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Jörn Menninger

For Those in a Hurry: German, Swiss and Austrian Startup News - July & August 2024 Wrap-Up



Welcome to "Startup News for Those in a Hurry," your go-to source for the latest developments in the startup world, with a focus on Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. This summer, the startup ecosystems across these regions have been buzzing with activity, and we’re here to give you a quick but comprehensive rundown of the most important stories. Whether you're a startup enthusiast, a venture capitalist, or just curious about the latest trends, this summary has everything you need to stay informed.


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Top Startup News of the Summer


  1. Helsing's Monumental €450M Series C Funding Munich-based defense AI startup Helsing has raised a staggering €450M in a Series C funding round, pushing its valuation to €4.9B. This investment underscores the growing importance of AI in European security tech, positioning Helsing as a leader in this critical sector.

  2. Lilium Air Taxi Startup Faces Major Decisions Lilium, the German air taxi pioneer, is considering a potential sale and relocation due to uncertainties over German state aid. This move could significantly reshape the air mobility landscape and the future of startups in Germany.

  3. ECB’s First Digital Euro Progress Report The European Central Bank (ECB) released its first progress report on the digital euro, marking a significant step forward in the development of Europe’s central bank digital currency (CBDC). This report is crucial as Europe navigates the future of digital finance.

  4. Grover’s Strategic €50M Funding Amid Market Challenges Berlin-based tech rental company Grover secured €50M in new funding, despite losing its unicorn status. This funding round is a strategic move towards sustainable growth as Grover adapts to market challenges and scales its operations.

  5. CatalYm and osapiens Lead in Biotech and ESG Investments Munich’s CatalYm raised €150M in Series D funding for its cancer immunotherapy research, while Mannheim-based osapiens secured €110M to expand its global ESG platform. These investments highlight robust confidence in Europe’s biotech and deep-tech sectors.


European Venture Capital Trends


Venture capital in Europe is thriving, with European VCs outperforming their US counterparts over 10- and 15-year horizons. Notably, there has been a surge in deep-tech investments, with Europe now accounting for 19% of global funding in this sector. This trend is expected to grow by 25-35% by 2030, reinforcing Europe’s standing as a global innovation hub.

Additionally, venture debt is on track for a record year in Europe, with €18.7B raised in the first half of 2024 alone. This surge signals a potential wave of mergers and acquisitions, particularly in climate tech and fintech sectors.


Regulatory Changes and Market Challenges


The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduces new regulations that will reshape tech competition across Europe. Meanwhile, Germany’s startup scene faces both challenges and opportunities, especially in the booming AI sector, which saw a 35% increase in startups in 2024. However, government initiatives are lagging, with only 22 of 58 promised initiatives delivered so far.


Key Takeaways


This summer has been pivotal for the startup ecosystems in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. From record-breaking funding rounds to significant regulatory changes, the landscape is evolving rapidly. For startups and investors alike, staying informed and agile is more important than ever. Whether you're interested in AI, biotech, or venture capital, the news from this summer highlights the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Stay ahead of the curve with Startuprad.io, your premier source for startup news and insights. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest in tech entrepreneurship.


For Those in a Hurry


This is a shortened version of our podcast "his Month in German, Swiss and Austrian Startups - Summer News Wrap-Up 2024 (July and August)" originally published on September 2nd 2024. Expect our next full startup news on October 3rd 2024.


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