• FLEX Capital has acquired a majority stake in Simovative, a leading campus management software provider in the DACH region, enhancing its growth potential.
• Simovative's cloud-based platform, academyFIVE, offers over 50 customizable features, supporting universities in critical administrative processes.
• The partnership aims to expand Simovative's market presence, focusing on public universities and further education sectors amid rising demand for digital solutions.
FLEX Capital, a private equity firm focused on mid-sized software companies in the DACH region, has acquired a majority stake in Simovative, a leading campus management software provider based in Munich. Founded in 2002 by Torsten Fürbringer and Jörn Wünnemann, Simovative has developed a cloud-based platform, academyFIVE, which offers over 50 customizable features to support universities in various administrative processes.
Simovative has established a strong market presence, primarily serving private universities in the DACH region, and boasts high customer loyalty and low churn rates. Recent achievements include securing a contract with FernUniversität Hagen and completing a project with Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin, highlighting its capabilities in the public higher education sector. The demand for digital solutions in higher education has surged, with spending in the DACH region doubling since 2010, driven by investments in digitalization and research.
The founders sought a strategic partner to facilitate the next phase of growth for Simovative. FLEX Capital aims to assist in product expansion, market entry, team growth, and implementing a buy-and-build strategy to enhance Simovative's market position. The increasing need for digitalization in administrative processes and mobile student experiences positions Simovative well to penetrate the public university market further.
Christoph Jost, Managing Partner at FLEX Capital, expressed enthusiasm about investing in a profitable, high-growth company with strong customer loyalty. Torsten Fürbringer emphasized that FLEX Capital shares their vision for Simovative's future and will provide the operational expertise necessary for sustainable growth.
FLEX Capital's acquisition of Simovative reflects its commitment to fostering sustainable value creation in founder-led software companies within the DACH region. The firm, founded by successful entrepreneurs, manages a second fund of €300 million, which includes a dedicated team of experts to support portfolio companies, distinguishing it from other private equity funds. Currently, FLEX Capital's portfolio consists of eight business platforms, reinforcing its focus on the software midmarket.
