Bridge tagnews week 18 - 2025

IEQ network with new dual leadership. fynk revolutionizes contract management for SMEs. Qonto and Mollie enter into strategic partnership. 1NCE secures 60 million US dollars. Heizma raises 2.5 million euros. ADS-TEC Energy secures up to 50 million US dollars. Omio and Companjon launch flexible travel cancellation solution. Dr. Carsten Rudolph new member of the board of Business Angels Deutschland e.V.

Financing rounds

ADS-TEC Energy secures up to 50 million US dollars for international growth

ADS-TEC Energy, a provider of battery-based energy storage and fast-charging solutions originally from southern Germany, has raised up to 50 million US dollars from institutional investors. The financing in the form of a convertible bond will be provided in two tranches and is intended to drive international growth, particularly in Europe and North America, as well as the development of a business model with recurring revenues. In future, the company intends to operate as a full-service provider - with revenue streams from charging infrastructure, energy trading and advertising. The first revenues from exclusive projects at over 300 locations in Germany are expected from the end of 2025.

Heizma raises 2.5 million euros

The Austrian energy start-up Heizma has raised 2.5 million euros in growth capital in an oversubscribed financing round - 2 million euros was originally planned. The company, which was founded in 2023, intends to use the fresh capital not only to expand its market share, but also to introduce a new financing model that enables energy solutions without a down payment and with flexible payment options. Heizma offers an integrated complete package consisting of photovoltaics, heat pumps, electricity storage, wallboxes and energy control systems and is now represented in several regions of Austria. Investors include Bernhard Niesner (Busuu), Felix Porsche (FAP Beteiligungen), Ignaz Forstmeier (ex-Personio), Hanno Lippitsch (Eversports), Laura Warnier (formerly GoStudent), Sebastian Becker (Redalpine), Vital Laptenok (Flyer One Ventures) and other well-known players.

1NCE secures 60 million US dollars

1NCE, a global provider of IoT software and connectivity headquartered in Cologne and Miami, has raised USD 60 million in its largest financing round to date, bringing the total raised since 2017 to USD 160 million. Investors include Deutsche Telekom, iSquared Capital, Kensington Capital Partners, SoftBank Corp, Vicenda Group and company founder Alexander P. Sator. 1NCE intends to use the new funds to expand its SaaS platform, integrate new AI functions, extend its product portfolio and expand internationally, particularly in the USA. The company currently serves over 24,000 customers with around 30 million devices in more than 170 countries and claims to operate the world's largest privately managed IoT cloud network.

Personnel

Dr. Carsten Rudolph new member of the board of Business Angels Deutschland e.V.

Dr. Carsten Rudolph, Managing Director of BayStartUP, has been elected to the board of the Bundesverband Business Angels Deutschland e.V. (BAND). As head of Germany's largest business angel network, he brings extensive experience in early-stage financing to the board. BayStartUP has provided more than 650 million euros in capital to young companies via its network and is one of Europe's leading platforms for startup financing. With its election, BAND is focusing on closer integration with practice-oriented angel networks in order to further strengthen the role of business angels in Germany and promote improved framework conditions for this form of early-stage financing.

IEQ network launches into the future with new dual leadership and brand identity

The digital marketing agency IEQ from Münster underwent a change in management at the start of the year: Dr. Philip Klinken, previously Senior Manager at Baker Tilly, joins former CDO Lena Bohnenkamp-Galla as Co-CEO on the management board. Together, they are driving forward the strategic transformation of the company, which is also manifested in a new brand image. The aim is to further expand the company's market leadership in digital marketing and e-business through AI-supported solutions, targeted expansion and customer-centric services. With over 150 employees and more than 4,500 customers, IEQ is clearly positioning itself as an innovator in the digital SME sector.

More exciting startup news

fynk revolutionizes contract management for SMEs

The Viennese SaaS company fynk offers a cloud-based solution for contract management that is specially tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. With intelligent workflows, AI-supported review processes and integrated digital signatures, fynk creates transparency, efficiency and security along the entire contract lifecycle. The platform meets the highest data protection and security standards and enables GDPR-compliant, audit-proof management of sensitive data. Over 300 companies are already using the solution, including well-known names such as 1. FC Nürnberg and Conrad. fynk is thus positioning itself as a strategic tool for digital transformation and process optimization in dynamic markets.

Qonto and Mollie enter into strategic partnership

Qonto, a European provider of financial solutions, and payment service provider Mollie are combining their strengths in a strategic partnership: from now on, companies will benefit from a seamless integration of business banking and payment transactions. Thanks to the integrated Mollie infrastructure, Qonto customers can receive online payments easily via "Payment Link", while Mollie users can open business accounts directly via "Qonto Embed" and manage their finances holistically, including payouts. The solution speeds up payment processes, reduces fees and improves cash flow - with full transparency and real-time insights. Qonto and Mollie are thus creating a powerful financial platform that is specifically tailored to the requirements of European SMEs.

Omio and Companjon launch flexible travel cancellation solution worldwide

The insurtech Companjon and the travel platform Omio are expanding their cooperation and are now offering the jointly developed travel cancellation insurance "Omio Flex" worldwide. The solution enables Omio customers to cancel booked train and bus journeys for any reason up to 15 minutes before departure - without having to provide proof and with up to 100% reimbursement, depending on the tariff. Following a successful launch in the EEA countries and the UK, the service is now being made available globally. The seamlessly integrated solution is based on Companjon's data-driven technology and underlines the growing importance of flexibility in travel planning.