MaFAT Annual Event: Germany in Search of Growth

Europe needs private capital to strengthen competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth – a point highlighted by the Draghi Report and increasingly reflected in Germany’s political debate. The “Made for Germany” initiative, representing a business response to the current reform agenda, is supported by, among others, eight leading international private equity firms.

But how does capital actually make its way into growing companies? And what needs to change in Germany to turn capital into sustainable growth?

These questions will be at the heart of this year’s Annual Event of the Mannheim Forum Accounting & Taxation e. V. (MaFAT e. V.). The panel discussion will focus on the role private equity can play in financing and developing high-growth companies.

Private Equity Between Capital, Growth and Valuation

The panel will take a closer look at the German private equity market: How is the market structured today? Why are software and AI companies among the most exciting – yet also most challenging – businesses to value? And where do deal structure, contractual arrangements and the finer details make the difference between success and failure?

The discussion will also explore the role of tax and accounting in valuation and value creation.

For students and alumni, the event will also provide valuable insights into the industry: What skills are sought after in private equity? What career opportunities are available? And why is the auditing and tax advisory sector itself increasingly becoming an investment target?

The Panel

Dr. Ralf U. Braunagel
Partner and Private Equity Leader, PwC Germany. He advises private equity investors throughout the entire deal cycle and holds a doctoral degree in Business Taxation from the University of Mannheim.

Cornelius Becker
Independent Investor and Independent Sponsor. Previously, he worked at Hg, a private equity investor specializing in software, in San Francisco and Munich.

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Marcel Olbert
Professor of Business Taxation, Accounting and Finance at the University of Mannheim and Founding Director of COBRA.

Event Details

29 September 2026 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
SN 163, University of Mannheim
The event will be held in German.

The event is open to everyone interested. Following the discussion, a reception will be held in the foyer.

We look forward to an engaging discussion and to exchanging ideas with students, alumni, academics and practitioners.