Avatar photoFelix Wagner

Felix is the EU Startups News correspondent for the DACH region. Based in Berlin, he reports on Germany and Austria's world-class startup ecosystem, covering everything from early-stage deeptech ventures to late-stage B2B SaaS companies attracting global investor attention.

Austrian Biotech Efferon Secures €2.5M Seed Funding to Expand Sepsis Treatment Manufacturing Across Europe

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Efferon, a biotech company developing hemoadsorption devices for treating sepsis and septic shock, has secured €2.5 million in seed funding led by private investors from the DACH region. The company will use funds to build a new EU production facility and expand manufacturing capacity. Efferon’s products include Efferon LPS for general use and Efferon NEO for pediatric patients, with the latter recently receiving CE MDR certification. The technology has been used in over 25,000 treatments across 40+ countries.

Munich-based Invertix Secures 1.7 Million EUR in Pre-Seed Funding for AI-Powered Renewable Energy Management

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Munich-based climate-tech startup Invertix, which develops AI agents for solar parks and wind turbines, raised 1.7 million EUR in pre-seed funding led by Vireo Ventures. The company exited stealth mode with this funding round just two months after its founding.

German Court Expresses Doubts Over Class Action Against Amazon Prime Video Ad Introduction

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The Consumentenbond Saxony is pursuing a class action lawsuit against Amazon Prime Video regarding the introduction of advertising in the streaming service. Over 200,000 people have joined the lawsuit. The consumer protection organization argues that Amazon informed customers of the change but did not obtain their consent before introducing mandatory advertisements. Users must pay an additional €3 per month to avoid ads. The Bavarian High Court has expressed serious doubts about the admissibility of the case, and a verdict is expected on July 17, 2024.

Freiburg Cleantech Startup Qurie Raises €2.2 Million for Next-Generation Cooling Technology

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Qurie, a Freiburg-based startup, secured €2.2 million in funding to develop next-generation electrocaloric cooling systems that operate without compressors, refrigerants or pressure build-up. The technology is more efficient and sustainable than traditional refrigeration systems, with theoretical efficiency over 80% compared to 50% for traditional compressors.

Dunia Innovations Unveils €280 Million Berlin GigaLab for AI-Driven Materials Discovery

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Dunia Innovations unveiled plans for Berlin GigaLab, a €280 million facility to industrialize AI-driven materials discovery. The 6,000 m² facility will integrate autonomous experimentation, AI-guided design, and industrial-grade characterization. Backed by an industrial consortium including Siemens, ABB Robotics, NVIDIA, AWS, and ILS, the facility is expected to create over 200 jobs and begin operations in 2028.

Austrian Wellness Group Therme Appoints Former EU Commission Official as Vice President for Global Impact

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Austrian wellness group Therme Group, founded and led by Romanian businessman Robert Hanea, appointed Ramona Chiriac as Vice President for Global Impact. Chiriac, who ended her mandate as head of the European Commission Representation in Romania in March 2026, will focus on strategic partnerships, institutional relations, and thought leadership on the future of wellness and human development. The appointment reflects Therme Group’s ambitions for international expansion and positioning at the intersection of wellbeing, cities, communities, culture, and societal transformation.

Munich Agri-PV Startup Feldwerke Secures €12 Million Credit Facility to Expand Solar Portfolio

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Munich-based agri-PV startup Feldwerke secured €12 million in revolving credit facility financing from a French renewable energy debt fund. The facility will enable Feldwerke to construct approximately 100 MW of agrivoltaic installations over the next 18 months. Founded in 2023, Feldwerke has already installed over 20 MW of capacity and aims to reach 1 GW by 2030.

Commerzbank Board Rejects UniCredit’s €39 Billion Takeover Bid, Urges Shareholders to Decline

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Commerzbank formally rejected UniCredit’s takeover bid valued at €39 billion, claiming it undervalues the bank by 5.6% and carries significant risks. The board recommended shareholders reject the stock exchange proposal, citing vague integration plans and unrealistic synergy estimates. Commerzbank is promoting its independent ‘Momentum 2030’ strategy instead.

Munich Defense Startup Helsing Raises $1.2 Billion, Becoming Most Valuable German Startup Ever

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Helsing, a Munich-based defense startup founded in 2021, is reportedly raising 1.2 billion US dollars, which would value the company at 18 billion dollars. This would make it the most valuable German startup, surpassing previous record holders Trade Republic and Celonis. The company develops AI-powered autonomous combat drones, with the HX-2 model already in operation. The funding round is led by US investors Dragoneer and Lightspeed Venture Partners.