At STIHL Ventures, we run investments (Venture Capital) and collaborations (Venture Clienting) in parallel: Investments focus on STIHL-related business areas. Collaborations under the STIHL Startup Access program aim to increase efficiency, save costs 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 Client refers to the collaboration between STIHL and a startup in a wide variety of forms. In most cases, these are process improvements and efficiency increases through the use of existing tools. We are looking in various areas from production, HR to marketing and all other important functions in the company. In rare cases, collaborations may also include the joint development of strategically interesting use cases.

With STIHL Startup Access, the STIHL Group’s Venture Clienting Program we connect external startups with internal departments. We provide holistic support for the process of evaluating a solution in close coordination with the various departments. We always make sure that there is a sound business case. Our goal is to work close with the internal departments to save costs, become more efficient, and leverage existing opportunities.

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 a couple of weeks can be expected. 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.