CK Ventures

CK Venture Capital GmbH is a Germany-based impact investment firm that supports early-stage startups contributing to a better future through sustainable innovations in health, leisure, environment, and technology sectors. Founded by entrepreneurial sisters Conny Hörl and Katja Ruhnke, the firm emphasizes long-term joint success over quick exits, prioritizing strong founder teams, transparent strategies, and positive societal impact. As female business angels, they leverage their extensive experience in running family businesses to provide not just capital but also hands-on guidance and networks to ambitious entrepreneurs. The firm originated from the sisters' family entrepreneurial background, with their first joint startup investment in 2019 leading to the formal establishment of CK Venture Capital around 2020. Conny Hörl, based in Salzburg, Austria, built a group of companies including MYGYM fitness studios, PURE nutrition centers, ZENLOUNGE meditation centers, and DSB Digital-Systemic Business Concepts, a franchise aiding fitness clubs' digital transformation. Katja Ruhnke, managing director in Munich, transitioned from cultural management to family business operations and was named Business Angel of the Year 2023. Their complementary skills and 'female intuition' drive investment decisions focused on visionary ideas with realistic potential. Notable portfolio companies include imd BIOTECH, Sensopro, LQ-Home, and hey circle, spanning healthtech, biotech, senior living solutions, and circular economy initiatives. Founders praise the firm's partnership approach, quick decisions, value alignment, and active support. CK Ventures also operates CK Workspace, a co-working space in Unterschleissheim, and engages in networks, events, and monthly LinkedIn Lives to share insights. With a closed current portfolio as of March 2025, the firm plans only follow-on investments that year, underscoring its patient, impact-driven strategy. Recognized in media like Handelsblatt and FOCUS, CK Ventures promotes female participation in startup investing while maintaining a selective, trust-based approach.