CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society

What CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society does

CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society is a privately held invitation-only members club founded in 2015 and operated as part of BDCG GmbH, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. It targets high-net-worth individuals (with a stated minimum of €1,000,000 in bankable assets, excluding real estate) and family office principals, offering Society and Legacy Circle subscription memberships that gate access to curated in-person events, off-market investment opportunities, brand introductions, VIP ticketing, concierge support, relocation assistance, and bespoke private-event organization. Distribution is entirely invitation-only: prospects begin with a free newsletter, receive review-based access to the members' area, and complete an application reviewed by the CIS Board within 48 hours. Regular curated events are hosted in Berlin and Zurich, complemented by international side events in London, Monaco, St. Moritz, and other global cities at venues such as China Club Berlin, St. James's Club London, Reform Club London, and Yacht Club de Monaco.

The club does not operate a proprietary technology platform; its core offering is human-curated community and lifestyle services, augmented by a member-facing CIS Token that gates access to exclusive token-holder gatherings. Revenue is generated through recurring membership subscriptions across the Society and Legacy Circle tiers; membership fees are not publicly disclosed. Marketing is community-led and event-driven: a free newsletter functions as the top-of-funnel entry point, prestigious-venue events and partner referrals (Börse Stuttgart Group, Porsche/Bergos ecosystem, FORBES, DEUTSCHE/BANK/DWS partners) fill the mid-funnel, and existing-member referrals close the funnel.

The organization is led by President Kay Schmidt with board members Martin Hesterberg and Thomas Schmiedel, supported by an Advisory Board of family office and investment specialists. The footprint spans Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Monaco, with a marketed global reach. The company has disclosed only a single 2015 funding round of $55,998 (investor unknown) and reports 1-10 employees, consistent with a lean, partnership-driven operating model rather than a venture-scaled subscription business.

Name

CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society

Legal name

CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society

Website

https://ci-society.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society is an invitation-only private members club founded in 2015 that serves high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and founders through recurring Society and Legacy Circle subscriptions, offering curated networking events, off-market deal flow, and concierge services across European cities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Members Club

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Business Associations (81391)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Memberships & Invitation-Only Experiences (HSACAMAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

VIP Event & Venue Access (Clubs, Lounges, Private Suites) (HSACAMAB)

Keywords

• Private members club
• Wealth networking services
• High net worth concierge
• Family office introductions
• Luxury lifestyle services

Headquarters

HQ city

Zug

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Society Membership: Entry-level private membership tier providing access to curated events, networking opportunities, and exclusive experiences in cities such as Berlin and Zurich. Requires proof of wealth (minimum €1,000,000 bankable assets excluding real estate).
2. Legacy Circle Membership: Premium membership tier offering enhanced access to exclusive opportunities, off-market deal flow, and bespoke concierge services for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and influential family offices.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society is a private members club that curates exclusive networking events, lifestyle services, and direct brand introductions for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and entrepreneurs. Membership is gated by a financial-asset vetting requirement (€1,000,000+ in bankable assets) and grants access to tailored concierge services, VIP invitation management, relocation support, and curated off-market opportunities. The club operates on tiered recurring memberships (Society Membership and Legacy Circle Membership) plus a free Subscriber newsletter tier.

Product overview

CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society is a private members club offering a single unified membership experience with tiered access (Subscriber, Society, and Legacy Circle). The club provides a fully integrated suite of private services including tailored staffing, direct brand introductions, private event organization, VIP invitation management, access to high-profile public events, relocation support, and concierge-level assistance. Members also gain access to off-market opportunities and benefit from trusted insights and an international network. The club organizes curated in-person gatherings at prestigious venues across leading global cities such as Berlin, Zurich, London, and Monaco.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Society Membership Recurring paid membership tier granting vetted individuals access to CIS's private networking events, lifestyle concierge, VIP invitation management, brand introductions, and relocation support.
• Legacy Circle Membership Higher-tier recurring membership offering elevated access within the CIS private members club for HNWIs seeking deeper engagement, premium events, and enhanced concierge services.
• Subscriber Newsletter Free newsletter subscription tier providing entry-level access to CIS communications and a freemium funnel into paid Society or Legacy Circle memberships.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Börse Stuttgart GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Börse Stuttgart Group was introduced as a new partner of the CIS Club at a gathering at China Club Berlin. Their presence marked the introduction of their exclusive SELECT offering—a tailored proposition designed for their most sophisticated and high-value clients. This partnership connects CIS members with Stuttgart's financial services expertise.
• Pine ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 April 2026CIS Club hosted its first joint event with Pine Club—an exclusive supercar drive through the Harz region in Germany featuring Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Organized by Clemens Walter and Kay Schmidt, the event marked a successful start to the partnership with plans for future collaborations.
• BDCG GmbHcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBDCG GmbH serves as the parent organization and media/marketing partner for CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society. CIS operates as a part of BDCG GmbH, which is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. BDCG provides organizational infrastructure and marketing support for the club's operations.
• China Club BerlincoreOthersChina Club Berlin serves as the primary venue for CIS's regular gatherings and events in Berlin. This prestigious private venue has hosted numerous CIS events including club meet-ups, rooftop gatherings, and exclusive evening events. The venue's discretion, quality, and atmosphere align with CIS's club philosophy.
• Yacht Club de MonacominorOthersYacht Club de Monaco hosted the CIS Pre-Reception event ahead of the Monaco International Investment Forum and the exclusive Gala Dinner following the forum's opening sessions. This partnership provides CIS members access to Monaco's prestigious maritime social venue.
• SHED Private Members ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSHED Private Members Club in Zug hosted after-work apéros and summer BBQ events with CIS members. The partnership creates networking opportunities between the two private clubs, with SHED founder Ralf Glabischnik providing hospitality and community support.
• AO HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAO Health, a longevity start-up with concierge services, sponsored a CIS Club Meet-Up in Berlin with a welcome drink. This sponsorship provided exposure to CIS's high-net-worth member base while supporting the club's event programming.
• Ferrari BerlinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFerrari Berlin invited CIS members to experience the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race, including private test drives of Ferrari vehicles including the SF90 supercar. The partnership provides exclusive automotive experiences for CIS members while connecting Ferrari Berlin with the club's affluent clientele.
• St. James's Club LondonminorOthersCIS hosted an evening event at the prestigious St. James's Club in London on June 19, 2026, bringing together selected CIS members, invited guests, and prospective members for informal networking and exchange.
• Reform Club LondonminorOthersCIS members gathered at the historic Reform Club in London on June 18, 2026, for curated one-to-one meetings focused on meaningful conversations between investors, entrepreneurs, and family office representatives.
• CV SummitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIS participated as an official community partner at the CV Summit in Zurich—Switzerland's leading conference for blockchain, digital assets, and innovation. This partnership reinforced CIS's position at the intersection of capital and innovation.
• Crypto Invest SummitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCIS served as an official Community Partner for the Crypto Invest Summit 2025, hosting an exclusive VIP Pre-Event at China Club Berlin that brought together leaders, innovators, and investors.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Arts Club London: Historic London private members club founded in 1863, serving accomplished individuals across industries with curated events, dining, and cultural programming — directly comparable to CIS's invitation-only model targeting similar HNWI demographics.
• Tiger 21: Peer-to-peer learning network for HNW investors ($10M+ in investable assets) operating through group meetings, asset allocation sharing, and curated introductions — closely comparable to CIS's HNWI investment-deal-flow value proposition.
• Home House London: Established London private members club offering dining, events, and workspaces to a curated professional and creative membership; comparable in audience profile and recurring-subscription economics to CIS.
• Annabel's / Birley Group: London-based portfolio of iconic private members clubs (Annabel's, Harry's Bar, Mark's Club) catering to UHNW members with dining, events, and concierge services — directly comparable premium European private club competitor.
• Core Club: NYC-based ultra-premium private members club for UHNW individuals with a $50,000 initiation fee; targets the same wealth-tier and business networking use case as CIS's Legacy Circle tier.
• YPO (Young Presidents' Organization): Global peer network of chief executives and business leaders built around member-only forums, events, and education; functionally comparable to CIS on the executive peer-networking and deal-flow dimension.
• The Conduit London: London private members club convening leaders across business, policy, and social impact; closely comparable to CIS's curated, mission-driven HNWI community with international programming.
• NeueHouse: Private members workspace and cultural club with locations in NYC, LA, and London, serving creators and entrepreneurs — overlaps with CIS's entrepreneur/founder segment and recurring membership model.
• 5 Hertford Street / LouLou's: London private members club complex (5 Hertford Street, LouLou's) operated by Robin Birley; comparable to CIS as an exclusive, event-driven HNWI club with high-touch curation and premium positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Soho House: Global private members club operating ~40 houses worldwide with a focus on creative industries; the most established and well-capitalized private club brand and the primary benchmark for CIS's subscription-based membership model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CIS - The Capital & Innovation Society