We don‘t believe that money is everything. That is why we prefer the approach that seeks to maintain a balance between investments and strategic partnerships. We invest in early-stage, late seed until B rounds, leveraging the Henkel 150 million euro fund. The ticket sizes are between 0.5 million and 5 million euros and a geographically agnostic.
How we invest and collaborate
Areas of investment
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Digital Commerce
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Sustainability
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CPG Innovation
Our investment thesis:
Consumer preferences and expectations have shifted rapidly in the last years. Interaction across all channels, with all kinds of devices, at any time is expected more and more. In an era of online shopping, it is necessary for brick-and-mortar retailers as well as for FMCG companies like Henkel to adapt to remain relevant. New players and start-ups are entering all channels as ”Digital Invaders”. The lines between manufacturers, platforms, and retailers are becoming blurred. Therefore, new levels come in – like personalization of products and experiences as well as easy-to-access reselling platforms.
What are we interested in?
- Social Commerce
- Web 3.0
- P2P Platforms
- AdTech / MarTech
Our investment thesis:
Henkel’s 2030+ strategy aims for a circular and net-zero carbon future by transforming our business products and raw materials. We believe that sustainable products and technologies will have a competitive edge over conventional products.
Through the combination of our technical material knowledge and science-based innovations, as well as various contact points of our products and technologies with customers and consumers, we see our company as an important player and partner in society.
At Henkel dx Ventures, we are looking for founders with a holistic view of the challenges our world is facing – whether their ideas are about sustainable production methods or a path to a circular economy.
What are we interested in?
- Climate & Sustainable Operations: e.g. CO2 Utilization, Value Chain Transparency, CO2 Footprint, Life Cycle Assessments
- Circular Economy & Packaging: e.g. Synthetic Materials, Plastic Avoidance, Recyclability, Reusability
- Nature & Biodiversity: e.g. Renewable raw materials, Palm oil alternatives, Sustainable formulations
Our investment thesis:
The CPG (Consumer packaged goods) industry is in a highly volatile environment. Especially after the commercial and operational disruptions, through COVID-19 lockdowns, supply chain challenges and current inflation, CPG companies must find new sources of growth and prove themselves resilient and responsible. Additionally, consumers are digital-savvy and expect a seamless and personalized experience. At the same time, it has become necessary to adapt products and services to the need of value driven consumers. The potential of new technologies must be harnessed to develop disruptive business models to have the chance as Henkel to redefine the entire industry.
What are we interested in?
- Hair Disruption (e.g. Hair Color, Hair Care, Hair Loss Solutions (medical and non-medical), Hair Growth, Hair Care, Textured Hair)
- Washing Disruption (e.g. Washing Service Models, New Formula, New Technologies, Superior Consumer Journey)