Startup, Venture Capital and Tech News from Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Startup, Venture Capital and Tech News from Germany, Austria and Switzerland Podcast

**Startuprad.io™ - Startup and Technology Podcast** Welcome to the ultimate shortcut for staying ahead in the dynamic world of startups and technology with Startuprad.io’s exclusive news podcast. Ranked among the top 20 entrepreneurship podcasts on Apple Podcasts worldwide, our sub-podcast delivers vital updates from the vibrant German, Austrian, and Swiss startup scenes in English only. In just 30 minutes or less, our monthly digest distills the essence of startup news, tech trends, and venture capital developments from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA or DACH region). We cover everything from groundbreaking venture capital investments to the latest buzz surrounding unicorns and scale-ups in Berlin, Munich, Zurich, and beyond. Our podcast features a diverse range of guests, including Emmy winners, New York Times best-selling authors, Forbes 40 under 40, Capital 40 unter 40, Forbes 30 under 30, influential investors, and game-changing entrepreneurs. We take pride in introducing you to guests you may not know yet but who are set to make a significant impact in the future. Chartable ranks us in the global Top 60 Science, Top 75 Tech, and Top 275 Business podcasts, and Listen Notes places us in the global Top 0.5%. Whether you’re seeking insights on business angels, new technologies, or pivotal startup movements, our podcast empowers you to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Subscribe now to streamline your access to vital updates—never miss an episode and seize the competitive edge in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship and technology. Learn more about us at https://startuprad.io/ Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Startuprad.io™ - The Authority on GSA Startups. Dive into our curated selection of interviews and discover the partnerships driving growth in the European tech space. Tune in and be inspired by every conversation at Startuprad.io™.

  1. Summer 2024 Startup News: Major Funding, AI Trends & DACH Region Insights

    2 SEPT

    Summer 2024 Startup News: Major Funding, AI Trends & DACH Region Insights

    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. 🔗 Useful Links: 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 #Hashtags: #StartupNews #GermanStartups #SwissStartups #AustrianStartups #TechTrends #FundingNews #AIInnovation #DeepTech #VentureCapital #EuropeanStartups

    49 min
  2. Nobel Laureate Steven Chu on the Future of Nuclear Energy and Green Startups

    22 AUG

    Nobel Laureate Steven Chu on the Future of Nuclear Energy and Green Startups

    In this episode of Startuprad.io, we feature Nobel Laureate and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Professor Steven Chu. With his extensive expertise in physics, energy policy, and innovation, Professor Chu provides invaluable insights into the future of renewable energy, the role of nuclear power, and the rise of green startups. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolving energy landscape, offering practical advice and forward-thinking ideas on how to navigate the complexities of today’s energy challenges. Why You Should Listen Curious about the future of energy? Want to understand how nuclear power and green startups are transforming the industry? Professor Chu discusses the critical role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the importance of energy storage, and the strategic moves needed for energy independence. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and sustainability advocates. Key Topics Covered Nuclear Energy Challenges Professor Chu discusses the financial and logistical difficulties in constructing large nuclear reactors and how these challenges have impacted the industry. He outlines what needs to change for nuclear energy to play a more significant role in the future. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Chu advocates for SMRs as a safer, more scalable alternative to traditional nuclear reactors. He explains how mass production of SMRs could drive down costs and enhance safety, potentially revolutionizing the nuclear industry. Nuclear Energy and Global Security In today’s geopolitical climate, energy independence is crucial. Chu explores how nuclear power can reduce dependence on foreign energy sources like Russian gas, contributing to national security and stable energy supplies. Germany’s Nuclear Phase-Out The episode delves into Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power, examining its potential impact on energy-intensive industries and exploring whether new technologies could support the country's future energy needs. Green Startups: U.S. vs. Europe Chu compares the progress of green startups in the U.S. and Europe, highlighting the success of solar energy in Germany and the challenges faced by U.S. companies, despite recent policy efforts like the Inflation Reduction Act. The Importance of Energy Storage Chu emphasizes the critical role of advanced energy storage technologies as renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent. He discusses current limitations and potential solutions to support a higher share of renewables in the energy grid. Personal Insights from Steven Chu Chu shares his thoughts on sustainable living, including his considerations for installing solar panels and maintaining an older, fuel-efficient car. These reflections add a relatable dimension to the broader discussion on energy efficiency. Success Strategies for Energy Startups Chu highlights the importance of large investments and strategic partnerships for energy startups. He provides actionable advice on how startups can scale their operations and significantly impact carbon emissions. Why This Episode Matters Packed with expert insights and practical advice, this episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in the future of energy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or someone passionate about sustainability, Professor Chu’s analysis offers a clear roadmap for achieving a more sustainable future. Call to Action If you found this episode valuable, subscribe to Startuprad.io on Apple Podcasts. Please leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Share this episode with your network and join the conversation on the future of energy and innovation. Links to be Included: 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

    31 min
  3. Exclusive Insights: Robert Langer on Biotech Startups & mRNA Tech

    15 AUG

    Exclusive Insights: Robert Langer on Biotech Startups & mRNA Tech

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of Startuprad.io! In this episode, host Joe Menninger interviews Professor Robert S. Langer, a distinguished MIT biotechnologist who has revolutionized modern medicine. Professor Langer, co-founder of Moderna, holds over 1,400 patents and has received more than 220 major awards. Tune in as we dive deep into the biotech industry, exploring the differences between biotech sectors in Europe and the US, the future of mRNA technology, and the essential factors for biotech startup success. Professor Langer emphasizes the significance of great science, intellectual property, and business acumen. He also discusses the critical role of government and private sector partnerships in advancing biotech innovation. Key Points: Biotech landscapes in Europe vs. the US Success factors for biotech startups Future of mRNA technology Government and private sector partnerships Diversity in research and its impact Funding challenges for biotech startups Innovations in drug delivery systems Quotes: "The key to biotech success lies in great science and intellectual property." "Diversity in teams enhances research outcomes significantly." Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring interviews with industry leaders. Join our community and stay ahead of the curve in tech entrepreneurship! Links: Original Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog Work with us: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio

    17 min
  4. This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian (GSA) Startups - May 2024 | Startuprad.io

    30 MAY

    This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian (GSA) Startups - May 2024 | Startuprad.io

    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).

    35 min
  5. This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian (GSA) Startups - April 2024

    25 APR

    This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian (GSA) Startups - April 2024

    Lower your Costs of ISO 27.001 and SOC 2 Compliance by up to 85% [with our Partner Vanta]Achieving ISO 27001 or SOC 2 compliance can unlock major growth for your company and build customer trust, but this process can be time-intensive and costly. Vanta automates compliance, getting you audit-ready quickly and saving you up to 85% of associated costs. And Vanta scales with your business, helping you enter new markets. Join 7,000 global companies like Atlassian, Flo Health, and Quora that trust Vanta. Claim 20% off Vanta at vanta.com/startupradio Interested in Working with us? Have a look here: https://www.passionfroot.me/startupradio Find all options to follow us and subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🌟 April 2024 Startup & Tech Wrap-Up 🌟 | Germany, Austria, Switzerland | Biotech Breakthroughs, Fintech Boom & Space Innovation 🚀In just 30 minutes, get the latest on the hottest entrepreneurship news from the heart of Europe! From groundbreaking acquisitions to futuristic ventures, here's what you need to know: 🔬 Novo Nordisk's €1.025B Biotech Splash! Discover how Novo Nordisk's landmark acquisition of Cardior Pharmaceuticals is reshaping the biotech landscape. 🚁 Volocopter's €150M Boost! Despite challenges, Volocopter gets a significant funding injection for its flying taxi vision. 💡 Zolar Shines with €100M! Learn about Zolar's massive credit line and its innovative financing options. 💰 ELEMENT Scores €50M! Explore how ELEMENT is revolutionizing InsurTech with its latest funding round. 🏦 Berlin: Fintech Capital! Berlin solidifies its status as the Fintech Capital with 160 thriving startups. 🛰️ Mynaric's Space Laser Triumph! Witness Mynaric's milestone in global space development with the CONDOR Mk3. Don't miss out on the latest tech and entrepreneurial breakthroughs! Watch now for all the details. #entrepreneurship #technews #startupscene #startupradio Find all links and show notes here:https://medium.com/startuprad-io/this-month-in-german-swiss-and-austrian-gsa-startups-march-april-bb97d8243696

    33 min
  6. This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian (GSA) Startups - March 2024

    28 MAR

    This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian (GSA) Startups - March 2024

    Welcome to our March 2024 wrap-up with vital news from the startup and tech entrepreneurship scenes in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in 30 minutes or less 🙂. Our startup news is recorded with Chris in New York City and Joe in Frankfurt. Recording date is March 25th 2024 and all news not included will be in our next news to be released on April 25th 2024. Happy Easter!Today we publish on Holy Thursday (Gründonnerstag) in Germany. Note that the Friday before and Monday after Easter are public holidays. Many people will take off around the holidays. So don’t expect your calls to be returned promptly during this time. A Seismic Shift in the Regional Startup SceneYou are witnessing a seismic shift in the GSA startup scene with us here and today. The headlines of our startup news used to be dominated by fintech funding. Now we have more than 7 billion € investments in green startups (battery, renewable energy) vs. “only” around 150 million in fintech funding in different forms. This is surely a foretaste of what’s to come. Our Highlights:The European energy landscape is witnessing significant developments with key investments across sectors. Northvolt’s Gigafactory in Northern Germany, backed by €900 million in subsidies and a €4.5 billion investment, aims to produce 1 million car batteries annually, driving electric vehicle adoption and job creation. Enpal secured €1.1 billion in refinancing commitments, while Sunfire raised over €500 million, bolstering Europe’s green hydrogen economy. ENVIRIA secured $200 million in capital from BlackRock, signaling confidence in the solar sector. Solaris Bank secured €96 million in funding but faced a €6.5 million fine from BaFin, reflecting fintech regulatory challenges. Magic gained traction with open AI’s and Tesla’s former Andrej Karpathy as investor, and Bitpanda established a €50 million VC fund for blockchain startups. However, the startup community grapples with stress, with nearly half considering quitting, underscoring the toll of rapid innovation. Let’s talk startups: https://medium.com/startuprad-io/this-month-in-german-swiss-and-austrian-gsa-startups-march-2024-a49996ca44f9 Find All Other Channels HereFind all options to subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio  Housekeeping & Time to Brag — Celebrating one Million Downloads in a Quarter!1 Million confirmed downloads in Q4 2023: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7176895440510955520/ FeedbackWe would love to hear from YOU!!! https://forms.gle/mLV6mVKwGwKuut8BA The HostsThe 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: Joe on LinkedIn Joe on Twitter Chris on LinkedIn Chris on Twitter

    29 min
  7. Rise of Deep Tech and Health Tech Startups in Europe

    7 MAR

    Rise of Deep Tech and Health Tech Startups in Europe

    Interested in Working with us?Have a look here: https://www.passionfroot.me/startupradio Executive SummaryIn this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn "Joe" Menninger and guest Thomas Kösters of DEEP Ecosystems explore the rise of spinoff companies, mainly from academic institutions. They discuss the significant impact of public investment in high-tech and hardware sectors, the challenges of tech transfer, and the role of entities like the EIC accelerator in supporting European spinoffs. The episode also covers the funding landscape, the "valley of death" for deep tech startups, and examples of successful spinoffs like BioNTech, underscoring the importance of building effective university knowledge transfer offices to commercialize research. Subscribe to Startuprad.io HereWe are always sharing new resources with you. Find all of our options below. We want to make sure that we provide what's best for your growing team, so please take a look at these additional ways in which we can help! https://linktr.ee/startupradio Our Sponsor StartupravenA startup's journey can be challenging, but you don't have ́to feel alone on your quest! Invest in others' success with us by joining our community of entrepreneurs who build amazing things every day—no matter how big or small their ideas may seem at first glance. https://startupraven.com/ IntroductionWelcome back to another compelling episode of Startuprad.io, the podcast dedicated to unraveling the dynamic world of startups and their ecosystems. I'm your host, Jörn "Joe" Menninger, and today we're diving deep into the universe of academic spin-offs and their increasingly pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology. In this episode titled "Deep Ecosystem Spinoffs," we're thrilled to have an expert in the field, Thomas Kösters, MD at DEEP Ecosystems, to shed light on the fascinating surge of spinoff funding and the evolution of public investments towards high-tech and hardware opportunities. We'll explore why entities like NVIDIA in the U.S. and ASML in the Netherlands are spearheading growth and how centers such as the EIC accelerator are revolutionizing entrepreneurship in Europe. With startup ecosystems like "Startup Radio Factories" rising in Germany and other European nations, Thomas unpacks the mechanisms of financial support, intellectual property management, and the crucial role of tech transfer offices. We'll discuss the implications of universities owning the IP and how European cities strive for equitable funding opportunities. Join us as we delve into the stark realities of the "valley of death" for deep tech startups, the magnitude of academic spin-offs in HealthTech, and the strategies setting precedents for commercial success. We'll also touch on recent challenges that Switzerland and the UK face in Horizon funding and the strategic efforts in cities like Paris and Munich to lead in research funding. This episode covers the breadth of European innovation, from the spotlight on Cambridge as an exemplary model to the discussion of tech transfer offices like Cambridge Enterprise. And finally, a closer look at the journey from research to market, the culture clash with venture capital, and alternative pathways to traditional spin-off approaches. Links and show notes here:https://medium.com/startuprad-io/rise-of-deep-tech-and-health-tech-startups-in-europe-66d3ab4f0e61

    52 min

About

**Startuprad.io™ - Startup and Technology Podcast** Welcome to the ultimate shortcut for staying ahead in the dynamic world of startups and technology with Startuprad.io’s exclusive news podcast. Ranked among the top 20 entrepreneurship podcasts on Apple Podcasts worldwide, our sub-podcast delivers vital updates from the vibrant German, Austrian, and Swiss startup scenes in English only. In just 30 minutes or less, our monthly digest distills the essence of startup news, tech trends, and venture capital developments from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA or DACH region). We cover everything from groundbreaking venture capital investments to the latest buzz surrounding unicorns and scale-ups in Berlin, Munich, Zurich, and beyond. Our podcast features a diverse range of guests, including Emmy winners, New York Times best-selling authors, Forbes 40 under 40, Capital 40 unter 40, Forbes 30 under 30, influential investors, and game-changing entrepreneurs. We take pride in introducing you to guests you may not know yet but who are set to make a significant impact in the future. Chartable ranks us in the global Top 60 Science, Top 75 Tech, and Top 275 Business podcasts, and Listen Notes places us in the global Top 0.5%. Whether you’re seeking insights on business angels, new technologies, or pivotal startup movements, our podcast empowers you to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Subscribe now to streamline your access to vital updates—never miss an episode and seize the competitive edge in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship and technology. Learn more about us at https://startuprad.io/ Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Startuprad.io™ - The Authority on GSA Startups. Dive into our curated selection of interviews and discover the partnerships driving growth in the European tech space. Tune in and be inspired by every conversation at Startuprad.io™.

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