Tech Startups Germany - Startups and Venture Capital

Germany has a long and rich history when it comes to entrepreneurship. In TechStartups Germany, we interview local companies that are looking for global expansion opportunities or investors seeking out fresh investment prospects at home or abroad. We cover startups from Hessen including Frankfurt, Darmstadt, and other tech startup hubs in the state, as well as the deep tech and venture capital ecosystem. Our goal is to provide an insightful look into the Hessian startup scene for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone else interested in learning more about what's happening in this incredible state. This podcast is part of Startuprad.io, a global top 20 entrepreneurship podcast on Apple Podcasts and a global Top 125 Tech Podcast according to Chartable.  All the recordings on this channel are made possible by Hessen Trade and Invest (learn more here https://www.invest-in-hessen.com/home).  Learn more about us at https://startuprad.io/ | Startuprad.io™ - All rights r eserved

  1. Flow State Rituals for Founders: Deep Work, Distraction Hacks & AI Focus

    6 DGN GELEDEN

    Flow State Rituals for Founders: Deep Work, Distraction Hacks & AI Focus

    In this episode, Steven Puri, CEO of The Sukha Company and former Hollywood VFX executive (Independence Day, Godzilla, Transformers Prime), shares the rituals, behavioral frameworks, and AI-powered systems he uses to help founders reach deep work in distraction-heavy environments. Steven’s journey from blockbuster sets to startup leadership reveals how flow state rituals can transform founder performance. 🚀 Meet Our SponsorEXCLUSIVE NordVPN offer ➼ https://nordvpn.com/startuprad Try it now for 30 days completely risk-free with a money-back guarantee!   To get the best discount on your NordVPN subscription, just head over to nordvpn.com/startuprad. And here’s the kicker — with our link, you’ll get four extra months on the two-year plan. Totally risk-free, because you’ve got the 30-day money-back guarantee. And of course, you’ll find that link right in the episode description. 💡 What You’ll Learn– How to use environmental & sound triggers to engineer daily flow – Behavioral nudges that increased productivity by 77% – Why bootstrapping vs VC discipline changes product quality – How AI productivity assistants will personalize founder workflows – Why empathy & resilience outperform hustle culture for long-term success 👤 Guest SpotlightSteven Puri, CEO of The Sukha Company, blends Hollywood rigor with startup agility. He shares real-world frameworks founders can apply tomorrow to unlock focus, structure, and sustainable output. Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/post/flow-state-rituals-for-founders YouTube: Watch now 🎧 The Audio PodcastSubscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🚪 Connect with UsPartner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: Jörn Menninger

    48 min
  2. Flow State for Startup Founders: Deep Work That Actually Ships

    9 OKT

    Flow State for Startup Founders: Deep Work That Actually Ships

    Steven Puri, co-founder/CEO of Sukha, shares the flow state for startup founders playbook: body doubling, the coffee-shop effect, chronotype time-blocking, demo-first standups, and outcome-based leadership. You’ll learn how to beat the 22-minute context switching tax, design deep-work rituals for remote teams, and build a best-idea-wins culture that ships. 🚀 Meet Our SponsorEXCLUSIVE NordVPN offer ➼ https://nordvpn.com/startuprad Try it now for 30 days completely risk-free with a money-back guarantee!   To get the best discount on your NordVPN subscription, just head over to nordvpn.com/startuprad. And here’s the kicker — with our link, you’ll get four extra months on the two-year plan. Totally risk-free, because you’ve got the 30-day money-back guarantee. And of course, you’ll find that link right in the episode description. What you’ll learn How ambient accountability outperforms solo willpower Practical body doubling setups for founders & remote teams Timer methods to defeat context switching Scheduling deep work around your chronotype Why demo-first standups accelerate shipping Guest: Steven Puri — Co-founder & CEO, Sukha Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/post/flow-state-for-startup-founders-the-complete-deep-work-playbook 🎧 The Audio PodcastSubscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Spotify Apple Podcasts Castbox Good Pods 🚪 Connect with UsPartner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: Jörn Menninger

    51 min
  3. Second-Life EV Batteries: How Voltfang Raised €15M to Replace Coal in Europe

    24 JUL

    Second-Life EV Batteries: How Voltfang Raised €15M to Replace Coal in Europe

    What if the key to Europe’s energy independence lies in the batteries of yesterday’s electric cars? This isn’t science fiction—it’s Voltfang’s reality. Today’s episode takes you inside the world of second-life EV batteries, where German climate tech startup Voltfang is repurposing used electric car batteries to stabilize power grids, decentralize energy systems, and replace coal-fired plants across Europe. With a €15M funding round and partnerships with major players like Stuttgart Airport, Voltfang is scaling from humble camper van hacks to operating Europe’s largest second-life battery factory. What You'll Learn: How second-life EV batteries can transform renewable energy storage. Why energy decentralization is critical for Europe’s climate future. The startup journey from garage project to €15M scale-up. Lessons on resilience and leadership from Voltfang’s co-founders. Common misconceptions about scaling cleantech startups. Insider insights into Germany’s and DACH’s energy transition. Guest Spotlight: David Oudsandji, CEO & Co-Founder of Voltfang, shares the story of how three friends turned a side project into one of Europe’s most ambitious clean energy startups. With a background in industrial engineering and a bold vision to shut down coal plants like Weissweiler (1.6 GW), David unpacks the challenges and triumphs of scaling in a high-impact sector. 🎧 If you’re inspired by stories of startups driving global impact, hit “Follow” on Spotify or “Subscribe” on Apple Podcasts. ⭐ Leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with fellow founders and investors. 💬 What’s your moonshot for the future of energy? Tell us on LinkedIn or Threads using #Startupradio. Guest Name: David Oudsandji, CEO & Co-Founder at Voltfang Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/second-life-ev-batteries-powering-europe%E2%80%99s-energy-future Timestamps: 00:00 – Can Second-Life Batteries Replace Coal? 02:15 – The Camper Van Experiment That Sparked Voltfang 06:40 – From Prototype to €15M Raise 10:55 – Pivoting From Home to Industrial Energy Storage 15:30 – Decentralizing Europe’s Energy Grids 20:05 – Lessons in Cleantech Startup Leadership 23:00 – Voltfang’s Moonshot Vision for a Coal-Free Europe 25:10 – Closing Reflections and Future Plans ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger startups, second life EV batteries, energy decentralization Europe, german startups, tech entrepreneurs, capital growth, startup scaling cleantech, angel investors, DACH startup ecosystem, climate tech founders, venture capital cleantech Germany

    26 min
  4. Finance Automation for SMEs: Moss CEO on Scaling, AI & Fintech Lessons

    18 JUL

    Finance Automation for SMEs: Moss CEO on Scaling, AI & Fintech Lessons

    What if finance wasn’t a bottleneck but your secret growth weapon? Moss CEO Ante Spittler joins Startuprad.io to reveal how his Berlin fintech is helping over 5,000 SMEs automate spend, ditch spreadsheets, and scale smarter. What You'll Learn: How Moss raised €180M and scaled to process €5B+ annually The biggest finance automation challenges for European SMEs Lessons from layoffs and scaling a regulated fintech Why user-first design is Moss’s superpower in a crowded market Insights on ERP integration, AI in finance, and future trends The emotional toll of leading a fintech through hypergrowth Strategies for founders balancing family and company building Guest Spotlight: Ante Spittler – CEO & Co-Founder, Moss Ante is a seasoned fintech leader with roots in investment banking and VC. At Moss, he’s redefining finance automation for SMEs across Europe, delivering an intelligent spend management suite with enterprise-grade compliance. Love founder stories that mix strategy, grit, and big wins? Follow Startuprad.io on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share this episode with founders and investors in your network. Guest Name: Ante Spittler, CEO & Co-Founder of Moss Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/finance-automation-for-smes-how-moss-is-redefining-financial-operations Moss Website – https://www.getmoss.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Finance Automation Matters 02:10 – Ante’s Journey: From VC to Fintech Founder 06:30 – Fixing ERP & Receipt Chaos in SMEs 10:45 – Scaling in Regulated Fintech: Lessons Learned 17:00 – Layoffs, Leadership, and Fintech Winter 24:40 – Balancing Family Life as a CEO 30:15 – Moss’s User-First Design Philosophy 40:05 – The Future of AI-Driven CFO Tools 47:16 – Advice to Founders Scaling in Finance Tech ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger

    49 min
  5. KeyOne’s IDAN System: Fixing Checkout for E-Commerce in the DACH Region

    10 APR

    KeyOne’s IDAN System: Fixing Checkout for E-Commerce in the DACH Region

    How do you build a startup that could change the way millions shop online — all before your 20th birthday? In this episode, Startuprad.io dives into the game-changing IDAN system with Julian Pfeiffer, founder of KeyOne, who started his company at just 15. From the football field at Eintracht Frankfurt to leading one of the most exciting fintech e-commerce innovations in the DACH region — Julian’s journey is one for the books. We explore how the IDAN (International Delivery Address Number) streamlines online checkout, enhances data privacy, and reduces delivery errors — all while helping merchants boost conversion and cut costs. If you care about startup innovation, e-commerce, or digital payments, this episode is for you. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: The origin story of KeyOne and Julian’s early entrepreneurial spark How the IDAN system improves checkout with one secure ID Why address validation (like What3Words) is key for delivery optimization Benefits for merchants: lower costs, more new customers, fewer mistakes Julian’s long-term vision for e-commerce innovation in Europe and beyond 🎙️ Guest: Julian Pfeiffer, Founder of KeyOne 🌐 Website: keyone.me 🎤 Host: Joern Menninger, Startuprad.io 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 1:34 – Julian’s Entrepreneurial Journey 5:22 – Solving the “Chicken or Egg” Problem 7:12 – How the IDAN System Works 10:56 – The Future of E-Commerce 13:35 – Benefits of IDAN for Customers and Retailers 18:08 – What’s Next for KeyOne: AI, Partnerships & More 21:48 – From Football to Founder: Julian’s Balancing Act 🔥 Sponsor: Meet Vanta Vanta automates security and compliance for ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more. Skip the spreadsheets, stay audit-ready, and focus on growth. 🎁 Get $1,000 off at vanta.com/startupradio 📢 Call to Action: Subscribe to Startuprad.io for more startup deep dives Share this episode with your network Leave us a 5-star review to help others discover the show Explore more at startuprad.io 📱 Social Sharing: Twitter/X: "How is KeyOne revolutionizing e-commerce in the DACH region? 🤔 Tune in to the latest @Startuprad_io episode to find out! #IDANsystem #ecommerce #startups" LinkedIn: "Startuprad.io sits down with Julian Pfeiffer, the founder of KeyOne, to talk about the IDAN system and the future of checkout. A must-listen for every startup founder and investor in e-commerce." Instagram: "From ⚽️ to 💻 — discover how a teenage founder is transforming the way we shop online. Listen now on Startuprad.io! #ecommerce #entrepreneurship #startupstory"

    37 min
  6. Scaling Cybersecurity: How Link11 Navigated Growth, Funding & Innovation

    9 APR

    Scaling Cybersecurity: How Link11 Navigated Growth, Funding & Innovation

    🔊 This episode is brought to you by Vanta 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance—save $1,000 with us by signing up here: vanta.com/startupradio 🛠️ Made possible by HTAI and the Enterprise Europe Network Hessen, supporting startups with grants, international networking, and innovation resources. Learn more: htai.de | een-hessen.de 🎙️ Scaling a Cybersecurity Startup: Lessons from Link11’s Journey (Part 2) In the second half of our exclusive conversation with Jens Philipp Jung, co-founder and CEO of Link11, we explore what it really takes to scale a cybersecurity startup. Link11 has emerged as a leader in DDoS protection and cloud-based security solutions. Jens opens up about the funding strategy, leadership mindset, and innovation roadmap that helped build one of Germany’s most respected cybersecurity scaleups. 🚀 In this episode: – Scaling a cybersecurity startup in a competitive global market – How Link11 approached funding while maintaining founder control – Innovation in DDoS protection and staying ahead of cyber threats – Leadership insights from a founder’s perspective – Tactical advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs 💡 Who should listen? Startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, CISOs, cybersecurity professionals, scaleup teams, and investors exploring the cybersecurity space. 📌 This is Part 2 of our Link11 feature. If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, be sure to check it out for the founding story and early growth lessons. 🎧 Subscribe & follow Startuprad.io for weekly interviews with Europe’s most exciting founders, investors, and innovators.

    36 min
  7. DACH Startups: AI, VC & Fintech Hot Takes

    27 MRT

    DACH Startups: AI, VC & Fintech Hot Takes

    Sponsor Section 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio Introduction Dive into the DACH region's startup scene! This episode covers the latest trends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, recorded with Chris Fahrenbach in New York City. Key Highlights Fintech Evolution: Coorsair's IDNow acquisition (€300M) and the stablecoin surge to $226B highlight fintech's dynamism. Venture Capital: Toma Bravo's €1.8B European fund signals investor interest, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies persist. AI and Tech: Germany leads in AI research, but faces implementation challenges. Volocopter's acquisition and BioMed's cancer detection breakthrough showcase innovation. Funding & Founders: Funding rounds like Tectal's (€52M) and Swiss female founder success demonstrate growth. Legal & Regulatory: Legal battles (startup vs. SAP) and GDPR reviews (DeepSeek) highlight complexities. Fintech: A Sector in Motion Fintech sees Coorsair's IDNow acquisition and stablecoin growth. The ECB's digital Euro plans are also significant. Venture Capital: Navigating the Landscape Toma Bravo's fund shows investor confidence, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies pose challenges. AI and Technology: Innovation Germany's AI research faces implementation hurdles. Volocopter and BioMed demonstrate other tech advancements. Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Successes Funding for companies like Tectile contrasts with layoffs and insolvencies. Acquisitions continue. Regional Highlights Germany: Strong AI research, but application lags. Switzerland: Tight fintech VC, but female founders thrive. Austria: Linz launches an AI cluster; the Austrian DAH Fund starts. Conclusion The DACH startup scene is dynamic, with innovation and challenges across sectors. Call to Action Subscribe to our podcast for DACH startup updates! Share your thoughts below. The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search All rights reserved - Startuprad.io™

    39 min

Info

Germany has a long and rich history when it comes to entrepreneurship. In TechStartups Germany, we interview local companies that are looking for global expansion opportunities or investors seeking out fresh investment prospects at home or abroad. We cover startups from Hessen including Frankfurt, Darmstadt, and other tech startup hubs in the state, as well as the deep tech and venture capital ecosystem. Our goal is to provide an insightful look into the Hessian startup scene for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone else interested in learning more about what's happening in this incredible state. This podcast is part of Startuprad.io, a global top 20 entrepreneurship podcast on Apple Podcasts and a global Top 125 Tech Podcast according to Chartable.  All the recordings on this channel are made possible by Hessen Trade and Invest (learn more here https://www.invest-in-hessen.com/home).  Learn more about us at https://startuprad.io/ | Startuprad.io™ - All rights r eserved

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