News week 26 - 2024

KoRo appoints ex-Oatly CEO Toni Petersson to the Advisory Board. Blue World successfully tests 200 kW fuel cell system. Genaios presents new AI tool for detecting fake news. Old plastic in the asphalt. WaVe-X invests in Dodona Analytic. Startup WALLROUND targets energy-efficient building refurbishment. Main Capital Partners invests in BPM software provider SoftProject. Deutsche Private Equity acquires a three-digit million euro stake in TKD Group

KoRo appoints ex-Oatly CEO Toni Petersson to advisory board for further growth

The food brand KoRo has appointed the former CEO of Oatly, Toni Petersson, to its Advisory Board to promote further growth. KoRo achieved record sales of over 42 million euros in the first quarter of 2024 and is one of the fastest growing companies in Europe according to the Financial Times. Petersson, who is an expert in brand development, will support KoRo in scaling and brand development. CEO Florian Schwenkert emphasizes that Petersson's appointment and the team's performance ideally position the company for future growth, with the aim of redefining the snacking industry through innovative, health-conscious products.

Blue World successfully tests 200 kW fuel cell system for marine applications

Blue World Technologies has successfully tested the world's first 200 kW High Temperature PEM (HT PEM) fuel cell system at its facilities in Aalborg, Denmark. This milestone represents a significant step towards the decarbonization of the shipping industry as the system demonstrated higher than expected performance. The fuel cell, which runs on green methanol, achieves an electrical efficiency of up to 55% and can capture up to 100% of its carbon emissions for reuse or storage. Blue World plans to install a 1 MW pilot system on a Maersk vessel by 2026, with commercial availability expected by 2027.

Genaios presents new AI tool for detecting fake news

Nuremberg-based startup Genaios has developed a new AI tool that enables users to easily detect false information and AI-generated content. The browser plugin and web app, which are now available free of charge, offer two main functions: recognizing AI-generated texts and carrying out fact checks. Genaios' technology has won international awards and is considered a global leader in its field. There are plans to expand the offering to include other languages and image verification. This tool is designed to combat the growing threat of disinformation on the internet and improve the trustworthiness of online information.

Old plastic in the asphalt: sustainable road construction on the Rader high bridge

On the A7 motorway in Schleswig-Holstein, over 45 tons of used plastic were used for the first time in the asphalt surface of a pilot section to replace some of the bitumen obtained from crude oil. This process, developed by Ecopals in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, reduces CO2 emissions from asphalt production by up to 18 percent. DEGES is testing this environmentally friendly alternative, which reuses previously non-recyclable plastic, on the Rader High Bridge. Initial tests confirm the material's suitability for road construction.

WaVe-X invests in Dodona Analytics

The Austrian WaVe-X, a subsidiary of the WALTER GROUP, is investing in the British start-up Dodona Analytics, which specializes in optimizing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. In the latest financing round, led by Flashpoint Ventures, WaVe-X is supporting Dodona Analytics with a seven-figure sum and is also contributing valuable expertise from the logistics and real estate sectors. Dodona Analytics, founded by Dr. Stefan Furlan, uses artificial intelligence and extensive data sources to enable data-driven decisions for charge point operators (CPOs). The company plans to continue its international expansion and further develop its product portfolio.

Main Capital Partners invests in BPM software provider SoftProject

Main Capital Partners has acquired a majority stake in SoftProject, a leading provider of business process management software. This investment, the first of the new MCVIII fund, is designed to drive growth and innovation in the B2B software industry. SoftProject, known for its X4 BPMS platform, offers low-code solutions for the optimization and automation of business processes. Founder and CEO Dirk Detmer will remain in office and will continue to develop the company together with Main through organic and inorganic initiatives. The partnership aims to expand the geographic footprint and product portfolio, enabling customers to benefit from faster implementation processes and a broader offering.

Deutsche Private Equity acquires stake in TKD Group

Deutsche Private Equity (DPE) has acquired a majority stake in TKD Group, a provider of mobile device rental models such as smartphones and tablets for large enterprises. This investment, which is in the three-digit million range, will be mainly reinvested in the growth of the company. TKD integrates the rented devices into a CO2-neutral circular economy, thereby relieving the burden on customers' purchasing, IT and finance departments and meeting ESG requirements. The TKD.360 platform allows employees to manage and exchange devices that are preconfigured according to the company's security requirements. DPE sees significant growth potential and plans to support TKD's international expansion.

Startup WALLROUND targets energy-efficient building refurbishment

Berlin-based startup WALLROUND has launched a comprehensive refurbishment offering to accelerate climate neutrality in the building sector. The innovative solution combines AI-supported technology, project management and craftsmanship to make the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing properties more efficient and transparent. Founded by Lukas Steinhilber, Tatiana Wotzasek and Henning von Oesen, WALLROUND aims to simplify the refurbishment process through an integrated approach. The service is primarily aimed at property owners and includes energy advice, financing and subsidies. WALLROUND has already secured financial support from several investors.

Rebranding: Solarpack becomes Zelestra

Solarpack becomes Zelestra and focuses on customer-oriented multi-technology solutions for energy generation and storage. Zelestra uses solar and wind energy, batteries and green hydrogen to drive global decarbonization. Backed by EQT, Zelestra offers global reach, local expertise and customized solutions to support the transition to a more sustainable energy future. CEO Leo Moreno emphasizes the importance of the new brand in differentiating in the highly competitive renewable energy sector and contributing to a zero-carbon future.