Latest / Deep Tech Germany – AI, Robotics & Frontier Innovation by Startuprad.io™ / DACH DeepTech Breakthroughs & Fintech M&A — September 2025
Transcript
- WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.000 Music. 00:00:20.945 --> 00:00:24.545 Hey, guys, welcome back to part two of this month in German, 00:00:24.665 --> 00:00:26.505 Swiss and Austrian startups 2025. 00:00:26.805 --> 00:00:30.945 This goes live on September 4th, 2025. 00:00:31.305 --> 00:00:35.705 And in between the recording, which for some of you may have been three days 00:00:35.705 --> 00:00:42.305 in between for Chris and me, just three minutes, we established that Chris had a clown for breakfast. 00:00:42.745 --> 00:00:45.005 He is super fun today. 00:00:46.105 --> 00:00:49.805 Welcome back to part two of our Startup News Wrap-Up. In this segment, 00:00:49.825 --> 00:00:53.725 we're driving into the movers, shaping Europe's innovation landscape. 00:00:53.905 --> 00:00:59.105 From new venture capital funds and leadership shake-ups to deep tech breakthroughs, 00:00:59.565 --> 00:01:02.245 green tech milestones, and the latest fintech plays. 00:01:02.525 --> 00:01:07.325 Whether you're raising money, tracking cutting-edge tech, or following the biggest 00:01:07.325 --> 00:01:10.545 shifts in the DACH startup scene, we got you covered. 00:01:10.545 --> 00:01:15.165 And talking about this, there is the general news section here where we have 00:01:15.165 --> 00:01:17.605 tech news, companies news, and so on. 00:01:18.425 --> 00:01:25.965 Right now we will focus on VC news, new funds in case simply if you are looking for money. 00:01:26.865 --> 00:01:34.025 Smart Infrastructure Ventures launches 30 million euros, SI Ventures 2 to back 00:01:34.025 --> 00:01:40.865 early stage German startups and especially focused on smart infrastructure. 00:01:41.605 --> 00:01:48.785 Sebastian Boric joins HTTF, Hitech Grunerfonds, which was at the time I was 00:01:48.785 --> 00:01:54.665 interviewing the former CEO, Alex von Frankenberg, I think 2020, end of 2020. 00:01:55.405 --> 00:01:59.765 They've been the most active seed investor in Europe. As I said, 00:01:59.965 --> 00:02:04.985 Sebastian Borek joins HTGF as co-managing director, completing the new Leadership 00:02:04.985 --> 00:02:07.125 Trio Reports VC magazine. 00:02:07.425 --> 00:02:09.845 And then I already hand it over to Chris. 00:02:10.485 --> 00:02:16.845 Yeah, and I get to look a bit more into the deep tech news of our program. 00:02:17.245 --> 00:02:24.165 First up is a team from Freiburg in the very southwest of Germany, 00:02:24.425 --> 00:02:29.825 where a team of… Wouldn't you want to say down and to the left? 00:02:30.265 --> 00:02:32.385 Down and to the left. 00:02:33.465 --> 00:02:39.225 They are building what they claim is Germany's first brain-inspired AI chip, 00:02:39.505 --> 00:02:44.025 but also ran into the fact that they must test it abroad. 00:02:45.705 --> 00:02:52.645 To be a bit more specific, they are developing neuromorphic brain chips for 00:02:52.645 --> 00:02:57.445 ultra-low-power AI, And there are regulatory constraints, 00:02:58.205 --> 00:03:01.045 so prototype testing is only allowed outside of Germany. 00:03:01.545 --> 00:03:08.545 The contract cited in coverage at Business Insider points to rising European 00:03:08.545 --> 00:03:11.285 demand for deep tech compute alternatives. 00:03:12.945 --> 00:03:13.845 Vienna. 00:03:15.109 --> 00:03:23.409 In Austria, is the home of QT Labs, which is reporting a milestone, 00:03:23.669 --> 00:03:29.529 communicating with a NASA spacecraft around 265 million kilometers away. 00:03:30.169 --> 00:03:35.169 And so QT Labs is showcasing long-range, high-fidelity space communications 00:03:35.169 --> 00:03:42.569 grounded in quantum-adjacent expertise. That's also me. 00:03:42.789 --> 00:03:45.369 I also have quantum-adjacent expertise. 00:03:46.289 --> 00:03:54.509 And the feed underscores Austria's rising deep tech profile and potential dual-use 00:03:54.509 --> 00:03:58.289 applications in secure comms and space infrastructure. 00:03:59.989 --> 00:04:03.749 Moving on to green tech news where 00:04:03.749 --> 00:04:06.909 uh you can keep in mind the 825 million 00:04:06.909 --> 00:04:11.889 euros for orange bet that we talked about in our top news section in the first 00:04:11.889 --> 00:04:18.869 part of our episodes but moving on salzstrom and burgenland energy or burgenland 00:04:18.869 --> 00:04:24.449 energy launch a sustainable salt based storage offensive. 00:04:25.209 --> 00:04:33.649 So Burgenland is a state of Austria and they aim at scaling this sustainable 00:04:33.649 --> 00:04:37.449 salt-based electricity storage project, 00:04:37.589 --> 00:04:45.509 aiming at providing long-duration recyclable energy storage as Austria specifically 00:04:45.509 --> 00:04:47.949 accelerates renewable grid integration. 00:04:49.569 --> 00:04:52.969 Biotech news, moving on from the green tech news already. 00:04:53.589 --> 00:05:00.869 CureVac, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer-BioNTech resolve mRNA patent dispute. 00:05:01.289 --> 00:05:07.209 News agency Reuters confirmed that these three companies settled their longstanding 00:05:07.209 --> 00:05:10.189 mRNA patent dispute with the, 00:05:10.779 --> 00:05:16.099 Sorry, that CureVac and partner GSK settled it with Pfizer-BioNTech. 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:21.939 The agreement ends years of litigation over the COVID-19 vaccines intellectual property. 00:05:22.239 --> 00:05:25.579 And the settlement clears the legal overhang for all parties, 00:05:25.799 --> 00:05:29.599 allowing BioNTech to double down on oncology pipelines now. 00:05:31.179 --> 00:05:35.959 An area of research that is also very much in flux since the U.S. 00:05:36.399 --> 00:05:41.759 Announced that they probably might retract from mRNA-based research and development 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:46.719 with huge implications, thanks to RFK Jr. 00:05:47.359 --> 00:05:52.659 We should also keep in mind that we had in the last news that Q-Work agreed 00:05:52.659 --> 00:05:58.799 to be bought by BioNTech, so this news that litigation is stopped shouldn't surprise anyone here. 00:05:59.599 --> 00:06:04.719 Chris, taking over from you for the fintech news, Bitpanda more than doubles 00:06:04.719 --> 00:06:13.219 2024 revenues to 993 million euros with the EBITDA margin of more than 30%. 00:06:13.219 --> 00:06:19.459 BTC Echo reported Bitpanda achieved this revenue more than two times year on 00:06:19.459 --> 00:06:21.459 year with the EBITDA margin of more 00:06:21.459 --> 00:06:27.399 than 30% and seven plus million users underpinning a broader EU expansion. 00:06:27.399 --> 00:06:32.619 Strategic partners include Deutsche Bank, LBBW, a German formerly state-owned 00:06:32.619 --> 00:06:37.519 bank, Reifeisen, and 26. No new numbers beyond our earlier block. 00:06:38.339 --> 00:06:43.839 German fintech Bling acquired startup Finstep to expand youth banking. 00:06:44.159 --> 00:06:48.599 Starting up, reported Berlin-based Bling has acquired Finstep, 00:06:48.859 --> 00:06:53.579 a fintech focused on family and youth-oriented finance solutions. 00:06:53.579 --> 00:06:59.739 The acquisition strengthens Berlin's position as GenZ Financial Services Center, 00:06:59.739 --> 00:07:04.859 adding complementary savings and pocket money features to its platform. 00:07:05.119 --> 00:07:07.899 Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 00:07:08.907 --> 00:07:13.727 Guys, we will be back after a short break talking about Europe's deep tech frontier 00:07:13.727 --> 00:07:19.147 from brain inspired chips in Dresden to AI coaches in Berlin plus the rise of 00:07:19.147 --> 00:07:21.047 AI search analytics startups. 00:07:26.347 --> 00:07:31.607 And back from the break, we are looking at deep tech and AI news some more. 00:07:31.867 --> 00:07:36.947 Munich-based defense drone maker Quantum Systems could triple its valuation 00:07:36.947 --> 00:07:42.507 to around 1.5 billion euros, powered by NATO and Ukraine contracts and Europe's 00:07:42.507 --> 00:07:43.987 defense rearmament cycle. 00:07:44.227 --> 00:07:49.987 The company's AI-enabled reconnaissance platforms and expanding order book underlined 00:07:49.987 --> 00:07:53.547 dual-use momentum across the DACH defense stack. 00:07:54.587 --> 00:08:00.187 In the reporting in Handelsblatt, there was no new funding amount disclosed, 00:08:00.307 --> 00:08:02.887 but at least we know that the company is really doing well. 00:08:04.047 --> 00:08:06.147 A Dresden-based startup won 00:08:06.147 --> 00:08:09.647 a major order for its neuromorphic chips designed after the human brain. 00:08:09.927 --> 00:08:14.747 The chips promise ultra-low energy AI processing targeting both automotive and 00:08:14.747 --> 00:08:15.867 industrial automation. 00:08:16.647 --> 00:08:21.107 The contract demonstrates European potential in deep tech hardware. 00:08:22.847 --> 00:08:32.307 And this obviously brings high hopes for the startup spin cloud in Dresden in Eastern Germany. 00:08:32.887 --> 00:08:41.427 Coach Hub rolls out AIMY, AIMY, I guess. 00:08:42.367 --> 00:08:49.667 Coach Hub's AI coach designed to extend access beyond human coaching pools. 00:08:49.887 --> 00:08:55.267 It's a Berlin scale up and trying to position AIMY for multilingual company-wide 00:08:55.267 --> 00:09:02.067 deployment with enterprise integrations. following a 2023 revenue of 56 million euros. 00:09:02.247 --> 00:09:06.267 The product pushed targets margin improvement and broader growth. 00:09:06.836 --> 00:09:11.696 Um attach across hr suites and 00:09:11.696 --> 00:09:15.656 chris do you know what this news says coaches 00:09:15.656 --> 00:09:22.276 ai is coming for your job yeah well we will see about that can it can it pull 00:09:22.276 --> 00:09:31.176 off a shirt like this though i don't think so um peak ai launches it's a berlin-based 00:09:31.176 --> 00:09:35.076 company founded by marius miners tobias So Sivonia and Daniel Drabo, 00:09:35.716 --> 00:09:39.276 Software as a Service Company, monitoring brand mentions, citations, 00:09:39.436 --> 00:09:43.456 and growth across AI search tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. 00:09:44.316 --> 00:09:51.996 Giving SEOs and marketers a new analytics layer as SGE AI answers disrupt classic rankings. 00:09:51.996 --> 00:10:00.996 So PEEC could be some worthwhile alternative for you if you want to know more 00:10:00.996 --> 00:10:04.496 about coverage and citations. 00:10:04.976 --> 00:10:06.736 Moving on to the general news. 00:10:07.456 --> 00:10:10.836 Taking over from Chris here again to the general news. 00:10:11.156 --> 00:10:15.176 Uber consolidates position in Germany's right-hailing market. 00:10:15.176 --> 00:10:21.476 Evertset reported that Uber is finally establishing itself in Germany after 00:10:21.476 --> 00:10:26.116 years of regulatory battles and resistance from taxi associations. 00:10:26.476 --> 00:10:30.576 With legal framework clarified and consumer demand shifting. 00:10:31.276 --> 00:10:34.496 Uber now competes directly in major German cities. 00:10:35.176 --> 00:10:39.616 Analysts see this as a turning point for mobility startups in the Dach region 00:10:39.616 --> 00:10:44.336 with implication for local players like FreeNow and both and one should keep 00:10:44.336 --> 00:10:49.496 in mind that free now has just been bored we had this in our one of our last 00:10:49.496 --> 00:10:52.096 news by uber competitor lyft, 00:10:52.613 --> 00:10:58.393 VCs pour fresh millions into German startups across AI, SaaS, and climate tech. 00:10:58.853 --> 00:11:03.773 Deutsche Startups highlights new VC investments into German startups with multi-million 00:11:03.773 --> 00:11:05.793 euro deals across AI, SaaS, 00:11:06.433 --> 00:11:11.253 fintech, and climate tech verticals to report points to continued early and 00:11:11.253 --> 00:11:15.373 growth stage capital inflows despite macroeconomic headwinds. 00:11:15.533 --> 00:11:19.773 This reflects resilience in the German venture market and invests a focus on 00:11:19.773 --> 00:11:22.233 deep tech and green tech transition sectors. 00:11:22.553 --> 00:11:25.713 Auto One Group, we've been talking about them quite frequently, 00:11:25.913 --> 00:11:31.813 post double digit growth across all core metrics in the first half of 2025. 00:11:32.273 --> 00:11:37.053 IT Times reported Berlin-based Auto One Group achieved strong growth across 00:11:37.053 --> 00:11:42.333 revenue, gross profit, and unit sales in the first half of 2025. 00:11:43.133 --> 00:11:49.233 As Europe's leading digital used car trading platform, Auto One credits its 00:11:49.233 --> 00:11:55.273 margin expansion to auto hero, their retail part, their retail growth, 00:11:55.293 --> 00:11:56.993 and supply chain efficiency. 00:11:57.873 --> 00:12:02.233 Investors view this as a validation of the post-IPO turnaround strategy. 00:12:03.193 --> 00:12:07.493 Doctlib, it's an app in Germany where you can book doctor's appointment. 00:12:07.813 --> 00:12:12.393 They face government scrutiny over market power and data practices. 00:12:13.493 --> 00:12:18.313 They came under review by federal ministries in Germany regarding market dominance 00:12:18.313 --> 00:12:19.933 and data protection concerns. 00:12:20.393 --> 00:12:24.293 Regulators are examining the platform's role between patients, 00:12:24.493 --> 00:12:25.693 practices, and insurance. 00:12:26.113 --> 00:12:30.133 No remedies or penalties were announced at this stage. 00:12:30.753 --> 00:12:35.113 Rewe, a retail giant here in Germany, I would say something like Whole Foods. 00:12:35.233 --> 00:12:37.173 Would you agree, Chris? Yes. 00:12:38.363 --> 00:12:44.343 Rose out the startup launch nationwide to fast-track shelf access for early-stage 00:12:44.343 --> 00:12:45.903 brands, reports Horizon. 00:12:46.723 --> 00:12:54.503 Storebox launches parcel service alternative to Post, the German DHL, GLS, and DPD. 00:12:55.783 --> 00:13:00.243 Brutkasten reported that Austrian logistics startup Storebox is entering the 00:13:00.243 --> 00:13:05.143 parcel service market, positioning itself as an alternative to incumbents. 00:13:05.963 --> 00:13:10.543 We do a little bit Schöpferische Zerstörung, good odd Schumpeter. 00:13:10.823 --> 00:13:15.063 Leonie says insolvency avoided restructuring chosen as only path. 00:13:16.503 --> 00:13:21.143 Handelsblatt reported automotive supplier Leonie confirmed that insolvency would 00:13:21.143 --> 00:13:26.503 have been the only alternative to its restructuring deals, which secured credited 00:13:26.503 --> 00:13:28.523 support and prevented liquidation. 00:13:29.003 --> 00:13:33.823 They plan to provide runway for the shift to EV wiring and e-mobility. 00:13:33.823 --> 00:13:44.143 Duolingo shares plunged 12% after growth slowdown spooks Wall Street. 00:13:44.483 --> 00:13:49.783 Yahoo Finance reported Duolingo fell more than 12% intraday after Q2 results 00:13:49.783 --> 00:13:53.323 showed slower than expected user and booking growth. 00:13:54.743 --> 00:14:03.103 My world, ex-Lioness, they file for bankruptcy amid collapse of cashback empire. 00:14:03.103 --> 00:14:09.403 Trending Topics reported MyWood, previously known as Lioness, has gone insolvent. 00:14:09.883 --> 00:14:15.943 The Graz, Austria-based company, once ran a sprawling cashback MLM empire, 00:14:16.323 --> 00:14:19.223 repeatedly facing legal actions across Europe. 00:14:19.483 --> 00:14:25.423 Bankruptcy underscores the systemic risk in unregulated referral schemes and 00:14:25.423 --> 00:14:29.863 marks the end of one of Austria's most controversial scale-ups. 00:14:29.863 --> 00:14:38.763 Idagio and its insolvency around 35 million years were invested since 2025 as 00:14:38.763 --> 00:14:40.903 Landzone took majority. 00:14:41.483 --> 00:14:46.923 Deutsche Startup confirmed the insolvency proceedings for Idagio. 00:14:47.903 --> 00:14:49.543 Sven Kirschner appointed trustee. 00:14:49.983 --> 00:14:57.643 Founders Till Young Tukowski and Christoph Lange no longer active. 00:14:57.643 --> 00:15:03.363 Investors include Tangleman Ventures, BTOV Partners, Macquarie, later Lansom Partners. 00:15:04.943 --> 00:15:08.683 Pre-Wave reduces workforce by 8%. 00:15:09.682 --> 00:15:15.942 A mid-growth strategy shift. Podcasting revealed that Vienna-based PreWave, 00:15:15.962 --> 00:15:20.322 a supply chain risk intelligence scale-up, is cutting 8% of its workforce. 00:15:20.622 --> 00:15:25.022 The company cited strategic realignment and efficiency gains as reason. 00:15:25.242 --> 00:15:30.302 Despite layoffs, PreWave continues to expand its AI-driven platform to monitor 00:15:30.302 --> 00:15:32.662 ESG and supply chain disruptions. 00:15:32.862 --> 00:15:36.342 And Chris, you are always the person who ends on a high note, right? 00:15:36.622 --> 00:15:43.002 I'm very much ending on a high note, But also, I would like to add a bit more depth to Leonie, 00:15:43.162 --> 00:15:49.962 where you said the wiring company that avoided insolvency, because that is actually 00:15:49.962 --> 00:15:54.062 a fascinating company because they are not necessarily a startup. 00:15:54.222 --> 00:16:01.822 Do you know when they opened up their first shop, as in like a repair shop, 00:16:02.022 --> 00:16:03.982 their first Werkstatt? Nope. 00:16:04.802 --> 00:16:09.382 And they're in Nuremberg in, take a guess, the year. 1980? 00:16:10.902 --> 00:16:11.542 1569. 00:16:13.722 --> 00:16:18.822 Yes, but as we always said in the general news, their repair shop, 00:16:18.942 --> 00:16:22.802 they're more or less aligned with what we're doing here. Yes. 00:16:23.502 --> 00:16:26.822 And they have 100,000 people working for them. 00:16:27.082 --> 00:16:34.202 And it's actually considered to be a crucial company in Germany because they have such a, 00:16:34.282 --> 00:16:39.082 or at least had such a unique position in terms of the wiring for cars, 00:16:39.102 --> 00:16:44.662 which nowadays has gotten so much more important with there being so many computers 00:16:44.662 --> 00:16:47.102 and processors in every car. 00:16:47.382 --> 00:16:51.982 Anyway. And of course, a lot of the startups rely on this because they are bringing 00:16:51.982 --> 00:16:54.062 the tech to the cars. Yes. 00:16:54.582 --> 00:16:59.442 So, yeah, successful fundraisings, the high notes that you talked about. 00:16:59.602 --> 00:17:02.042 Keep in mind, this is, as always, a small section. 00:17:03.242 --> 00:17:07.342 The news here and the total value of the company always show how resilient the 00:17:07.342 --> 00:17:08.722 startup scene actually is. 00:17:08.882 --> 00:17:12.382 This time, we included selected fundraisings above 10 million euros, 00:17:12.662 --> 00:17:14.422 Swiss francs, or US dollars. 00:17:14.762 --> 00:17:16.882 And let me rattle through some of them. 00:17:17.562 --> 00:17:26.422 Berlin's Talon One raises $114.7 million to expand incentive automation platform, 00:17:27.042 --> 00:17:31.182 software as a service platform for promotion and loyalty program management. 00:17:32.382 --> 00:17:37.202 And the scale-up plans to use that for international expansion. 00:17:40.280 --> 00:17:44.380 Oculus amended its BlackRock loan facility, 00:17:44.860 --> 00:17:50.100 raising potential access to 100 million Swiss francs, that is around 106 million 00:17:50.100 --> 00:17:56.420 euros, to accelerate therapies for ophthalmic and neuro-ophthalmic diseases. 00:17:58.600 --> 00:18:02.940 This capital extends the runway for late-stage clinical programs and positions 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:10.240 Oculus to push pivotal trials and helps them to preserve equity because it's non-dilutive capital. 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:19.880 Munich-based Nuclideum raises 84 million euros in a Series B round to advance, 00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:23.000 their radiopharmaceutical pipeline. 00:18:23.320 --> 00:18:27.360 The funding is going to drive clinical trials for cancer diagnostics and therapies. 00:18:28.380 --> 00:18:35.920 Another step forward for Germany as a health tech country. 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:43.280 Then Qand, Q.ant, has a 62 million 00:18:43.280 --> 00:18:48.020 Euro Series A to industrialize photonic computing and quantum sensing. 00:18:48.360 --> 00:18:51.600 It's a Stuttgart-based company, my old hometown. 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:58.040 And it's a spin-out part of Trumpf Group, planning to expand production engineering 00:18:58.040 --> 00:19:03.280 while targeting energy-efficient AI acceleration and navigation-grade sensors. 00:19:04.840 --> 00:19:11.840 Also Stuttgart-based is the Maker side, a company that secured 60 million euros 00:19:11.840 --> 00:19:13.800 in the Series B funding as well. 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:20.180 They offer AI-driven product lifecycle management, PLN, focused on sustainability and compliance. 00:19:22.280 --> 00:19:29.200 Buena closed a $58 million Series A to expand their AI-driven local services 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:30.720 marketplace across Europe. 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:39.260 They want to scale the product and go to market to capture fragmented high-frequency categories. 00:19:42.522 --> 00:19:47.742 And PlanCraft, a German construction software as a service startup, 00:19:47.962 --> 00:19:51.302 raised 38 million euros in a Series B financing. 00:19:51.642 --> 00:19:56.302 The company provides digital workflow solutions for contractors and small and 00:19:56.302 --> 00:20:02.722 medium-sized enterprise builders, tackling inefficiencies in project and compliance management. 00:20:03.902 --> 00:20:10.662 Zurich-based biotech Mabilon AG announced a 30 million Swiss franc funding round 00:20:10.662 --> 00:20:13.702 to expand its antibody immunotherapy platform. 00:20:13.962 --> 00:20:18.802 The company develops next generation treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. 00:20:19.662 --> 00:20:27.002 And Kandi Solar secures 24 million dollars from existing backers including a 00:20:27.002 --> 00:20:31.222 20 million convertible and a $4 million mezzanine top-up. 00:20:31.342 --> 00:20:38.342 The company's active portfolio expanded by 60 plus megawatts in the past 12 months, 00:20:38.502 --> 00:20:46.482 reaching now 132 megawatts contracted capacity across 22 Indian states and 8 00:20:46.482 --> 00:20:47.842 South African provinces. 00:20:51.282 --> 00:20:57.622 Berlin-based Motor AI raised $20 million to enhance its autonomous driving software stack. 00:20:58.142 --> 00:21:03.302 The startup develops explainable AI systems for vehicle decision-making, 00:21:03.502 --> 00:21:06.902 addressing regulatory and safety hurdles in Europe's autonomous driving race. 00:21:07.022 --> 00:21:08.942 We talked a bit about that topic already. 00:21:09.822 --> 00:21:16.862 Munich-based Certivity closed a 13.3 million Euro Series A round to grow its 00:21:16.862 --> 00:21:18.522 regulatory compliance platform. 00:21:18.522 --> 00:21:23.962 The software as a service helps enterprises manage complex EU regulations, 00:21:24.362 --> 00:21:28.982 which is all EU regulations in automotive and industrial sectors. 00:21:29.402 --> 00:21:32.722 Backers include prominent European VCs. 00:21:34.242 --> 00:21:40.222 Tanso from Munich raised 12 million euros in a Series A led by Capnamic and 00:21:40.222 --> 00:21:48.862 UVC partners. They are building accounting software to help SMEs comply with EU CSRD rules. 00:21:50.082 --> 00:21:56.922 Austrian XR company Hololight raised 10 million euros to accelerate development 00:21:56.922 --> 00:22:00.042 of its immersive streaming platform for enterprises. 00:22:00.882 --> 00:22:06.642 Their platform enables complex 3D visualizations in AR and VR environments, 00:22:06.642 --> 00:22:09.722 targeting engineering and design heavy industries. 00:22:09.722 --> 00:22:17.162 And Vienna-based Zero Third secured a $10 million investment to scale its quantum computing solutions. 00:22:17.862 --> 00:22:24.722 Zero Third is a company that focuses on hardware, software, co-design for industrial applications. 00:22:25.822 --> 00:22:31.862 Funding here will accelerate lab-to-market transition and help Zero Third to 00:22:31.862 --> 00:22:35.902 gain a better position within Europe's deep tech ecosystem. 00:22:36.542 --> 00:22:43.042 M&As. M&As. Next, one of our former guests, of course, we linked the interview 00:22:43.042 --> 00:22:44.042 down here in the show notes. 00:22:45.302 --> 00:22:50.882 Acquires a handbook-based Arcadis to expand ID verification platform, 00:22:51.502 --> 00:22:58.442 another local startup to extend its authentication and onboarding capabilities. 00:22:58.442 --> 00:23:02.362 At the time we interviewed them, they have been already the most, 00:23:02.402 --> 00:23:08.502 I mean, necked here, they have been the most downloaded self-identification 00:23:08.502 --> 00:23:11.822 app in Germany that was back in 2021. 00:23:12.462 --> 00:23:19.362 Rumble explores interest in northern data amid AI compute expansion strategy. 00:23:20.002 --> 00:23:24.182 FAZ, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, reported Rumble is interested in Frankfurt-based 00:23:24.182 --> 00:23:29.342 northern data, a European AI HPC Compute Operator. 00:23:29.482 --> 00:23:34.082 Any transaction could give Rumble closer control over GPU infrastructure for 00:23:34.082 --> 00:23:41.262 AI and video workloads, highlighting the strategic value of European compute capacity. 00:23:41.682 --> 00:23:46.302 Discussions remain exploratory. No needle terms have been disclosed. 00:23:46.637 --> 00:23:53.397 U.S. material startup Leiton to acquire Northworld's remaining assets. 00:23:53.577 --> 00:23:57.417 You remember, guys, they have been pretty big from Scandinavia and then want 00:23:57.417 --> 00:24:02.837 to build up a big factory in northern Germany. We talked about like the little 00:24:02.837 --> 00:24:06.337 village that was the last one that had to approve all of that. 00:24:06.537 --> 00:24:09.777 And then it unfortunately went under. 00:24:10.097 --> 00:24:15.077 So now we are in the story and Silicon Canals reported Leiton's plans to acquire 00:24:15.077 --> 00:24:20.417 all remaining assets of Northwold following the Swedish battery maker's insolvency. 00:24:20.617 --> 00:24:25.077 The deal would transfer manufacturing and IP assets to Leitens, 00:24:25.637 --> 00:24:31.097 Lilium Silphur and Advanced Materials Roadmap, preserving parts of Europe's 00:24:31.097 --> 00:24:34.437 battery supply chain footprint under new ownership. 00:24:34.857 --> 00:24:40.997 Frank Thielen, one of the investors in the first round of investors of Germany's 00:24:40.997 --> 00:24:43.497 shock tank called Lion's Den at the time. 00:24:44.617 --> 00:24:48.357 Handelsblatt revealed that VC Frank Thielen sold ScanBot SDK, 00:24:48.677 --> 00:24:53.597 a German document scanning software provider to Canadian firm Apprise. 00:24:53.597 --> 00:24:58.337 Financial terms were undisclosed, but the deals reflect consolidation in the 00:24:58.337 --> 00:25:00.257 enterprise document text base. 00:25:00.877 --> 00:25:05.017 For Thielen, this marks another notable exit for his portfolio. 00:25:05.837 --> 00:25:13.497 DVP Bank, basically a security service bank, buys Lemon Markets closing targeted autumn 2025. 00:25:13.897 --> 00:25:20.897 BaFin approval pending. Deal Monitor confirms DVP Bank will acquire Lemon Markets 00:25:20.897 --> 00:25:23.897 and keep it as a standalone unit post-close. 00:25:24.317 --> 00:25:31.497 IT Finance Magazine adds that closing is slated for autumn 2025 subject to BaFin 00:25:31.497 --> 00:25:33.097 and customary approvals, 00:25:33.611 --> 00:25:37.591 aim is to add digital non-brokerage platform 00:25:37.591 --> 00:25:41.271 to dvp bank's infrastructure and 00:25:41.271 --> 00:25:44.231 chris you are the person who is closing 00:25:44.231 --> 00:25:50.791 this record long recording i think in total we are now at almost an hour of 00:25:50.791 --> 00:25:55.091 recording time and you will end it with some awesome useless knowledge right 00:25:55.091 --> 00:26:00.511 yes our useless knowledge today is not necessarily connected to the dach startup 00:26:00.511 --> 00:26:04.071 scene but it's about a very dedicated person nonetheless. 00:26:04.791 --> 00:26:08.471 Her name is Debbie Indicott. She lives in Lenoir, North Carolina. 00:26:08.851 --> 00:26:12.811 And in 1990, she was in a diner in Las Vegas. 00:26:13.031 --> 00:26:17.131 The diner was Coca-Cola themed, so red and white everywhere. 00:26:17.611 --> 00:26:21.471 And Indicott must have thought, that's what I want at home. 00:26:22.111 --> 00:26:26.211 So she started collecting coca-cola memorabilia 00:26:26.211 --> 00:26:29.571 and um did so for 00:26:29.571 --> 00:26:32.991 three decades until in 2020 she got 00:26:32.991 --> 00:26:36.251 the guinness book of records title for the collection 00:26:36.251 --> 00:26:39.191 with the most coca-cola memorabilia in the world because 00:26:39.191 --> 00:26:43.231 she had 2028 items um 00:26:43.231 --> 00:26:46.291 based on coca-cola in her collection then someone 00:26:46.291 --> 00:26:49.331 else took over the record apparently it's a very it's 00:26:49.331 --> 00:26:54.551 very sought after um she got her record back someone else took over But now 00:26:54.551 --> 00:27:00.471 I'm happy to report Debbie has the record again and has been newly certified 00:27:00.471 --> 00:27:05.411 as the person in the world with the biggest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia 00:27:05.411 --> 00:27:09.271 with now an individual number of items, 00:27:09.491 --> 00:27:11.531 5,623. 00:27:12.551 --> 00:27:18.691 Congrats. Definitely awesome to close those record news with such a dedicated 00:27:18.691 --> 00:27:21.111 person. Chris, it was a pleasure talking to you. 00:27:21.311 --> 00:27:27.171 Yes, I won't finish this. also a favorite type of coke is diet coke she said 00:27:27.171 --> 00:27:34.351 oh okay mine would be the vanilla coke yeah and she said diet coke but i also 00:27:34.351 --> 00:27:37.931 like cherry so fine what's your favorite coke, 00:27:39.151 --> 00:27:44.511 diet i don't fully care yeah i sometimes go for or coke light whatever i don't 00:27:44.511 --> 00:27:48.071 think is there is yeah coke light coke zero is there a difference who knows 00:27:48.071 --> 00:27:53.671 i think coke light is more targeted towards women and Coke Zero more towards men. 00:27:53.871 --> 00:28:00.731 Guys, we do have also a lot of stay ahead of the curve, including Defense Tech 2025 report. 00:28:00.971 --> 00:28:04.031 Women now hold almost 20% of top venture capital roles globally. 00:28:04.651 --> 00:28:09.571 And Tony's Box unveils Tony Box 2 and much, much more. 00:28:09.891 --> 00:28:15.871 We will be back, Chris and I, with the startup news to be published on October 2nd. 00:28:15.971 --> 00:28:21.911 And guys, keep in mind, October 3rd is German's Unity Day. So we all do have a public holiday there. 00:28:22.271 --> 00:28:24.631 Chris, as always, a pleasure talking to you. 00:28:25.211 --> 00:28:29.711 Yes, same. Goodbye, trues. Goodbye. Bye, guys. 00:28:30.320 --> 00:29:00.126 Music.