European private equity firm Verdane has acquired a majority stake in the Austria-based coffee software platform Cropster.  

The investment will allow Cropster to expand its software offerings and its international expansion, particularly in the speciality coffee markets of the US and Europe, and the burgeoning Asia region. 

Cropster, established in 2008, is renowned for its IoT [internet of things] software that helps green coffee traders, roasters and operators enhance efficiency and consistency. 

It is currently collaborating with coffee companies in more than 100 countries and has formed partnerships with international chains such as Starbucks and Blue Bottle.  

Verdane's investment in Cropster marks its 11th in the DACH region [Germany, Austria and Switzerland] since October 2023, and its fourth in Austria.  

Both Verdane and Cropster have achieved B Corp certification [a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency]. 

Verdane partner Dominik Schwarz said: “Andreas, Norbert and Martin, as well as the entire Cropster team, have demonstrated how to develop a successful software tool for the benefit of their customers and how to adapt it to the needs of more and more market participants along the value chain in the coffee market.  

“From day one, we have been impressed by the customer love, loyalty and community Cropster has built in the global roaster and coffee ecosystem as well as the strong value-driven culture within the company.” 

Cropster CEO and co-founder Andreas Idl said: “Verdane outshines the market. We are confident of their expertise in software and their ability to work in international markets, as demonstrated by their excellent buy-and-build track record. Also, they fell in love with coffee really quickly.” 

In August 2024, Verdane announced Carl Nauckhoff as a partner and as chief commercial officer.