The publishing group Georg von Holtzbrinck was one of the first large German media companies to take part in Internet start-ups. In April of 2000, Holtzbrinck bundled its participation in new media into an independent corporate venture company: holtzbrinck networXs. This organization acquires shares in innovative media and IT companies, and transforms internal concepts into sustainable business models. In addition to the publishing group, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg owns a 10% share in holtzbrinck networXs AG.

Founded in 1997, bmp AG finances young growth companies in E-business and the life sciences. In order to ensure maximum local presence, the regional focal point of activities is Germany and central and eastern Europe. Using the „Venture Capital++“ business model, bmp's goal is the long-term potential of its investments. Thus the company provides not only capital, but also focuses on active support of management and business development. bmp has been traded on the Frankfurt stock exchange since July 1999.

With total assets of over 400 billion Euros, Commerzbank is among the 15 largest banks on the continent. It has 36,000 employees, nearly 7,000 of them abroad, working to serve approximately 6 million customers. In Germany alone, Commerzbank has a branch network of 733 offices. In addition to the mother company, Commerzbank AG, the company owns numerous daughter companies as well as shares in companies both at home and abroad.