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Institutional LPInvests through funds, not into companiesLAST VERIFIED Oct 2026 · 5 SOURCES

Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung

Also known as CZS, Carl Zeiss Foundation

Owner foundation of ZEISS and SCHOTT (est. 1889, office Stuttgart); about one third of its longer-term financial portfolio is in alternatives, incl. impact PE and VC.

The owner foundation of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG; distinct from ZEISS Ventures, the corporate venture unit of Carl Zeiss AG, and from the Ernst-Abbe-Stiftung (Jena).

HEADQUARTERS
Stuttgart, Germany
FOUNDED
1889
AUM
—
OUTSIDE CAPITAL
No — own capital only
TEAM LISTED
5 people

Focus

STAGES
—
SECTORS
Climate & Energy
ASSET MIX
ImpactVenture capitalPrivate equity
GEOGRAPHY
Global

Investment arms & vehicles

  • Carl Zeiss AG
    Foundation company, 100% owned by the foundation
  • SCHOTT AG
    Foundation company, 100% owned by the foundation

Overview

The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung was founded in 1889, has its seats in Heidenheim an der Brenz and Jena and its office in Stuttgart, and owns 100% of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG. It funds science from their dividends (€80M in the 2024/25 financial year) and is not a charitable (gemeinnützig) foundation because its statute makes preserving the two companies its purpose. Beyond the two companies it holds a financial portfolio spread over eleven asset classes, about one third of the longer-term portfolio in alternatives. Its head of finance says it invests significantly in impact-oriented private markets, including renewable energy, development funds and impact private equity and venture capital.

Investment thesis

Impact is best achieved in private markets; the foundation combines high impact with radical diversification across many asset classes and aligns investment themes such as resource efficiency with its funding priorities.

PORTFOLIO (2)

  • Carl Zeiss AG (100%)
    Industrial & Manufacturing
  • SCHOTT AG (100%)
    Industrial & Manufacturing

People

  • Petra Olschowski
    Chair of the Stiftungsverwaltung (board) · source
  • Christian Tischner
    Member of the Stiftungsverwaltung · source
  • Dr. Felix Streiter
    Managing Director · source
  • Hannes Banzhaf
    Deputy Managing Director, Head of Finance · source
  • Dr. Michael Bolle
    Chairman of the Stiftungsrat · source

Links

Frequently asked questions

Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung is a institutional investor based in Stuttgart, Germany, founded in 1889.

Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung does not primarily put its own money into private companies. It also commits capital to third-party funds as an LP.

Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung invests in Climate & Energy.

Key people at Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung include Petra Olschowski (Chair of the Stiftungsverwaltung (board)), Christian Tischner (Member of the Stiftungsverwaltung), Dr. Felix Streiter (Managing Director) and Hannes Banzhaf (Deputy Managing Director, Head of Finance).

Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung's investments include Carl Zeiss AG (100%) and SCHOTT AG (100%).

No. Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung invests its own capital and does not raise money from outside investors.