About us
We build great companies.
That’s what we’ve always done.
How we do it keeps evolving.
OUR MISSION
WHO WE ARE
Today, Jacobs Capital is a leading European investment firm.
We’re located in two beautiful cities – London and Zurich – and combine the agility of a family enterprise with the active ownership and professionalism of a private equity firm. We proudly work with a diverse range of market-leading companies, from chocolate to education, from alpine sports to intimacy.
But how did it all start?
OUR HISTORY
IT ALL BEGAN
WITH COFFEE
130 years ago in the German city of Bremen, Johann Jacobs opened his first store. He began selling coffee and tea, then moved locations and built a roastery. Business thrived – and a family legacy of entrepreneurship was born.
In subsequent decades, the Jacobs business grew far beyond Bremen, going through ups and downs in tumultuous times.
1895
After World War II, Jacobs revolutionized the way coffee was marketed. Lead by Walther J. Jacobs and with slogans like Jacobs Kaffee … wunderbar, with brands such as Jacobs Krönung, with iconic packaging and characters, Jacobs became one of the integral brands of modern Germany.
1946
In 1970, Klaus J. Jacobs took over. Moving the company to Switzerland and integrating iconic brands like Toblerone or Suchard, he grew Jacobs Suchard AG into an international powerhouse.
1970
In 1990, Klaus J. Jacobs sold Jacobs Suchard AG. He began building an array of new companies, including Adecco (one of the world’s largest human resources providers), Barry Callebaut (one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world), and infront (a leading sports marketing company).
1990
In 1994, all these companies were eventually bundled into a new structure – and Jacobs Holding was founded. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Jacobs Holding became a major international investment firm. Aside from the initial investments, Jacobs Holding went on to acquire majority stakes in Colosseum Dental Group, Cognita, North American Dental Group and iLerna.
1994
In 2002, Jacobs Holding acquired infront Sports & Media AG. In the following years, infront diversified and expanded globally. It was successfully sold in 2011.
2002
In 2014, Adecco – by then the largest HR services provider in the world – was sold to the public market.
2014
In 2017, Telemos Capital was founded with one idea in mind: Staying true to the family’s entrepreneurial spirit means staying ahead of the change – and going new ways. Based in London, Telemos embraced the best of both worlds: the lean structures and fast decision-making of a family office with the fast pace and professionalism of a private equity firm. The Telemos team began investing in dynamic, growth-oriented businesses such as Helios, Lovehoney, Permian, and more.
2017
Both Telemos Capital and Jacobs Holding – separate companies at the time – grew decisively, investing in businesses such as outdoor sports company Mammut, education providers Cognita and iLerna and many more. Successful exits were also realized in these years, including Sanoptis and MedEuropa (2022 and 2024, respectively).
2017-2024
In June 2025, the Jacobs story came full circle: Jacobs Holding and Telemos Capital combined forces to form Jacobs Capital. Its mission is simple: to build great companies. And to continue a family legacy.
2025
What we believe in
Our values
Agility
Our set up allows us to act swiftly and decisively to opportunities and evolving market dynamics.
Entrepreneurship
We encourage creativity, risk taking and new approaches to improve and grow our business and the businesses in our portfolio.
Enthusiasm
We are passionate about investing and work collaboratively to understand and address the opportunities and challenges our portfolio companies face over time.
Empowerment
We both trust and give responsibility to our people and our portfolio companies to deliver to their full potential. We encourage broad ownership of our objectives and our targets for returns on capital, time and talent.
Humility
We appreciate the limits of our knowledge and experience, and therefore value the strengths, expertise and perspectives of our partners, advisors and portfolio companies.
Integrity
We strive to act ethically every day and make this a vital component of the relationships between Jacobs Capital, our portfolio companies, partners and other stakeholders.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is central to Jacobs Capital
In 2023, Jacobs Capital Co-Chairman Philippe Jacobs set up Jacobs Futura Foundation (JFF) with two key philanthropic strands: environmental protection, and athlete support.
Protecting tropical rainforests
Deforestation prevention in tropical rainforests is crucial for preserving biodiversity and addressing climate change. Key efforts include conservation policies, sustainable land use, and reforestation, with the involvement of indigenous communities and governments.
In the African rainforest, grant programs and entrepreneurial projects provide alternative livelihoods, reducing reliance on deforestation. These initiatives support small businesses in sustainable sectors, helping both communities and the environment.
Supporting athletes
Supporting athletes during and after their careers is essential for their well-being and success. Tailored support systems help them manage challenges in physical, mental, and financial health, ensuring they stay focused on their performance and future.
Key priorities include financial stability, mental health, and career transition. Athletes need help managing finances, dealing with the pressures of competition, and preparing for life after sports. Personal development programs also aid in their successful transition to new careers.