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.
European AI companies raised over €5.3 billion in 2025, with capital concentrated among top companies including Mistral AI (€1.7B), Helsing (€600M), Black Forest Labs ($300M), Synthesia (€350M), ElevenLabs ($180M), and n8n (€155M). The UK, Germany and France emerged as Europe’s most active AI hubs. Funding was spread across foundation models, defence AI, generative media, and applied AI across healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, legal services and other sectors.
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.
Mercedes-AMG unveiled the GT 4-Door Coupé, a fully electric super car that redefines dynamism and technology in the electric vehicle segment. The vehicle is based on the dedicated AMG.EA architecture and transfers high-performance motorsport solutions to public roads.
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 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.
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.
Ford Motor Company is in early-stage negotiations with multiple governments in North America and Europe to supply commercial vehicles and software technologies for defense and military needs. CEO Jim Farley confirmed ongoing discussions with the US government regarding defense-related requirements. The article also notes that European automakers Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are similarly exploring defense sector production opportunities.
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.
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.