Hildebrand Verkinchusen

Hildebrand Verkinchusen was a German merchant and moneylender active in trade of the Hanseatic League.

Hildebrand originated from Westphalia, and along with his two brothers engaged in the international trade of the Hanseatic League. Hildebrand was known as the most adventurous, but also as less successful in comparison with his brothers. His brother Sievert was particularly successful in amber trade, prospering to the point that was admitted to the patriciate of his native city.

Hildebrand became a citizen of Lübeck, although he traded mainly in city of Bruges. He married twice – first for daughter of the burghermaster of Dortmund, and secondly for daughter of a rich merchant in Riga.

Decision to expand his business activities to Venice proved to be very unfavorable for his business. Namely, his partner Peter Karbow who was in charge for managing of his affairs in Venice inflicted him serious losses due to incompetence. Furthermore, extension of a loan of 3,000 crown to Emperor Sigismund who was not interested in repaying resulted in his arrest for insolvency. Hildebrand never recovered from that failure.