Startupnews KW 15 - 2024

HanseGas relies on drone solution from Beagle Systems. Volateq successfully closes seven-figure seed financing round. Wingcopter and ITOCHU start type certification process. Strategic partnership between Wire and the Schwarz Group. Consulting center for digitalization in SMEs presents itself. Freelancer survey reveals lack of reserves.

Volateq successfully closes seven-figure seed financing round

Volateq, a former spin-off of the German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.), recently completed a successful seven-figure seed financing round. The founders Dr.-Ing. Christoph Prahl, Anne Schlierbach and Wolfgang Reinalter have developed a web app that helps solar field operators to optimize the performance of their systems. Thanks to their technology, which uses drone-based monitoring and thermographic images, faults and defects can be detected precisely, leading to higher efficiency and maximized ROI. With the capital raised, Volateq plans to enter the PV system market, grow the team and expand internationally. The support of investors such as BeAI GmbH, Scarabaeus Capital and NRW Bank underlines the relevance of arial thermography for solar plants and innovative solutions for their maintenance.

HanseGas relies on drone solution from Beagle Systems

Beagle Systems has announced that it will fly over and inspect HanseGas' entire high-pressure pipeline network from April 2024, replacing the previous helicopter flights. In cooperation with Supervision.Earth from Darmstadt, monthly drone flights as well as daily satellite images will be carried out to enable a more precise inspection of the network and reduce the carbon footprint. This solution marks a special step for HanseGas as the first European pipeline operator to rely on a drone solution. The contract has been signed for an initial period of three years and Beagle Systems is looking forward to a successful partnership to secure critical infrastructure.

Wingcopter and ITOCHU launch type certification process for drone deliveries in Japan

Wingcopter and ITOCHU have jointly initiated the type certification process for the Wingcopter 198 delivery drone in Japan, enabling it to conduct commercial flights both in populated areas and beyond the pilot's line of sight. This is the first time a foreign drone has gone through this process for Class 1 unmanned aircraft with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). Successful certification would allow Wingcopter to conduct Level 4 flights in Japan, significantly expanding the scope of use for delivery drones, especially in a country with an aging population and many remote areas. Wingcopter and ITOCHU plan to build drone delivery networks to address various social challenges by transporting vital goods quickly and environmentally friendly over long distances.

Advisory center for digitalization in SMEs at the East German Entrepreneurs' Day 2024

The Advisory Centre for Digitalization in SMEs will be a partner of the East German Entrepreneurs' Day for the first time and will present an approach to overcoming the shortage of skilled workers through digitalization on 30 April in Potsdam. Digitalization offers SMEs the opportunity to optimise their processes, reduce costs and strengthen their competitiveness. Automated digital solutions can free up employees and allow them to focus on more demanding tasks. The consulting center, which has already implemented over 100 projects, emphasizes the importance of tailor-made digitalization solutions for SMEs and will explain how companies can qualify skilled and junior staff at a discussion forum at the Entrepreneur Day.

Strategic partnership between Wire and the Schwarz Group to promote digital sovereignty

Wire and the Schwarz Group have announced a strategic partnership to strengthen digital sovereignty and security in communications. The collaboration was announced during the Cybersecurity Conference in Heilbronn, Germany, and involves leveraging Wire's expertise in securing digital communications for governments and enterprises, particularly in the critical infrastructure, energy and telecommunications sectors, along with Schwarz Digits' innovative IT services, including STACKIT and XM Cyber. The partnership includes the use of Wire's secure communications solutions within Schwarz Group companies, planned investments by the Schwarz Group in Wire, and joint product and technology development projects.

Freelancer survey reveals: Lack of reserves and need for private provision

The results of a recent survey by freelancermap show that more than a third of participants stated that they have no reserves for emergencies and especially their old age. This underlines the need for freelancers who work without statutory pension entitlement and unemployment insurance to make private provisions. In addition, one in four are saving for early retirement. Experts such as Tobias Klostermann, an expert in wealth management and asset accumulation, emphasize the importance of having a financial buffer to cover expenses over several months. The survey also highlights the specific needs of freelancers, who require a flexible and tax-optimized strategy. Three investment tips are suggested: long-term and diversified investments, an optimal investment mix and the combination of investments with tax-deductible loans. Despite the importance of a stable pension base, many freelancers feel insecure and criticize the lack of expertise in relation to their needs.