Building the Future of Childcare

European Business: What was the idea behind founding AUDERE?

Heinz Eder: We founded AUDERE in 2019 with a clear focus on social impact investing. Early on, we identified daycare facilities as an area with enormous shortages. Access to early education is essential for equal opportunities and social cohesion, so our goal was to create attractive and sustainable educational infrastructure that supports communities in the long term.

European Business: How does your business model work in practice?

Heinz Eder: We cover the entire value chain. We identify suitable sites, develop the concept, plan the buildings partly in-house, partly with external architects and realize the projects as developers. Once completed, the properties remain in our own portfolio and are leased to operators. That long-term perspective sets us apart from many players in the market.

European Business: What makes your daycare concepts unique?

Christian Quendt: From a technical and planning perspective, flexibility is key. Our buildings are designed to adapt over time spaces can be reconfigured as requirements change. We also ensure that facilities cater to different age groups, with distinct solutions for under-threes and older children in terms of room layouts, equipment and safety features.

European Business: What are the most important planning considerations?

Heinz Eder: Accessibility and affordability come first. We want our daycare centers to be available to the broad majority of families, not a select group. At the same time, we place strong emphasis on outdoor play areas, multifunctional indoor spaces and fresh kitchens. The goal is to create holistic environments that support development, health and inclusion.

European Business: How do regional differences influence demand?

Heinz Eder: The demand varies significantly across Germany. Some regions have already invested heavily in childcare infrastructure, while others are still catching up. In southern states, for example, traditional structures often dominate, with fewer private operators active. Meanwhile, demand for places for children under three continues to grow, reflecting broader social changes.

European Business: You are increasingly developing campusstyle daycare solutions. Why?

Christian Quendt: Campus models offer clear advantages. By combining several daycare centers in one location, we can achieve economies of scale in areas such as kitchens, maintenance and staffing. Larger sites also allow for better outdoor spaces and infrastructure, while shared resources make operations more efficient. At the same time, the concept must fit local conditions such as transport links and topography.

European Business: What role does sustainability play in your projects?

Christian Quendt: It is embedded in every stage. We integrate photovoltaic systems, energy storage, and where possible geothermal or groundwater cooling. Rainwater is reused for irrigation, and buildings are designed for durability and low operating costs. Importantly, we avoid overly complex smart technologies and focus instead on solutions that are practical for everyday use by staff.

European Business: How do you address long-term challenges in the sector?

Heinz Eder: Many existing childcare facilities are outdated, sometimes even in poor condition. At the same time, demand is increasing. We therefore see a continuous need for modernization and new construction. Our approach is to build high-quality, sustainable facilities that remain functional and attractive for decades to come, rather than short-term solutions.

European Business: What are your growth ambitions?

Heinz Eder: We currently complete several projects each year and aim to scale up further, but always with a focus on quality. We are in a strong position where we can choose projects carefully and work closely with municipalities that share our values. Our objective is not rapid expansion at any cost, but sustainable, long-term development.

European Business: Beyond daycare centres, are you expanding into other areas?

Heinz Eder: Yes, within the broader field of social infrastructure. For example, we are involved in student housing projects, often combined with childcare facilities. These mixed-use developments create synergies, improve land use efficiency and reflect changing societal needs. However, daycare remains at the core of what we do, and our primary focus going forward.

European Business: What ultimately drives AUDERE’s work?

Heinz Eder: At the end of the day, it is about creating places where children can thrive. High-quality educational environments are not just a social necessity, they are the foundation for economic strength and democratic stability, as well as long-term social cohesion. That is what motivates us every day and guides every project decision.