Growth

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.

Farm Innovations and DOGid Partner to Strengthen Animal Identification and Pet Reunification in Europe

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Farm Innovations S.A., a vet-tech company listed on NewConnect specializing in animal identification and health monitoring, has entered into a partnership with DOGid, which has operated a verified and regularly updated database of domestic animals for over 20 years. The partnership aims to create a quality animal identification system based on high-reliability data to increase the chances of lost pets being quickly reunited with their owners.

Swiss VC Firm Redalpine Elevates Sebastian Becker to General Partner as London Office Expands

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Sebastian Becker, 30, became General Partner at Swiss venture capital firm Redalpine based in Zurich. He started as a working student during his studies and became partner after three years. Two years ago he was made Equity Partner and is now helping build out the London office. He discusses his career path, deep tech investments, and SpaceX investments.

Romanian Automation Firm IT Genetics Lists on Bucharest Stock Exchange After Raising €1 Million

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IT Genetics, a Romanian IT company specializing in digital automation and operational efficiency solutions, listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange AeRO market on May 20, 2026 under the ticker ITG. The company raised 5.2 million lei through a private placement to support international expansion and business development. Operating in Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain, and Italy, IT Genetics serves over 20,000 companies across retail, logistics, manufacturing, e-commerce, and HoReCa sectors.

TikTok Introduces Microdrama Ad Formats and AI Tools to Expand Advertiser Reach Globally

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TikTok introduced new microdrama-based advertising formats (Mini Series and Mini Games) to international advertisers during TikTok World 2026. These episodic content formats allow brands to build reach and generate revenue. The company also launched AI-powered advertising tools and expanded its TikTok Shop e-commerce platform. The microdrama format, which originated in China, is designed for mobile viewing with short attention spans and is beginning to gain traction in Western markets.

Portuguese Insurance Broker and Credit Intermediary Join Forces to Simplify Financial Services

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Sabseg and Sabcrédito announced a strategic partnership to offer integrated financial services combining insurance brokerage and credit intermediation. The partnership aims to reduce complexity and bureaucracy for customers making major financial decisions by providing coordinated advice on insurance coverage and credit solutions for housing, automotive, and personal loans.

Engie unveils hybrid renewable energy projects across northeastern Portugal

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Engie presented hybridization projects combining wind and solar energy with existing hydroelectric facilities in northeastern Portugal. The project involves a 157.5 MW wind park at Picote and three solar projects totaling 354 MWp capacity at Bemposta, Baixo Sabor, and Foz Tua facilities. Portugal’s Environment and Energy Minister emphasized the importance of community involvement and transparency in renewable energy development.

IoMobility 2026 Awards Recognize 15+ European Startups Driving Innovation in Mobility Sector

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The 6th edition of IoMobility awards ceremony recognized 15+ European startups and companies innovating in mobility sector. Major winners include: Powandgo (electric vehicle charging sharing network from Brescia), ParkSmart (smart parking from Catania), Btinkeeng (public transport solutions from Trentino), Flowy (public transport ticketing from Florence), Latitudo 40 (geospatial intelligence from Naples), Ses4mo (vulnerable road users protection from Turin), among others. Awards covered categories including energy for mobility, innovative parking, public transport, MaaS, AI/data analytics, autonomous vehicles, smart roads, sustainability, and fleet management.

Danish BioInnovation Institute Launches AI Lab to Accelerate Research Commercialization

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The Danish BioInnovation Institute launched a new AI Lab designed to shorten the path from academic research to market implementation. The article discusses whether Poland will develop a similar operational mechanism connecting science, startups, administration, industry, VC funds, and data access.