Startupnews KW 3-25

Epona and JustiSolutions join forces - TALOS and Max Planck Society launch ICARUS 2.0 - Seven2 strengthens DACH region with new executives - heynanny launches pet care module - Tomorrow sustainable call deposit account with up to 2.5% interest - Startup association calls for new strategy - admi receives million-dollar investment - KKR invests in smaXtec - Phantom successful with 150 million dollars in Series C round - BeZero Carbon secures 32 million US dollars in Series C

heynanny launches pet care module to support employees with pets

heynanny is expanding its offering with a new pet care module that supports working employees with pets. The module offers flexible care by certified caregivers to provide the best possible care for pets during business trips, vacations or long working days. In Germany, where almost every second household has a pet, heynanny is responding to the growing need for professional care. With this innovation, heynanny strengthens the work-life balance and helps companies to create modern and attractive working environments.

Phantom successful with 150 million dollars in Series C round

Phantom, a leading crypto wallet, has closed a $150 million Series C funding round at a $3 billion valuation to grow into the world's largest consumer finance platform. With 15 million monthly active users and $25 billion in self-custody assets, Phantom provides secure, cross-blockchain transactions. The funds will be used to drive the development of innovative features, strategic partnerships and the expansion of peer-to-peer payments.

admi receives multi-million investment for efficient energy transition in the public sector

The GovTech start-up admi has closed a seven-figure pre-seed financing round to accelerate the energy optimization of public buildings with innovative software. Investors such as Felix Jahn and Christian Hardenberg support the vision of the founding team, consisting of Paul Thiekoetter, Leo Docter and Freddi Lange, to sustainably transform the public sector. More than 40 municipalities are already using admi's solution to modernize their energy infrastructure. With the new funding, admi plans to expand the team, grow across Germany and further develop its portfolio in order to drive the energy transition forward more efficiently.

TALOS and Max Planck Society launch ICARUS 2.0 for global biodiversity research

TALOS, a Munich-based NewSpace start-up, and the Max Planck Society are cooperating on the development of ICARUS 2.0, a new generation of satellite-based animal observation. A fleet of at least five cube satellites will precisely track animal movements and provide additional environmental data. This platform will provide researchers worldwide with insights into biodiversity, climate change and the spread of animal diseases. ICARUS 2.0 replaces the original ISS-based system, which was discontinued as a result of the war in Ukraine. The first satellite will be launched in 2025 with SpaceX. The full constellation should be operational by 2026.

Seven2 strengthens DACH region with new managers

The European private equity firm Seven2 is expanding its team in Munich with a Senior Principal and a Senior Associate. The aim of this strategic strengthening is to further expand investment activities in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). The new additions, Daniel Wolfgarten and Maximilian Kern, bring extensive experience in the areas of LBO transactions, M&A and value creation programs. Daniel Wolfgarten joins Seven2 from Oakley Capital and will be a Senior Principal in the Tech & Telecom division. Maximilian Kern, formerly with McKinsey & Company, will join the Services team as Senior Associate.

Startups as growth drivers: association calls for new strategy

The German Startup Association is urging the upcoming federal government to make startups a priority and to develop a "Startup Strategy 2.0" with clear goals. CEO Verena Pausder emphasizes that innovations from startups are crucial to overcoming economic stagnation in Germany. In 2024, the sector recorded an increase in start-ups and investments, particularly in the deep tech sector. The strategy aims to mobilize more private capital, promote deep tech spin-offs and accelerate the digitalization of administration. Pausder emphasizes that start-ups create growth and sustainable jobs.

Tomorrow launches sustainable call deposit account with up to 2.5% interest

Sustainable banking provider Tomorrow is launching its first call deposit account with up to 2.5% interest per year on January 15, 2025. Existing customersof the Change and Zero account models will receive 1.5%, while new customerswill enjoy 2.5% interest for 90 days. Interest is credited monthly for amounts up to 50,000 euros. Like all Tomorrow products, the call deposit account meets strict sustainability criteria: Customer deposits flow exclusively into audited, sustainable bonds. With this launch, Tomorrow is strengthening its range of responsible investments and offering an alternative to non-interest-bearing current accounts.

BeZero Carbon secures 32 million US dollars in Series C

BeZero Carbon, a global carbon ratings agency based in London, has raised US$32 million in a Series C funding round led by GenZero and backed by Japan Airlines, the Translink Innovation Fund and other existing investors. The funding will be used to expand ratings to domestic and international markets as well as CORSIA and further develop automation, AI and data scaling. BeZero provides independent, project-based carbon ratings to contribute to the transparency and integrity of carbon markets and encourage investment in climate projects.

Epona and JustiSolutions join forces

Epona, a Dutch provider of legal document management solutions, is merging with JustiSolutions, the leading provider of the Danish case management system Unik Advosys. Together they create a new European LegalTech provider with a comprehensive portfolio for document and law firm management. Backed by Main Capital Partners, the combined group will serve over 800 customers worldwide and drive further growth. The aim is to increase efficiency, compliance and productivity for lawyers and to further develop innovative SaaS solutions such as JustiCase.

KKR invests in smaXtec to drive global expansion and innovation

Agri-tech startup smaXtec, specializing in health monitoring for the dairy industry, receives a growth-oriented investment from KKR and Highland Europe. With an in-vivo sensor solution for cows, smaXtec improves animal health and efficiency in milk production. The capital will be used for international expansion, product innovation and the promotion of digitalization in the agricultural sector. CEO Stefan Scherer emphasizes the triple impact of the technology: improved animal welfare standards, lower emissions and higher productivity. The investment demonstrates the strength of the start-up ecosystem in Styria.