HTGF invests in Emerge Tech

The Berlin-based startup relies on automation instead of agencies and promises better applicant quality at significantly lower costs.

Berlin, May 19, 2025 - High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is investing in Berlin-based Emerge Tech GmbH, an HR tech startup that uses AI agents to make medium-sized employers visible and thus address the shortage of skilled workers. Together with the Heimatboost investment community, HTGF is supporting the further development of the AI-based platform. The aim is to prepare the seed financing round and further expand the solution.

AI instead of an agency: automated employer branding

Emerge is positioning itself with a radically new approach: instead of traditional agency services, the startup offers specialized AI agents such as "Creative Carla" and "Channel Charly", which build employer brands based on data and bring them to the right channels.

According to the startup, the results are measurable:

• 40% better people-organization fit,
• 87% lower costs compared to traditional agencies,
• 54% less HR effort in recruiting.

Employer branding has long been a privilege of big brands. But talent is not decided by budget - authenticity wins

Wolf Reiner Kriegler, co-founder and CPO of Emerge

Tech meets HR vision

Emerge's founding team is top-class:

• Daniel Braun, formerly of WorkGenius, brings international scaling experience as CEO,
• Reiner Kriegler is considered a pioneer in employer branding,
• Thomas Holl, co-founder of Babbel, is responsible for the technological implementation as CTO.

This combination of HR expertise, tech know-how and entrepreneurial experience also appealed to HTGF.

The complementary and experienced founding team convinced us immediately

Christian Arndt, Principal at HTGF

Outlook: Growth and new AI agents

Until the end of 2025, the focus will be on the further development of existing agents and user growth. International expansion is planned for 2026. At the same time, Emerge is working on a new line of agents for the entire people experience, from onboarding to performance management.

With its technology-based approach, Emerge wants to actively drive forward the digital transformation of SMEs in the HR sector. The aim is to offer solutions for SMEs that were previously only available to large corporations.