BÜFA fosters innovative tech start-ups

Oldenburg-based chemicals company takes stake in High-Tech Gründerfonds

“I am delighted that BÜFA GmbH & Co. KG has decided to invest in High-Tech Gründerfonds. With your support, we intend to continue the success enjoyed by High-Tech Gründerfonds, a development that benefits Germany as a hub of business,” German cabinet minister Sigmar Gabriel wrote in an official letter to BÜFA, thanking the company for its commitment. The Oldenburg-based chemicals company invested in the third High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) fund in May 2017, providing EUR 3 million in funding.

Since 2005, HTGF has been supporting the innovative ideas harboured by fledgling technology companies, providing investment and advice while offering access to the extensive network it has built up through collaboration with business investors. Dr. Michael Brandkamp, Managing Director of HTGF, explains: “As BÜFA joins the fold, we welcome an innovative company with operations in cleaning, composites and chemicals into our circle of fund investors. The chemicals industry in particular has a great deal of interest in innovative, dynamic technologies and business models, and at the same time can act as an outstanding infrastructure partner that start-ups can use to bounce ideas off. As a medium-sized, family-owned company, BÜFA has amassed an outstanding level of expertise in establishing sustainable business models and is therefore an ideal partner for HTGF and its portfolio companies.”

Launched in December 2016, the third HTGF fund operates in a time of digital transformation and major changes in society. Companies are overhauling their business models in preparation for a digital future, with the internet becoming the new platform of business for many markets. “It is now more important than ever for companies to continuously review their business models and align their operations to future developments. As an investor in HTGF’s fund, we are in close contact with promising young high-tech companies and will take inspiration from their ideas and plans,” explains Felix Thalmann, CEO of BÜFA Group, outlining the reasons behind his company’s investment. Keeping an eye on neighbouring fields of technology enables innovative trends to be identified at an earlier stage, while providing support to young high-tech firms can also lead to new collaborations and investments for BÜFA Group.

About BÜFA Group
Based in Oldenburg, Germany, since 1883, the medium-sized, independent chemicals company has operations around the world in the fields of chemicals, cleaning and composites. With almost 500 employees, BÜFA generated revenues of approximately EUR 235 million in 2016. As a company steeped in tradition, and one with high ethical corporate values, BÜFA collaborates with clients, suppliers and the public in a spirit of fairness and partnership. The company is a standout performer thanks to its range of innovative, resource-friendly products and system solutions used in the transport, wind power, food and cleaning industries. Sustainability is a principle that is firmly embedded in the company’s operations. BÜFA banks on new chemistry and combines profitability with social responsibility.

Contact
BÜFA GmbH & Co. KG
Stubbenweg 40
26125 Oldenburg
Tel.: +49 (0) 441 9317 -0
www.buefa.de

Press Contact
Dr. Birgit Aka
Tel.: 0441 9317-175
birgit.aka@buefa.de
www.buefa-informiert.de