Munich Startup Recap 27/26

Another eventful week has come to a close: Quantum Systems raised one billion euros, while Ororatech received the TUM Presidential Entrepreneurship Award 2026. In the latest episode of our podcast Pitch & People, Auditr founder Elias Müller speaks candidly about the downsides of starting a business. And in an exclusive interview with Munich Startup, K5 CEO Verena Schlüpmann shares tips for startup trade fair appearances.
Speaking of trade fairs: Have you got your ticket yet for our Munich Startup Festival on July 22nd? This week we introduced you to a selection of moderators who will bring our main stage to life. And last but not least, over 100 startup founders are calling for a change in economic policy.

Bernd Heppel July 5, 2026 2 min reading time

TUM Presidential Award 2026 — **The TUM Presidential Entrepreneurship Award 2026 goes to Ororatech:** The Munich-based startup was awarded for its satellite-based early warning system for detecting forest fires, prevailing against strong competition from within the TUM ecosystem. TUM Presidential Entrepreneurship Award The prize is endowed with 10,000 euros. (Photo: Fabian Vogl / TUM)

**Billion-dollar funding round for Quantum Systems:** The Munich-based Defencetech company is collecting in a Series D financing round of approximately one billion euros The company raises its valuation to around seven billion euros. With this capital, the company plans to further expand its production, AI, and autonomous systems for air, land, and sea. (Photo: Quantum Systems GmbH)

**"What happens if it doesn't work?" The founder reality behind Auditr:** In the Videocast Pitch & People Auditr founder Elias Müller speaks candidly about the downsides of starting a business. Between a full-time job, dwindling savings, and sleepless nights, he's building his startup around the EU AI Act. He explains why he still believes in his idea, how he's acquiring his first customers, and why the first euro in revenue will feel better to him than any salary. (Photo: Munich Startup)

K5 E-Commerce Fair — **"Fall in love with your customers' problem." – Verena Schlüpmann in an interview:** K5 Managing Director Verena Schlüpmann gives in an interview Tips for startup trade fair appearancesClear goals, authentic networking, and good follow-up are crucial – not the size of the booth. (Photo: K5)

**These presenters will bring the stage to life at the Munich Startup Festival 2026:** On July 22nd, Backstage will once again transform into the meeting place for Munich's startup scene – with founders, investors, talented individuals, and everyone who's looking for new ideas and genuine connections. Our panel discussions will provide you with valuable insights into the startup ecosystem. Here Here's a selection of the presenters who will be guiding you through the program on the Main Stage that day. (Collage: Munich Startup)

Federal Association of German Startups — **Over 100 startup founders are demanding a change in economic policy:** More than 100 founders and business representatives are demanding that the federal government... economic policy shift. The appeal, initiated by the German Startups Association, calls for concrete reforms to improve conditions for startups, increase growth capital, and strengthen Germany's digital sovereignty. (Photo: German Startups Association)

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Munich Startup Recap 27/26

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