Creating Value
Through Foresight.
ATON GmbH as a partner for entrepreneurial growth.
Creating Value Through Foresight
As a cross-generational investment company owned by the Helmig family, ATON invests the family’s own capital in technology-leading companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Munich, the holding company pursues a long-term portfolio strategy with investment horizons of more than ten years.
As an evergreen family fund, ATON combines the dynamism of a private investor with the stability and long-term focus of a family business. We prefer to invest in asset-light and capital-light B2B business models. With capital, strategic expertise and entrepreneurial support, we create the conditions for our portfolio companies to sustainably expand their technological leadership and market position.
Our broadly diversified and resilient investment portfolio comprises market-leading companies in our core sectors, supplemented by smaller companies and selected start-up investments. In our core sectors, we also pursue an active ‘buy-and-build’ strategy to strengthen the geographical presence and market position of our portfolio companies in a targeted manner.
More Than Capital.
Entrepreneurial Autonomy
We lay the foundations using family capital, strategic support and clear objectives. In their day-to-day operations, our companies act independently, with focus and an entrepreneurial spirit. ATON provides guidance through transparent key performance indicators and encourages collaboration where it creates tangible added value. Personal responsibility and entrepreneurial freedom remain central principles.
Long-Term Responsibility
Strategic support and operational freedom go hand in hand at ATON. We hold our investments with a long-term perspective and actively support their transformation. In the event of a disposal, our focus is on sustainably safeguarding the company’s assets and jobs – ideally through a specialised partner with a long-term orientation. This commitment guides our strategic decisions.
Equal Opportunities and Work-Life Balance
Innovation flourishes where people can develop their talents. That is why we promote a culture of equal opportunities across the Group and specifically work to increase the proportion of women in leadership roles. Flexible working and lifestyle models accommodate different life circumstances and contribute to sustainable, future-proof growth.
Portfolio.
Infrastructure
The foundation for growth and progress. We invest in companies that deliver critical infrastructure projects and combine long-term stability with attractive potential returns.
Engineering
Technological excellence as a driver of progress. Our portfolio companies in the engineering sector develop innovative solutions for the mobility and industry of tomorrow. Drawing on outstanding engineering expertise and digital technologies, they design efficient, sustainable products and processes.
Med Tech
Health and quality of life through advanced technologies. We support pioneering medical technology companies that improve patient care worldwide with innovative products and set the highest quality standards.
Aviation
Excellence and safety in aviation. We invest in highly specialised service providers who stand out in the business aviation sector through their reliability, precision and first-class service.
Digital Services
The architecture of the connected world. Our investments in the digital sector are driving the expansion of highly secure and high-performance IT infrastructures to support businesses on their journey into a digital future.
LEADERSHIP & CULTURE
Experience as a Compass,
Collaboration as a Foundation.
Behind strong capital stand strong personalities.
Successful companies are built by people who take responsibility and want to make a difference together. Growth does not happen in an ivory tower, but through direct interaction. Our collaboration is characterised by flat hierarchies, mutual respect and the entrepreneurial freedom that outstanding minds need. As a family-owned holding company, we combine strategic thinking with pragmatic business practice – working in partnership with our portfolio companies and fostering a spirit of trust amongst our teams.
Efficiency as an Environmental Imperative.
Sustainability is achieved where high performance is combined with the most efficient use of resources possible. That is why we invest in technologies that reduce energy losses, make processes more efficient and improve the physical fundamentals of modern applications.”
The 4 Pillars of Our Approach
A Partnership of Equals
We do not see ourselves as short-term financial investors, but as entrepreneurial partners. Our portfolio companies benefit from capital, strategic support and the freedom to operate successfully and independently.
Capital Meets Operational Excellence
Financial strength creates opportunities. However, sustainable value is only created through in-depth industry knowledge, technological expertise and a clear understanding of operational challenges.
Stability Through Independence
As a family-owned holding company, we think and act with a long-term perspective. We are not bound by short-term fund cycles or quarterly targets – and can therefore make decisions with a view to sustainable value creation.
Responsibility Across Generations
For us, financial success and corporate integrity go hand in hand. We act responsibly towards our employees, business partners, portfolio companies and future generations.
Prospects with Substance.
At ATON, we combine the agility of a specialised team of experts with the stability of a family-owned holding company. We are looking for individuals who take on responsibility and make the most of the scope for initiative.
Flat hierarchies, short decision-making processes and a culture of mutual trust create the space for excellent work and effective decision-making. In doing so, we combine the values of a family business with the dynamism of an internationally active group of companies. Flexible structures make it possible to balance career development with family responsibilities.
The Origin of the Name ATON
Named after the ancient Egyptian sun disc ATON, our name stands for renewal, clarity and focus. Under Pharaoh Akhenaten, ATON became the centrepiece of a visionary worldview – as a symbol of creative power and a new beginning.
We bear this name as an expression of our philosophy: to shape the new with foresight and to safeguard what already exists with steadfast strength.