A “Made in Germany” success story began 70 years ago. A lot has changed since then - new products, new collaborations, new companies. But one thing remains the same: Our innovative strength and our quality standards. As part of the globally active PRETTL Group, we combine tradition with progress. Because for us, the future needs a past.
PRETTL Ventures is home to exciting and sustainable companies. From solar energy to software development, the portfolio of our companies is sustainably strong. Together, we strive to achieve a major goal with our values and economic aspirations: a completely sustainable group of companies.
What Are We looking for?
We are looking for visionaries. Big words, big responsibility. And this responsibility must be shouldered. Ecopreneurs have proven that their ideas generate sustainable added value. Coupled with our ambitious goal of sustainable production from 2025, we pave the way for ecopreneurs to realize their innovative ideas. Together with us as an experienced, strong partner, ecopreneurs can take the next step with their companies—towards growth, towards success.
Our Innovation-Hubs
What distinguishes an investment with PRETTL Ventures?
For us, the principle of best ownership applies. We decide in close consultation to what extent we want to invest in a company. Whether it is a complete takeover, a partial participation, or other options—it has to be the right fit for both sides. This is the only way we can be successful together! We want to be THE safe home for European start-ups!
For a true eco-preneur, the environment always comes first. After all, every economic decision making has an impact on the environment. The PRETTL Group made a commitment in 2020—not just a simple "yes" to sustainable production but a clear commitment to promoting sustainable products. A clear "yes" to a sustainable group of companies. This promise to current and future generations is our driving force.
The 5 virtues
of an ecopreneure:
The benefits
Creating and maintaining sustainable jobs
Sustainability is a top priority in every area.
From the supply chain to investment
always maintains constructive dialog
Integration into the global PRETTL group.
Access to our highly diversified portfolio – utilization of synergies
Its actions are solution-oriented
Digital environment:
communication, reporting, kick-offs
maintains a respectful attitude
towards himself and others
A strong anchor with our
partnership with Bosch!
word and handshake are valid
Goals & Measures for CO₂-Neutrality
CO₂ neutral production by the end of 2025
100 % green power
Efficient and resource-saving cooling systems
Heat recovery in production
Conversion of the company fleet to
100 % electric vehicles
Energy efficiency in machinery with digital electricity measuring points
Use of bio-based raw materials
Tool longevity
Purchasing resources according to ecological aspects
About the Partnership
ENDRESS launches successful mobile power generator
ENDRESS, one of PRETTL Venture's mainstays, has diverified its product portfolio and has now celebrated a successful market entry: the Bempflingen-based company spent more than two years developing the new ENDRESS Zero product line.
Successful mid-year meeting in Tyrol
The ecopreneurs of the PRETTL Venture met in the picturesque setting of Tyrol for their mid-year summit. The focus was on exchanging experiences, strategic planning and a joint focus on future goals. The inspiring environment provided the ideal setting to discuss innovations and provide new impetus for sustainable growth. This regular meeting strengthens cooperation and forms the basis for the continued success of the corporate group.
REFU expands product portfolio
The PV market is currently reaching new heights every financial year. Last year alone, 65 gigawatts were installed in Germany. In many of them, a red inverter is beating. REFU has now upgraded its inverters by several classes.
Our Venture Companies
An overview of our current equity investments and venture companies
Energy
Endress Power Generators
Efficient and reliable energy solutions with the integration of renewable energy sources.
REFU Elektronik GmbH
Pioneer in the development of inverters for almost 60 years.
REFU Hungary
Expert contract manufacturing and supply chain optimization for efficient and reliable energy solutions.
Solfium
From the app to the roof.
Innovation to Move (ITM)
Ellamp Systems srl
Innovative and sustainable lighting and interiors technology for mass transit vehicles
REFU drive GmbH
Experts for the drive technology of tomorrow.
sens2act
Kurz Elektronik GmbH
Manufacturing electronics for IOT.
Microtherm Sentronic
Precision in temperature control.
Satrotec AG
Precision meets innovation.
Technology
Gerdes
Kunststoff-Technik GmbH
Production of sustainable plastic materials.
Jupiter Küchenmaschinen GmbH
Providing premium-quality, high-function kitchen appliances since 1921.
Rewoox
Intelligent automation solutions.
What distinguishes an investment with PRETTL Ventures?
For us, the principle of best ownership applies. We decide in close consultation to what extent we want to invest in a company. Be it a complete takeover, a partial participation or other options - it has to suit both sides. This is the only way we can be successful together! We want to be THE safe home for European start-ups!
Our Innovation-Hubs
Our strong team introduces itself
The management of PRETTL Ventures combines comprehensive industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and years of experience. With a clear focus on innovation and sustainability, our management leads each company in the group towards targeted and successful growth. Thanks to their expertise in technology, production, and international business, they serve as competent contacts for our partners and customers. Together, they drive growth, efficiency, and sustainable solutions for a strong future.
Willi Prettl
In a family business that is already in its third generation, no one from the founding family should be missing. Willi Prettl serves as a sparring partner and source of ideas for the management. He manages the business of the PRETTL Group together with his cousin Johannes Prettl. "Within the ventures, we rely on committed ecopreneurs who develop their companies independently, sustainably, and with a long-term focus on the market. They enjoy a high degree of freedom in their actions," says Willi Prettl. He countinues:
"In order to realize our visions, we as shareholders rely on the BEST OWNERSHIP principle. In concrete terms, this means that we select the best ownership relationship or partnership for each company."
Gerhard Heilemann
Gerhard Heilemann heads the management team. The 61-year-old brings extensive and valuable experience to the company, particularly in the areas of marketing and sales. This aligns with PRETTL Ventures' ambitious goal of building strong and sustainable brands. Before joining PRETTL, the electrical engineering graduate and holder of an Executive MBA had already worked for other large and well-known companies in Baden-Württemberg. In between, he also ventured into self-employment as a management consultant in the field of digitalization. His enthusiasm for green energy and sustainable products, combined with his experience, makes him a reliable partner for any company within PRETTL Ventures.
Alexander Wirth
Alexander Wirth's experience and knowledge in the field of sustainable energy are inextricably linked to the name REFUsol. Under his leadership as CFO, REFU Elektronik reached its full potential, developing a sustainable label "Made in Germany" that was continuously expanded. As a long-standing Managing Director at PRETTL, he knows all the companies within the ventures and has contributed his expertise and ideas to many of them. He has created structures, pursued ideas, and even rejected some—always with a focus on leaving a sustainable core in a company. His prudence and analytical skills characterize his leadership style.
Klaus Nagel
For Klaus Nagel, PRETTL is both a natural fit and a personal passion. In the 1990s, the 61-year-old COO of PRETTL Ventures helped establish and develop the PRETTL Group's site in Greenville, SC, North America. After his time in America, Klaus Nagel gained valuable experience in the renewable energy sector, holding responsible positions such as Senior Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Europe Battery Systems before assuming his role as COO of Ventures in September 2022. Klaus Nagel is looking forward to his tasks within PRETTL Ventures with great confidence, as the brand, company portfolio, and product offerings present enormous potential and great opportunities for our company.
Contact
Whether you have questions, feedback or criticism: feel free to contact us!
We find everything exciting and can only learn.
Visit PRETTLworld
Dive into the diverse world of the PRETTL Group and discover innovative solutions, pioneering technologies and sustainable projects. As part of this strong group of companies, PRETTL ventures offers support in the promotion and development of promising start-ups and business ideas.
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