Startupnews week 6 - 2024

Financing round enables management expansion at Sinpex. Sprinque and Mangopay announce cooperation. Philipp Wegmann takes over management of the DACH region for Signicat. SSP DACH relies on Vytal. Electric Runner sets itself apart. Thermondo strengthens management. nextx: New branding as WÖRK. Quantum Systems presents Qube 640.

Quantum Systems presents Qube 640: Efficient LiDAR system for drones

Quantum Systems has unveiled the Qube 640, an efficient LiDAR system for drones. The Munich-based company has developed the scanner in collaboration with YellowScan for the Trinity Pro eVTOL fixed-wing drone. The Qube 640 is designed to improve data collection in applications such as power line inspections, vegetation studies and archaeological exploration. With a field of view of up to 176° and a flight duration of 60 minutes in conjunction with the Quantum Skynode autopilot and Trinity Pro capabilities, the Qube 640 aims to increase precision and efficiency in aerial LiDAR technology.

nextx: New branding as WÖRK for career guidance

The award-winning startup nextx, which specializes in career guidance for school leavers and young students, is now called WÖRK. The rebranding was carried out in collaboration with Jung von Matt and includes a new name and a fresh design with a new logo. The proven core application, now called "Äpp", remains and offers a unique combination of technology and personal insights, especially for Generation Z. WÖRK is revolutionizing career guidance through TikTok-like videos that offer insights into various professional fields. The platform is not only aimed at pupils and students, but also at companies that want to attract young talent for their apprenticeships. WallDecaux's current major advertising campaign is intended to open up new customer regions, particularly in Berlin and Hamburg. WÖRK has already acquired renowned clients such as SAP and ABB.

Thermondo strengthens management for product innovation and business expansion

Thermondo has strengthened its management in the area of product and innovation by appointing two executives, Thomas Kraker von Schwarzenfeld and Armin Krahl, to senior positions. Thomas Kraker von Schwarzenfeld took over the position of Vice President New Business & Innovation on February 1, 2024, while Armin Krahl has been Vice President Product since October 1, 2023. Both managers will work on the further development of products to drive forward the scaling of the heat pump and the entry into the photovoltaic business. Their focus will be on creating connected and intelligent offerings to enable climate-neutral, independent and cost-saving living in single-family homes. The founder and CEO of Thermondo, Philipp Pausder, emphasizes the importance of this strengthening for the further development of the business model and the promotion of the energy transition in single-family homes.

Electric Runner sets itself apart with an innovative rental approach

The Baden-based startup Electric Runner has successfully specialized in the Tesla-as-a-Service business model in order to meet the growing popularity of electric cars. Unlike traditional leasing companies and car rental companies, Electric Runner offers its customers the opportunity to receive a desired Tesla within five to 14 days for a flexible usage period of six to 36 months. Through their digital platform, they enable maximum flexibility and efficient customer service with a focus on Teslas. The company also focuses on refurbished vehicles, which is both economical and environmentally friendly. While electric cars such as the Tesla Model Y are seeing high sales worldwide, established car rental companies such as Hertz and Sixt have announced plans to reduce their electric car inventories due to high costs and low demand. Electric Runner differentiates itself from traditional rental companies with its long-term rental model and digital handling of services, which has led to a successful fleet expansion of over 300 vehicles.

SSP DACH relies on Vytal as preferred partner for international reusable solutions

SSP DACH and Vytal have announced a partnership aimed at expanding the reusable offer in the food service industry. SSP DACH, an operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, will use Vytal's system and technology as a Preferred Partner. Since the rollout of Vytal in selected SSP operations in January 2023, guests and employees have appreciated the ease of use and environmental friendliness of this reusable solution. The expanded partnership includes a larger number of locations and measures to promote reusable use. This move underlines the efforts of both companies to reduce single-use waste and raise awareness of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

Philipp Wegmann takes over management of the DACH region for Signicat

Digital identity solutions provider Signicat is strengthening its presence in the DACH region with the appointment of Philipp Wegmann as Country Manager DACH. Wegmann, who previously held various positions at IDnow, most recently as Director Partner Management, brings with him more than 15 years of experience in sales and business development. His goal is to establish Signicat as a provider of end-to-end, scalable and compliant digital identity solutions in the DACH market. The company has already been successfully active on the German market for several years and offers a broad portfolio of digital identity solutions ranging from identity verification and authentication to electronic signatures.

Sprinque and Mangopay announce cooperation for B2B payment solutions

B2B payment platform Sprinque has announced a partnership with Mangopay, a provider of modular payment infrastructures for marketplaces. This partnership will enable merchants and marketplaces to utilize comprehensive and flexible payment solutions to increase sales and simplify B2B transactions. Sprinque, headquartered in Amsterdam and founded in 2021, supports retailers and marketplaces worldwide with business transactions. Mangopay, active since 2013, has already supported over 2,500 platforms with its programmable e-wallet solution. The partnership aims to provide B2B marketplaces with reliable tools and various payment methods to enable more flexible payment flows, especially for services such as "buy now, pay later". Both companies emphasize their shared vision and see the partnership as strengthening their offering for B2B marketplaces.

Financing round enables management expansion at Sinpex

Sinpex, a B2B provider of automated identification and compliance solutions, is expanding its management team. Philipp Eska becomes CFO and Managing Director, Gholam Abdol takes over the technological management as CTO. Following a successful financing round of four million euros, in which TX Ventures and ACE Ventures, among others, participated, Sinpex is aiming for further growth. The new management team, led by Dr. Camillo Werdich, CEO of Sinpex, plans to expand internationally. Eska and Abdol bring extensive experience in finance and technology.