Quantum Partners exclusively advised VOCANTO GmbH and its shareholders in the sales process
acquires
Achim Lederle has worked as an investor, supervisory board member and consultant for national and international companies for over 20 years. He has focused on the retail, internet, software and electronics sectors and has supported companies from their foundation and growth to their sale or IPO.
As a partner at 3i, the largest European venture capital firm, Mr. Lederle has managed transactions ranging from EUR 0.5 to 270 million. He played a leading role in the strategic sale of 3i's global venture portfolio and subsequently continued to manage and successfully sell these companies as a venture partner at Cipio Partners. He began his career in venture capital as an investment manager at the technology holding company VC.
As a business angel, Achim Lederle is regularly involved in entrepreneurial activities with capital and know-how.
After studying business administration at the University of Augsburg, he joined the management consultancy Deloitte Consulting.
Achim Lederle
Deal Partner
lederle@quantum-partners.de
+49 89 414 144 352
Quantum Partners advises VOCANTO GmbH and its shareholders on the sale to EMBRACE / Bertelsmann Investments
The HR-Tech and EdTech verticals are currently experiencing a phase of consolidation and there have recently been some interesting investments in European start-ups in this area. This positive trend is driven by the increasing demand for holistic solutions ranging from talent acquisition to training and continuing education. Publishers and media companies are increasingly expanding their portfolios with digital education offerings to strengthen their position in this growing market.
E-learning and digital education programs have gained enormously in importance in recent years, particularly in the field of vocational training and further education. Companies and educational institutions are increasingly relying on innovative digital learning platforms to effectively train and educate trainees and skilled workers. The challenge is to develop high-quality, interactive and target group-orientated learning content and to communicate this in a user-friendly learning platform. In this dynamic market environment, VOCANTO GmbH has established itself as a leading provider of e-learning solutions for the trainee sector.
In this context, Quantum Partners was mandated to analyze strategic options for VOCANTO GmbH. Discussions were held with various potential partners in a structured M&A sell-side process. Discussions were held with various potential partners in a structured M&A sell-side process. The acquisition by EMBRACE proved to be the most convincing solution for the future development of both companies: By acquiring VOCANTO, EMBRACE is expanding its range of services beyond employee recruitment and will now offer its customers excellent training solutions along the entire candidate journey. With its brands Ausbildung.de, Studyflix, MeinPraktikum.de and Trainee.de, which are aimed at young target groups, EMBRACE’s focus to date has primarily been on attraction and hiring. With VOCANTO, EMBRACE’s Young Talents vertical is now expanding its portfolio in the area of retention.
Stephan Hansen and Johannes Schulte, VOCANTO founders and co-CEOs, explain: “We are passionate fans and advocates of dual vocational training. We are convinced that we can give this passion even more power and assertiveness in the EMBRACE family. We want to make education possible and thus support even more companies in attracting, training and retaining future skilled workers.”
EMBRACE remains on course for growth and is planning further acquisitions by Bertelsmann Investments in the near future.
About VOCANTO
VOCANTO operates the leading digital learning platform for trainees in Germany. It offers over 40 training occupations for commercial and industrial/technical apprenticeships. VOCANTO’s learning content, in the form of 3D animations, quizzes, etc., is used by more than 2,000 companies in German-speaking countries and is characterised by its high quality and practical relevance. Tutorial support ensures that learners receive competent and individualised support from VOCANTO’s training experts.
About EMBRACE
EMBRACE, part of Bertelsmann Investments, combines pioneering solutions in the areas of recruiting, employee retention and HR tech. EMBRACE includes Ausbildung.de, MeinPraktikum.de, Trainee.de, JobStairs.de, Studyflix, the EMBRACE.Agency and, since January 2024, the HR agency Milch & Zucker. EMBRACE employs over 550 people at its locations in Augsburg, Bochum, Giessen, Gütersloh, Cologne and Hamburg.
About Bertelsmann Investments
Bertelsmann Investments (BI) bundles Bertelsmann’s global venture capital activities and the growth division Bertelsmann Next. The venture capital arm includes funds such as Bertelsmann Asia Investments, Bertelsmann India Investments and Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, as well as targeted investments in markets such as Europe, the US and Brazil. Bertelsmann Next focuses on the development of innovative sectors such as digital health, mobile gaming and HR tech.
About Quantum Partners
Quantum Partners GmbH, headquartered in Munich, is a specialized corporate finance advisor that supports clients in company transactions as well as in finding financing.
