Jakob Fugger the Elder

On his death in 1408, through hard work and consecutive marriages to two industrious and well off women, Hans left his family an on-going business and a large fortune.

His widow Elisabeth Fugger-Gfattermann continued running the weaving and textile-trading side of the business until her own death in 1436.

Her leadership was aided by Hans (initially) and by her sons Andreas Fugger and Jakob (both apprenticed gold-workers).

During the first three decades of the 15th century, the business thrived and the family amassed a considerable fortune.

On his mother's death, Andreas assumed leadership of the lucrative, but still low-level, business.