The High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is launching fundraising for its fifth seed fund generation. The first closing of HTGF V is scheduled for mid-2027. Over the fund’s lifecycle, the early-stage investor intends to make around 150 new investments.
As with the previous funds, HTGF relies on a combination of public anchor investors and private fund investors from industry, SMEs, and corporations. The German federal government is participating with resources from the ERP Special Fund. The new fund is part of its startup and scale-up strategy.
HTGF V intends to place a focus on deep tech. The investor counts artificial intelligence, quantum computing, clean energy, new materials, digital infrastructure, and biotechnology among the relevant technology fields. As a first-check investor, HTGF typically enters as the first fund in young technology companies, initially investing between one and three million euros.
Follow-on investments of up to 60 million euros
Through additional offerings on the HTGF platform, selected companies will also be able to receive capital in later financing stages. According to the investor, the HTGF Opportunity Fund and the DeepTech & Climate Fund (DTCF) enable follow-on investments of up to 60 million euros.
Romy Schnelle, HTGF Managing Director Industrial, Climate & Deeptech, says:
“Europe needs a new economic miracle – driven by technological excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and industrial execution power. With HTGF V, we are investing in the founders who are laying the groundwork for this, combining early-stage capital with a strong network of industrial players and established SMEs. This is how technological excellence turns into scalable value creation in Europe.”
Since its launch in 2005, HTGF has financed more than 800 tech startups and realized over 200 exits, according to its own statements. Five portfolio companies have achieved unicorn status. In addition, its investments have mobilized more than ten billion euros in follow-on financing.
Currently, 45 companies from industry and the SME sector are participating in the fourth seed fund generation. They provide around one third of the fund’s volume. Investors include Bosch, SAP, DHL, Evonik, the companies of Schwarz Group, Leaps by Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Jungheinrich.
