At STIHL Ventures, we run investments (Venture Capital) and cooperations (Venture Partnering) in parallel: Investments focus on STIHL-related business areas. Cooperations aim to increase efficiency or generate new sales. The venture team helps to find the right approach. Read more below.

All investments are pooled under Venture Capital. This includes investments in startups as well as in Venture Capital funds, which are true partners for us. In addition to financial participation, we focus on actively managing our portfolio and opening up contacts in the STIHL Group and other areas to generate win-win opportunities.

After the initial review of basic information such as pitch deck or financial plan, we discuss the possible strategic fit with STIHL in a first call. Initial indicative feedback can be expected within a few days. The earlier STIHL Ventures is involved in the financing opportunity, the better. A decision on an investment can usually be made within one to two months, depending on the speed of due diligence and internal capacity.

Venture Partnering, also known as Venture Client, refers to the cooperation between STIHL and a startup in a wide variety of forms. The collaboration can range from the use of hardware and software solutions, existing sales channels, white label opportunities to joint further development following a PoC at STIHL. The possibilities are numerous, as STIHL distributes through a large network of more than 55.000 dealers, conducts intensive R&D activities, manufactures and assembles worldwide with high vertical integration. Cooperation opportunities are approached cooperatively with the aim of generating a long-term win-win partnership.

After you have contacted us, the STIHL Ventures team performs an initial assessment to identify the right people and internal needs, priorities and capabilities. We aim to provide quick and qualified feedback.
If STIHL sees an opportunity, the venture team organizes and conducts an initial meeting followed by feedback on how to proceed. Depending on the complexity of the issue, a timeframe of four weeks can be expected in the shortest case. However, the process can also take considerably longer. Transparency and openness in communication are important to us, because only in this way can a long and positive partnership succeed.

STIHL is happy to check whether your solution can be successfully used in our products and processes to experience a tangible and scalable benefit. As a basis, we require an offer for our purchasing department with detailed information. If a project is considered worthwhile, we are happy to offer fair partnership agreements as well as to work together on it, help with IP, IT approval procedures, etc.