Recent Fundraisers

Inside Earlybird’s Succession Plan to Pass on the Management Company in 10 Years Engaging Introduction In the ever-evolving world of venture capital, adaptability and foresight are essential. Earlybird, a prominent player in the European venture capital scene, is demonstrating both with its strategic succession plan. The firm aims to transition the management of its company over the next decade. This move signals not only a change in leadership but also reflects the dynamic nature of venture capital, where planning for the future is as crucial as seizing present opportunities. Main Body Earlybird's succession strategy is a testament to its forward-thinking approach. …

PENEMUE Secures Over €1.7 Million to Tackle Online Hate and Disinformation with AI Introduction In an era where digital interactions are ubiquitous, the dark side of online communication—hate speech, digital violence, and disinformation—poses a growing threat. Enter PENEMUE, a promising startup from Freiburg, Germany, that is harnessing artificial intelligence to combat these issues. Recently, PENEMUE announced it has secured over €1.7 million in funding to expand its AI-driven solutions, marking a significant milestone in the fight for safer digital spaces. Main Body PENEMUE was founded in 2023 by a dynamic team including Jonas Navid Mehrabanian Al-Nemri, Marlon Lüc…

Italy’s Wearable Robotics Secures €5 Million Series A to Propel Neuromotor Rehabilitation Technologies In a significant milestone for the wearable robotics sector, Pisa-based startup Wearable Robotics has successfully closed a €5 million Series A funding round. This strategic infusion of capital aims to fuel the company's global expansion and enhance its groundbreaking technologies in neuromotor rehabilitation and exoskeleton development. A Step Forward in Innovation Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from the prestigious Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Wearable Robotics has swiftly become a leader in wearable robotics. The company focuses on creating advanced robotic devices …

Dutch Startup Brilliance Secures €6 Million to Revolutionize AR Hardware with RGB Laser Chip Technology In a significant stride for the burgeoning field of Augmented Reality (AR), Dutch startup Brilliance has announced a successful €6 million funding round. This Enschede-based company is on a mission to overcome a pivotal bottleneck in AR hardware through its cutting-edge RGB laser chip technology. Innovative Funding Boost Led by Cottonwood Technology Fund, the funding round also saw participation from existing investors such as PhotonVentures, Oost NL, and PhotiX, alongside other co-investors. This financial boost is set to accelerate the development of Brilliance’s …

Why a Vegan Sausage Pioneer is Setting Up an AI Law Firm Called Keith Engaging Introduction In a bold move that bridges the gap between culinary innovation and artificial intelligence, the founder of a successful vegan sausage company is now venturing into the realm of legal tech with an AI-driven law firm named Keith. This unexpected pivot highlights the growing intersection of technology and traditional industries, and it poses intriguing questions about the future of legal services. Main Body The entrepreneur behind this ambitious initiative is no stranger to disruption. Having already made waves in the plant-based food sector, they are now channeling their innova…

The 20 Companies That Landed Europe's Largest Equity Deals Ever In the ever-evolving landscape of global startups, Europe has emerged as a powerhouse for innovation and venture capital. The continent's startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth, with numerous companies securing substantial equity deals. This article delves into the 20 European companies that have landed the largest equity deals ever, highlighting the significance of these investments and what they mean for the future of startups on the continent. A New Era of European Innovation Europe's startup scene has been gaining momentum over the past decade, driven by a combination of technological advanc…

Tiny VC Partner Philipp Moehring on When to Take Money Off the Table In the fast-paced world of startups, securing funding is a pivotal milestone that can propel a fledgling business to new heights. However, the question of when to take money off the table is a nuanced decision that can significantly impact the trajectory of a startup. Philipp Moehring, a partner at Tiny VC, offers valuable insights into this critical juncture. With a keen understanding of the venture capital landscape, Moehring provides guidance on how founders can strategically navigate funding rounds to ensure long-term success. Understanding the Timing and Strategy The decision to take money off the…

Paris-based Omniscient Raises €3.5 Million to Bring AI-Powered Decision Intelligence to the C-Suite In an era where data is abundant yet actionable insights remain elusive, Paris-based startup Omniscient is stepping up to transform decision-making for senior executives. With a recent €3.5 million ($4.1 million) pre-seed funding round led by Seedcamp, Omniscient is poised to revolutionize the way organizations leverage data for strategic decisions. Bridging the Decision-Making Gap Omniscient was founded in 2024 by Arnaud d’Estienne and Mehdi Benseghir, both former McKinsey consultants who identified a critical gap in the decision-making processes of large organizations…

UK’s Flagship Fund of Funds Backing Female Investors and Founders Announces First Close at £130m In a significant stride towards gender equality in the startup ecosystem, the UK's flagship fund of funds has announced its first close at an impressive £130 million. This initiative is set to provide substantial backing to female investors and founders, marking a pivotal moment in the venture capital landscape. Empowering Female Investors and Founders In a significant stride towards gender equality in the startup ecosystem, the UK's flagship fund of funds has announced its first close at an impressive £130 million. This initiative is set to provide substantial backing to …

Paris-based Generare Raises €20 Million to Unlock Nature's Molecular Secrets for Drug Development In a significant stride for biotech innovation, Paris-based startup Generare has secured €20 million in Series A funding. The company, known for its groundbreaking approach to drug discovery by decoding microbial genomes, aims to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by expanding its compound library and scaling its discovery platform. Unlocking Nature’s Hidden Chemistry Generare is pioneering a new frontier in drug discovery by tapping into the vast, uncharted chemical landscapes hidden within microbial genomes. Founded in 2023 by Dr. Vincent Libis and Guillaume Vand…

Zurich’s Covalo Raises €3.5 Million to Transform the Personal Care Industry’s Data Backbone In a significant move poised to reshape the personal care industry, Zurich-based startup Covalo has secured a €3.5 million Seed extension. This funding round, led by Hi inov with participation from existing investors HTGF and seed+speed Ventures, marks Covalo's evolution from an ingredients marketplace to a comprehensive data infrastructure for the industry. Celebrating its 5-year anniversary, Covalo aims to address the fragmented nature of ingredient data management, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the industry’s digital transformation. Transforming Data Management in…

Over 100 Startups Left Waiting for Cash After EU-Funded Body Collapses Introduction In an unsettling turn for Europe's startup ecosystem, over 100 early-stage companies find themselves in financial limbo following the collapse of an EU-funded investment body. This development raises significant concerns about the reliability of funding sources that many startups depend on for growth and innovation. The Collapse and Its Immediate Impact The unexpected dissolution of this investment entity has left a considerable number of startups stranded, waiting for funds that may never arrive. For many of these young companies, the promised financial support was crucial for operat…

How Many Government AI Initiatives is Too Many? In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as a cornerstone of innovation, prompting governments worldwide to launch numerous AI initiatives. While these efforts aim to bolster national competitiveness, a pressing question arises: how many government AI initiatives are too many? The Growing Wave of AI Initiatives Governments are increasingly recognizing AI's transformative potential, leading to a surge in AI-focused programs. These initiatives often aim to enhance technological infrastructure, foster talent development, and stimulate economic growth. However, the proliferation of these projects raises concerns ab…

Connectome Secures €1.7 Million to Scale Personalized Brain Health Insights and Early Cognitive Change Detection In a groundbreaking move for the NeuroTech industry, Zurich and London-based startup Connectome has successfully closed a pre-Seed financing round of €1.7 million ($2 million). This funding aims to revolutionize how we interpret brain health by providing measurable, personalized insights into cognitive function. The Funding Round and Vision Led by Redstone, this round saw participation from prominent early-stage venture funds such as Concept Ventures and Octopus. The funding mix includes €103.6k ($120k) in non-dilutive public innovation funding, complementi…

Matt Clifford Steps Back from Entrepreneurs First After 15 Years In a significant shift for the startup ecosystem, Matt Clifford, co-founder of Entrepreneurs First (EF), has announced he is stepping back from the accelerator he helped build over the past 15 years. Entrepreneurs First, often dubbed the “talent investor,” has become a cornerstone for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing a platform to turn ambitious ideas into successful ventures. Clifford’s departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for EF. A New Chapter for Entrepreneurs First Founded in 2011 by Clifford and Alice Bentinck, Entrepreneurs First has carved out a unique niche by foc…

UK Pension Providers Back £200m Fund Aimed at Supercharging Homegrown Startups Igniting the Next Wave of British Innovation In a bold move set to invigorate the UK's startup ecosystem, several major UK pension providers have come together to launch a £200 million fund dedicated to nurturing homegrown startups. This initiative marks a significant step in bridging the gap between the nation's burgeoning entrepreneurial talent and the capital needed to scale innovative ideas into thriving businesses. A Strategic Boost for the Startup Ecosystem The fund, backed by some of the country's leading pension providers, aims to provide much-needed financial support to early-stag…

The race is over. On 18 May 2026, the European Innovation Council confirmed that Swedish investment firm EQT has been selected as the preferred fund manager for the Scaleup Europe Fund — a €5 billion ($5.8 billion) vehicle that represents the largest fund of its kind ever mobilised in Europe. EQT beat London-based Atomico, founded by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennström, to win the mandate. Earlier in the process, Eurazeo, Northzone, and Vitruvian Partners were also eliminated from the shortlist. Bloomberg was first to report EQT's selection. The fund is expected to make its first investments in autumn 2026, targeting late-stage European deeptech companies in sectors includi…

MOVEMENTS Secures €300k Pre-Seed Funding and Opens Extension Round In an impressive stride for citizen empowerment, Spanish platform MOVEMENTS has successfully secured €300,000 in its pre-Seed funding round and is now opening an extension round up to €350,000 to attract strategic investors. This funding marks a significant milestone for the platform dedicated to the creation, scaling, and sustainability of citizen movements. A New Era for Citizen Movements MOVEMENTS has garnered support from notable business angels such as Miguel Vicente (Antai, Wallapop, Glovo), Vincent Rosso (Consentio, BlaBlaCar), and David Tomás (Cyberclick), alongside social entrepreneurs like Ser…

Brussels-based Nexus Lands €3.7 Million to Bring AI Agents into Core Business Operations In a significant boost to the European AI landscape, Brussels-based Nexus has secured €3.7 million in Seed funding to expand its innovative agentic AI platform. The round, led by General Catalyst with participation from renowned investors such as Y Combinator and angel investors like Gokul Rajaram, aims to accelerate the adoption of production-ready AI agents across enterprises. Transforming Business Operations with AI Agents Nexus is pioneering a shift from AI experimentation to practical deployment, offering enterprises AI agents that execute complete workflows with remarkable e…

Tallinn-based Pickmybrain Raises €1.8 Million to Build AI-Powered “Digital Brains” for Experts and Celebrities ## Revolutionizing Expertise Sharing with AI In the bustling tech hub of Tallinn, Estonia, an innovative startup is making waves by redefining how professionals and celebrities share their expertise. Pickmybrain, founded in 2022, has successfully raised €1.8 million ($2.1 million) in a pre-seed funding round. This financial boost is set to expand its team, scale operations into new markets, and enhance its groundbreaking product. ## The Power Behind the Investment The funding round was led by an impressive group of business angels, including Garri Zmudze, …

Monzo Shuts Down US Operations to Focus on UK and Europe In a strategic pivot, Monzo, the UK-based digital bank known for its vibrant coral cards and innovative banking solutions, has decided to shut down its operations in the United States. This move marks a significant shift as the company seeks to concentrate its efforts on fortifying its presence in the UK and exploring opportunities in Europe. Monzo’s decision highlights the challenges and strategic choices that even well-funded fintechs face when expanding internationally. Engaging Introduction Monzo's journey into the US market began with high hopes and ambitions. The digital banking space in the US, despite its …

Confessions of a Tech Ghostwriter: ‘I Will Help You Scale Cringe Mountain’ Introduction In the bustling world of startups, where innovation and disruption are daily mantras, the art of storytelling often becomes a pivotal factor for success. Enter the tech ghostwriter—a hidden force behind the polished narratives of many burgeoning companies. But what does it mean to scale "cringe mountain," and why is it essential for startups to embrace this journey? Let's delve into the confessions of a tech ghostwriter, exploring their role in shaping compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and investors alike. The Role of a Tech Ghostwriter In the startup ecosystem, c…

Female-Founded Finnish Startup Audicin Raises €1.6 Million to Develop Audio Treatments for Nervous System Overstimulation In a world where overstimulation is a constant companion, Audicin, a pioneering Finnish NeuroTech startup, is making waves with its innovative approach to nervous system regulation. Recently, Audicin announced a successful funding round, securing €1.6 million ($1.9 million) to further its mission. With a focus on brainwave entrainment and music neuroscience, the company is poised to transform how we manage stress, focus, and sleep. Engaging Introduction Founded in 2022 by Laura Avonius and Dr. Victoria Williamson, Audicin is leveraging cutting-edge…

Europe Has a Deeptech Advantage. Can It Execute? Engaging Introduction In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and innovation, Europe stands out as a beacon of potential in the deeptech sector. While Silicon Valley often dominates conversations around tech startups, Europe's unique strengths in deeptech—encompassing fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotech—offer a promising frontier for growth. However, the pressing question remains: Can Europe effectively leverage this advantage to lead on the global stage? Main Body Europe's deeptech prowess is rooted in its robust research institutions and a rich history of scientific…

Alice & Bob Secures €3.4 Million ARPA-E Award to Innovate Rare-Earth-Free Magnets with Quantum Computing Engaging Introduction In a significant stride towards revolutionizing the field of material science, Alice & Bob, a dynamic quantum computing startup with roots in Paris and Boston, has secured a €3.4 million ($3.9 million) award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E. This funding is part of the Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry (QC3) program, aimed at addressing one of the most challenging aspects of modern technology—developing rare-earth-free permanent magnets. These magnets are crucial components in electric motors and turbines, driving the glob…

Swiss AviationTech Startup Metafuels Secures €1.92 Million Dutch Grant to Boost Rotterdam e-SAF Project Introduction In a significant boost to sustainable aviation, Zurich-based Metafuels has secured a €1.92 million grant from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This funding is set to accelerate the company’s groundbreaking Turbe synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) project at the Port of Rotterdam. The grant, part of the TSE Industry Studies – Hydrogen & Green Chemistry programme (GroenvermogenNL), marks a crucial step in Metafuels' mission to revolutionize aviation fuel and reduce carbon emissions. Main Body Founded in 2021 by Saurabh Kapoor, Leigh Hack…

Manager Decision Imminent for EU’s €5bn Scaleup Fund — With Fees Still to be Decided A New Era for European Startups The European Union is on the brink of a significant development that could reshape its startup landscape: the imminent appointment of a manager for its ambitious €5 billion Scaleup Fund. This initiative marks a crucial step in bolstering the European innovation ecosystem, providing much-needed capital to startups looking to scale. However, amidst the excitement, one key detail remains undecided—the management fees. Unpacking the Scaleup Fund The Scaleup Fund is designed to address a critical gap in the European startup ecosystem: the lack of available …

Ranked: Europe’s Top Investors in Climate, B2B SaaS, Healthtech, Fintech, and Consumer Tech In the fast-paced world of startups, identifying the right investors can make all the difference. As Europe continues to be a hotbed for innovation, understanding who the key players are in various sectors can provide invaluable insights for founders and entrepreneurs looking to navigate this dynamic landscape. The European Investment Landscape Europe has rapidly emerged as a global powerhouse for startups, driven by a robust ecosystem that fosters innovation across diverse sectors. From climate tech to fintech, the continent is home to a myriad of investors who are not only fu…

Danish AI Lab Corti Outpaces OpenAI and Anthropic in Medical Coding In an impressive feat of technological innovation, Danish AI lab Corti has managed to outshine industry giants OpenAI and Anthropic in the specialized domain of medical coding. This achievement not only highlights the burgeoning potential of AI in healthcare but also positions Corti as a formidable player in the global tech ecosystem. Revolutionizing Medical Coding Medical coding is a critical process in healthcare, transforming patient information into standardized codes for efficient data management and billing. This task, traditionally handled by human coders, is ripe for disruption by AI technologies…

Matt Miller: Tech Sovereignty as 'Welfare' for Weak Startups In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology startups, the concept of tech sovereignty is gaining traction. However, venture capitalist Matt Miller has sparked debate by likening it to "welfare" for underperforming startups. As the discourse around tech sovereignty grows, it's essential to understand the implications of this stance and how it affects the innovation ecosystem. Introduction Tech sovereignty refers to the drive for nations to cultivate their own technology ecosystems, reducing reliance on foreign technology and fostering local innovation. While this approach promises economic independence and…