Verdane Backs Konvekta to Accelerate Global Growth of Energy Recovery Systems

Verdane has taken a significant majority stake in Konvekta, aiming to scale the Swiss company’s high-performance energy recovery technology globally amid growing demand for climate-positive building solutions. The St. Gallen-based firm, known for its closed-loop ventilation systems that reclaim up to 90% of a building's energy, has already delivered over 1,000 projects worldwide, helping reduce more than 530,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Clients include major global institutions such as Harvard, BMW, Deutsche Bank, and MIT, underscoring its strong reputation in both commercial and academic sectors. The investment from Verdane, a European growth buyout specialist with more than €8 billion in assets under management, marks a strategic move to expand Konvekta’s reach in a sector increasingly focused on energy efficiency and emissions reduction. The company’s proprietary digital twin software and advanced control systems set it apart in a market driven by tightening building regulations and carbon targets. While Konvekta has traditionally operated as a family-owned business, the move to bring in Verdane reflects a broader ambition to address rising demand in new international markets. “It was important to find a financially strong and industry-experienced partner,” said Board Member Hanspeter Pfenninger, son of the company’s founder. The transaction comes at a time when energy efficiency is gaining traction as a key lever in the global decarbonization effort. Verdane Partner Dr. Erich Becker noted that the firm identified the building sector as a high-impact investment theme. “Konvekta combines economic benefits with measurable CO₂ reductions—exactly the type of business we seek to scale,” Becker said. Konvekta’s core offering—customized energy recovery systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)—has found traction in diverse climate zones, from Europe to Asia to North America. The company currently employs 90 people across its international footprint, with headquarters and manufacturing based in Switzerland. The partnership also adds to Verdane’s expanding presence in the DACH region, where it has invested nearly €1 billion and backed 20 core companies since 2016. The firm plans to bring operational scale and sustainability expertise to support Konvekta’s next phase of growth. Despite global headwinds in energy and construction sectors, Konvekta’s advanced technology and strong order book position it well for long-term expansion. CEO Joachim Lennarz said the company is now equipped to “intensify its presence in both current and new markets worldwide.” Verdane’s investment aligns with its commitment to sustainable innovation. The firm, a certified B Corporation, requires all portfolio companies to pass its “2040 test,” ensuring long-term relevance in a low-carbon economy. As demand for energy-efficient retrofits and low-emission construction accelerates globally, the Konvekta-Verdane partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing scalable decarbonization solutions for the built environment.
