12/19/2024

December 2024 Startup News: Trends, Funding, and Big Wins

Dive into December 2024's Startup News Roundup, where we bring you the latest and greatest from the vibrant startup ecosystems of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This episode is packed with insights, trends, and stories that every entrepreneur, investor, and startup enthusiast needs to hear. What’s Inside: Black Forest Lab’s Breakthrough: Learn how this Karlsruhe-based AI innovator reached a $1 billion valuation, catching Elon Musk’s attention. Record-Breaking Fintech Round: Discover how Upvest secured €100 million to revolutionize API-powered investment solutions. Survival Stories: Get the inside scoop on how Wefox navigated tough market conditions and what it means for Europe's insurtech landscape. Key Trends Covered: The rise of green tech startups tackling carbon emissions with innovative solutions. AI startups reshaping industries and gaining massive funding in Europe. Updates on cross-border startup collaborations and the EU's latest initiatives for scaling innovation. Funding and Investment Highlights: Over €2.5 billion in new startup funding secured this month alone. Launch of new VC funds worth over €1 billion, fueling innovation in 2025. Regional Spotlights: Germany: Success stories from Munich to Berlin showcasing emerging unicorns. Austria: Major investments in sustainable tech and agri-tech solutions. Switzerland: Exciting biotech advancements, including a $300 million deal by Cimeio. Why Listen? Hosts Jörn “Joe” Menninger and Christian “Chris” Fahrenbach provide expert analysis, making complex trends accessible and actionable. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking inspiration or an investor hunting for the next big opportunity, this episode has something for everyone. Call to Action: Don't miss out on the latest insights shaping the startup world! Subscribe to Startup News Roundup on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to share your thoughts. Join the conversation on social media and help us grow the startup community!

49 min

11/28/2024

Startup News November 2024: Key Trends, Tech Updates & Funding Insights in Germany, Austria, Switzerland

This month’s episode of Startuprad.io brings you the most compelling startup news and tech updates from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and across Europe. Whether you're a founder, an investor, or simply passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with everything you need to stay informed and inspired. From funding milestones to innovation highlights and the challenges startups are navigating, our podcast dives deep into the dynamic world of startups in the DACH region. Tune in to discover how the startup ecosystem is evolving, and gain valuable insights to stay ahead of the curve. 🚀 What We Cover in This Episode 1️⃣ Germany: Highs and Lows in the Startup Scene Lilium, a pioneer in urban air mobility, faces insolvency due to funding shortfalls and regulatory delays. Volocopter secures government support and appoints a new CFO to weather the challenges in the eVTOL industry. Munich emerges as a European hub for investor education, driving innovation and funding expertise. 2️⃣ Austria: Big Wins in Entrepreneurship Vienna-based Cubicure celebrates a €79M exit, marking a significant milestone in deep tech innovation. Crypto unicorn Bitpanda plans a Frankfurt IPO, solidifying Austria’s position in the fintech ecosystem. The launch of the Green Startup Center underscores Austria’s commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship. 3️⃣ Switzerland: Innovation and Resilience Swiss startups shine with major investments in fintech and health tech, proving their global competitiveness. 4️⃣ European Tech Trends: Key Insights from Atomico’s Report Europe now hosts over 35,000 early-stage startups, a fourfold increase in the last decade. Cities like Berlin, Vienna, and London are climbing the ranks as global innovation leaders. Europe’s funding growth rate surpasses the US and China, positioning the continent as a startup powerhouse. Why You Should Listen This episode offers actionable insights into the startup world—perfect for founders, investors, and professionals navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape. Stay informed about funding opportunities, innovation breakthroughs, and market trends shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Europe. Links to Explore More Full Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/startup-news-november-2024-highlights-from-germany-austria-and-switzerland Partner With Us: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Subscribe to Our Updates: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Send Us Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Exclusive ModernIQs Offer: https://moderniqs.com/create-an-account/?res_aff=startupradio

38 min

10/31/2024

Top GSA Startup News October 2024: New Unicorns, Green Tech, and Major Financial Shifts

Welcome to Startuprad.io’s monthly roundup of German, Swiss, and Austrian (GSA) startup news! In this October 2024 episode, we bring you the latest developments that are shaping the startup and tech ecosystem across the DACH region. Join co-hosts Jörn “Joe” Menninger and Chris Fahrenbach as they discuss the top five stories impacting founders, executives, and investors in tech, health, fintech, and green construction. Each segment offers an in-depth look into this month’s biggest news, from emerging unicorns to impactful funding rounds and strategic shifts in sustainable tech. If you’re an entrepreneur, tech investor, or simply passionate about innovation, this episode delivers key insights into the trends driving Europe’s startup future. Episode Highlights: 1. Lilium’s Financial Struggles and eVTOL Innovation In a challenging environment for aerospace startups, Germany’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) pioneer, Lilium, faces self-administered bankruptcy as it struggles with funding. Despite setbacks, Lilium continues to champion sustainable aviation. This story sheds light on the high-risk, high-reward landscape of aerospace and clean tech, where funding scarcity can challenge even the most innovative players. 2. Egym and Orderfox Achieve Unicorn Status This month saw two major unicorns emerge from the GSA region: German fitness tech leader Egym and Swiss AI-based procurement firm Orderfox. Egym, with a valuation over $1 billion, is pioneering healthtech, advancing towards an IPO. Meanwhile, Orderfox brings AI-driven efficiency to industrial procurement, demonstrating the commercial potential of AI in transforming traditional sectors. These successes underscore the strength of health and AI innovations in Europe. 3. Gropyus’ €100 Million Funding for Sustainable Housing In Austria, modular construction startup Gropyus raised €100 million to expand its production of eco-friendly, timber-hybrid buildings. By scaling affordable, sustainable housing solutions, Gropyus is addressing Europe’s housing shortages with a tech-driven, environmentally conscious approach. This funding push reinforces the potential of green construction as a solution to urban development challenges. 4. EU Deep Tech Initiative with Venture Capital Partnership To foster Europe’s tech ecosystem, the European Union launched a support network with over 70 venture capital investors. This partnership in the Trusted Investors Network aims to bridge the tech innovation gap between Europe and global leaders, promoting fields like AI, biotech, and sustainable energy. This collaborative approach highlights the EU’s commitment to strengthening deep tech through strategic funding and community-building. 5. SolarisBank’s €178 Million Loss and Restructuring SolarisBank, a prominent German fintech, posted a €178 million loss this month, prompting a restructuring with job cuts and a new focus on profitability. With intense competition and rising costs in fintech, SolarisBank’s experience reflects broader challenges for European fintech companies. Learn how they’re adapting operations to remain competitive in an evolving market. 📍 Useful Links Original Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/this-month-in-german-swiss-and-austrian-startups-october-2024 Work with Us: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Give Us Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9

22 min

10/03/2024

September 2024 Startup News: Intel Pauses €30B Project, Magic AI Raises $320M, Flink Expands

Welcome to Startuprad.io’s September 2024 Startup News! In this episode, we dive into the latest startup developments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, highlighting significant financial moves, industry shifts, and policy changes that are shaping the DACH region’s tech landscape. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or tech enthusiast looking to stay updated on the most crucial industry news, this episode is packed with key insights. Key Highlights: Intel Pauses €30 Billion Chip Factory Project One of the biggest tech stories of September is Intel's decision to halt its €30 billion chip factory project in Magdeburg, Germany. Despite a €10 billion investment pledge from the German government, Intel has cited cost-cutting measures and financial struggles as the reasons behind the delay. We analyze the ripple effects this could have on Europe’s semiconductor industry and how it might influence other tech companies in the region. Magic AI Secures $320 Million Led by Eric Schmidt Vienna-based Magic AI has raised a remarkable $320 million in a funding round led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, propelling the company into unicorn status with a valuation of around $1.5 billion. Magic AI’s AI-powered developer assistance software aims to revolutionize coding with real-time developer support, much like GitHub’s Autopilot. We discuss how this infusion of capital will allow the company to scale and expand its innovative offerings in the AI landscape. Flink Raises $150 Million for Quick Commerce Expansion Quick commerce is alive and well! Berlin’s quick-commerce startup Flink raised $150 million to expand operations in Germany and the Netherlands. Despite facing sector volatility with its valuation dropping below $1 billion, Flink is making significant moves in its quest for profitability. Backed by investors like BOND and REWE, the company aims to launch new hubs across Europe. We explore what this means for the quick-commerce sector and why Flink's expansion strategy could define its success. Northvolt Faces Financial Troubles Amid Auto Industry Challenges Swedish battery maker Northvolt is grappling with financial hurdles as it faces trouble with major automotive partners like Volkswagen. With plans for new factories in Germany, Sweden, and Canada now uncertain, we explore how Northvolt’s situation could impact Europe’s green energy transition and the startup ecosystem that supports it. Germany’s WIN Initiative: €12 Billion to Boost Startups Germany’s new WIN Initiative is an ambitious plan to revitalize its startup ecosystem with a €12 billion investment by 2030. Backed by Deutsche Bank, Allianz, and KfW, the program aims to support innovation, provide better access to capital, and position Germany as a global leader in venture capital and tech. We break down how this initiative could create a surge of new opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs in Germany. Swiss Startup DePoly Wins 2024 Top 100 Swiss Startup Award Swiss startup DePoly has been named the top startup at the 2024 Top 100 Swiss Startup Awards. Specializing in groundbreaking plastic recycling technology, DePoly is leading Switzerland’s sustainability efforts. We discuss DePoly’s innovative approach and other startups making waves in the region. Useful Links: Subscribe to our Podcast: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Work with Us: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Give Us Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Original Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/categories/startup-news All rights reserved - Startuprad.io™

48 min

09/02/2024

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

08/08/2024

Blockchain, Fintech, and Financial Innovation with Annelise Osborne

Welcome to Startuprad.io™, your go-to source for news and insights into the world of German, Austrian, and Swiss tech innovation. Join us for conversations with industry leaders, game-changing entrepreneurs, and influential investors. Our guests include Nobel Laureates, Emmy Award winners, and Forbes list luminaries. We focus on startups around Series A funding, ensuring you get exclusive insights into the rising stars of tomorrow. Tune in for inspiring discussions that drive innovation and growth. Join us at Startuprad.io, where every conversation sparks new possibilities. Episode Summary: In this episode, host Jörn "Joe" Menninger interviews Annelise Osborne, Chief Business Officer at Kadena. Annelise discusses her journey from commercial real estate to blockchain, highlighting the inefficiencies in traditional finance and the transformative potential of blockchain technology. She covers her book on blockchain and cryptocurrencies, the benefits of stablecoins, and the regulatory challenges facing Fintech in the US. Learn about the importance of marketing, strategic partnerships, and adaptability for startups. This episode emphasizes the need for clear regulations to foster financial innovation and the vital role of networking in the Fintech space. Key Points: Marketing for Startups Blockchain Technology Potential Traditional Finance Inefficiencies Stablecoins and Cross-Border Transactions Regulation and Compliance Challenges Strategic Partnerships and Networking Economic Downturns and Resilience Notable Quotes: "So if I was a building owner, I could borrow cheaper, and I could borrow more money because of these bonds that took the risk off the bank's balance sheet." — Annelise Osborne [00:02:46] "When I learned about blockchain, to me, it was just an eye opener of how much more efficient it could make finance." — Annelise Osborne [00:03:53] "Marketing is different, takes different channels now, and it's more direct with all the digital world that we have, that we didn't have, you know, 15, 20 years ago, especially with social media." — Annelise Osborne [00:08:32] "Globally, ICOs raised billions because people wanted to find ways to invest their money." — Annelise Osborne [00:13:44] "Regulation is really around to protect investors. But where do you find, you know, with innovation and how do you find a way to regulate innovation when there's more ideas coming out with this technology?" — Annelise Osborne [00:15:16] Leave a review, share the episode, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights into the world of startups and tech innovation! Links: Interested in working with us? https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Our sponsor Startupraven: https://startupraven.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Full transcript and blog post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Interested in Working with us? Have a look here: https://www.passionfroot.me/startupradio

40 min

06/27/2024

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

Summary: Catch up on the latest startup and tech entrepreneurship news from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in under 30 minutes. Hosted by Chris from New York City and Joe from Frankfurt, we cover crucial updates including Check24's bold marketing campaign, Lilium's funding pursuits, WeFox's internal challenges, and significant investments by Amazon and DeepL. Highlights: Check24's Marketing Blitz: Distributing 5 million free Puma jerseys ahead of the European Championship, sparking online discussions and app downloads despite privacy concerns. Lilium's eVTOL Ambitions: Seeking €300M in government aid to advance the Lilium Jet. WeFox's Valuation Struggles: Internal power struggle could dramatically devalue the insurtech company. Amazon's Infrastructure Investments: An additional €10 billion investment in Germany for cloud data storage and logistics. DeepL's AI Milestone: Now Germany’s most valuable AI startup with a $2 billion valuation. Tech Innovations: Black Semiconductor's €254.4M investment and Cognigy's $100M funding for AI customer service automation. Stay informed on these transformative developments in the DACH region's startup ecosystem. For detailed insights, visit our blog: https://www.startuprad.io/blog

36 min

05/30/2024

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). Interested in Working with us? Have a look here: https://www.passionfroot.me/startupradio

35 min

Blockchain Germany - Startups and Venture Capital

December 2024 Startup News: Trends, Funding, and Big Wins

Startup News November 2024: Key Trends, Tech Updates & Funding Insights in Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Top GSA Startup News October 2024: New Unicorns, Green Tech, and Major Financial Shifts

September 2024 Startup News: Intel Pauses €30B Project, Magic AI Raises $320M, Flink Expands

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

Blockchain, Fintech, and Financial Innovation with Annelise Osborne

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

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

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We bring the German speaking startup scene to you in English

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Blockchain Germany - Startups and Venture Capital

Episodes

December 2024 Startup News: Trends, Funding, and Big Wins

Startup News November 2024: Key Trends, Tech Updates & Funding Insights in Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Top GSA Startup News October 2024: New Unicorns, Green Tech, and Major Financial Shifts

September 2024 Startup News: Intel Pauses €30B Project, Magic AI Raises $320M, Flink Expands

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

Blockchain, Fintech, and Financial Innovation with Annelise Osborne

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

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

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We bring the German speaking startup scene to you in English

About

Information

More From Startuprad.io