LP profile · Corporate
Henkel
Henkel is a corporate headquartered in Germany (Europe). Ranked #308 in the 2026 Dealroom Power Law LP Ranking by realised power-law score across its venture commitments.
Historical Background
- Founded in 1876 by Fritz Henkel and two partners in Aachen, Germany, the company's first product was a universal detergent based on silicate.
- In 1878, the company relocated to Düsseldorf to leverage better transport links and sales opportunities. The product portfolio expanded over the years, including the addition of tea in 1887, making the company a significant tea importer in Germany.
Source of Capital
- As a publicly traded company listed on the German DAX stock index, Henkel's capital is primarily derived from its shareholders.
- The company operates a corporate venture capital arm, Henkel Ventures, which is funded by the corporation's own capital to invest in external innovation.
Major Events
- In 2022, Henkel merged its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care business units to create a new integrated unit called Henkel Consumer Brands.
- The company has a long history of acquisitions, including the purchase of The Dial Corporation in 2004, which significantly expanded its presence in the North American market. In 2016, Henkel acquired the Sun Products Corporation, further strengthening its laundry care portfolio.
Allocation Strategy
- Henkel's direct investments in startups are managed through its corporate venture capital arm, Henkel Ventures, focusing on early-stage companies.
- The firm invests globally in startups with a strategic link to Henkel's business units: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands. Key areas of interest include new materials, smart surfaces, acoustic and thermal solutions, 3D printing, IoT, and sustainable packaging solutions.
- Henkel Ventures' strategy involves making equity investments and establishing joint development projects with startups to explore new technologies, applications, and business models.
Sources
- https://www.henkel.com/company/milestones-and-achievements/history
- https://www.henkel.com/investors-and-analysts
- https://www.henkel-ventures.com/
- https://www.henkel.com/press-and-media/press-releases-and-kits/2022-01-28-henkel-to-merge-laundry-home-care-and-beauty-care-into-one-business-unit-henkel-consumer-brands-1191780
- https://www.henkel.com/press-and-media/press-releases-and-kits/2016-06-24-henkel-acquires-the-sun-products-corporation-711132
- https://www.henkel.com/press-and-media/press-releases-and-kits/2004-03-15-henkel-completes-acquisition-of-the-dial-corporation-409986