Jens & Ralf
ESL
»Tobias trusted that we would make it, and he was there when we needed him.«
Tobias
EKK & Co.
»Since our entry in 2001, I have always firmly believed that Jens, Ralf, and their team will succeed in filling stadiums with the ESL.«
Sebastian
XPLN
»With Roman, I can be completely open. We work together on the issues that matter, and often, they are not just numbers.«
Roman
EKK & Co.
»We've helped Sebastian shape the company according to his vision. He is passionate about what he does, and that enthusiasm is contagious for everyone involved.«
Moritz
EKK & Co.
»Making complex acquisitions simple is a rather complex task. Christian, Gary, and Marc are a unique trio.«
Christian, Gary & Marc
tradingtwins
»Having a partner in equity who supports us not only financially but also in terms of content and on a personal level makes a huge difference.«
Stefan
EKK & Co.
»We know how important a strong sales team is, and Mario certainly sets the benchmark here.«
Mario
Data Collect
»EKK & Co. broadens our perspective right where we might also have blind spots ourselves.«
Holistic Growth Investing
Success can indeed be measured through metrics, but not exclusively so. Experienced entrepreneurs often define success holistically. It requires various elements that ideally complement each other well. Personal growth, financial success, economic significance, and societal relevance are success components for us, and they may not always carry the same level of importance at all times. However, in a fulfilling entrepreneurial career, these elements mutually reinforce one another. We support our portfolio companies in keeping an eye on all the essential dimensions of success and, above all, in developing them.
Personal Growth
Personal growth is definitely a success factor to which, in our opinion, not enough attention can be devoted. Building or further developing a company brings various challenges, and for many, it requires experience and interpersonal qualities, such as when dealing with negotiations and conflicting goals. However, the task of managing one's own resources and capabilities as an entrepreneur also demands a high degree of reflection. Personal growth is the prerequisite for business growth.
Financial Success
Financial success is not everything, but without financial success, everything is nothing. At least in the business context, this is undoubtedly true. Being in the black not only provides the company with more room to maneuver but also benefits the entrepreneurs and investors responsible for it. Considering the collective investment of time, energy, and money, a correspondingly motivating return is a prerequisite and the result of our actions for all parties involved.
Economic Impact
To witness how a company leaves its mark on its industry, shifts established benchmarks, delights its customers, and even outpaces the competition... all of this leads to moments of well-deserved entrepreneurial pride that many founders remember throughout their lives. Investment successes can also be achieved on the world's stock exchanges, but experiencing the growing economic significance of one's own actions and ideas in "real life" is a dimension of success that is truly priceless.
Societal Relevance
We live in a time when corporate success is no longer discussed independently of its social consequences and impacts. While such goals and regulations do introduce complexity in many areas, they also create numerous opportunities to make a positive difference. Through ecologically, socially, and economically more sustainable products or services. In the service of all of us.
Portfolio
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Focus
Outstanding teams can be found in every industry. We therefore do not limit our focus to individual industries. For us, passion and ambition, coupled with hard work and talent, are the basis for cooperation. We see the teams behind the companies as more than just a decision-making factor in our investment selection. Rather, they are the target of our investment throughout the entire investment cycle. Personal growth leads to company growth. We also apply the following criteria to our investments.
Company Stage
We invest in companies that have found the Product Market Fit and are ready for further scaling. Here, we assist in taking the next significant growth step.
Capital Needs
With our investments, we assist in generating growth and achieving profitability. We don't think in Series A, B, C, etc., or simply finance for x months, only to rely on further funding afterward.
Growth Potential
As an Early Growth Investor, we finance the next major growth phase. We are particularly interested in business models that can scale rapidly and have high market growth potential.
Shareholder Structure
We aim for the founders to maintain the majority not only at the time of our investment but also during the company sale. We want shared interests not only in the business but also in the investment case.
Some describe EKK & Co. as a 'professional family.' We like this image. We see confirmation of it in the extremely high percentage of entrepreneurs who remain closely connected with us years after the end of our investment. As co-investors who explore new opportunities with us. Or as capable partners to support our current investments. Is there a more beautiful display of trust?
News
From our portfolio companies and within our organization, there are regular updates to share. We are happy to highlight the key points here. To stay informed, we also recommend subscribing to our quarterly newsletter.
Feburar 5, 2026
Changes in management
Moritz Reck has been promoted to Managing Partner on the Executive Board. Harald Matzke has joined our management team as CFO.
Moritz started as an intern at EKK & Co. six years ago. Since the beginning of the year, he has been working alongside Roman Lock as Managing Partner.
Together with Roman, he is responsible for EKK & Co.'s investment management across the entire cycle – from initiating new investments and making investment decisions to supporting and developing portfolio companies.
With his appointment to the management board, Moritz is also taking on responsibility for the strategic development of the investment division. The decision underscores EKK & Co.'s commitment to combining long-term partnerships, sustainable performance, and the development of people from within its own ranks. This is entirely in line with our motto: “Success Stories – of People.”
Harald Matzke joins our management team as CFO. Harald was CEO and CFO at cubus (software and services) from 1993 and has been a performance management consultant since 2021, including for EKK & Co. portfolio companies. With his commercial background and entrepreneurial experience from start-up to exit, he will continue to drive forward investment controlling and performance management in particular.
The reorganization is related to Stefan Mertel's decision to step down from operational management in the future. Stefan is currently still focusing on an important exit project.
Februar 02, 2026
Our team introduced briefly: Harald Matzke.
To get to know him better, Harald answered a few questions for us.
How long have you been with EKK & Co.?
As an employee since October 2025. As a consultant in the network since 2021. As an investor since 2020.
What are your areas of focus at EKK & Co.?
As CFO and performance management expert, I support the management of our portfolio companies. Within EKK, I ensure transparency regarding the status and development of our portfolio companies. Together with Maxi Zimmermann, I also ensure transparency regarding our own performance.
How do you start your day?
With a cup of coffee and a walk with my two herding dogs, Bakira and Copine. On weekends, with a nice breakfast with my wife.
If you could choose, which exciting industry should EKK & Co. invest in?
My heart has always been in IT. But actually, I don't care about the industry. A good business idea and a founding team that believes in their idea and is willing to give it their all. That's what matters to me. That's why I like “Success Stories of People” so much.
What inspires you?
A good conversation with other people and the small and big wonders of nature.
What has been your best professional decision so far?
During my time as CEO of cubus, we bought software from IBM in 2012 for a lot of money (by our standards) that IBM had discontinued developing. We knew the product well and were convinced of its value. The purchase price was recouped within a year and brought us companies on every continent onto our customer list.
What was the very first job through which you earned money?
I started delivering newspapers when I was 15. In all weathers. I used the money to buy my first car when I was 18.
If you could go for a walk with anyone, whether they are living or already passed away, who would it be?
Definitely Stephen R. Covey. His book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” has shaped my professional and private life. I once saw him speak, but a personal conversation would have been a highlight.
What did you want to become professionally as a child?
My mother claimed that my first career aspiration was to be a pastor. My reasoning at the time: “They only have to work on Sundays.” I think that's a rumor 😊
How do you live today?
After leaving cubus, my wife and I bought a mill property in the northern Black Forest. We rebuilt the water wheel and generate our own electricity. We have leased out the restaurant. In winter, I work in my cozy office overlooking the stream and forest. In summer, you'll usually find me with my laptop on the terrace or right down by the Köllbach stream.
Thank you for the exciting insights, Harald!
October 1, 2024
Daniela Glöckle becomes part of the management board.
Daniela has been advising EKK & Co. as a lawyer for many years.
As of October 1st, 2024, Daniela Glöckle has joined the management board of EKK & Co. Daniela is a qualified lawyer and tax advisor. For the past 15 years, she has worked for a major mid-sized law firm in Stuttgart. Her focus has been on corporate law, M&A, private equity, and tax law. In this role, she has already supported EKK & Co. in numerous transactions. She was also a member of the advisory board of EKK & Co. Daniela will be responsible for all legal matters as well as for investment management.
We are delighted to have Daniela on board as a permanent member of our executive team.