🧪 Deep Tech Germany – Startups and Venture Capital – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn "Joe" Menninger speaks with Rafael Fietzek, Co-Founder and Managing Director at COMPREDICT, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in automotive technology. COMPREDICT is leading the charge with its revolutionary virtual sensor technology, powered by AI, that is set to transform the way vehicles operate.

• Virtual Sensors & AI Integration: Learn how COMPREDICT’s AI-driven virtual sensors are designed to replace traditional hardware sensors in vehicles, enabling more efficient and predictive vehicle maintenance. These virtual sensors enhance operational performance by monitoring critical aspects such as tire and brake wear, as well as vehicle dynamics, all through AI.

• Series B Funding Success: Rafael discusses COMPREDICT’s impressive $15 million Series B funding round, backed by high-profile investors like Michelin, BlackBerry, and Toyota's investment arm, Woven Capital. This investment boosts COMPREDICT’s credibility and positions them for further growth.

• Strategic Partnerships: Find out how COMPREDICT is collaborating with leading automotive manufacturers, such as Renault, Alpine, and Toyota, to integrate their virtual sensors into mass production vehicles, making a significant impact on the industry.

• Recruitment Challenges: The episode highlights the difficulties COMPREDICT faces in recruiting top international tech talent, as well as the hurdles associated with international visa processes, which slow down the hiring of skilled workers from outside Europe.

• Networking and B2B Sales: Discover the importance of networking at industry conferences and how building relationships with key decision-makers in the automotive sector is vital to securing large B2B deals.

• Future Roadmap: Rafael outlines COMPREDICT’s growth strategy, including plans to secure more production deals, continue expanding into global markets like Japan and the U.S., and prepare for a future Series C funding round.

If you are a tech startup enthusiast, automotive engineer, AI expert, or investor, this episode offers valuable insights into how COMPREDICT is shaping the future of the automotive industry with cutting-edge AI solutions. You’ll also gain an inside look at the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a deep tech startup in a highly competitive industry.

Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation that covers innovation, AI, automotive partnerships, and the future of virtual sensors. Whether you're interested in automotive technology, AI applications, or startup growth strategies, this episode has something for you.

• Original Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog

• Work with Us: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner

• Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio

• Give Us Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9

• Special Offer: Get two free SEO-optimized blog posts per month exclusively through our partnership with ModernIQs.com. Sign up here: https://moderniqs.com/create-an-account/?res_aff=startupradio

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.

Useful Links:

• Subscribe to our Podcast: https://linktr.ee/startupradio

• Work with Us: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner

• Give Us Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9

• Original Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/categories/startup-news

Dive into the world of innovation with Startuprad.io as host Jörn "Joe" Menninger explores the transformative journey of Metaloop with its Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Jan Pannenbäcker. This episode takes you through the digital revolution of the scrap metal industry, highlighting Metaloop’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

Listen as Jan Pannenbäcker recounts his path from a small town in northern Germany to leading a groundbreaking startup. He delves into his ventures before Metaloop, from initiating a composting plant to launching a thriving sustainable clothing line, and now spearheading industry modernization with Metaloop.

In This Episode, Discover:

• How Metaloop is reshaping the scrap metal market through digital transparency.

• The role of EU regulations in shaping their business practices.

• The strategic partnerships that propel Metaloop’s industry integration.

• What the future holds for Metaloop and their global expansion strategies.

• Insights into securing funding and the dynamics of innovative startup financing.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 | Introduction to Jan and Metaloop’s Vision

• 02:30 | Jan’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Social Impact

• 05:45 | From Sustainable Fashion to Scrap Metal Innovation

• 10:00 | Overcoming Industry Challenges and Embracing Digital Solutions

• 15:00 | Strategic Alliances and Their Impact on Metaloop’s Growth

• 20:00 | Unpacking Metaloop’s Business Model and Revenue Insights

• 25:00 | Live Q&A: Jan Answers Your Burning Questions

• 30:00 | Wrap-Up: The Future of Recycling and Metaloop’s Role

Connect with Us:

• Check out Metaloop’s innovations: Metaloop Official Website

• Connect with Jan Pannenbäcker: LinkedIn

• Discover career opportunities: Join Metaloop

• More insights and episodes: Visit Startuprad.io

Stay Updated:

• Subscribe to our podcast to never miss an episode.

• Follow us on Spotify and engage with our content.

• Join our community for regular updates via Telegram: Startuprad.io Channel

• Get exclusive insights by signing up for our newsletter: Startuprad.io Newsletter

Presented by Startupraven, your go-to platform for connecting with investors and expanding your startup network. Start building your future at Startupraven.

#Metaloop #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Startuprad_io #Innovation #Recycling #TechStartups

Engage with our content and share your thoughts on how innovations like Metaloop can revolutionize industries. Join the conversation in our comments section or on social media platforms.

Welcome to This Month in German Startups by Startuprad.io - in a news recording with Chris (Back Home in Germany) and me Joe, from Frankfurt am Main.

Today we are wrapping up May 2021 for you. We talk about the massive Trade Republic funding, making them Germany's most valuable startup. We are talking about SPACs again, Germany’s institutional funds investing in crypto, and 3 bn shots of the corona vaccine. As always, we have a great show for you!

Housekeeping - Time to brag

Stay safe everyone!

• We are very happy to have been listed as No 4 on the Welp Magazine list of "20 Best Start-ups Podcasts of 2021" https://welpmagazine.com/20-best-start-ups-podcasts-of-2021/
• Station Frankfurt featured our newest internet radio station in an article https://station-frankfurt.de/2021/05/07/das-steckt-hinter-dem-24-7-startupradio-startuprad-io/
• Italy-based Startup.info covered our internet radio station as well: The World’s First Internet Radio Station Dedicated to Startups and Tech Companies Just Launched https://buff.ly/3upGZte

Top News Trade Republic is now Germany’s most valuable startup with 5.3 bn US$ SPACs

In the US the largest wave of SPAC IPOs is already behind us, but in Europe, it is just gaining speed. Frankfurt Stock Exchange expects up to 20 SPAC IPOs in 2021. In all of Europe, they expect more than 30 https://buff.ly/3h0mMqS

Amazon Shops are still HOT

Berlin’s Razor Group raises $400M to buy and scale Amazon Marketplace merchants – TechCrunch https://buff.ly/2PVJULY

Germany rumored to open flood gates to Crypto Investments - Think again

'Damn Huge': Germany Opens Up to Institutional Crypto Funds - Decrypt https://buff.ly/3vvX3dU

Joe will talk about this soon - as soon as he gets to it - but the main point one has to understand in German institutional funds is that the investors are regulated and not so much the vehicles.

3bn Shots are coming

Corona vaccine producer BioNTech is looking to produce 3bn shots https://buff.ly/2RHzXlA

We just passed a small moment in History

80 years ago, on May 11th, 1941 german inventor Konrad Zuse started his Z3. This was one of today's first - maybe The first - modern-day computer. He developed it, to take over statistical calculation he found tiresome https://buff.ly/3eEJ3sB

Find all other show notes here: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/this-month-in-german-startups-may-2021/

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deeptechgermany/message

Subscribe Here

Find all options to subscribe to our podcast, listen to our internet radio station, or follow us on social media here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio (you also find a link to our audrec board, where you can suggest startups)

The Founder

We are talking to Jörn-Philipp Plies (https://www.linkedin.com/in/plies/) CEO and Co-Founder of eye2you (https://eye2you.ai/).

Philipp started out his professional life with an apprenticeship and moved to study at Technical University Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technische_Universit%C3%A4t_Darmstadt) computer science and robotics.

While working on his final diploma thesis, he became interested in visual recognition and finally the eye. This led him to take on his Ph.D. at the University of Tübingen, studying how the brain processes visual information.

Affiliate Links

• Learn how to grow your business using the numbers in your profit and loss and balance sheet: https://www.learndesk.us/class/5571076509663232/growth-by-the-numbers-real-small-business-finance-for-real-small-business-owners use our promo code: Access

The Startup

The story of eye2you (https://eye2you.ai/) started at Korea University (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korea_University), with a project for development aid projects in Ethiopia. Now the company is incorporated in Tübingen Germany and works on AI algorithms to recognize diseases in pictures of the retina.

They are working on empowering general physicians, nurses, or caretakers to perform a basic checkup with their software. Groups at risk for retina diseases are people with high blood pressure or diabetes.

Here is an explainer video for more details: https://youtu.be/nWFbvuYC2PY

Venture Capital Funding

The startup already closed the pre-seed funding round, currently having 5 FTEs and one working student.

Affiliate Links

• Is your startup in need of a bank account in Germany? Try our partner affiliate Penta http://bit.ly/3bdHX3d
• Looking to open a bank account to shift between crypto and fiat? Try our partner Bitwala with this affiliate link here http://bit.ly/2w01Zye

Learn more: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/eye2you-converts-smartphones-in-simple-medical-retina-scanners/

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deeptechgermany/message

Welcome to Startuprad.io,

we cover the German-speaking startup scene since 2015 with our franchise. Since 2019, we eased access to the German-speaking startup scene further with our special interest podcasts Fintech Germany, Blockchain Germany, Deeptech Germany, and German Startup News.

We have been called "The Authority on German Startups" and are a Top 0.5% global podcast, according to Listen Notes. Chartable.com scored us in 2020 a global Top 100 Science Podcast, a global Top 150 Tech Podcast, and a global Top 750 Business Podcast.

You can learn more here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deeptechgermany/message

Entrepreneur Tools Episode 3

This is a new series, within Startuprad.io’s YouTube Blog. We meet a lot of people and of course, we talk with some of them about the typical entrepreneur problems. Sometimes an entrepreneur solves known problems in a very systematic way, which we find great, or has great insights. In both cases, we will talk to him or her and bring you these recordings as entrepreneur tools. We are looking forward to your feedback.

This time we talk to Simon Stengelmeier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonstegelmeier/), also known as The Data Warrior (https://thedatawarrior.com/). This time we are talking about service design and marketing. Tune in to learn more.

Jobs to be Done (including Affiliate Links)

• Jobs to Be Done: A Roadmap for Customer-Centered Innovation (AL) https://amzn.to/2SLZdIh
• The Jobs-to-be-Done Handbook: Practical techniques for improving your application of Jobs-to-be-Done (AL) https://amzn.to/3fg34VA
• Link to HBR Article: Know Your Customers’ “Jobs to Be Done” https://hbr.org/2016/09/know-your-customers-jobs-to-be-done

Put Value First

Know Your Target Audience / Create a Customer Avatar

Craft Your Message

Your Signature Solution

3 Steps to Success: How To Structure & Sell Your Services

• Maximize (Customer Avatar, Message, Solution)
• Monetize (Leads, Trust, Conversion)
• Multiply (Paid, Organic, SEO)

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/bs-free-service-design-data-driven-business-solution-entrepreneur-tools-episode-3/

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deeptechgermany/message

Subscribe Here

Find all options to subscribe to our newsletter, podcast, YouTube channel or listen to our internet radio station here: Link https://linktr.ee/startupradio

MOIN! Media Partnership

This podcast is in media partnership with the Hamburg-based startup blog Hamburg Startups (https://www.hamburg-startups.net/).

The Founder

We talk to the Hamburg-based founder Dennis Ahrens, the CEO and Founder of Spacific (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisahrens/). Spacific offers a software for augmented reality glasses to measure objects within rooms (https://www.spacific.de). Dennis has been involved in several companies, before starting his startup, one stop including staying for almost 13 years.

Dennis discovered his fascination for augmented reality while working in a project where AR devices have been used to measure stairs to build in stair lifts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stairlift).

Affiliate Links

• Learn how to grow your business using the numbers in      your profit and loss and balance sheet: https://www.learndesk.us/class/5571076509663232/growth-by-the-numbers-real-small-business-finance-for-real-small-business-owners     use our promo code: Access

The Startup

Dennis founded his startup Spacific (https://www.spacific.de/) with customer service engineers in mind, who work for B2B companies.

The startup works on possibilities to measure objects inside a room. This would enable service engineers to put on their AR glasses and measure objects (e.g. lifts, forklifts, …).

Spacific is working on a self-service portal, for their business customers. There the Spacific clients can tailor their specific needs and processes with a work-flow-configurator, making their customer service better and fast than their competitors’.

Venture Capital Funding

Currently Spacific is funded by the savings of Dennis and funding from the City of Hamburg. They would be open to talking to external investors.

Further Readings / Additional Resources

Joe refers during the interview to this book: The world is flat (book) (AL): https://amzn.to/3hgWyQH

If you are curious, here is a Hololens (as Affiliated Link AL) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3y2t7Io

https://www.startuprad.io/blog/spacific-allows-you-to-measure-objects-with-ar-glasses/

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deeptechgermany/message

Today we are wrapping up April 2021 for you. We talk about SPACs, which have been all the rage, but now they get to work. We bring you news about potential SPAC deals with Solarisbank, Infarm, Lilium, and Volocopter. The first three eying a valuation of more than one billion. Also, we have a Gorilla Unicorn.

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deeptechgermany/message

We talk to Fabian, the CEO, and Co-Founder of Munich-based e-bot7. Fabian is an early thought leader in chatbots, ai, and NLP.

Fabian is not only the founder of a successful company and a Forbes 30 under 30, he is also the co-founder of a tech blog called Chatbot News Daily and he is also a DJ, having worked with the likes of DJ Tiesto.

Next to all this Fabian and e-bot7 have been founding members of the KI Bundesverband, the German Association for Artificial Intelligence, Germany’s largest AI network.

---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deeptechgermany/message