📰 Startup & Tech News from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Startuprad.io™ brings you fast, actionable, English-language coverage of the most important startup and tech news from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — the DACH region and GSA tech ecosystems. 📈 Our monthly podcast delivers high-density insights in under 30 minutes, giving you the edge on: 🚀 Startup trends, venture capital movements, and unicorn builders 💸 Major funding rounds, pre-seed investments, strategic acquisitions, and IPO pipelines 🔍 Deep tech breakthroughs, AI-powered ventures, and fintech innovation 🧠 Regulatory shifts, startup ecosystem developments, and European tech policy 🧪 Innovation from scaleups, spinouts, digital assistants, and climate tech operators 🎙️ Hosted as part of the Startuprad.io™ network, this podcast is optimized for a global audience of: Startup founders, angel investors, business analysts, and innovation executives Listeners tracking scaleup strategies, exit planning, and capital growth in Europe Experts interested in SaaS trends, fintech founders, and growth capital ventures 💬 What You'll Hear: 🎯 Headlines on german startups, swiss innovation, and austrian tech 💼 Profiles on VC funds, business angels, corporate venture arms, and company builders 🧠 Interviews with Forbes 30/40 Under 30/40 stars, NYT bestselling authors, Emmy award winners, and visionary founders 🔬 Breakthroughs in synthetic biology, quantum computing, AI-driven growth, and b-grade gourmet sustainability 🌍 From the german startup scene in Berlin and Munich to Zurich, Vienna, and the broader DACH innovation economy, we cover: 💡 Tech verticals including climate tech, fintech community, regtech, wealthtech, european unicorns, edtech, and green innovation ⚙️ Hard tech, retail analytics, heatmaps, open banking, embedded finance, digital transformation strategy, neurotech, and AI diagnostics 📊 Insights on TRL scaling, acquisition preparation, and external funding 🧭 Whether you're tracking: 🇩🇪 German business, GSA tech regulation, or innovation challenges 🇨🇭 Switzerland startups, VC interviews, or growth investing 🇦🇹 Austrian startups, eco innovation, or tax regulations 📡 This is your intelligence feed for the next generation of European unicorns. 🧰 Each episode distills: 🎙️ Actionable news, investor resources, and startup strategies 📈 Patterns in european tech, strategic growth, and corporate innovation management 💬 Founder playbooks on resilience planning, vision planning, and entrepreneur tools 📊 Chartable Rankings: Top 60 Science • Top 75 Tech • Top 275 Business 🌍 Listen Notes: Top 0.5% of all podcasts globally 📈 Apple Podcasts: Top 20 Global Entrepreneurship Podcast 🔗 Follow → https://linktr.ee/startupradio 📬 Subscribe → https://startupradio.substack.com 🌐 Startuprad.io™ — The Authority on GSA Startups From a single podcast to a global platform with 8 vertical sub-shows, a 24/7 internet radio station, a blog, and thousands of tech-savvy listeners. We cover the full spectrum of startups, scaleups, visionary investors, deeptech operators, and the eco-system for growth.

  1. German Startup Funding, Deep Tech AI, & Fintech M&A – September 2025 News

    4 SEPT

    German Startup Funding, Deep Tech AI, & Fintech M&A – September 2025 News

    What if the next billion-dollar startup was brewing in Berlin, Munich, or Vienna right now? In this episode, we cover the game-changing deals, deep tech breakthroughs, and green innovation stories shaping the DACH startup scene in September 2025. Whether you’re a founder, VC, or ecosystem insider, this is your shortcut to staying ahead in Europe’s most dynamic market. What You’ll Learn 🚀 The biggest venture capital raises across Germany, Austria & Switzerland 🧠 How neuromorphic AI chips and quantum comms are reshaping Europe’s deep tech frontier 💳 Fintech consolidation: Bitpanda’s growth and Bling’s youth finance push 🌱 Green tech milestones from Austria’s salt-based storage to EV wiring solutions ⚕️ Biotech breakthroughs and M&A exits shaping the next health tech wave 📊 Why AI-driven search analytics could disrupt marketing and SEO forever From startup funding in Germany and European venture capital to deep tech AI hardware, fintech M&A, and green tech innovation, this episode is designed to rank high on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for founders and investors looking for cutting-edge insights. Episode: DACH Startup News – Summer Wrap-Up 2025 Host: Joern Menninger, Editor-in-Chief Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-july-and-august-2025-unicorn-surge-825m-hydrogen-win-fintech-shakeups Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/cLO_niJ6wok Timestamps: 00:00 – VC News (€30M+ funds) 02:30 – Deep Tech: brain chips & quantum comms 05:00 – Green Tech: energy storage & EV wiring 06:00 – Fintech: Bitpanda & Bling M&A 09:00 – AI & SaaS analytics 11:30 – Mobility & Auto1 Group 15:00 – Biotech & Health Tech 18:00 – Major fundraising deals (€100M+) 23:00 – M&A: Nect, Scanbot, Lemon Markets 25:30 – Ecosystem trivia + closing notes ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Primary (in title + description): startup funding, German startups, venture capital Europe, deep tech startups, fintech Europe, green tech, AI search disruption. Secondary (in body + show notes): AI in business, biotech Germany, startup exits.

    29 min
  2. DACH Startup News: Berlin AI Rockets, N26 Shakes & Europe’s Hydrogen Bet

    1 SEPT

    DACH Startup News: Berlin AI Rockets, N26 Shakes & Europe’s Hydrogen Bet

    Berlin’s AI just rocketed from $350M to $2.3B. At the same time, Switzerland locked in €825M hydrogen funding, and N26 faced its toughest governance test yet. This is not Silicon Valley news. This is the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) reshaping startup dynamics — and it’s moving fast. In this Startuprad.io Summer Wrap-Up 2025, we unpack: – How Berlin’s open-source workflow AI became a unicorn and why enterprises are buying in now – Why EU hydrogen funding marks a generational climate infrastructure play for startups – What N26’s leadership shake-up under BaFin reveals about fintech governance in Europe – How dual-use pivots (like Lilium’s defense strategy) are becoming survival moves in tough funding markets – Why German tele-driving pilots and Bavarian endowment unlocks are more than policy headlines — they’re startup railways – The rise of Europe’s Stan index (Qwant + Ecosia) and Pinterest’s Zurich AI hub 🎙 Why listen? Because the future of European startups will be shaped at the intersection of technology, regulation, and capital flows. If you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode shows where the rails are being laid. What you’ll learn: – The DACH edge in AI: community + open-source + enterprise focus – The real impact of hydrogen billions on startup runway – Fintech’s compliance-first reality check – The overlooked opportunity of dual-use & defense procurement – How to spot policy-driven founder opportunities in Europe 👉 If you learned something here, share this episode with a founder who needs it. Follow us on Spotify, subscribe on Apple, and check the blog for a full breakdown. Episode: DACH Startup News – Summer Wrap-Up 2025 Host: Joern Menninger, Editor-in-Chief Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-july-and-august-2025-unicorn-surge-825m-hydrogen-win-fintech-shakeups Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/iV1Gzz0zy_k Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & why the roundup is split in 2 parts 05:26 – Berlin AI rockets to $2.3B 09:57 – Switzerland’s €825M hydrogen allocation 11:23 – EIC selects 40 startups & Stan index launch 14:27 – German economy dips into recession 15:15 – Defense pivots & tele-driving pilots 17:49 – Bavarian endowment unlock + Austrian founder wave 20:11 – Pinterest opens Zurich AI hub & wrap-up ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Primary (title, early description, timestamps): DACH startup news, Berlin AI automation, EU hydrogen funding, German startup ecosystem Secondary (description + show notes): N26 governance, defense tech Europe, tele-driving Germany, Stan index, European AI hub, EIC startup funding

    22 min
  3. Helsing, Luma, and EU Billions: DACH Startup Funding 2025 Unleashed

    3 JUL

    Helsing, Luma, and EU Billions: DACH Startup Funding 2025 Unleashed

    What happens when Germany creates its second decacorn and the EU drops €10B to scale startups? This month’s news episode breaks it all down — from funding explosions in deep tech to the future of biotech, fintech innovation, and defense AI. The DACH startup scene has never been this hot. What You'll Learn Why Helsing dethroned Celonis to become Germany’s top-valued startup How ISA Aerospace, Scalable Capital, and Luma Care are fueling Europe’s unicorn pipeline What the EU’s “Choose Europe” strategy means for startup growth, external funding, and capital access Why non-dilutive biotech funding (like ITM SE’s €262.5M round) is reshaping molecular analysis and health innovation Who's driving green innovation, eco-system growth, and scaleup strategies in the GSA region Startup Scene Pulse From Vienna to Zurich, from Berlin to Munich, this episode delivers exclusive insights into the GSA tech ecosystem, pre-seed funding trends, and scaleup strategies that define the European unicorn surge. Learn how resilience planning, fintech founders, and strategic growth capital are transforming the startup landscape in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We highlight the rise of Swiss innovation, Austrian startups, and eco innovation models across the region. Explore how corporate growth meets AI-driven defense tech, how digital transformation strategy shapes cloud infrastructure, and what growth investing looks like in 2025. If you're a founder aiming for vision planning, an investor tracking vc investment trends, or just love hearing execution stories from unicorn builders, this episode is your new go-to. Now it is up to you! Like what you hear? Tap follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share the episode with your founder friends, VC partners, and innovation strategists. Startuprad.io is your trusted voice for the DACH startup scene. 📢 Read the full blog post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/dach-startup-funding-2025-deep-tech-defense-and-decacorns 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter and podcast updates: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🔗 Follow Jörn “Joe” Menninger on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger 📩 Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 🗳️ Give feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 This episode is perfect for listeners searching phrases like: “Best startup podcast 2025” “EU startup scale-up fund explained” “How to grow SaaS in the DACH region” “Fintech innovation in Germany” “Tech entrepreneurs behind European unicorns”

    38 min
  4. May 2025: AI Unicorns, Mega VC Funds, and Regulation Shakeups in DACH

    29 MAY

    May 2025: AI Unicorns, Mega VC Funds, and Regulation Shakeups in DACH

    Startups in the DACH region are heating up — from AI unicorns to VC mega-funds. In this monthly startup news roundup, we unpack the most important trends in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland’s tech ecosystem. Learn how Parloa became Germany’s second unicorn of the year, how Quantum Systems secured €160M to dominate aerial AI, and how the EIB’s €70B initiative is reshaping venture capital in Europe. We also dive into Lyft’s FreeNow acquisition, biotech patent wars, the MiCA crypto license, and regulatory risks like the EU Data Act. 🔑 Key Takeaways: What Parloa’s unicorn status reveals about AI-native SaaS How Europe’s biggest VC fund is changing startup investment Why fintechs like Vivid are chasing MiCA compliance Top DACH soonicorns to watch in 2025 📱 Give Us Feedback https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 🚨 Sponsored by Tide 👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 🔗 Dive Deeper and Be Ahead Of The Curve! DACH Startup Ecosystem 2025: The Ultimate Hub https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-ecosystem-2025-the-ultimate-hub This Month in DACH Startups: May 2025 Startup News Wrap-Up https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-may-2025-unicorns-m-a-and-vc-surge Top AI Startups in the DACH Region in 2025 https://www.startuprad.io/post/top-ai-startups-in-the-dach-region-in-2025 🚦German Venture Capital in Q1 2025: Dealflow Quality Rises Amid Exit Anxiety and Fundraising Chill https://www.startuprad.io/post/german-venture-capital-in-q1-2025-dealflow-quality-rises-amid-exit-anxiety-and-fundraising-chill This Month in DACH Startups: April 2025 Startup News Wrap-Up https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-dach-startups-april-2025-startup-news-wrap-up Germany Startup Policy 2025: Strategies for Founders & Investors https://www.startuprad.io/post/startup-financing-in-2025-strategies-for-founders-investors DACH Unicorn Tracker 2025: Trends, Funding, and Opportunities https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io

    31 min
  5. Why Europe’s Venture Capital Needs a Mindset Reboot | Andy Goldstein

    22 MAY

    Why Europe’s Venture Capital Needs a Mindset Reboot | Andy Goldstein

    🎧 Opening:Why do Europe’s startups scale slower than their U.S. counterparts? In this raw, revealing episode, Andy Goldstein uncovers what’s really holding back the European venture capital scene—and what we can do about it. 💡 What You'll Learn:How investor education can radically improve VC decision-making Why German founders hesitate to internationalize—and how to fix it The mindset shift European investors need to unlock global-scale success How AI sales tools and founder conviction can drive early-stage growth 👤 Guest Spotlight:Andy Goldstein, Managing Director Europe at VU Venture Partners and Co-Founder of the German Accelerator, is a serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and innovation catalyst. With decades of experience across the U.S. and Europe, he’s reshaping how VCs invest—and how startups scale. 🎯 Give Us a Review:Loved this episode? Help others discover it! Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Share this with founders, VCs, and every entrepreneur you know. 🚀Sponsor Section👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO ✅ Show NotesGuest Name: Andy Goldstein, Managing Director Europe, VU Venture Partners Blog Post: http://startuprad.io/post/the-transatlantic-investment-divide-why-europe-needs-a-new-vc-mindset Relevant Resources: VU Venture Partners German Accelerator Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Andy’s journey from IBM to VC 06:00 – What’s broken in European VC mindsets 12:45 – How VU trains VCs through real investments 20:50 – Sales culture differences: Germany vs. U.S. 28:15 – Startup internationalization: Why Germany lags 35:30 – Traits of the top 1% of founders 42:00 – Final thoughts + podcast wrap-up

    40 min
  6. Green Tech Startups: VC Insights & ESG Scaling Strategies from DACH

    6 MAY

    Green Tech Startups: VC Insights & ESG Scaling Strategies from DACH

    SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your startup’s security and compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and more. 🔗 Learn more at vanta.com/startupradio Opening:What does it really take for a green tech startup to secure venture funding in 2025? In this episode, we uncover what makes VCs say yes—and what founders consistently get wrong. What You'll Learn:How DACH green tech startups are redefining sustainability with scalable business models Why AI is a tool—but not the product—in climate innovation The power of vertical SaaS in navigating ESG compliance What Hi Inov looks for in Series A funding rounds Where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland stand in the race to net zero Guest Spotlight:Wolfgang Krause, Managing Partner at Hi Inov, shares exclusive insights from the 2025 Green Tech Software Mapping. He’s an expert in climate tech investment strategy, known for identifying scalable software ventures with deep vertical focus and strong ESG execution. With regulatory pressure mounting and climate urgency at an all-time high, Wolfgang explains why economic viability beats greenwashing—and how real innovation means operationalizing sustainability across value chains. Leave A Review:Love what you’re hearing? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Sharing is scaling—help founders, VCs, and executives learn from this deep dive into the future of green tech. 📋 Show NotesGuest Name: Wolfgang Krause, Managing Partner at Hi Inov Blog Post: Green Tech Startups: Investing in the DACH Region’s Climate Innovation Boom Relevant Resources: Hi Inov Website – https://www.hiinov.com/ Deepki Vertical SaaS Platform – https://www.deepki.com/

    51 min
  7. €1.3B Raised, 1 Fintech Crashes: April 2025 DACH Startup News Breakdown

    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
  8. Germany’s 2025 Startup Vision: Bold Promises, Budget Caveats, and Missed Opportunities

    29 APR

    Germany’s 2025 Startup Vision: Bold Promises, Budget Caveats, and Missed Opportunities

    🚀 This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your security and compliance — and save $1,000 when you sign up at vanta.com/startupradio. Did Germany just promise an innovation revolution — while forgetting its startups? In today’s episode, we break down the 2025 SPD-CDU Coalition Agreement and its real implications for founders, investors, and the startup ecosystem. What You'll Learn:Why startups, venture capital, and growth companies are almost invisible in Germany’s national agenda The hidden power of the “Finanzierungsvorbehalt” (funding clause) that could stall innovation plans What the proposed Gründungszeit could mean for future founders How Germany risks falling behind France, Spain, and the Nordics in startup policy The missed opportunity to build a true European NASDAQ alternative Host:Hosted by Joe Menninger, founder of Startuprad.io — one of Europe’s Top 3 startup podcasts and a trusted voice for tech founders and venture capitalists in DACH. Joe unpacks critical policies, realistic outcomes, and strategic advice for anyone navigating Germany’s innovation economy. Rate & Give Us FeedbackAre you scaling a startup, funding innovation, or betting on Europe's tech future? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Give us feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Share this episode with founders, investors, and policymakers who need to hear the unfiltered reality. Episode InfoHost: Joe Menninger, Founder of Startuprad.io Blog Post: Full Coalition Analysis for Founders and Investors (Replace with specific link if you have it.) Relevant Resources: Blog Post: Germany Startup Policy 2025: Strategies for Founders & Investors Reuters: BioNTech's 0.5% GDP Impact Tibi Initiative (France Growth Fund) Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Context 02:50 – Innovation vs. Startup Support: The Big Gap 07:15 – Why “Gründungszeit” Could Matter 14:30 – Germany’s Risk of Losing Startup Momentum 22:00 – Strategic Advice for Founders and VCs 27:15 – Closing Thoughts: Building Beyond Berlin

    17 min

About

Startuprad.io™ brings you fast, actionable, English-language coverage of the most important startup and tech news from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — the DACH region and GSA tech ecosystems. 📈 Our monthly podcast delivers high-density insights in under 30 minutes, giving you the edge on: 🚀 Startup trends, venture capital movements, and unicorn builders 💸 Major funding rounds, pre-seed investments, strategic acquisitions, and IPO pipelines 🔍 Deep tech breakthroughs, AI-powered ventures, and fintech innovation 🧠 Regulatory shifts, startup ecosystem developments, and European tech policy 🧪 Innovation from scaleups, spinouts, digital assistants, and climate tech operators 🎙️ Hosted as part of the Startuprad.io™ network, this podcast is optimized for a global audience of: Startup founders, angel investors, business analysts, and innovation executives Listeners tracking scaleup strategies, exit planning, and capital growth in Europe Experts interested in SaaS trends, fintech founders, and growth capital ventures 💬 What You'll Hear: 🎯 Headlines on german startups, swiss innovation, and austrian tech 💼 Profiles on VC funds, business angels, corporate venture arms, and company builders 🧠 Interviews with Forbes 30/40 Under 30/40 stars, NYT bestselling authors, Emmy award winners, and visionary founders 🔬 Breakthroughs in synthetic biology, quantum computing, AI-driven growth, and b-grade gourmet sustainability 🌍 From the german startup scene in Berlin and Munich to Zurich, Vienna, and the broader DACH innovation economy, we cover: 💡 Tech verticals including climate tech, fintech community, regtech, wealthtech, european unicorns, edtech, and green innovation ⚙️ Hard tech, retail analytics, heatmaps, open banking, embedded finance, digital transformation strategy, neurotech, and AI diagnostics 📊 Insights on TRL scaling, acquisition preparation, and external funding 🧭 Whether you're tracking: 🇩🇪 German business, GSA tech regulation, or innovation challenges 🇨🇭 Switzerland startups, VC interviews, or growth investing 🇦🇹 Austrian startups, eco innovation, or tax regulations 📡 This is your intelligence feed for the next generation of European unicorns. 🧰 Each episode distills: 🎙️ Actionable news, investor resources, and startup strategies 📈 Patterns in european tech, strategic growth, and corporate innovation management 💬 Founder playbooks on resilience planning, vision planning, and entrepreneur tools 📊 Chartable Rankings: Top 60 Science • Top 75 Tech • Top 275 Business 🌍 Listen Notes: Top 0.5% of all podcasts globally 📈 Apple Podcasts: Top 20 Global Entrepreneurship Podcast 🔗 Follow → https://linktr.ee/startupradio 📬 Subscribe → https://startupradio.substack.com 🌐 Startuprad.io™ — The Authority on GSA Startups From a single podcast to a global platform with 8 vertical sub-shows, a 24/7 internet radio station, a blog, and thousands of tech-savvy listeners. We cover the full spectrum of startups, scaleups, visionary investors, deeptech operators, and the eco-system for growth.

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