News from the startup world week 33 - 2024

Marco Peters becomes Startup Coach at DBI. Lisa Meisterjahn becomes Head of PR at nebenan. VoiceLine secures seed funding. Hedera-22 secures 2 million euros. PLAIO secures 4.3 million euros. Actuate receives 11.5 million US dollars for the expansion of AI-supported security solutions. Sahara AI receives 43 million dollars to build a collaborative AI economy. Berlin-based Caresyntax secures 180 million dollars. Employment in Germany rises slightly in Q2 2024.

Personnel

Lisa Meisterjahn becomes Head of PR at nebenan

Lisa Meisterjahn took over the position of Head of PR at nebenan, Germany's largest neighborhood network, on 1 August. She previously worked as Associate Director at the tech PR agency Ballou PR. In her new role, she will further develop nebenan's strategic communication and focus more on socially relevant topics such as loneliness and climate protection. Nebenan also sets a strong example for equal rights, with a management team consisting predominantly of women and flexible working models that promote social justice.

Marco Peters becomes start-up coach at Duisburg Business & Innovation (DBI)

From September 1, 2024, Marco Peters, known from the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen", will be working as a start-up consultant at Duisburg Business & Innovation (DBI). Peters, who became known for his invention of the currywurst in a jar and his success as an entrepreneur, will further expand the startup ecosystem in Duisburg. DBI Managing Director Rasmus C. Beck is delighted with the addition: "Marco Peters brings a wealth of experience and authenticity and will be a valuable point of contact for start-ups and those looking to found a company in Duisburg." Peters, who has already worked as a book author and consultant in lean management, is looking forward to passing on his expertise in his home city.

Financing rounds

VoiceLine secures seed financing

VoiceLine, a Munich-based startup specializing in voice AI technology, has successfully closed its seed financing round. The round was led by Venture Stars and SCALEHOUSE Capital, accompanied by additional co-investors and business angels. With the fresh capital, VoiceLine plans to further improve its user experience, develop new use cases and expand its technology to support field service teams globally.

Hedera-22 secures 2 million euros for sustainable agriculture

According to press reports, the Belgian start-up Hedera-22, a spin-off from the University of Liège, has received 2 million euros in a financing round. The funds come from a capital increase by existing investors such as Aravis, Gesval, Noshaq and K&E as well as subsidies from the Walloon region. Hedera-22 is developing an innovative platform to discover new biomolecules with biopesticidal activity to contribute to the reduction of chemical pesticides as part of the European Farm2Fork project. The company will invest the funding in research and development, team strengthening and further development of its bioinformatics tools.

PLAIO secures 4.3 million euros to expand its AI platform for the pharmaceutical industry

According to press reports, Reykjavik-based startup PLAIO has raised €4.3 million in an oversubscribed funding round. The round was led by Iðunn, a venture capital fund managed by Kvika Asset Management, with additional support from Frumtak Ventures and Dr. Agon. PLAIO plans to use the funds to further develop its AI-powered "AI Coplanner" platform and further expand its position as a leading provider of planning solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. The company, which was founded in 2021, plans to expand its activities in the US and Europe and drive digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry.

Sahara AI receives 43 million dollars to build a collaborative AI economy

The Los Angeles-based startup Sahara AI has received 43 million dollars in a financing round. The round was led by Pantera Capital, Binance Labs and Polychain Capital. Sahara AI is developing a decentralized blockchain platform that enables secure control and protection of AI resources for users and companies. The aim is to create an open and fair AI economy in which all participants are fairly rewarded for their contributions. Sahara AI plans to use the capital to expand its team, improve the technology and expand the developer ecosystem.

Actuate receives 11.5 million US dollars for the expansion of AI-supported security solutions

The New York-based company Actuate has received 11.5 million US dollars in a financing round. The round was led by Gray Line Partners, with participation from existing investors such as Tribeca Venture Partners and Bling Capital. Actuate develops AI-based solutions for remote monitoring of video surveillance systems, which are particularly in demand in the fight against organized property crime and to increase efficiency in the security industry. Actuate plans to use the new capital to further develop its technology and expand its market position.

Caresyntax secures 180 million dollars for expansion of AI-supported surgery platform

Berlin-based medtech startup Caresyntax has raised 180 million dollars in a financing round to further advance the development and distribution of its AI-assisted surgery platform. The sum is made up of 80 million dollars in equity and up to 100 million dollars in growth loans. Investors such as Symbiotic Capital and MTIP are backing the company, which is used in more than 3,000 operating rooms worldwide. Caresyntax uses software and AI to capture and analyze surgical data, leading to more precise interventions and better patient outcomes. The proceeds will be used to support growth, customer expansion and further acquisitions.

Facts & Info

Employment in Germany rises slightly in Q2 2024 - growth almost exclusively in the service sector

According to Destatis, around 46.1 million people were employed in Germany in the second quarter of 2024, which corresponds to an increase of 0.1% compared to the previous quarter. The growth is almost entirely attributable to the service sector, while declines were recorded in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Employment growth was particularly strong in the public services, education and health sectors. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, employment rose by 0.4%. Despite the increase, momentum weakened slightly year-on-year.