Wessel Management

A family's capital, put to work in early-stage companies and property, is the basis of Wessel Management, a German GmbH. The firm says it handles the venture and property holdings of one family and acts as an active company builder and long-term investor, with a portfolio it counts at 35 investments on its current site (an older page said 40).

Why there is no fund to repay

The firm points to its funding as a defining feature. Because it invests family money, it has no fund that must be returned to outside investors, so it can hold for long periods. As its example, it cites its best investment, which it supported from the start to the exit over more than 15 years.

How it invests

Wessel Management often engages at an early stage, and its own stakes typically range from 1 percent to 25 percent of a portfolio company's share capital. It mostly invests alongside a small group of co-investors who are experienced entrepreneurs themselves, with specific industry knowledge and wide personal networks. It looks for dynamic entrepreneurs, disruptive business models and companies that contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of society. It says human interaction and ethical considerations matter as much as commercial success, and sums up its outlook as the belief that positive thinking, acting and investing lead to positive results.

Hands-on support for portfolio companies

The firm calls itself a very active investor, and lists the help it gives:

• fundraising
• introductions through its network
• operational support, including an interim chief financial officer
• strategic guidance and positioning
• acquisition processes and exits
• hiring

Some founders work directly from the firm's own office through its Entrepreneur Residence programme, which keeps the collaboration close.

Where and in what

Most holdings are in Europe, and the firm is adding more in South East Asia. The team has experience in establishing companies and managing funds across technology, life sciences and real estate. A separate subsidiary handles the family's real estate holdings.

Wessel Management is a management company that makes venture capital and real estate investments on behalf of the family of Rolf Christof Dienst. It works closely with founders and takes a long-term view of each holding. Its investments are concentrated in Europe, with a growing number in South East Asia.

What Wessel Management does

• Venture investment: early-stage stakes in start-ups, usually alongside a small group of experienced co-investors.
• Hands-on support: help with fundraising, hiring, strategy and positioning, and with acquisitions and exits.
• Interim finance leadership: operational support that can include an interim chief financial officer.
• Entrepreneur Residence: founders can work from the firm's own office as part of a residence programme.
• Real estate: a separate subsidiary manages property investments.

Who it works with

The firm favours entrepreneurs with disruptive business models, and companies that add to the wellbeing of society. Its team has backgrounds in technology, life sciences and real estate.

Key facts

• Portfolio: about 35 investments according to the current website; an older page said 40
• Funding model: invests family capital, so there is no fund to repay
• Regions: Europe and South East Asia