new clients.
Investment
Philosophy
Industry-agnostic with focus on sustainable value creation through operational improvements, strategic growth initiatives, and ESG alignment.
-
Long-term investment horizon (mid- to long term)
-
Focus on hidden champions with growth potential
-
Preservation of company culture and values
-
ESG-Focus value creation initiatives
Investment Criteria
Revenue
EBITDA
Geography
Structure
Florian
Lahnstein
Managing Partner
Florian is the Founder and Managing Partner of Vorsprung. He previously held positions at Siguler Guff, was Founder of RiverRock, and Head of European Investment Banking at Bear Stearns and UBS Investment Banking Germany. He is an investor and serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in Alternative Assets and M&A transactions across DACH & Europe.
Joachim
Ringer
Partner
Joachim is a Partner at Vorsprung. Previously he was Head of Investment Banking & Capital Markets Germany/Austria at Credit Suisse, leading a team of 45 professionals. He previously held senior positions at Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley. He brings over 25 years of investment banking experience, with a focus on M&A and ECM.
Holger
Rossbach
Partner
Holger is a Partner at Vorsprung. Previously he was Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity at Palladio Partners. Prior to that, he spent almost 10 years at Cambridge Associates, where he led the London-based European PE/ VC team and most recently opened the firm’s Munich office. He has over 20 years of experience in private equity investing across direct, funds and co-investments.
Ralph
Jaeger
Partner
Ralph is a Partner at Vorsprung and a member of the Investment Committee. He is Founder of Hunter Real Estate and has 25 years of experience in private equity and real estate, having held senior roles at Siguler Guff, Cambridge Associates, PAI, J.P. Morgan Partners and Industri Kapital, with a focus on industrial and services sector investments.
