European Startup Pulse – The Voice of Europe’s Founders, VCs & Innovation Hubs

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European Startup Pulse™, powered by Startuprad.io, is your quarterly deep dive into Europe’s innovation heartbeat — connecting founders, investors, and policymakers shaping the continent’s startup future. Hosted by Joe Menninger, the show decodes the data, trends, and forces driving the European entrepreneurial landscape. In collaboration with DEEP Ecosystem, a leading analytics and community platform for European tech, we translate cross-border insights into actionable intelligence. From London to Paris, Stockholm to Amsterdam, and Berlin to Munich, we spotlight the people and ecosystems that define the next generation of European entrepreneurship. Each episode distills the most relevant startup policy developments, venture capital trends, and innovation metrics. Whether it’s funding patterns, regulatory shifts, or sector deep dives — from AI and fintech to climate tech, biotech, mobility, and frontier research — European Startup Pulse™ gives founders and investors the context they need to act confidently in a fast-evolving market. The podcast features: • Quarterly data reports and insights from DEEP Ecosystem analysts • Conversations with leading European founders and VCs • Market outlooks for DACH, Nordics, Benelux, Southern Europe, and CEE • Deep dives into EU funding programs and innovation clusters • Startup ecosystem rankings and policy impact briefings Each edition functions as your strategic compass for European innovation — helping you understand where venture capital flows, how new hubs emerge, and why talent mobility and research commercialization are reshaping Europe’s economic future. European Startup Pulse™ belongs to the Startuprad.io™ Podcast Network, home to Fintech Germany, Blockchain Germany, Deep Tech Germany, Security Startups Germany, and German Startup News. Together, these shows attract over one million annual streams and rank among the global top 0.5 % of podcasts, making Startuprad.io Europe’s leading voice on startups and venture capital. 🔹 Topics we explore: European startup ecosystems, venture capital, funding trends, innovation policy, DACH & EU tech hubs, cross-border entrepreneurship, and the future of Europe’s digital economy. 🔍 Explore more from the Startuprad.io Network: • Fintech Germany Podcast • Deep Tech Germany Podcast • Blockchain Germany Podcast • German Startup News • Female Entrepreneurship Podcast 💌 Subscribe for insider updates: https://startupradio.substack.com/ 🌐 Discover all links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 📰 Read our blog & show notes: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/

  1. 1 MAY

    €1.3B Raised, 1 Fintech Crashes: April 2025 DACH Startup News Breakdown

    In April 2025, DACH startups raised over €1.3 billion—while one of Europe’s top fintechs spiraled into crisis. This isn’t just another news roundup. This is your investor-grade, startup-founder-relevant, executive-level briefing from the DACH region’s leading podcast. 🚀 This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance in weeks, not months. Learn more at vanta.com/startupradio What You'll Learn: The real story behind Trade Republic’s outages and financial trust issues How Amboss, Noxtua, and n8n are defining applied AI in health and devops Where VCs are betting big in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Why Germany’s economy is stagnating, yet startup funding is booming Guest Spotlight: This episode is hosted by Jörn “Joe” Menninger, the voice behind Startuprad.io and one of Europe’s leading startup podcasters. He breaks down news from Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich — so you don’t miss a beat. We Love to Hear from You: Love data-backed startup insights? Then subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with your co-founder or VC. We break the noise so you don’t have to. Show Notes:Host: Jörn Menninger, Editor-in-Chief at Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/april-2025-dach-startup-wrapup Relevant Resources: Amboss Funding: Silicon Canals Noxtua's AI push: TechCrunch Trade Republic Trouble: Business Insider Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro + Sponsor 03:10 – €1.3B Funding Summary 10:25 – Amboss, Noxtua, n8n: Applied AI Highlights 19:40 – Trade Republic Crisis Breakdown 27:50 – DACH VC Trends: First Momentum, Revent, Oakley 35:30 – Germany’s Economy: IFO + Forecasts 42:00 – Closing + What’s Coming in May

    42 min

  2. 27 FEB

    DACH Startup News 🇩🇪🇨🇭🇦🇹 Feb 2025 Roundup

    🚀 Big news from the DACH startup world! Finn raises €1B for car subscriptions, Cherry Ventures launches a €500M AI fund, but Lilium faces insolvency. 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio  🤯 Finn raises €1 BILLION for car subscriptions! But is it all good news? Lilium crashes back to earth with its second insolvency.   We unpack the hottest DACH startup stories: VC gold rush: Cherry Ventures' new €500M AI fund Political earthquake: How the German election impacts YOU Exclusive insights: Top trends in AI, fintech, biotech, and more 🚀 Don't get left behind! Subscribe now for your weekly dose of DACH startup action. 🚀 Exclusive Offer: Startuprad.io listeners get 2 free SEO-optimized blog posts per month with ModernIQs.com – sign up via the link to claim yours! 🎯✨ https://moderniqs.com/create-an-account/?res_aff=startupradio The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search  © Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

    25 min

  3. 30 JAN

    Startup Scene Heats Up: Acquisitions & Funding in Germany, Austria & Switzerland | Startuprad.io

    🚀 Tune in to Startuprad.io for an exclusive look into the dynamic world of German, Austrian, and Swiss startups! 🚀 This episode is jam-packed with the latest news and insights from the DACH startup ecosystem. We'll explore the hottest trends, major acquisitions, and exciting funding rounds that are shaping the future of innovation in the region. Our Sponsor Vanta Make compliance simple—get $1,000 off now at vanta.com/startupradio Here's what you'll discover: 🔥 Acquisition Frenzy: Creative Dock Group acquires NFrontier: We'll break down Creative Dock Group's strategic acquisition of NFrontier, a Berlin-based hardware innovation company, and discuss how this move is bolstering their hardware development expertise. Sona acquires TiteLift: Discover how Swiss cybersecurity firm Sona is strengthening its security offerings with the acquisition of German open-source software company TiteLift. 💰 Funding Fireworks: Klukotopia Secures Multimillion-Dollar Funding: We'll explore how Berlin-based life science company Klukotopia is revolutionizing diabetes management with its innovative solutions, thanks to a significant funding round. 🚀 Industry Trends: Life Science is Booming: We'll analyze the factors driving the growth of life science startups in Austria and highlight some of the most promising companies in this sector. Hardware Innovation is Gaining Momentum: Discover how Germany's strong engineering and manufacturing tradition is fueling a thriving hardware innovation scene, with companies like NFrontier pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This episode is perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and guidance. Investors looking for the next big thing in the DACH startup scene. Startup enthusiasts and industry professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. Don't miss out on this exciting episode! Hit that play button and subscribe to Startuprad.io for more insights into the world of startups. uivM8GSkHAlzpD34z7M4

    34 min

  4. 25/04/2024

    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
  5. Rise of Deep Tech and Health Tech Startups in Europe

    07/03/2024

    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
  6. Warm Wishes and Cheers: A Festive Message from Joe Menninger

    25/12/2023

    Warm Wishes and Cheers: A Festive Message from Joe Menninger

    Dear Esteemed Listeners, As the holiday season wraps us in its joyful embrace, I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of our incredible journey here at Startuprad.io. This time of year is not just about the twinkling lights and merry melodies; it's about cherishing connections, celebrating accomplishments, and embracing the spirit of togetherness. Your unwavering support, insightful feedback, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our podcast's success. As we reflect on the year gone by, I'm filled with immense gratitude for the enriching conversations, the wisdom shared by our remarkable guests, and the vibrant community that surrounds us. Your engagement fuels our passion to continue bringing you thought-provoking insights and valuable content. May this season fill your hearts with warmth, your homes with laughter, and your lives with endless joy. Here's to a new year brimming with innovation, inspiration, and boundless opportunities. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. From the entire team at Startuprad.io, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season. Warm regards, Joe Menninger Host, Startuprad.io The background music is Borrtex 04 Happy Holidays published under Creative Commons License

    2 min
  7. The CEE AI Scene: Exploring Investment Growth and Key Entrepreneurial Hubs

    14/12/2023

    The CEE AI Scene: Exploring Investment Growth and Key Entrepreneurial Hubs

    Executive SummaryIn this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn "Joe" Menninger and guest Thomas Kösters, MD at DEEP Ecosystems, discuss the potential of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as a hidden gem for AI startups. They highlight the region's strong economic leaders and growing AI scene in cities like Warsaw, Bucharest, and Prague. While CEE is not heavily represented in AI startup locations, it shows promise in reaching the top 15 European rankings for AI startup investments. They also delve into AI investments and trends in Europe, including machine learning, big data, and natural language processing.  The episode ends with a call for listener suggestions for future topics of analysis. Like What You Hear? You can tip us here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Startuprad.io Subscribe Herehttps://linktr.ee/startupradio Our Sponsor Startupravenhttps://startupraven.com/ Questions Discussed in the InterviewWhat factors contribute to the success of AI startups in cities like Bucharest, Budapest, Warsaw, and Tallinn in Central Eastern Europe? How do economic leaders like Poland, Bucharest, and Prague drive the growth of startup and AI scenes in Central and Eastern Europe? What are the main challenges for Central and Eastern European AI startups when it comes to attracting investment and building successful ecosystems? How do multinational teams and collaboration across borders contribute to the success of startups in Central and Eastern Europe? What are the key trends in AI investments in Europe, and how do they compare to global trends in AI investment? What opportunities and obstacles do AI startups face when expanding or near-shoring their teams to countries like Croatia, Serbia, Greece, and Poland? Why is Berlin rated as the top destination for starting an AI company, and how does it compare to other popular locations like London? Given the potential of Central and Eastern Europe as a growing hub for AI startups, what strategies can be employed to further develop and promote the region's AI ecosystem? ... About the Pulse of the European Startup EcosystemThe European startup scene is changing fast. There are new players, old ones fading away, and even more to come in their place- all vying for a piece of this growing pie! To avoid getting left behind, you need regular updates on what's going on so that our entrepreneurs can stay one step ahead when building or investing in companies here: https://deepecosystems.com/ The EXCLUSIVE ReportYou can download the exclusive research report here: https://community.deep-ecosystems.com/startupradio FeedbackWe are always looking for ways to make the show better. Please take this opportunity and share your feedback with us! We would love to hear from YOU!!! https://forms.gle/mLV6mVKwGwKuut8BA All Links and Show Notes Here is our blog post:https://medium.com/startuprad-io/the-cee-ai-scene-exploring-investment-growth-and-key-entrepreneurial-hubs-16245f4403ae

    30 min
  8. From London to Lisbon: Uncovering Europe's Prominent Startup Scenes | Startuprad.io E 396

    21/09/2023

    From London to Lisbon: Uncovering Europe's Prominent Startup Scenes | Startuprad.io E 396

    Executive SummaryThis is the one-year anniversary episode of our cooperation with DEEP Ecosystems in our Sub-Podcast European Startup Pulse. In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn “Joe” Menninger and guest Thomas Kösters discuss recent developments in the European startup scene. They explore the growing preference of founders to stay in Europe and the prominence of certain European cities, such as Malaga and Lisbon, in attracting startups. They delve into the challenges of building a startup hub brand, the underrepresentation of female founders, and the importance of founder mobility in the European ecosystem. The episode also analyzes the impact of startups on regional development and debates whether startups can solve societal challenges like climate change. Follow Us on Social Media!If you are listening to our content for the 2nd time please consider following us on social media. Startuprad.io — The Authority on German, Swiss, and Austrian Startups | Linktree Our Sponsor StartupravenA startup’s journey can be a tough one, but it doesn’t have ́to feel like you’re alone on your quest! Invest in others’ success with us by joining our community of entrepreneurs who are building amazing things every day — no matter how big or small their ideas may seem at first glance. The best way to find investors and cooperation partners for early-stage startups. Sign up here: Startup Raven About the Pulse of the European Startup EcosystemThe European startup scene is changing fast. There are new players, old ones fading away, and even more to come in their place- all vying for a piece of this growing pie! To avoid getting left behind, you need regular updates on what’s going on so that our entrepreneurs can stay one step ahead when building or investing in companies here. That’s why we started the “Pulse of the European Startup Ecosystem” which will provide you with quarterly podcasts chronicling different aspects related to startup activity across European Hubs, supported by the data from the specialized analytics company DEEP Ecosystems. Thomas Kösters is a visionary leader and ecosystem builder at DEEP Ecosystems, a renowned accelerator for ecosystems. With a strong passion for supporting start-ups and promoting sustainability, Thomas strives to revolutionize the system in which entrepreneurs operate. Utilizing data-driven approaches, he tracks the growth of ecosystems and shares valuable insights with entrepreneurs worldwide. Through his collaboration with Joe for the past year, Thomas analyzes European startup policies to identify the next big challenge for entrepreneurs in Europe. His expertise and commitment make him a driving force behind the success of DEEP Ecosystems and the entrepreneurs it supports. All Links and Show NotesHere is our blog post: https://medium.com/startuprad-io/from-london-to-lisbon-uncovering-europes-prominent-startup-scenes-startuprad-io-e-396-7e6003955376 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    48 min
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About

European Startup Pulse™, powered by Startuprad.io, is your quarterly deep dive into Europe’s innovation heartbeat — connecting founders, investors, and policymakers shaping the continent’s startup future. Hosted by Joe Menninger, the show decodes the data, trends, and forces driving the European entrepreneurial landscape. In collaboration with DEEP Ecosystem, a leading analytics and community platform for European tech, we translate cross-border insights into actionable intelligence. From London to Paris, Stockholm to Amsterdam, and Berlin to Munich, we spotlight the people and ecosystems that define the next generation of European entrepreneurship. Each episode distills the most relevant startup policy developments, venture capital trends, and innovation metrics. Whether it’s funding patterns, regulatory shifts, or sector deep dives — from AI and fintech to climate tech, biotech, mobility, and frontier research — European Startup Pulse™ gives founders and investors the context they need to act confidently in a fast-evolving market. The podcast features: • Quarterly data reports and insights from DEEP Ecosystem analysts • Conversations with leading European founders and VCs • Market outlooks for DACH, Nordics, Benelux, Southern Europe, and CEE • Deep dives into EU funding programs and innovation clusters • Startup ecosystem rankings and policy impact briefings Each edition functions as your strategic compass for European innovation — helping you understand where venture capital flows, how new hubs emerge, and why talent mobility and research commercialization are reshaping Europe’s economic future. European Startup Pulse™ belongs to the Startuprad.io™ Podcast Network, home to Fintech Germany, Blockchain Germany, Deep Tech Germany, Security Startups Germany, and German Startup News. Together, these shows attract over one million annual streams and rank among the global top 0.5 % of podcasts, making Startuprad.io Europe’s leading voice on startups and venture capital. 🔹 Topics we explore: European startup ecosystems, venture capital, funding trends, innovation policy, DACH & EU tech hubs, cross-border entrepreneurship, and the future of Europe’s digital economy. 🔍 Explore more from the Startuprad.io Network: • Fintech Germany Podcast • Deep Tech Germany Podcast • Blockchain Germany Podcast • German Startup News • Female Entrepreneurship Podcast 💌 Subscribe for insider updates: https://startupradio.substack.com/ 🌐 Discover all links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 📰 Read our blog & show notes: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/

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