Innovation in Alternative Investments
A Journey Fueled by Expertise, Determination and Vision
Dreams Can Come True
Founded in Zug, Switzerland in 2014 to facilitate innovative and high-returning investment solutions, Empira has quickly established itself as a leading investment manager, delivering unwavering quantitative and qualitative growth. In its mission to revolutionize the industry with innovative solutions, Empira has expanded its reach by diversifying into infrastructure investment.
2014
2014
Founding Of The Empira Group
Empira has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 2014 by Chairman of the Board of Directors and sole owner Lahcen Knapp.
2015
2015
First Fund and Expansion
Empira opens its headquarters in Zug and launches its first fund specializing in mezzanine financing for residential real estate. Shortly thereafter, it expands to Germany, opening a Leipzig office and establishing an Asset Management and M&A division.
2016
2016
Portfolio Expansion
Empira launches its second mezzanine fund, focused on office and residential real estate in Germany. Concurrently, the company begins acquiring and managing residential property portfolios.
2017
2017
New Horizons
Empira launches its third fund, a whole loan fund for commercial and residential real estate, and opens its first sales office in Frankfurt. It also introduces a bond vehicle geared toward German residential real estate.
2018
2018
Evolution
Empira forms a joint venture fund for commercial and residential real estate projects, acquires the engineering firm igb, opens an office in Munich, establishes a real estate development department, and launches its own AIFMD-compliant licensed asset manager.
2019
2019
Major Cities Growth
Empira launches a residential real estate fund focused on developing and managing properties in Germany's seven largest cities. The company opens an office in Berlin and acquires properties and projects worth over EUR 1 billion.
2020
2020
Global Opportunities
Empira launches a global opportunities fund focused on Germany and the U.S., expanding its team to over 100 seasoned professionals.
2021
2021
Significant Milestones
Empira achieves several notable successes, including the creation of a German real estate development and investment fund, the launch of the exclusive micro-living brand SAVVY, the hiring of Marcus Bartenstein as CEO, who brings extensive real estate and finance experience, and the growth of its team to 150 employees.
2022
2022
Increased Global Growth
Empira achieves continued growth, launching the Empira Real Estate Finance Fund 6 and Empira Residential Invest U.S. Fund. It acquires its first project in Miami, where it set up a local team. It also opens sales offices in London and Stockholm and grows its team to 200 employees.
2023
2023
On a Path to Continued Success
Empira further expands its global portfolio, adding a Financial Services division, moving into a new headquarters in Zug, opening offices in Miami, Hamburg, Cologne, and Dubai, acquiring properties in Miami, Dallas, and other U.S. locations, and growing its team to 250 employees. The firm’s transaction volume reaches EUR 9 billion.