DACH Startup News May 2025: Unicorns, M&A, and VC Surge
- Jörn Menninger
- vor 1 Tag
- 33 Min. Lesezeit

🚀 Management Summary May 2025 DACH Startup News
May 2025 was a powerhouse month for the DACH startup scene. From new unicorns like Parloa and Quantum Systems to landmark acquisitions by Lyft and Fiskaly, the region buzzed with innovation, capital influx, and strategic realignment. This blog post distills the most important updates from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for founders, investors, and tech leaders. Whether you're navigating VC trends, scaling your startup, or scouting new opportunities, this post delivers actionable insights and forward-looking analysis.
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🦄 What Are the Biggest DACH Startup Highlights from May 2025?
1. Parloa Becomes Germany’s Second Unicorn in 2025
Parloa, based in Berlin, secured $120M in Series C funding to expand its agentic AI customer service platform. Backed by Durable Capital and General Catalyst, it joins Europe’s elite by pioneering AI-native tools for enterprise contact centersThis Month in German, S….
Quick Facts:
Sector: Enterprise AI
Valuation: $1B+
Competitive Edge: Multichannel AI agent orchestration
💡 Featured Snippet Optimization: Parloa became a unicorn in May 2025 with $120M Series C funding to scale its AI-powered enterprise customer service platform.
2. Which AI Startups Are Leading in the DACH Region?
Munich’s Quantum Systems raised €160M to advance dual-use AI drones integrating edge computing and autonomous flight. The move positions them at the forefront of defense and environmental intelligenceThis Month in German, S….
Other standout AI plays:
Remberg: €15M for AI maintenance software
7Learnings: €10M to expand AI pricing solutions to the U.S.
Explore the full list of top AI startups in the DACH region.
💰 How Is Venture Capital Reshaping Europe’s Startup Landscape?
The European Investment Bank unveiled a €70B startup initiative through 2027. Austria followed suit with a €1B fund-of-funds. Major funds launched in May:
Lunar Ventures (Berlin): €50M for DeepTech
Adams Street Partners: €270M for healthcare and tech
Bosch Ventures: €270M into U.S. DeepTech
Read how the EIB's €70B fund is reshaping European startup funding
🔗 What Major M&A Deals Shaped May 2025?
Lyft acquires FreeNow for €175M → Aggressive EU expansion
Fiskaly acquires Deutsche Fiskal GmbH → Fiscal tech consolidation
Komoot, the outdoor navigation app, was acquired by an Italian investor
Other deals:
Gnosis buys HQ.xyz for $15M (Web3)
Centric Software buys Contentserv for €220M (PLM meets PIM)
Explore recent startup acquisitions in DACH
📉 What’s Going on in Fintech and Regulation?
The fintech scene wasn’t all smooth sailing. Key developments:
BaFin warned brokers after April's trading disruptions.
Trade Republic faced backlash over customer service failures.
Vivid earned a MiCA license, enabling regulated crypto operations across the EU.
Fintechs must now brace for the EU Data Act (effective Sept 12, 2025), with Bitkom data showing most firms are unprepared.
👉 For more, check out our blog: Fintech Regulation Update: MiCA, BaFin, and German Crypto Startups
🌱 Green Tech and Biotech: What’s the Outlook?
Climate Tech
Climeworks cut 10% of staff after underperformance of its CO₂ capture tech.
OroraTech launched a wildfire-monitoring satellite constellation.
Biotech
CureVac scored a partial mRNA IP win over BioNTech.
Haya Therapeutics and Repronovo each raised $65M for RNA and reproductive therapies.
🌍 How’s the DACH Economic Climate?
Germany posted 0.4% Q1 GDP growth (twice the forecast).
ifo Business Climate Index rose to 87.5 in May.
East German female founders showed strong startup performance despite funding gaps
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🔗 Related Reads
Top AI Startups in the DACH Region in 2025 https://www.startuprad.io/post/top-ai-startups-in-the-dach-region-in-2025
🚦German Venture Capital in Q1 2025: Dealflow Quality Rises Amid Exit Anxiety and Fundraising Chill https://www.startuprad.io/post/german-venture-capital-in-q1-2025-dealflow-quality-rises-amid-exit-anxiety-and-fundraising-chill
This Month in DACH Startups: April 2025 Startup News Wrap-Up https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-dach-startups-april-2025-startup-news-wrap-up
Germany Startup Policy 2025: Strategies for Founders & Investors https://www.startuprad.io/post/startup-financing-in-2025-strategies-for-founders-investors
DACH Unicorn Tracker 2025: Trends, Funding, and Opportunities https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io
MiCA Explained: Understanding Regulation for Crypto Assets and Services in the EU https://www.startuprad.io/post/mica-explained-understanding-regulation-for-crypto-assets-and-services-in-the-eu
What the MiCA License Means for Crypto Startups in Europe https://www.startuprad.io/post/what-the-mica-license-means-for-crypto-startups-in-europe
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Jörn “Joe” Menninger is the founder and host of Startuprad.io — one of Europe’s top startup podcasts and a globally ranked show in entrepreneurship. With over 15 years of experience in management consulting and startup strategy, he brings clarity, vision, and wit to every interview and analysis. He’s been featured in Forbes, Tech.eu, and Geektime for his deep dives into innovation, VC, and digital transformation. Find him on LinkedIn
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Top News
Our Top News This Month!
🦄 Parloa becomes Germany’s 2nd unicorn of 2025
Berlin-based Parloa has ascended to unicorn status following a $120 million Series C funding round led by Durable Capital Partners, Altimeter Capital, and General Catalyst. The company specializes in Agentic AI for customer service, offering an AI Agent Management Platform designed to revolutionize enterprise contact centers. Parloa's platform enables the deployment of autonomous AI agents capable of handling complex customer interactions across various channels, including phone, chat, and messaging apps. This funding round underscores the growing demand for AI-native enterprise tools in Europe and positions Parloa as a leader in the transformation of customer service operations. Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506194825/en/Parloa-Raises-%24120M-Series-C-to-Reinvent-Customer-Service-with-Agentic-AI https://www.businessinsider.de/gruenderszene/business/berliner-ki-startup-parloa-ist-das-zweite-deutsche-unicorn-2025/ https://www.parloa.com/de/unternehmen/presse/parloa-sichert-sich-120-millionen-series-c/
🚖 Lyft acquires FreeNow for €175M, expands into Europe
In a strategic move to broaden its global footprint, Lyft has acquired European ride-hailing platform FreeNow for €175 million. This acquisition marks Lyft's first major expansion outside North America, granting it access to over 150 cities across nine European countries, including key markets like London, Paris, and Berlin. FreeNow, originally a joint venture between BMW and Mercedes-Benz, has a strong presence in the traditional taxi sector, which accounts for approximately 90% of its bookings. The integration of FreeNow's operations is expected to enhance Lyft's competitiveness against rivals like Uber and Bolt in the European market. Source: https://www.trendingtopics.eu/lyft-uebernimmt-freenow-fuer-175-millionen-euro-expandiert-nach-europa/ https://www.businessinsider.de/gruenderszene/automotive-mobility/die-uebernahme-von-freenow-ist-eine-bankrotterklaerung-der-autokonzerne/ https://www.heise.de/news/Mobilitaetsplattformen-Lyft-uebernimmt-Freenow-10354595.html
🚀 Quantum Systems secures €160M for AI-powered drones
Munich-based Quantum Systems has raised €160 million in funding to advance its AI-powered drone technology (announced May 6th). The investment round, led by Balderton Capital with participation from Airbus Defence and Space and other strategic partners, aims to scale the company's production capabilities and expand its international presence. Quantum Systems specializes in developing dual-use unmanned aerial systems that integrate AI, edge computing, and autonomous flight capabilities for applications in defense, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental surveillance. The funding positions Quantum Systems as a key player in the rapidly growing market for AI-driven aerial intelligence solutions.Startup HQ: MunichSource: https://tech.eu/2025/05/06/quantum-systems-raises-eur160-million-for-ai-powered-aerial-intelligence/ https://quantum-systems.com/blog/2025/05/05/quantum-systems-raises-euro160m/
🧬 CureVac achieves partial success in BioNTech patent dispute
Tübingen-based biopharmaceutical company CureVac has reported a partial victory in its ongoing patent litigation against BioNTech concerning mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines. The European Patent Office has upheld certain claims of CureVac's patents, potentially impacting the intellectual property landscape for mRNA-based therapeutics in Europe. While the legal proceedings continue, this development signifies a noteworthy moment in the protection and commercialization of biotech innovations within the region.
Startup HQ: TübingenSource: https://transkript.de/artikel/2025/curevac-erzielt-teilerfolg-im-patentstreit-mit-biontech/
🚀 Manager Magazin Honors Top 100 Women in German BusinessManager Magazin, in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group, has released its annual list of the 100 most influential women in German business for 2024. The list celebrates female leaders across various industries, highlighting their contributions to corporate governance, innovation, and economic growth. Renate Wagner, a board member at Allianz, was named "Prima inter Pares" for her exemplary leadership and impact. This recognition underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of business in Germany.Source: live.manager-magazin.delive.manager-magazin.de+1live.manager-magazin.de+1live.manager-magazin.de+2live.manager-magazin.de+2live.manager-magazin.de+2
Housekeeping & Time to Brag
🚀 Startuprad.io Dominates Global Startup Podcast SceneStartuprad.io has emerged as a leading startup podcast, charting in over 20 countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With specialized sub-shows like Blockchain Germany and Fintech Germany, it offers targeted content for founders, investors, and innovation leaders. Over 90% of its audience tunes in for professional reasons, making it an ideal platform for B2B advertisers seeking to connect with the DACH startup ecosystem. Startup HQ: Frankfurt, GermanySource: https://www.startuprad.io/post/why-startuprad-io-is-dominating-the-global-startup-podcast-scene-and-what-it-means-for-advertisers
🚀 Startuprad.io: A Must-Buy for B2B Advertisers Recognized globally, Startuprad.io ranks in the Top 50 globally across multiple podcast categories, including Business News and Technology by MillionPodcasts. We also scored in the top 50 management podcasts, top 50 business news and top 100 technology podcasts on Goodpods. We even made it into million podcasts Top 100 Startup Ecosystem Ranking 3 times with our Deep Tech Germany Podcast, Fintech Germany Podcast and Startuprad.io. Thanks to our audience for making this possible!Startup HQ: Frankfurt, GermanySource: https://www.startuprad.io/post/why-startuprad-io-is-one-of-the-world-s-top-startup-podcasts-and-a-must-buy-for-b2b-advertisers
https://goodpods.com/podcasts/startupradio-europes-voice-on-startups-vc-innovation-and-growth-37834https://goodpods.com/podcasts/startup-and-tech-news-from-germany-austria-and-switzerland-193755 https://www.millionpodcasts.com/startup-ecosystem-podcasts/ https://www.millionpodcasts.com/startup-podcasts/ https://www.millionpodcasts.com/tech-startup-podcasts/
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Startuprad.io has been picked as the top startup podcast globally by Podcast.today. This accolade highlights the podcast's influential role in delivering in-depth insights into the startup ecosystems of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With a dedicated focus on early-stage ventures and innovation trends, Startuprad.io continues to be a vital resource for founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts worldwide.
Startup HQ: Frankfurt, GermanySource: https://podcast.today/newsletter
Ecosystem
Europe
● 💰 European Investment Bbank (EIB) Launches €70B Startup Funding InitiativeEIB announced a new initiative to provide €70 billion in startup funding by 2027. This move aims to bridge Europe's investment gap with the United States.
● 💻 EU Invests €1.3B in Generative AI and Cybersecurity Projects The European Commission committed €1.3 billion to large-scale tech projects, focusing on generative AI and cybersecurity.Source: https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/tech/digitale-projekte-eu-kommission-investiert-1-3-milliarden-euro-in-generative-ki-und-cybersicherheit-a-62a56c79-0b0c-453f-b2ac-298687717536
● 📊 Bitkom: German Companies Unprepared for EU Data Act A Bitkom survey reveals that many German companies are unprepared for the EU's Data Act, which into force September 12th 2025. The act regulates access to user-generated data, aiming to boost Europe's data economy.Source: https://www.bitkom.org/Presse/Presseinformation/Data-Act-Kaum-Unternehmen-vorbereitet
Austria
💶 Austrian Government Plans €1B Fund-of-Funds for Startups Austria will launch a €1 billion fund-of-funds to stimulate VC investment and support innovation-led startups and spin-offs. The public-private initiative is expected to bolster Austria’s competitiveness.Source: https://vcwire.tech/2025/05/22/austrian-federal-government-plans-to-launch-fund-of-funds/
Germany
● 📈 ifo Business Climate Index rises to 87.5 in May 2025 Germany’s ifo Business Climate Index increased from 86.9 in April to 87.5 in May 2025, signaling a cautious rebound in economic sentiment. The improvement stems from more optimistic expectations among German companies, particularly in manufacturing, retail, and construction. However, assessments of the current business situation slightly declined, reflecting lingering uncertainties in global trade and supply chains. Startup HQ: Germany (Macro Index) Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://www.ifo.de/fakten/2025-05-22/ifo-geschaeftsklimaindex-gestiegen-mai-2025
● 📈 German Economy Grows by 0.4% in Q1 2025 Germany's GDP grew 0.4% in Q1 2025, twice the initial estimate. Growth was driven by strong manufacturing and export performance, especially in pharmaceuticals and automotive parts.Source: https://www.destatis.de/EN/Press/2025/05/PE25_182_811.html#:~:text=Gross%20domestic%20product%20(GDP)%2C%201st%20quarter%20of%202025&text=WIESBADEN%20%E2%80%93%20The%20gross%20domestic%20product,price%2C%20seasonal%20and%20calendar%20variations.
● 👩💼 de:hub Report Highlights Challenges for Female Founders in East Germany The de:hub report "Startup. Gründerin. Ostdeutsch." indicates that female founders in East Germany face dual disadvantages: structural weaknesses in accessing venture capital and a general gender investment gap. BUT they are more successful in east germany!Source: https://www.starting-up.de/news/wettbewerbe-initiativen-studien/dehub-report-startup-gruenderin-ostdeutsch.html
General News / Tech News / Companies News Section
VC News and New Funds, in case you are looking for money (also only a selection):
● 🚀 Lunar Ventures Launches €50M Fund II for DeepTech Startups Berlin-based VC firm Lunar Ventures has launched its second fund, raising €50 million to invest in pre-seed DeepTech startups. The fund aims to support technical founders solving essential problems. Startup HQ: Berlin, Germany Source: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/05/berlin-based-vc-firm-lunar-ventures-launches-e50-million-fund-ii-for-pre-seed-deeptech-investments/
● 💰 Adams Street Partners Closes €270M Fund for European Tech and Health Adams Street Partners raised €270M for a new fund targeting next-gen healthcare and tech companies across Europe, from early-stage to growth investments. Startup HQ: Chicago, USA Source: https://techfundingnews.com/adams-street-closes-e270m-fund-to-fuel-europes-next-gen-tech-and-healthcare-innovation/
● 🔬 Bosch Ventures Invests €270M in U.S. DeepTech Bosch Ventures has committed €270M to American DeepTech startups, including AI and quantum computing firms, to enhance global innovation access.Startup HQ: Stuttgart, GermanySource: https://techfundingnews.com/bosch-ventures-270m-bet-on-us-deeptech-catalyst-or-challenge-for-german-innovation/
● 📊 Insight Partners Spotlights 2025 German Portfolio Insight Partners
showcased its 2025 German portfolio including B2B SaaS, e-commerce, and fintech startups backed by its scale-up expertise by Deutsche-Startups Startup HQ: New York, USA Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://www.deutsche-startups.de/2025/04/22/insight-partners-portfolio-2025/
● 🛰️ AI-powered defence tech fund backed by former NATO Secretary
Final Frontier launches a new AI-powered defence tech fund backed by former NATO Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The fund focuses on dual-use AI innovations in aerospace, security, and national defense. Startup HQ: Europe Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://tech.eu/2025/05/07/former-nato-secretary-backs-final-frontiers-defencetech-fund/
Green Tech News
● 🚨 Climeworks Announces Workforce Reduction Amid Performance Challenges Swiss carbon capture company Climeworks is cutting over 10% of its workforce due to underperformance at its direct air capture plants. The flagship Mammoth plant in Iceland captured just 750 tons of CO₂ (105 net) versus a 36,000-ton target.Startup HQ: Zurich, SwitzerlandSource: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/17/swiss-firm-that-captures-carbon-from-air-to-cut-workforce-by-more-than-10
Fintech News
● 🚨 BaFin Warns Banks and Brokers After April Trading Disruptions Germany's financial regulator BaFin has issued warnings to banks and brokers following significant trading disruptions in April 2025. The regulator emphasized the need for robust systems to ensure market stability and protect investors. Source: https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/banken-versicherungen/banken/maerkte-bafin-droht-banken-und-brokern-nach-stoerungen-mit-konsequenzen/100124508.html
● 📉 Trade Republic Faces Criticism Over Customer Service Issues Berlin-based neobroker Trade Republic is under scrutiny due to customer complaints about prolonged account issues and inadequate support. One user reported being locked out of their account for seven weeks without resolution.Startup HQ: Berlin, GermanySource: https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-News-Finanzen-trade-republic-probleme-kundenservice-39711863.html
● ⚖️ Commerzbank and EY Clash Over Wirecard Scandal Commerzbank and auditing firm EY are engaged in a legal dispute over the Wirecard scandal. The bank seeks compensation for damages incurred due to EY's alleged audit failures. Source: https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/dienstleister/verhandlung-commerzbank-und-ey-liefern-sich-schlagabtausch-wegen-wirecard/100129312.html
● 🔐 Vivid Receives MiCA License to Expand Regulated Crypto Services in EU Berlin-based fintech Vivid has obtained a MiCA license, allowing it to offer fully regulated crypto products in Germany, France, and beyond from July 2025. Startup HQ: Berlin, Germany Source: https://www.btc-echo.de/schlagzeilen/vivid-ergattert-eine-mica-lizenz-207354/
General News
● 🚁 Volocopter Delays Passenger Flights Due to Certification Issues Volocopter has postponed its air taxi service launch as it navigates regulatory hurdles and technical certification delays. Startup HQ: Bruchsal, Germany Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://logistik-heute.de/news/flugtaxi-passagiere-muessen-warten-was-volocopter-nun-plant-211895.html
● 🌍 FEMPRENEUR Highlights Importance of Migrant Founders in Germany FEMPRENEUR magazine emphasizes the growing role of migrant founders in Germany's startup ecosystem. These entrepreneurs bring diverse perspectives and are crucial for innovation and economic growth. Startup HQ: Germany Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://fempreneur.de/migrant-founders-2025-warum-deutschland-mehr-internationale-gruenderinnen-braucht/
● 🚁 Jedsy completes first commercial drone delivery in GermanyJedsy, a Swiss drone logistics startup, has conducted Germany’s first approved commercial drone delivery. The milestone positions Jedsy at the forefront of next-gen medical and urban logistics solutions.Startup HQ: ZurichSource: https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/jedsy-conducts-first-approved-commercial-drone-flight-in-germany
● 🎓 GoStudent launches offline franchise model
Edtech unicorn GoStudent is piloting an offline franchise model, signaling a hybrid future for private tutoring in Europe. The move aims to create physical hubs while scaling digital reach. Startup HQ: Vienna Source: https://www.trendingtopics.eu/gostudent-offline-franchise/
● 🚀 OroraTech and Spire Global Launch Satellite Constellation for Wildfire Monitoring Munich-based space tech startup OroraTech, in collaboration with Spire Global, has successfully launched its first satellite constellation aimed at global wildfire detection. The eight satellites, deployed into a 550-kilometer orbit, will provide real-time data to aid in early wildfire detection and environmental monitoring.Startup HQ: Munich, GermanySource: brutkastenSpaceWatch.GLOBAL+14brutkasten+14brutkasten+14brutkasten
● 🚀 MSFIN Recovers €5M in Losses from Illegal Online Gambling Vienna-based startup M&S Prozessfinanzierung (MSFIN) has developed a unique business model specializing in reclaiming losses from illegal online gambling. In Austria, where gambling is a state monopoly, many international providers operate without valid licenses. MSFIN assists players in legally recovering their losses from such platforms. Founded by Cristobal Svoboda and Benjamin Malaiev, the company has successfully reclaimed over €5 million for affected players in the past year without a single court case. Trending TopicsStartup HQ: Vienna, AustriaSource: https://www.trendingtopics.eu/msfin-wiener-startup-holte-5-mio-euro-verluste-aus-illegalem-online-gluecksspiel-zurueck/
🚀 10 German Soonicorns to Watch in 2025 Sifted has identified 10 German startups poised to achieve unicorn status in 2025. The list includes:
● Vivid (Berlin): Banking and investment app with an estimated valuation of $853 million.
● Isar Aerospace (Munich): Rocket launcher startup valued at $825 million.
● The Exploration Company (Munich/Bordeaux): Developing reusable space capsules, valued between $660–990 million.
● Billie (Berlin): B2B 'buy now, pay later' service, valued at $640 million. ⇒ Startuprad.io Interview: http://startuprad.io/post/billie-brings-buy-now-pay-later-bnpl-to-the-b2b-market
● Moonfare (Berlin): Private equity investment platform, valued at $625 million.
● H2 Mobility (Berlin): Hydrogen-fueling infrastructure provider, valued at $605 million.
● FINN (Munich): Car subscription service, valued at $603 million. These companies are leading the way in Germany's startup ecosystem and are expected to reach billion-dollar valuations soon. Sifted+1Sifted+1Trending TopicsFind our Interview with FINN’s CEO here: https://www.startuprad.io/post/balancing-freedom-and-responsibility-the-story-behind-finn-s-vision-for-transforming-car-ownership
● 🏗️ Buwog Commissions Gropyus for Major Berlin Housing Project Austrian real estate company Buwog has tasked Gropyus with constructing a large-scale housing project in Berlin-Lichtenberg. The development will feature 158 residential units across nine buildings. Startup HQ: Vienna, Austria Source: https://brutkasten.com/artikel/buwog-beauftragt-gropyus-mit-grossprojekt-in-berlin
● 🏆 Women Start-up Award 2025 Empowers Female Founders in Bavaria UnternehmerTUM’s Women Start-up Award offers mentorship, exposure, and €1,000 in prize money to promising female tech entrepreneurs. Winners also receive access to major conferences like Slush and DLD. Startup HQ: Munich, Germany Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://www.unternehmertum.de/en/landingpages/women-start-up-award
Schumpeters Schöpferische Zerstörung ⇒ Creative Destruction
(Layoffs insolvencies, layoffs and other bad news):
● ⚠️ Medigene files for insolvencyGerman biotech firm Medigene has filed for insolvency following failed partnerships and drying capital. The move underscores ongoing turbulence in the European biotech funding landscape.Source: https://transkript.de/artikel/2025/medigene-geht-in-die-insolvenz/
● ⚠️ Doctorly files for insolvencyHealthtech startup Doctorly, once hailed as the future of digital patient management, has filed for insolvency amid financial pressures and slow adoption in the German healthcare system. Startup HQ: Berlin Source: https://www.businessinsider.de/gruenderszene/health/arztpraxis-startup-doctorly-meldet-insolvenz-an/
● ⚡ Customcells Files for Insolvency Amid Battery Sector Turmoil German battery innovator Customcells, known for supplying electric aviation projects, has filed for insolvency amid financial pressures in the sector. Startup HQ: Itzehoe, Germany Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://tech.eu/2025/05/05/german-battery-pioneer-customcells-files-for-insolvency/
● 🛑 Goyaa Shuts Down Operations Amid Market Pressure Hamburg-based Goyaa, a platform for creative professionals, is ceasing operations due to lack of sustainable growth in a tough macro environment. Startup HQ: Hamburg, GermanySource: https://siliconcanals.com/hamburgs-goyaa-decides-to-wind-down-operations/
End on a High Note: Successful Fundraisings and Exits:
Keep in mind this is a small selection. The news here and their total value show how resilient the startup scene is. We included only selected fundraisings above 10 million Euros, CHF or USD. We will only bring you highlights here.
● 🏥 Repronovo raises $65M for reproductive health innovation
Swiss startup Repronovo has secured $65M in Series A funding to advance its reproductive medicine platform into Phase II clinical trials. The biotech company is innovating fertility care through data-driven treatment personalization.Startup HQ: SwitzerlandSource: https://www.finsmes.com/2025/05/repronovo-raises-65m-in-series-a-financing.html
● 🧠 Haya Therapeutics raises $65M Series A for heart therapies
Haya Therapeutics, a Lausanne-based biotech, secures $65M Series A to expand its pipeline of non-coding RNA-based therapies for cardiac fibrosis. The company aims to tackle unmet medical needs in cardiovascular care.Startup HQ: LausanneSource: https://www.finsmes.com/2025/05/haya-therapeutics-raises-65m-in-series-a-funding.html
● 🐾 Dalma raises €20M for pet tech
Dalma, a French-German pet insurance and wellness platform, has secured €20M in funding to expand its tech stack and European presence, tapping into the growing pet care economy with AI-enhanced services.
Startup HQ: Paris / Berlin
● 💼 Remberg Raises €15M in Series A+ Round to Scale AI Maintenance Tools Munich-based Remberg secured €15 million in Series A+ funding to expand its AI-powered maintenance and asset operations software across Europe.Startup HQ: Munich, GermanySource: https://www.finsmes.com/2025/05/remberg-raises-e15m-in-series-a-funding.html
● 🧠 7Learnings Raises €10M to Expand AI Retail Pricing to U.S. Berlin’s 7Learnings secured €10 million to expand its AI-powered dynamic pricing solution to U.S. retailers.Startup HQ: Berlin, GermanySource: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/05/german-startup-7learnings-raises-e10-million-to-expand-its-retail-ai-platform-to-us/
● 🚀 Nect Secures €2.5M to Expand Digital Identity Solutions On March 25, 2025, German tech startup Nect secured a €2.5 million investment from Round2 Capital. The revenue-based financing model allows Nect to drive its market expansion while retaining control over its business shares. With 12 million active users of the Nect Wallet, the company plans to use the funds to further expand its market leadership in Europe and scale its business model internationally. Startbase+2Startbase+2Startbase+2
Startup HQ: Hamburg, GermanySource: https://www.startbase.de/news/nect-sichert-sich-25-millionen-euro/
The funding is a bit small for our normal coverage, but NECT has been a guest in the past: http://startuprad.io/post/meet-nect-germany-s-most-downloaded-self-identification-app
M&A News
● 📊 Fiskaly acquires Deutsche Fiskal GmbHAustrian fiscal compliance provider Fiskaly has acquired Deutsche Fiskal GmbH to expand its footprint across Germany and centralize its market position in cloud-based fiscal receipt services. Startup HQ: Vienna Source: https://brutkasten.com/artikel/fiskaly-uebernimmt-berliner-unternehmen-weitere-expansion-in-europa-geplant
Note: We will have Fiskaly soon in our interview. Stay tuned!
● 🔗 Gnosis acquires HQ.xyz for $15M
Web3 infrastructure player Gnosis has acquired Asian crypto platform HQ.xyz for $15M to fuel its international expansion and strengthen its multi-chain transaction ecosystem. Startup HQ: Berlin Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://tech.eu/2025/05/14/german-blockchain-startup-gnosis-acquires-hq-xyz-for-15m-to-expand-into-asia/
● 🏕️ Komoot acquired by Italian firm
Potsdam-based outdoor navigation app Komoot has been acquired by an Italian strategic investor, signaling renewed consolidation in the digital outdoor adventure market. Startup HQ: Potsdam Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://www.businessinsider.de/gruenderszene/business/italienische-firma-uebernimmt-outdoor-startup-komoot-potsdam/
● 🚀 Wellhub Acquires Urban Sports Club to Expand Corporate Wellness in Europe Wellhub, a global corporate wellness platform, has acquired Urban Sports Club, a European provider of fitness and wellness programs. This strategic acquisition enhances Wellhub's offerings across Europe, providing a broader network of fitness, mindfulness, and wellness solutions for companies and their employees.Startup HQ: São Paulo, BrazilSource: WellhubWellhub+1Wellhub+1
● 🚀 Centric Software Acquires Contentserv for €220M On February 25, 2025, Centric Software, a leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), announced the acquisition of German-based Contentserv, a provider of AI-driven Product Information Management (PIM) and Product Experience Management (PXM) solutions, for an enterprise value of €220 million. This strategic move aims to deliver enhanced, end-to-end value for customers across the entire product lifecycle. Sohu+13Centric Software+13Centric Software+13contentserv.com+2PR-Web+2PresseBox+2
Startup HQ: Rohrbach, Germany Source: https://www.contentserv.com/press/contentserv-joins-forces-with-centric-software
● 🏥 OneDoc Acquires Competitor to Expand Medical Appointment Platform Swiss medical appointment platform OneDoc has acquired a competitor to enhance its services and expand its user base. The move aims to streamline healthcare access for patients across Switzerland. Startup HQ: Switzerland Covered on Startuprad.io: Not yet covered Source: https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/arzttermin-buchungsplattform-onedoc-uebernimmt-mitbewerber
Today Our Last News Piece is Useless Knowledge
In a delightful nod to nostalgia, Bayern Munich's players recreated an iconic childhood photo of club legend Thomas Müller. As Müller's illustrious career with Bayern draws to a close, his teammates paid tribute by emulating a photo of young Müller in his bedroom adorned with Bayern memorabilia. This heartfelt gesture celebrates Müller's lifelong dedication to the club and brought smiles to fans worldwide. https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2025/5/25/24433517/bayern-munich-teammates-recreate-iconic-thomas-muller-childhood-photo-germany-champions-bundesliga?utm_source=chatgpt.com
We will be back with the next startup news on July 3rd 2025 and leaving you to the summer break. From there we are back with the summer wrap-up on September 1st. Then we will stick with you monthly until the end of the year. Expect the last news to drop on December 18th and our Fintech Review likely on December 23rd
The Hosts
The news are co-hosted by Jörn “Joe” Menninger, startup scout, founder, and host of Startuprad.io. And Christian “Chris' ' Fahrenbach, co-founder Startuprad.io, freelance reporter, lecturer, author and blogger . Reach out to them:
About us: Stay ahead of the curve with Startuprad.io
Welcome to Startuprad.io™, the audio and video podcast, one of the premier sources for news and insights into the world of German, Austrian, and Swiss tech innovation!
If you’re looking for insightful conversations with industry leaders, game-changing entrepreneurs, and influential investors, you’ve come to the right place. Our platform is designed for decision-makers like you, with Nobel Laureates, Emmy Award winners, authors of New York Times bestsellers, and Forbes 40 under 40, Top Capital 40 unter 40, and Forbes 30 under 30, as guests. Dive into our content that offers a curated selection of interviews with current and future movers-and-shakers.
Discover which partnerships are driving growth in the European tech space. We especially pride ourselves, that “You likely never have heard of our guests, but you will in the future.” We interview entrepreneurs early in their journey, to unicorn founders and CEO of NASDAQ listed companies, but our focus is on startups starting around Series A funding. Join us at Startuprad.io, where every conversation inspires new possibilities.
Our origins are the audio podcast, but now we also run a 24/7 internet radio station (Startup.Radio) with partners, a blog (Startuprad.io/blog), a YouTube Channel (Youtube.com/startupradio), a TikTok Channel, eight sub-podcasts, and more than two dozen social media accounts (including for our sub-podcasts) to share curated news 24/7.
✍️Automated Transcript
Narrator Dorsey Jackson [00:00:05]:
Welcome to startuprad.io, your podcast and YouTube blog covering the German start up scene with news, interviews, and live events.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:00:20]:
Welcome to this month in German, Swiss, and Austrian start ups, May 2025. Welcome to our regular start up news from the German speaking tech and entrepreneurship scenes in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Our start up news is recorded with Chris. Hey. How you doing, man?
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:00:37]:
Yeah. Happy Memorial Day. Summer is kicking off. Not weather wise yet, but, otherwise, everyone here in New York is very ready.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:00:46]:
As you said, you are in New York. I'm joining from Frankfurt. Today's news cut is the May 23 due to our travels. As always, all news not yet included will be included. Our next news wrap up published before Independence Day for our American audience, July 3. The next news wrap up after this will be after the summer break on September 1 with the wrap up of everything that was going on in July and August. We needed to cut our news seriously again. So we have a brief news overview here for you.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:01:22]:
We'll have news pieces on our blog that we did not cover. Otherwise, the news would stretch way too long. This time, we went through almost 400 pieces for new. A little disclaimer here. I got up this morning. I was so tired, mostly due to travel, that I was not forming complete sentences in my mother tongue. Now it's past 9PM, twenty one o'clock, and we're just recording this. So please cut me some slack here.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:01:47]:
Okay? Let's go into our highlights. May 2025 delivered another high octane month in the German, Swiss, and Austrian startup ecosystem with breakthrough funding rounds, transformational m n a activities, and new unicorns reshaping the European innovation landscape. Berlin based Paloa reached unicorn status after securing 120,000,000 in series c funding, cementing its position as leader in agentic AI power cost AI powered customer service, meaning AIH. It's for, customer service. This is second unicorn coined in Germany in 2025. Meanwhile, Munich's Quantum Systems raised €160,000,000 to expand its AI drone platform, pushing closer to aerial intelligence dominance in Europe in another major shakeup of the mobility tech sector. US based ride hailing app Lyft, acquired free now for €175,000,000, signaling aggressive ride hailing expansion in Germany, France, and Spain. On the legal front, CureVac scored a partial victory in its high profile mRNA battle with BioNTech, a development that could redefine biotech IP strategy across the European Union.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:03:14]:
Talking about the European Union here, they made headlines with €1,300,000,000 investment push into generative AI and cybersecurity infrastructure, and the European Investment Bank, EIB, committed a staggering 70,000,000,000, yes, billion would be, push in fresh start up capital through 2027, both moves to close the Transatlantic funding gap. On the home front, Austria launched a 1,000,000,000 fund of fund to boost domestic venture capital deployment, and Germany posted a modest GDP growth and an uptick in the Ifo business climate index, signaling cautious economic recovery. Across sectors, standout moments, including Climeworks workforce cut amid climate tech recalibration, new unicorns like Vivid and Eiza Aerospace, and major acquisition Phonknos' fifteen million web three buyout in Asia to fiscally consolidating play in Germany's fiscal tech to promote strategic sale in the digital navigation space. Startup radio continues to deliver exclusive startup news, founder stories, and VC insights from the DACH region, making this the number one startup podcast for decision makers in the European tech and innovation ecosystem. On a little bit more informal note, the day of publication is celebrated as a session of Christ on 05/29/2025. It's also Father's Day here in Germany, so happy Father's Day to all fathers out there. Chris likes it. If you travel to Germany or do business, we still have some upcoming holidays, Corpus Christi, on June 19.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:04:55]:
So you should not expect most people to be back in the at the following Friday. And there is also a Monday of with Monday on June 6, so plan plan accordingly. Give us feedback. Let us know who you are and what you do. Give us feedback on what we do and what we could do better. Happy to hear from each and every one of you guys down here. There's a link to Google Forms. We are also introducing the founder's vault.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:05:25]:
We are thrilled to introduce the founder's vault, a brand new premium series from Startup Radio soon live on Substack and or YouTube. This curated format gives you insider access to deep dive conversations with exceptional startup founders across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland from stealth stage visionaries to series a rocket ships. Each brief episode reveals raw lessons, pivotal founder decisions, and behind the scenes strategies that really make it into the public. If you want actionable insights, VC ready storytelling and the authentic voice of the DACH innovation, this is a must listen. We link down here the Substack and our YouTube channel. This series is part of entrepreneurial worlds where premium listeners and subscribers get early access, exclusive drops, and full founder breakdowns you won't find anywhere else. As I said, audio and video will go live on May 29. Now a short message from our enablers, and then I'll hand over to Chris to the top
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:06:28]:
news. Okay. To kick us off with the top news of this month, let's start with good news coming from Parloa. It's a Berlin based company that became Germany's Second unicorn of 2025. They ascended to the unicorn status following a hundred and $20,000,000 series c funding round led by durable capital partners, Altimeter Capital and General Catalyst. The company specializes in agentic AI for customer service, offering an AI management platform for enterprise contact centers. They are enabling the deployment of autonomous AI agents, which they claim are capable of handling complex customer interaction across various channels, including phone, chat, and messaging apps. This funding round now underscores the growing demand, obviously, for AI native enterprise tools since it's the big trend everywhere.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:07:20]:
And Palora seems to be well positioned to be a leader in that transformation of customer service. Lyft, the Uber competitor, acquires FreeNow for a hundred and €75,000,000, strategic move to broaden the global footprint of the company that I think has always been a bit in the shadow of Uber. And FreeNow is a European rate high rate hailing ride hailing platform. Hundred 75,000,000 is the buying price. I already said that. It marks Lyft's first major expansion outside North America, granting them access to over a 50 cities across nine European countries, including places like London, Paris, and Berlin. Free Now was originally a joint venture between BMW and Mercedes Benz that had written a lot of headlines in the German market because the luxury car brand competitors were actually work together on the future of mobility. They have a strong presence in the traditional taxis taxi sector in, those countries and, make 90% of their bookings there.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:08:25]:
So we will see how FreeNow FreeNow's integration, actually enhances Lyft's competitiveness against Uber and maybe Bolt in the European market. It's an interesting development, I guess. Quantum Systems in Munich has raised a hundred and €60,000,000 in funding to advance their AI powered drone technology. The investment run was led by Balderton Capital with participation from Airbus Defense and Space and other strategic partners, and it aims at, scaling company's production capabilities and expand its international presence. Quantum Systems is, in general, a company that specializes in developing dual use unmanned aerial systems, that also claims to integrate AI, edge computing, and autonomous flight capabilities for applications in defense, infrastructure monitoring, environmental surveillance, etcetera. So and with that money, if Quantum Systems becomes a key player in that growing market, we will see where that goes from Bavaria into the world. CureVac, it's a company based in Tubingen in Baden Wurttemberg, a pharmaceutical company, has reported a partial victory in its ongoing patent patent litigation against BioNTech concerning the mRNA technology that is being used in COVID nineteen vaccines. The European Patent Office has upheld certain claims of CureVac patents CureVax patents, potentially impacting the intellectual property landscape for mRNA based therapeutics in Europe, which will also be important because mRNA they are hoping that mRNA vaccines and medicine will also be used in the fight against cancer.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:10:16]:
So legal proceedings here might still continue, but the development signifies a noteworthy moment in the protection and commercialization of biotech innovation within the DACH region. And then we have Manager Magazine honoring the top 100 women in German business. Manager Magazine, being the biggest monthly business magazine in Germany, and together with the Boston Consulting Group, they have released their annual list of the hundred most influential women in German business celebrating leaders across various industries. And, Prima Inter Paras is has been named Renate Wagner. It's a board she's a board member of Allianz Insurance, for her exemplary leadership and impact. So, yeah, I think it's good that we talk about recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in German business since all the DEI, discussion actually seems to be a bit more on the taking a step back. That's it with the top news. Time for some housekeeping and bragging, and I give it back to you.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:11:33]:
Awesome. Thank you, Chris. I have three articles here, because nobody, will tell this about us, so we tell it ourself. At one point, I was I was just getting daily email with all the, podcast charts achievements of startuprate.io. I was wondering, nobody talks about that, so let's write about that. At the time, we were in over 20 countries, in the podcast charts, including, of course, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. But, also, I just checked at the day of the recording of this year on the May 25. We are in 23 countries in the podcast charts.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:12:12]:
Also, we got ranked pretty good, in the top 50 globally across multiple multiple podcast categories, including business news and technology by million podcasts. We have linked down here plus we are also in the top 50 management podcast, top 50 business news and top 100 technology news podcasts on Goodpods in addition to our podcast rankings. And the influential newsletter podcast today had us ranked as number one. Awesome. Chris, you want to do the ecosystem for Germany, and I do a little bit high level flying here. Right? Let's talk ecosystem, guys. Europe. The European Investment Bank launches 70,000,000,000 startup funding initiative.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:13:03]:
They announced a new initiative to provide 70,000,000,000 in startup funding by 2027. This move aims to bridge Europe's investment gap with The United States' sources to looking canals. The EU also will invest 1,300,000,000.0 in generative AI and cybersecurity projects. And news a little bit between both, German companies are unprepared for EU data act is a statement by BITCOM, the the trade association. They had a survey that reveals that many German companies are unprepared for EU data act, which came which will come into force, on 09/12/2025. The act regulates access to user generated data aiming to boost Europe's data economy. We also do have news from Austria. The Austrian government plans 1,000,000,000 fund of fund for start up for start ups.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:14:01]:
Austria will launch a 1,000,000,000 fund of funds to stipulate VC investments and support innovation led start ups and spin offs. The public private initiative is expected to bolster Austria's competitiveness. Chris, I hand it over to you.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:14:17]:
Yeah. And, when we're looking at the German ecosystem this month, I think it's really, an interesting and rather complex, impression that we're getting because we are always talking here about the e full business climate index, which is, a poll among German companies about how they are thinking that business is going to develop. Right now, obviously, everything is very heavily influenced by what's going on with the American tariffs and with president Trump. But we see that the German, e four business climate index actually increased in April, in May from, eight 86.9 to 87.5 points, signaling a cautious rebound, one could say, in the economic sentiment. And, yeah, it's actually one of, and it's actually an improvement, the fourth or fifth improvement in a row. So that is very interesting. Nevertheless, we also and that is like the contradictory information about it. We also get, numbers that the German economy might have grown by 0.4% in the first quarter, twice the initial estimate.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:15:33]:
But we also had the, a, like, a consultant group of the German government called the. So, like, the how do you say this? The saviors saviors of of the economy.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:15:46]:
The the the councilor of economic wise men, maybe a literal translation.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:15:51]:
Yeah. Of economic wise men. Yeah. The economic savants, they, which also include women, fortunately. So, they actually said that their expectation for 2025 is actually 0%. So it's complete stagnation, which caused rather troublesome, coverage in Germany. And last but not least from the ecosystem, the, d hub report, startup Grunderen Ostdeutsch, meaning startup founder, female founder, East German, indicates that female founders in Eastern Germany face dual disadvantages. They face structural weaknesses in accessing venture capital and a general gender investment gap, but they are more successful in Eastern Germany.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:16:44]:
So, yeah, that, I think, was an interesting report for us to look into if you wanna get a more in-depth, perspective on startups in the in those five German states. Moving on to general news, tech news, company news, and, our section about VC news and new funds in case any one of you is looking for money. As always, a reminder, this is only a small selection, but let me rattle off some of the new funds that we were, learning about the last month. Berlin based VC firm Luna Ventures has launched its second fund raising €50,000,000 to invest in pre seed deep tech start ups, a fund aiming to support technical founders solving essential problems with their headquarters in Berlin. Adams Street Partners raised €270,000,000 for a new fund targeting next generation health care and tech companies across Europe, from early stage to growth investments. Their headquarters is in Chicago. Bosch Ventures, Bosch, the automotive supplier that is also in household items, has committed €270,000,000 to American deep tech startups, including AI and quantum computing firms to enhance global innovation access. They are based in Stuttgart.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:18:04]:
Insight Partners showcased its 2025 German portfolio, including b two b software as a service, ecommerce, and fintech startups backed by its scale up expertise by Deutsche startups. And Final Frontier launches a new AI powered defense tech fund backed by former NATO secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The Fund focuses on dual use AI innovations in aerospace security and national defense. That's it for the VC news. Green tech news. Swiss carbon capture company Climeworks is cutting over 10% of its workforce due to underperformance at its direct air capture plants. They have a flagship Mammoth plant in Iceland, which just captured 750 tons of, c o carbon dioxide versus a 36,000 ton target. So, it's a bit, yeah, it's a bit troubling.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:19:06]:
And, I mean, it's an always ongoing decision discussion in the climate field, whether technological advances in the field sorry, whether technological advances in the field will be able to keep up with the speed in which we are destroying the Earth. And in terms of AI news, we were already talking about Paoloa being a unicorn. Biotech news, we already talked about CureVac, but that brings us to fintech news. And, there you have some more stuff going
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:19:40]:
on. Yes. We already talked about in our April news that there have been trading disruptions. BaFin, the German, financial watchdog warns banks and brokers after April trading disruption. Germany's financial regulator, Baffin, has issued warnings to banks and brokers following significant trading disruptions. In April, the regulator emphasized the need for robust systems to ensure market stability and protect investors. Trade Republic also faces criticism over customer service issues. They are under scrutiny due to customer complaints about prolonged account issues and in a the inadequate support.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:20:25]:
One user reported being locked out of the account for seven weeks without resolution. Seven weeks is quite long. And our never ending story, Wirecard scandal. Right now, Commerce Bank and clash over the wire card scandal. They're in a legal dispute, and the bank bank, Commerce Bank, seeks compensation for damages incurred due to alleged audit failures. With it, a new bank, they receive a MICA license to expand regulated crypto services in The EU. They're based in Berlin, and they get a MICA, markets and crypto assets license allowing it to offer fully regulated crypto products in Germany, France, and beyond from July 2025 on. Let's go a little bit into the general news.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:21:14]:
Vodacopter delays passenger flights due to certification issue. Fempreneur highlights importance of MyCon founders in Germany, and Jetsea completes first commercial drone delivery in Germany, a Swiss drone logistics start up. They have concluded Germany's First approved commercial drone delivery. GoStudent, you remember the Austrian unicorn, that is that was EdTech, which was pretty good, pretty big in online tutoring and still is. They now also launch an offline franchise model. Aurora Tech and Spire Global launched a satellite constellation for wildfire monitoring and how to pronounce this? M MSFIN recovers 5,000,000 in losses from illegal online gambling. The Vienna based startup, M and S Processfinancion, MSFIN, has developed a unique business model specializing in reclaiming losses from illegal online gambling. In Austria, where gambling is a state monopoly, many international providers operate without valid licenses.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:22:30]:
And Svin assists players in legal recovering their losses from such platforms. And then we do have 10 SUNY course to watch in 2025. Vivid, we just talked about them. Eiza Aerospace, we talked a lot about them in the future, The Exploration Company, Billy, where we do have an interview with one of the founders, Boonfair, we talked about them, h two mobility, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and Finn, the car subscription service, where you also do have an interview. The BUVOC commissions group use for major Berlin housing project. The development will feature 158 residential units across nine buildings. And the Woman's Start Award 2025 empowers female founders in Bavaria. It's by Unterne Metum.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:23:24]:
They off the startup award offers mentorships, exposure, and €1,000 in prize money to promising female tech entrepreneurs. Winners also receive access to major conference like Slush and DLD. Chris, usually, you are good news, Sky, but you wanna take on the bad news today as well?
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:23:44]:
Yes. Let's do it. So, let's talk about the creative destruction part of our, podcast today. So what probably didn't go so well in the last couple of weeks in the German, Swiss and Austrian entrepreneurship world, we, for example, saw that German biotech firm Medigene has filed for insolvency following failed partnerships and drying capital. Basically, a decision that underscores the ongoing turbulence in the European biotech funding landscape. Same goes for the health tech startup, Docterly, which was once hailed as the future of digital patient management. They have filed for insolvency amid financial pressures and slow adoption in the German health care system. I guess, in general, a market that is very slow and not very great at adapting change.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:24:38]:
German battery innovator Custom Cells, known for supplying electrical electric aviation project sorry. German battery innovator Custom Cells, known for supplying electric aviation projects, has filed for insolvency amid financial pressures in the sector. They were based in a more rural part of the country in Itzhuho in Germany. And Hamburg based Goya with double a, a platform for creative professionals, is seizing operations due to a lack of sustainable growth in a tough macro environment. But, let's end on a high note or on several high notes, as always. Here are a couple of successful fundraisings and fundraisings and exits. As always, this is just a small selection, showing how resilient the market and the startup scene still is. We included several, selective fundraisings above €10,000,000 Swiss francs, or US dollars.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:25:37]:
Let's go. Swiss startup Repornovo has secured $65,000,000 in a series a funding to advance their reproductive medicine platform into phase two clinical trials. They are, for example, working in fertility care through data driven treatment personalization. Haier Therapeutics, also in Switzerland, based in Lausanne, is a biotech company that also, secured $65,000,000 in a series a to expand their pipeline of noncoding RNA based therapies for cardiac fibrosis. They wanna tackle medical needs in the cardiovascular care. DialMa, a French German pet insurance and wellness platform. I don't know if it's wellness for the pet owners or for the pets, but they have secured €20,000,000 in funding to expand their tech stack and the European presence, tapping into the growing pet care economy with AI enhanced services. So all the words there to dogs, AI, wellness, it's all there.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:26:45]:
Munich based Remsburg secured €50,000,000 in a series a plus funding to expand its AI powered maintenance and asset operation software across Europe. Berlin's 7 Learnings secured €10,000,000 to expand their AI powered dynamic pricing solution to US retailers. And on March 25, German tech startup, NECT, n e c t, secured €2,500,000, from round two capital. The revenue based financing model allows NECT to drive their market expansion while retaining control over business shares. So they have 12,000,000 active viewers of their wallet and, want to now further expand its market leadership in Europe, scale its business model internationally. They are based in Hamburg, and, usually, we would not have included that in our coverage here, but Nekt has been a guest on our in our startup world in the past. So we have a link for you, about their businesses where we talk with them in-depth about their business. Moving on to mergers and acquisitions.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:27:54]:
Fiscally acquires Deutsche Fiscally GmbH. Austrian fiscal fiscal compliance provider Fiscally has acquired Deutsche Fiscally GmbH to expand its footprint across Germany and centralize its market positions in cloud based fiscal receipt services. We have an interview upcoming with them, also talking about the merger. Gnosis acquires HQXYZ for 50,000,000, web three infrastructure play. Gnosis has acquired Asian crypto platform, as I said, for 50,000,000 to fuel its international expansion and strengthen its multi chain transaction system. Komoot, acquired by Italian firm, the POTS based outdoor navigation app Komoot, as a so k o m o o t, has been acquired by an Italian strategic investor. Wellhub acquires Urban Sports Club to expand corporate wellness in Europe. Centric Software acquires ContentServe for whopping €220,000,000.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:29:03]:
And finally, OneDoc acquires competitor to expand medical appointment platform. Swiss medical appointment platform, OneDoc, has acquired a competitor to enhance services and expand its user base to move aims to streamline health care access for patients across Switzerland. Chris, you wanna do a little bit useless knowledge to to close-up our monthly wrap up?
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:29:28]:
Always. So, this time around, we found, delightful not to nostalgia because the players of Bayern Munich recreated an iconic childhood photo of club legend Thomas Muller, a player whose career with Bayern Munich is draws to a close. And so his teammates paid tribute by emulating a photo of young Muller in his bedroom adorned with FC Bayern memorabilia. And we just thought it looked cute. It's was like a a heartfelt gesture. And Thomas Muller, yeah, like, probably one of the biggest probably the biggest German soccer player of the past two or three decades. And, yeah, that that picture really showed his dedication to the club, and fans worldwide loved it. That's a wrap.
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:30:22]:
Yeah. That's a month wrap. We will be back on July 3 and then September 1 to wrap up the summer, and then you will we stick to our monthly news schedule until the last news drop likely on December 18 and our fintech review on December 23. Stay ahead of the curve, guys. We are looking for your feedback as always. Thank you very much.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:30:50]:
Thanks for listening. Bye bye. Happy
Jörn "Joe" Menninger | CEO and Founder Startuprad.io [00:30:52]:
summer. Happy summer. Bye, guys.
Christian "Chris" Fahrenbach | Co-Founder Startuprad.io [00:30:55]:
Early summer. Bye.
Narrator Dorsey Jackson [00:31:02]:
That's all, folks. Find Find more news, streams, events, and interviews at www.startuprad.io. Remember, sharing is caring.
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