Startup News for the Weekend of Week 44, 2026

Venture Capital

Schwarz Group Leads Billion-Dollar Funding Round for AI Company Cohere

The Schwarz Group, parent company of Lidl and Kaufland, is leading the Series E funding round for the Canadian AI company Cohere. The round has a target volume of up to seven billion Canadian dollars and would value Cohere at 35.7 billion Canadian dollars. In addition to the Schwarz Group, participants include NVIDIA, Bell Ventures, Bullhound Capital, and the Canadian government. Cohere develops secure AI models and enterprise solutions for regulated industries and government agencies. Following its merger with the German AI company Aleph Alpha, the Schwarz Group plans to integrate the technology, in particular, into its sovereign cloud infrastructure, STACKIT. Cohere reported a 165 percent increase in annual recurring revenue for the third quarter of 2026 and now has 300 enterprise customers. The capital is to be invested in AI models, computing infrastructure, and international expansion.

Bleu Robotics Secures Five Million Euros for AI-Driven Humanoid Industrial Robots

The Paris-based startup Bleu Robotics has raised five million euros in a pre-seed funding round. The round was led by Contrarian Ventures and OVNI Capital, with participation from Kvanted, WEPA Ventures, and Motier Ventures, among others. Founded in late 2025, the company develops AI software designed to enable humanoid robots to learn new industrial tasks based on just ten demonstrations. The goal is to reduce the commissioning time—which previously took months—to less than an hour. The technology is designed to work on various robot systems regardless of the manufacturer and to be operable without any programming knowledge. Bleu Robotics plans to use the capital to expand its research and development teams and implement its first industrial applications in automotive and consumer goods production.

EVASIVE ROBOTICS Secures More Than 2.1 Million Euros in Pre-Seed Funding

The robotics startup EVASIVE ROBOTICS has raised more than 2.1 million euros in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round. Investors include Nucleus Capital, xista science ventures, Vanagon, Robin Capital, and several business angels. The company is developing a software platform for the cross-vendor control and coordination of industrial robots. The technology enables the motion sequences of different robot types to be synchronized in real time and allows multiple machines to work together within a shared workspace. This is intended to reduce integration efforts and accelerate production changeovers. With the new capital, EVASIVE ROBOTICS plans to further develop its technology, implement additional customer projects, and expand its team in the areas of robotics and software development.

MuRay Receives 7.1 Million Euros to Develop New Imaging Technology

The Hamburg-based deep tech startup MuRay has secured a total of 7.1 million euros in capital and grants. A funding round of 3.5 million euros was led by First Momentum Ventures. Other investors include Caelora, Superangel, and Mätch VC, among others. In addition, the company has received 3.6 million euros in public grants, including funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe program. MuRay is developing an imaging method that uses muon beams to provide three-dimensional insights into the interior of dense materials. The technology is intended for use in particular in the analysis of metals, ceramics, and composite materials.

Awards, Calls & Events

“Industrialization 4 Space” Focuses on Industrial Manufacturing for Space in Stuttgart

On November 25, 2026, the “Industrialization 4 Space” conference will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event will focus on the increasing industrialization of the space sector and the challenges involved in the transition to mass production of satellites and space components. Experts and executives from industry, research, and the space sector will discuss modular satellite concepts, scalable production systems, and resilient supply chains. Other topics include new business models, industrial value creation in space, and future markets for space exploration. The program is complemented by insights into New Space initiatives and opportunities for cross-industry collaboration. The event aims to foster exchange between established industrial companies, research institutions, and players in the commercial space sector.

German Business Angels Day 2026 Brings Around 400 Early-Stage Investors to Hanover

From November 5 to 7, 2026, the German Business Angels Day will take place at the Hannover Congress Centrum. The industry association Business Angels Deutschland (BAND) expects around 400 investors as well as more than 50 speakers from politics, business, and research. The focus will be on the future of early-stage financing, government funding instruments, tax frameworks, and technology transfer from universities. In addition, 34 selected startups will present themselves to potential investors. The program features more than 20 workshops on topics such as due diligence, AI-powered startup search, and quantum investments. Highlights include the presentation of the “Business Angel of the Year” award and, for the first time, the “Exit of the Year” award. Announced guests include Gitta Connemann as well as Lower Saxony ministers Grant Hendrik Tonne and Falko Mohrs.

First AI Week Düsseldorf Offers Around 30 Events on Practical AI Applications

From November 23 to 27, 2026, the startup incubator STARTPLATZ and ECODYNAMICS GmbH will host the first-ever AI Week Düsseldorf. At STARTPLATZ in the Medienhafen, the program features nearly 30 expert presentations, workshops, and networking events focused on the practical use of artificial intelligence. Key topics include AI applications in businesses, local language models, cybersecurity, Vibe Coding, and Creative AI. Participating companies include Microsoft, Gelsenwasser, and Messe Düsseldorf. Another highlight of the program is the Rheinland Pitch Special AI, where nine startups from North Rhine-Westphalia will present their solutions. The event is aimed at specialists, executives, developers, and creative professionals.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Evertrace Acquires Veck, Strengthening AI-Powered Startup Search for Investors

The Danish startup analytics platform Evertrace has acquired its competitor Veck, thereby expanding its technology for the early identification of new founders and startups. Evertrace collaborates with more than 300 venture capital funds worldwide and analyzes various data sources to identify potential investment opportunities even before the official market launch. Veck complements this technology, in particular, by evaluating founder activities, company signals, and interest from other investors. All of Veck’s customers will be transferred to the Evertrace platform. For Evertrace, this marks its fourth acquisition following Whisper AI, Seedpoint, and Morphais. Through these acquisitions, the company aims to expand its database and provide early-stage investors with better access to previously little-known founding teams. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

saas.group Acquires 3D AI Studio with 1.9 Million Registered Users

The Heilbronn-based software group saas.group has acquired the AI-powered 3D design platform 3D AI Studio, thereby expanding its portfolio to include generative creative software. Founded in 2024 by Jan Hammer, the company enables users to create three-dimensional models from text descriptions or images in a matter of seconds. The platform now has more than 1.9 million registered users in over 25 countries, who have generated more than four million 3D objects to date. With this acquisition, saas.group aims to support the further development of the technology and the expansion of the team. This marks the 27th acquisition for the group, which was founded in 2017. Its portfolio includes Seobility, Tower, and Rewardful, among others. saas.group employs more than 400 people worldwide across over 25 countries.

Mehler Systems Acquires Majority Stake in MARS Armor and Expands into Eastern Europe

The Mehler Systems Group, based in Fulda and part of the investment company DPE, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Bulgarian protective equipment manufacturer MARS Armor. The company, headquartered in Kostinbrod, develops and manufactures ballistic vests, helmets, shields, and specialized equipment for the military, police, and government agencies. With this acquisition, Mehler Systems aims to expand its market presence in Eastern Europe, broaden its product portfolio, and strengthen its European supply chains. MARS Armor has more than 20 years of experience and operates in over 40 countries. The company is expected to continue operating independently under its existing brand and management.

Officine Maccaferri Acquires Metallurgica Irpina and Expands into New Business Areas

The Italian environmental technology and infrastructure provider Officine Maccaferri has acquired the wire processing specialist Metallurgica Irpina. Founded in 1997, the company produces wire mesh, fencing systems, and steel structures for infrastructure, industry, and agriculture. With this acquisition, Maccaferri is strengthening its manufacturing capabilities in Italy and expanding its product offerings in the areas of perimeter protection and climate-resilient agriculture. The group sees new growth opportunities particularly in support systems for vineyards and orchards. In the future, Metallurgica Irpina is expected to benefit from Maccaferri’s international sales network spanning more than 130 countries. The acquisition is part of the “buy-and-build” strategy of sustainability investor Ambienta, whose portfolio includes Maccaferri.

Harvey Acquires AI Startup Aida and Strengthens Knowledge Management for Law Firms

Harvey, a company specializing in artificial intelligence for the legal industry, has acquired the AI platform Aida. Founded by Glean co-founder Piyush Prahladka and Atish Das Sarma, the startup develops technologies that link information from various enterprise systems and make it usable for AI applications. With this acquisition, Harvey aims to further develop its solutions for the structured capture and analysis of internal knowledge in law firms and legal departments. In particular, AI agents will be able to better access company-specific data, documents, and contexts in the future. The entire Aida team will join Harvey’s product and development organization.

Collaborations & Partnerships

Focused Energy Enters into Two Strategic Collaborations on Laser Fusion in Japan

The Darmstadt-based fusion company Focused Energy has signed two letters of intent with Japanese partners to advance the development of commercial laser fusion power plants. The company plans to collaborate with Kyoto Fusioneering specifically on fuel technologies, tritium cycles, and power plant components. The second agreement with the Institute of Laser Engineering at Osaka University focuses on laser development, ignition methods, and joint research experiments. Both collaborations are intended to strengthen the international exchange of knowledge and support the establishment of industrial supply chains. Specific projects are yet to be agreed upon separately.

Concular Signs Framework Agreement with BLB NRW for Circular Construction Through 2030

Concular, a company specializing in the circular economy in the construction sector, has signed a framework agreement with the North Rhine-Westphalia Construction and Real Estate Agency (BLB NRW) through 2030. The goal is to systematically integrate the reuse of building materials into state-owned construction and renovation projects. To this end, Concular will provide consulting services, technical planning, and implementation, as well as operate a digital building materials exchange. Regional logistics and processing centers—including those in Düsseldorf, Aachen, and Detmold—are intended to facilitate the reuse of used building products. BLB NRW manages approximately 4,000 buildings with a total area of 10.4 million square meters. Concular employs more than 70 people and, according to its own figures, has already supported over 1,000 projects. The partnership builds on several years of collaboration.

Main Capital Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Software Provider 4ALLPORTAL

Software investor Main Capital Partners has acquired a majority stake in the Gütersloh-based company 4ALLPORTAL. The founders and management will retain a significant stake. 4ALLPORTAL develops an integrated platform for the centralized management of product information, digital media, and master data. The company serves more than 100 corporate clients and over 100,000 users, primarily in the DACH region, but increasingly also in the U.S. and other European markets. With the support of Main Capital Partners, the company aims to accelerate product development—particularly in the area of AI-powered data management solutions—and its international expansion. Additionally, strategic acquisitions are planned to expand the software portfolio and geographic presence.

More Exciting News

TUM Leads German University Rankings in European Patent Applications

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is among the top ten universities with the most patent applications filed with the European Patent Office (EPO). With 103 applications in 2025, it ranks ninth worldwide, sixth in Europe, and first in Germany. It is followed by RWTH Aachen with 45 applications and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg with 39. TUM was particularly active in the fields of biotechnology, medical technology, and drug development. The university supports researchers by providing centralized funding for patent procedures, market analyses, and commercialization consulting. For startups looking to commercialize research results, TUM also offers an expedited process for the transfer of intellectual property. The goal is to finalize a contract within three months.

HERB Ventures Joins Teuto Seed Club and Strengthens Early-Stage Investments in OWL

The investment firm HERB Ventures has joined the Teuto Seed Club, thereby expanding its commitment to young companies in East Westphalia-Lippe. Founded in 2024, the network brings together business angels, experienced founders, and entrepreneurs from family-owned businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises to support regional startups with capital, expertise, and contacts. The focus is particularly on B2B business models in the fields of healthcare, energy, industry, and logistics, as well as technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cloud computing. HERB Ventures brings its expertise in company building, scaling, and brand development to the table.