Welcome to the October 2024 edition of "This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian Startups," where we bring you essential insights into the GSA startup ecosystem. Join hosts Jörn “Joe” Menninger and Chris Fahrenbach as they unpack the month’s top stories, from groundbreaking funding rounds to unicorn achievements and major pivots in tech and innovation.

Episode Highlights:

1. Lilium’s Financial Struggles and eVTOL Innovation Setbacks
This month, the NASDAQ-listed eVTOL pioneer Lilium, based in Germany, navigates financial challenges, pursuing self-administered bankruptcy due to funding constraints. Although recent setbacks impacted its market valuation, Lilium’s story represents the high-stakes reality of aerospace tech, where R&D costs often create financial risk. Discover the unique challenges that innovators in sustainable aviation face and Lilium’s hopes for a future in clean transportation.

2. Egym and Orderfox Join the Unicorn Club
In major achievements for the healthtech and AI sectors, German fitness tech company Egym and Swiss AI-driven industrial procurement firm Orderfox each attained unicorn status this October. Egym’s valuation now exceeds $1 billion, fueled by tech advances that position it toward IPO readiness. Orderfox, leveraging AI to optimize industrial processes, underscores the GSA region’s strength in practical, data-driven solutions. Learn how these companies reached new heights and the impact of their technologies on health and industrial sectors.

3. Austria’s Gropyus Secures €100 Million for Sustainable Housing
Austrian startup Gropyus made waves with a €100 million investment to expand its modular, timber-hybrid housing production. With a mission to address Europe’s housing crisis through sustainable materials and design, Gropyus embodies the shift toward green construction tech. This investment supports their scalable model of eco-friendly housing solutions, meeting the demands of an evolving market.

4. EU’s Deep Tech Initiative with Trusted Investors Network
In a strategic move to elevate Europe’s role in global tech, the European Union launched a deep tech support network, collaborating with over 70 venture capital firms in the Trusted Investors Network. Aiming to close the technology gap with global leaders like the U.S. and China, the EU’s partnership initiative highlights Europe’s vision for advancing fields like AI, biotech, and sustainable energy.

5. SolarisBank’s €178M Loss and Restructuring Efforts
German fintech SolarisBank reported a €178 million loss, announcing job cuts and a restructuring to regain profitability. The company’s experience is indicative of the broader European fintech scene, where scaling comes with financial pressures. Discover how Solaris is adapting its strategy in the competitive fintech landscape, aiming to enhance operational efficiency.

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Welcome to the September 2024 Startup News from Startuprad.io! This episode covers the most impactful developments in the startup scenes of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Stay informed about key trends, funding rounds, and industry shifts that could influence your business or investment decisions.

Key Highlights:

1. Intel Pauses €30B Chip Factory in Germany

   Intel has halted its €30 billion chip manufacturing project in Magdeburg due to cost-cutting measures and financial challenges, despite a €10 billion investment from the German government. We discuss the implications for Europe's tech industry and startups.

2. Magic AI Secures $320M Led by Eric Schmidt

   Vienna-based Magic AI has raised $320 million, led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, elevating its valuation to $1.5 billion. Magic aims to revolutionize coding with its AI-powered developer assistance software. Learn how this could impact the European AI landscape.

3. Flink Raises $150M for Quick Commerce Expansion

   Berlin's Flink secured $150 million to expand its quick-commerce services in Germany and the Netherlands. Despite a volatile market and a valuation just below $1 billion, Flink aims for profitability and growth. We explore their strategy.

4. Northvolt Faces Financial Challenges

   Swedish battery maker Northvolt is experiencing financial difficulties linked to troubled partnerships with automotive giants like Volkswagen. We examine how this affects Europe's green energy goals and the startup ecosystem.

5. Germany's WIN Initiative Unveiled

   Germany introduces the WIN Initiative to inject €12 billion into its startup ecosystem by 2030. Backed by major players like Deutsche Bank and Allianz, the initiative aims to improve access to capital and foster innovation.

6. DePoly Tops Swiss Startup Awards

   Swiss startup DePoly wins the 2024 Top 100 Swiss Startup Awards for its innovative plastic recycling technology. We highlight what sets DePoly apart in the Swiss innovation scene.

Additional Insights:

• Austria's Hydrogen Valley: Austria plans to invest €578 million to build Europe's first Hydrogen Valley, aiming to produce over 10,000 tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

• Berlin's Startup Revival: Mayor Kai Wegner outlines plans to rejuvenate Berlin's startup scene, targeting a top-three position in Europe.

• Major VC Fundraisings:

  • Insight Partners nears a $10 billion fund closure.

  • Atomico raises €1.12 billion to invest in Europe's top founders.

  • Headline secures an $865 million growth fund focused on European startups.

  • Redalpine launches its largest fund yet at $200 million.

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Welcome to the Summer 2024 Startup News Wrap-Up from Startuprad.io! In this special Labor Day episode, we cover the most crucial updates from the vibrant startup ecosystems in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights into the latest trends, funding rounds, and ecosystem developments shaping the future of innovation in the DACH region.

💼 New Sponsor Alert:

We’re excited to announce our new partner, ModernIQs.com! Did you know an SEO-optimized blog post can generate significantly more traffic than a social media post? Startuprad.io listeners can create two free SEO-optimized blog posts per month in less than a minute. Sign up using the link in the episode notes. Sign up here.

🔍 Episode Highlights:

• Helsing’s €450M Series C Funding: Munich-based defense AI startup Helsing has soared to a €4.9B valuation with its recent funding. Discover how this positions Helsing as a leader in European security tech and what it means for the future of AI in defense.

• Lilium’s Strategic Dilemma: Explore the challenges faced by air taxi pioneer Lilium, including uncertainties over state aid that could lead to a sale and relocation. Learn how this could impact air mobility and the German startup scene.

• Grover’s €50M Funding Amid Market Challenges: Berlin-based tech rental company Grover raised €50M as it navigates economic headwinds. Find out how Grover is pivoting toward sustainable growth and what this means for the tech rental industry.

• CatalYm & osapiens: We discuss CatalYm’s €150M Series D funding for cancer immunotherapy and osapiens' €110M investment to expand its global ESG platform. These stories highlight the growing investor confidence in Europe’s deep-tech and biotech sectors.

• ECB’s Digital Euro Progress Report: Get updated on the European Central Bank’s first report on the digital euro, marking a significant step in developing Europe’s central bank digital currency (CBDC).

🇩🇪🇦🇹🇨🇭 Local Startup News:

• Germany: The AI startup sector in Germany is booming, with a 35% increase in 2024. We explore the opportunities and challenges in this thriving industry.

• Austria: Vienna-based HR tech startup Speedinvest Heroes (HROs) has filed for bankruptcy, highlighting the challenges in Austria's HR tech sector.

• Switzerland: Swiss startups raised CHF 1.1B in H1 2024, with biotech leading the charge. Despite a 9.5% decline, early-stage investments in AI and energy are showing strong growth.

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#Hashtags: #StartupNews #GermanStartups #SwissStartups #AustrianStartups #TechTrends #FundingNews #AIInnovation #DeepTech #VentureCapital #EuropeanStartups

Dive into the world of fintech with Startuprad.io as we bring you an exclusive interview with Maximilian Rofagha, CEO of Finimize. Hosted by Jörn "Joe" Menninger, this episode unravels the journey of Finimize from a WordPress blog to a global financial content powerhouse that engages nearly 2 million investors worldwide.

Maximilian Rofagha shares his insights on building a thriving investment community without relying on paid marketing, a feat few startups achieve. Learn how Finimize delivers financial content solutions for enterprises, utilizing over a billion data points annually to create engaging and relevant content in 29 languages. This episode is a treasure trove of information for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the fintech space.

We also explore the strategic acquisition of Finimize by Aberdeen, discussing the mutual benefits and the factors to consider when evaluating acquisition offers. Maximilian offers a candid look at the challenges of scaling a fintech startup, the role of community in business growth, and the current trends in the investment climate.

If you're looking for actionable advice on scaling a business, building a community, or navigating the complexities of fintech, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear from one of the most innovative minds in fintech today.

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Hashtags: #FintechPodcast #Finimize #MaximilianRofagha #CommunityBuilding #InvestmentContent #StartupStrategy #Aberdeen #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ScalingStartups #Startupradio

Welcome to Startuprad.io™, your go-to source for news and insights into the world of German, Austrian, and Swiss tech innovation. Join us for conversations with industry leaders, game-changing entrepreneurs, and influential investors. Our guests include Nobel Laureates, Emmy Award winners, and Forbes list luminaries. We focus on startups around Series A funding, ensuring you get exclusive insights into the rising stars of tomorrow. Tune in for inspiring discussions that drive innovation and growth. Join us at Startuprad.io, where every conversation sparks new possibilities.

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Jörn "Joe" Menninger interviews Annelise Osborne, Chief Business Officer at Kadena. Annelise discusses her journey from commercial real estate to blockchain, highlighting the inefficiencies in traditional finance and the transformative potential of blockchain technology. She covers her book on blockchain and cryptocurrencies, the benefits of stablecoins, and the regulatory challenges facing Fintech in the US. Learn about the importance of marketing, strategic partnerships, and adaptability for startups. This episode emphasizes the need for clear regulations to foster financial innovation and the vital role of networking in the Fintech space.

Key Points:

1. Marketing for Startups

2. Blockchain Technology Potential

3. Traditional Finance Inefficiencies

4. Stablecoins and Cross-Border Transactions

5. Regulation and Compliance Challenges

6. Strategic Partnerships and Networking

7. Economic Downturns and Resilience

Notable Quotes:

• "So if I was a building owner, I could borrow cheaper, and I could borrow more money because of these bonds that took the risk off the bank's balance sheet." — Annelise Osborne [00:02:46]

• "When I learned about blockchain, to me, it was just an eye opener of how much more efficient it could make finance." — Annelise Osborne [00:03:53]

• "Marketing is different, takes different channels now, and it's more direct with all the digital world that we have, that we didn't have, you know, 15, 20 years ago, especially with social media." — Annelise Osborne [00:08:32]

• "Globally, ICOs raised billions because people wanted to find ways to invest their money." — Annelise Osborne [00:13:44]

• "Regulation is really around to protect investors. But where do you find, you know, with innovation and how do you find a way to regulate innovation when there's more ideas coming out with this technology?" — Annelise Osborne [00:15:16]

Leave a review, share the episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights into the world of startups and tech innovation!

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This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian Startups - June 2024 | Startuprad.io

Welcome to our June 2024 wrap-up, where we bring you the latest news from the startup and tech entrepreneurship scenes in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, all in under 30 minutes!

In this episode, recorded with Chris in New York City and Joe joining from Frankfurt, we cover the top highlights from June 25th:

### Highlights:

- Check24's Massive Marketing Campaign: Check24 launched a major campaign, distributing 5 million free Puma football jerseys in Germany, costing around €100 million. This initiative has sparked vibrant online discussions and driven app downloads, despite privacy concerns.

- Aviation News: Lilium seeks €300M in government aid to advance its "Lilium Jet," while Volocopter continues to vie for funding.

- Insurtech Updates: WeFox faces internal strife that could significantly lower its valuation from $4.5 billion, while Clark is preparing for a substantial funding round under new leadership.

- Amazon's Investment in Germany: Amazon announces an additional €10 billion investment in Germany, focusing on cloud data storage and logistics, bringing their total investment in the country this year to €17.8 billion.

- DeepL's Milestone: DeepL becomes Germany’s most valuable AI startup with a $2 billion valuation, following a $300 million investment.

- Black Semiconductor's Major Funding: Black Semiconductor secures €254.4 million to boost Europe's semiconductor industry, with plans to open a pilot facility in Aachen by 2026.

- Cognigy's AI Advancements: Cognigy raises $100 million to enhance AI-driven customer service automation, supported by major brands like Lufthansa, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz.

- Flix's Strategic Moves: Flix considers private equity investment from EQT, potentially acquiring a 30% stake and altering Flix's path to a public offering.

Join us as we delve into these stories and more, highlighting the dynamic changes and strategic shifts in the DACH startup ecosystem. Stay informed with the latest developments in tech and entrepreneurship in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

For more in-depth coverage and analysis, visit our blog at [startuprad.io/blog](https://startuprad.io/blog).

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In this episode of Startuprad.io, we dive into the world of deep tech investments with Max Narr, General Partner at Blue Forest Ventures. Max shares their strategy for bridging the gap between scientific innovation and investment by translating complex ideas into compelling equity stories. Discover how Blue Forest Ventures leverages alternative data sources and AI to evaluate markets, focusing on impactful solutions and diverse founding teams. Learn about their investment criteria, recent innovations, and commitment to combining financial success with positive impact. Join host Jörn “Joe” Menninger for an inspiring discussion on the future of deep tech investments and the unique ecosystem Blue Forest Ventures is fostering from their hub in Berlin.

Tune in to explore:

- Challenges and solutions in translating scientific ideas into compelling equity stories.

- The impact of avoiding heavily regulated fields like drug development on their investment strategy.

- The use of alternative data sources for evaluating potential investments.

- Balancing economic benefits with impactful deep-tech solutions.

- The significance of heterogeneous founding teams.

- Importance of technological readiness levels in attracting investments.

- Exciting advancements in data transmission and storage technologies.

- Integrating impact measurement into investment decisions.

- Staying informed on new deep tech innovations.

- Broader implications of innovations in global agriculture and sustainability.

🎧 Join us for this episode and learn how Blue Forest Ventures is transforming scientific research into marketable solutions.

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- Passionfroot Storefront: [Link](https://linktr.ee/startuprad_io)

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🔗 Guest Information:

Max Narr, General Partner at Blue Forest Ventures

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-narr/)

📌 About Blue Forest Ventures:

Blue Forest Ventures is a Berlin-based VC fund focusing on early-stage deep tech companies transitioning from academic research to commercial applications. Avoiding heavily regulated fields, they aim for impactful solutions with tangible economic benefits. With ticket sizes between 500,000 € and 1,000,000 €, they leverage data-driven methodologies to predict market trends and support innovative deep tech startups.

Listen now and discover the future of deep tech investments with Blue Forest Ventures! 🎙️

Welcome to our May 2024 wrap-up, delivering vital news from the startup and tech entrepreneurship scenes in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—all in 30 minutes or less! 🎧

Join Chris from New York City and Joe from Frankfurt as they bring you the latest updates in the GSA region. Due to Whit Monday and travel plans, this news cut is from May 16th. Any news not covered today will be included in our next wrap-up.

#### Schedule:

- Next Episode: June 27th

- Summer Wrap-Up: September 2nd (Labor Day)

We'll have a lighter summer program, possibly with more frequent updates, based on listener requests.

#### Highlights:

The startup scene is roaring back in GSA, with large investments and early-stage innovations. Grab a drink and a snack—this episode is packed with positive news and is longer than usual.

- New VC Funds Raised: Over $7.5 billion

- Germany's Air Taxi Dilemma: Lilium and Volocopter are at a crossroads, with France offering subsidies while Germany debates state support.

- Amazon's €7.8 Billion Investment: Development of a purely European cloud storage infrastructure in Brandenburg.

- WeFox Challenges: Valuation setbacks amid growth challenges.

- Alzheimer's Research Boost: Takeda and AC Immune's $2 billion partnership.

- Biontech's Resilience: Despite Q1 losses, Biontech advances its oncology pipeline and prepares for a renewed push in COVID vaccine demand.

For detailed news and updates, visit our [blog](https://startuprad.io/blog) with all the latest stories. Interested in collaborations or advertising opportunities? [Storefront](https://workspace.passionfroot.me/startupradio).

Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to stay updated with the latest news from the GSA startup scene!

---

Detailed Topics:

1. Will German Air Taxis Fly?

Germany debates support for air taxi startups Lilium and Volocopter, while France offers subsidies. Lilium is in advanced talks with the French government for expansion plans and potential financial aid. [Read more](https://buff.ly/3UBNCHS).

2. Amazon's Investment in Brandenburg:

Amazon's €7.8 billion investment in Brandenburg to develop purely European storage capacities highlights its commitment to data sovereignty. [Read more](https://buff.ly/3V1PJpN).

3. WeFox Valuation Takes a Hit:

WeFox faces valuation woes amid growth challenges, impacting its once promising trajectory in insurtech. [Read more](https://buff.ly/3UIByES).

4. Alzheimer's Research Collaboration:

Takeda teams up with Swiss firm AC Immune in a deal potentially exceeding $2 billion to fight Alzheimer's. [Read more](https://buff.ly/4dJN5wk).

5. Biontech's Oncology Advances:

Despite significant Q1 losses, Biontech continues to advance its oncology pipeline and prepares for a renewed push in COVID vaccine demand. [Read more](https://buff.ly/3wDhn33).