TechFounders

As Spotify Wrapped drops, so does our 2024 highlights recap! 🔄 As we conclude another incredible year at TechFounders, let's take a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni start-ups. Here are some of the standout moments from 2024: 💸 Reverion: Raised an impressive $62M in Series A funding. Reverion’s reversible power plants double the electricity output from biogas and enable carbon-negative power generation. 🌍 🤩 ExoMatter: Secured €1.7M in pre-seed funding to accelerate the material development process by up to 90%, reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Their AI and quantum chemical modelling are set to revolutionize materials R&D. 💰 💡 Molg: Secured $5.5M in seed funding and received a $5M grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to drive circularity in consumer electronics. This funding will fast-track the development of Molg's autonomous robotic systems and their Design for Disassembly Toolchain. ⚡🤖 🤖 mimic: Raised €2.3M in pre-seed funding for further team development, new testing capacity, and computing costs. This Swiss startup is making strides in AI and robotics with its collaborative robot with humanoid hands.  🦾 💡 Voltfang: Closed its Series A round, raising over €8M, including €800K in grants. Voltfang’s storage systems use repurposed electric vehicle batteries, offering a sustainable way to meet growing energy needs. 🌱 🌱 Emidat: Raised €4M to drive sustainable and data-driven construction. This investment will support the construction industry in reducing its environmental footprint and revolutionize the labelling of building materials. 🔧 🔋 Breathe Battery Technologies and Volvo Cars: Partnered to bring adaptive charging software to new generation EVs, optimizing performance and reducing charging times. 🚗 🦠 MEDEA Biopharma: Secured €1.6M in pre-seed funding to develop sustainable antibacterial solutions based on bacteriophages, natural and eco-friendly microorganisms, as alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides. 🌿 🌟 Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’: Congratulations to our alumni Afshin Doostdar and David Oudsandji from Voltfang, Dr. Elisa Roth and Mirco Möncks from Augmented Industries, and Hendrik Kramer from FERNRIDE for being recognized! Today, we've supported over 200 startups through our program, and there's more to come next year! Stay tuned. 💯 Image ©: 1. Bert Willer, 2. Reverion, 3. ExoMatter, 4. Molg, 5. Voltfang, 6. EMIDAT, 7. Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), 8. Bert Willer., 9. Augmented Industries, FERNRIDE and Voltfang and 10. Bert Willer. UnternehmerTUM | Rob Lawson-Shanks | Josua Vieten | Barbara Bachus | Lisa Oberaigner | Florian Fesch | Giorgi Khubua | Rüdiger Trojok | Stephan Herrmann | Stephan-Daniel Gravert | Elvis Nava | Yan Z. | Ian Campbell

🎉✨Shaping the Future of Europe: Ultimate Demo Day Recap ✨🎉 Hundreds of innovators, start-ups, investors, and leading companies gathered yesterday to Munich Urban Colab to witness the impressive exhibition of emerging technology trends and pioneering solutions to some of the biggest industry and environmental challenges. From deep-tech breakthroughs to revolutionary mobility solutions, the pitches showcased the immense potential of European innovation. 🎙 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲'𝘀 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 The message is underlined by people across sectors and positions - as heard from our night’s speakers, such as Maximilian Uebel from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who highlighted the significant potential of Deep Tech for the European economy, and Verena Pausder (Startup-Verband), who emphasized the crucial role of venture capital in fostering technological advancement. Founder Maximilian Schmidt (KINEXON) also provided valuable insights into the key requirements for start-up success. We were also thrilled to hear from Eric Beißwenger, Minister of State for European and International Affairs, and Annahita Esmailzadeh, a business influencer, bestselling author and the Head of Customer Success Account Management Energy and Chemicals at Microsoft. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. By connecting start-ups with our corporate partners, we contribute to building a stronger European tech ecosystem. We’d like to congratulate the night’s pitch finalists: 🪁 Kitekraft, who are pioneering wind energy with their flying wind turbine 💡 nebumind, for revolutionizing data analytics through their new concept for visualizing and processing production data through digital twins 🥇 And the grand winner: Neoways, for their next-generation mobility solution, born from TUM Hyperloop. A big thank you to all our partner programs and supporters for making this happen: UnternehmerTUM, UnternehmerTUM MakerSpace GmbH, TUM Venture Labs, UVC Partners, UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators, XPLORE, and XPRENEURS Incubator, UnternehmerTUM Investor Network, and EIT Urban Mobility. Stefan Drüssler Marisa Schneider Philip Prestele #UltimateDemoDay #startups #innovation Photocredit: (c) UnternehmerTUM / Holger Rauner

TechFounders' First-Ever Bootcamp: A Week of Expertise and Growth! 🚀 We just wrapped up the first edition of our week-long bootcamp! 🎉 Over last week, four carefully selected start-ups - Interloom, Roundpeg, AWAKE Mobility, and Kitekraft - had the opportunity to dive deep into topics that can drive their growth and help them scale successfully. Each team was paired with top-tier experts from leading companies like PwC Deutschland, Simon-Kucher, McKinsey & Company, Google, GÖRG, and Extigon, who shared invaluable insights across various fields. 💡 But that’s not all - our two incredible alumni, Reverion and Wenglor Deevio, joined in to give us an inside look at their journeys. Reverion focused on growth strategies, while deevio shared crucial knowledge about exit strategies. 🌟 This bootcamp was all about delivering actionable insights that start-ups can immediately apply to overcome challenges and accelerate their path to success. It was a week of learning, growth, and building connections—exactly what we love to see at TechFounders! 🙌 And the journey doesn’t stop here - the ultimate next step is coming up: our Ultimate Demo Day on Tuesday, December 10, at the Munich Urban Colab! 🏙️ If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, don’t miss out on this chance to see the start-ups in action - grab your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/g8HjGad We can’t wait to see how these brilliant teams take their businesses to the next level! 🔥 Jakob Weidig Lisa Fröhlich Bernt C. Klein Samer Nakhla Enrico Reiche Dario Banfi Axel Täubert Christina Halemba Istvan Laszloffy Damian Heimel Stephan Herrmann Dr. Christian Schröder Oliver Krieg Fabian Maximilian Jakobi Jaime Madrid Christoph Drexler Daniel Sattel Daniel Tyoschitz Moritz Foerster

🔮Building a Future-Ready Workforce: AI-Powered Upskilling through Corporate-Startup Collaboration🤝 We thrive on bringing corporates and start-ups together to tackle pressing industry challenges. Take a look at how we supported DATEV eG enhance their employee training program by connecting them with the Belgian start-up Stellar Labs. ✨𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 Nearly half of employee skills will become outdated in the coming years. Forward-thinking companies like DATEV recognize the urgent need to continuously equip their workforce with future-ready skills. Therefore they sought an AI-powered learning solution to enhance their existing training efforts by delivering personalized, scalable upskilling. The goal was to ensure the platform not only met usability standards but also provided measurable results for all stakeholders involved. 💡𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 TechFounders scouted for start-ups globally and Stellar Labs—with their neuroscience-driven, AI-powered learning platform—emerged as the perfect fit. Their methodology not only supported flexible learning but also promised a measurable impact on learners and mentors alike. To ensure seamless collaboration, TechFounders facilitated regular check-ins, coaching, and mentoring, aligning the goals of both the corporate partner and the start-up and keeping the project on track. 📈𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 In just 2 months, the pilot achieved incredible results: ● 88% of users found the GEAR structure helpful. ● 86% completed the program. ● 100% praised the platform’s ease of use. 🚀With 66 learning journeys created and users continuing to build programs independently, the foundation for a data-led learning culture is now set. At TechFounders, we don’t just connect companies—we drive innovation that delivers real value.💥 UnternehmerTUM | Dr. Markus Ernst | Tim Ahmann | Raf Seymus | Stella Collins #FutureOfWork #CorporateInnovation #CorporateStartupCollaboration

💡 Molg Secures $5M Grant to Give Consumer Electronics a Second Life 🌱 We’re excited to announce that Molg, an alumni start-up from our Batch #19, has received a $5M grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to drive circularity in consumer electronics! 🎉 🔋 What’s Next?  This funding fast-tracks the development of Molg's autonomous robotic systems, allowing them to harvest laptop batteries 50% faster and at half the current cost. ⚡🤖 They’re also rolling out a Design for Disassembly Toolchain to make circular design a reality — so all products are built with a second (and third!) life in mind, keeping valuable materials in play and out of landfills. 🔧 Building a Sustainable Future During their participation in the TechFounders accelerator program, Molg worked together on a pilot project with HP Tech Ventures. The project yielded a long-term collaboration and the two companies are reshaping the future of electronics and strengthening a resilient domestic supply chain for critical materials. 🌍🔋 Read the full press release here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gs5pA6TE 👏 Congratulations to the Molg team on this remarkable achievement! Image ©: Molg #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ElectronicsRecycling #Robotics #Demanufacturing #BatteryRecycling #eWaste

🚀 Full-Time Internship Opportunity at UnternehmerTUM & RESPOND Program 🚀 Join TechFounders and the RESPOND program to drive impactful innovation and sustainability. ▶ Position: Full-Time Intern ▶ Start Date: Mid-November/Early December 2024 ▶ Duration: 6 months ▶ Location: Munich, Germany Key Benefits: 🔑 Hands-On Experience: Work on real projects that shape the future of sustainability and innovation. 🔑 Networking: Collaborate with top start-ups, mentors, and industry leaders. 🔑 Professional Growth: Gain valuable skills in program management, trend analysis, and more. 🔑 Mission: To foster innovation and support start-ups that are making a positive impact on society and the environment. If you're passionate about sustainability and innovation, apply today and be part of our mission to make a difference. 🌼🌍 https://lnkd.in/gxFdph7D

The impact accelerator program RESPOND by BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, operated by UnternehmerTUM, is looking for new, purpose-driven start-ups for their 2025 cohort 🌎💪🚀 What you should know 👇 • RESPOND is a six-month accelerator program focused on responsible leadership and transitioning towards a net-zero economy. • The program is online first, allowing entrepreneurs from across the globe to participate.  • The program is therefore completely free of charge - no equity taken. Link to the application page below ✉

🚀 We’re thrilled to join the Bosch Rexroth Innovation Alliance, and a huge thanks to both Bosch Rexroth and TechFounders for warmly welcoming us into this inspiring community! 🇩🇪 It was fantastic to participate in the kickoff event in the wonderful Ulm, at the CU.BE by Bosch Rexroth, where Stefano Moret, PhD and I had the privilege of connecting with fellow startups and incredible Bosch Rexroth ambassadors like Janette Kothe, Ingo Herzog, and Timo Steinhagen. Thank you to all the organizers who made this event memorable! We’re eager to collaborate, learn, and grow together, leveraging the powerful synergy between Bosch Rexroth's expertise in industrial automation and our focus on energy and sustainability solutions for industrial clients. Together, we're on the path to creating something truly impactful! 🌍⚙️ Looking forward to our next gathering in Stuttgart on December 2nd! #InnovationAlliance #IndustrialAutomation #EnergySustainability #BoschRexroth #TechFounders

🔍 Co-create the Future of Agricultural Air Quality with Big Dutchman AG! 🔍 Together with our Corporate Partner Big Dutchman, we are seeking #startups with solutions to tackle air filtration challenges in agricultural environments, such as barns and poultry farms. We are specifically interested in teams working on: ✔️ Plasma, mechanical, or other advanced odor filtration systems ✔️ Odor Modification and Envelopment ✔️ Innovative ventilation systems ✔️ Innovative technologies for air quality management ✔️ Exhaust Air Purification with Heat Recovery ...then this is your opportunity to further develop your solution on a paid pilot project with a €25,000 project budget. Plus, we at TechFounders offer you tailored coaching, access to exclusive networking events, and a chance to pitch at the UnternehmerTUM Start-up Demo Day! ⏳ Applications close: November 03, 2024. 📅 Program Timeline: February-June 2025. Pilot Projects kick off in agreement with Big Dutchman. 👉 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gk9pbDjF #CorporateStartupCollaboration #PilotProjectOpportunity #AgriTechInnovation

💡 Emidat Raises €4M to Drive Sustainable and Data-Driven Construction 🌱 Emidat, a trailblazer in environmental data solutions for the construction industry and TechFounders alumni from Batch #19, has successfully closed its seed funding round of €4 million led by General Catalyst. 🔋 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁? This investment will enable Emidat to support the construction industry in reducing its environmental footprint, starting with a revolution in the labelling of building materials. The funds will also accelerate product development and help grow the team. 🔧 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Emidat’s software cuts the cost and time taken to generate Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) by over 70%. With a centralized repository for environmental data, Emidat makes it easier for stakeholders to access and compare information, helping manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Read the full interview at TechCrunch: https://lnkd.in/dbYaNyuq 👏 Congratulations to Lisa Oberaigner, Florian Fesch and the Emidat team on this remarkable achievement! #startupnews #startupsuccess #fundingnews #constructiontech #sustainability