
BASF Venture Capital
Description
BASF Venture Capital (BVC) is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF Group, a global chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Established in 2001, BVC operates globally with offices in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, reflecting its broad reach and commitment to international innovation. Its primary objective is to strategically invest in innovative startups that align with BASF's core business areas and future growth initiatives, leveraging the parent company's vast resources and market expertise.
BVC's investment strategy is sharply focused on identifying and supporting young companies developing disruptive solutions in key areas such as new materials, digitalization, and sustainable technologies. The firm actively seeks startups that offer innovative products, processes, or business models relevant to the chemical industry and its adjacent markets. While BVC typically participates in Series A and B funding rounds, it demonstrates flexibility by also considering seed and later-stage opportunities, adapting its investment approach to the specific needs and maturity of promising ventures.
Beyond providing capital, BVC offers its portfolio companies significant strategic value, including access to BASF's extensive research and development capabilities, global infrastructure, and market reach. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate the growth and commercialization of the startups' innovations by integrating them into BASF's ecosystem. The typical first check size for BVC ranges from €1 million to €10 million, with the potential for follow-on investments as companies mature and achieve milestones. Since its inception in 2001, BVC has made over 100 investments, showcasing its consistent activity and commitment to fostering innovation within its strategic domains, establishing itself as a significant and long-standing player in the corporate venture capital landscape.
Investor Profile
BASF Venture Capital has backed more than 77 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 30 rounds, about 39% of its total and boasts 16 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Germany, China.
- Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Energy.
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1.1M – $10.8M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (31%)
- Series Unknown (26%)
- Series A (14%)
- Series C (10%)
- Seed (8%)
- Series D (4%)
- Private Equity (3%)
- Debt Financing (1%)
- Post Ipo Equity (1%)
- Corporate Round (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (55%)
- Germany (10%)
- China (6%)
- Switzerland (6%)
- United Kingdom (6%)
- India (4%)
- Israel (4%)
- Brazil (3%)
- Canada (3%)
- France (1%)
Industry Focus
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Energy
- Electronics
- Renewable Energy
- Nanotechnology
- Agriculture
- Chemical
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Machine Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
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