The Web Summit is considered Europe’s largest tech event. This year, speakers are expected including Garry Tan, CEO and President of Y Combinator, Adept co-founder Kelsey Szot, and Wade Foster, co-founder and CEO of Zapier. Activists such as Alicia Garza, co-founder of the “BlackLivesMatter” organization and movement, and politicians such as Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck are also expected to attend.
This year, Germany is appearing for the first time as a partner country of the Web Summit and is presenting itself with its own stage and supporting program. Munich Startup represents the Munich startup ecosystem there with its own information center – but not alone. Three startups have been selected to manage the booth for one day each.
Appnavi
Appnavi has developed an AI-based “digital adoption platform” for companies. The solution is designed to enable companies to implement software rollouts and updates faster and more efficiently. Users are guided step-by-step through new or modified use cases while they work with them. At each step, Appnavi provides the information users need to complete the next step. Software managers create routes, news, and tips that are then made available to users.
In summer 2021, the startup raised money from multiple investors. Funders include Bayern Kapital and investors with a software focus from the Baystartup investor network, including Dr. Andreas Albath, former CEO of Telegate, Achim Lederle, Managing Partner at Quantum Partners, and Udo Krachenfels, Managing Director and founder of the Get&Use Academy.
Zählerfreunde
Zählerfreunde wants to enable consumers to derive sustainable added value from their smart meters through its platform – these are the new digital and internet-capable electricity meters that will become mandatory for all by 2032. Consumption visualization and intelligent algorithms are designed to help users better understand their own usage behavior and thereby reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Additional features such as the ability to automatically switch to green electricity providers or personalized tips for reducing consumption are intended to provide further added value. Last year, the startup completed its pre-seed financing. The funds came from, among others, EnBW subsidiary Enpulse, impact investor Capacura, and business angel Erich Wex.
Jakob Kungel, co-founder and CMO of Zählerfreunde, is looking forward to returning to the Web Summit:
“For us, it’s a great opportunity to meet inspiring personalities from around the world and talk to investors and potential partners. Since two of our employees live in Lisbon, we already know how incredibly impressive the Web Summit is and have even pitched there before.”
4.screen
Founded in 2020, the startup 4.screen develops a platform for real-time interaction with drivers, connecting digital vehicles with businesses along their route. Global and local brands can thus interact directly with drivers through their car screens. By leveraging vehicle sensor data such as location, engine type, car brand, and fuel or charge level, the platform provides drivers with contextual information about nearby businesses and places like parking lots, restaurants, or shops. In this way, drivers are intended to be supported in their decision about where and when to stop during their journey. Just in April of this year, 4.screen completed its Series A round and raised 21 million euros. S4S Ventures and Continental Corporate Venture Capital are participating as lead investors. Additionally, venture capital firms Summiteer and BayBG, as well as business angels from the automotive industry – including Matthias Müller, former CEO of VW, and Bram Schot, former CEO of Audi – provided support.
The startup has clear goals in mind for the Web Summit:
“4.screen is participating in the Web Summit to showcase the world’s first driver interaction platform and make valuable contacts with industry leaders, investors, and potential cooperation partners. Our goal is to achieve global visibility, spark discussions about innovation, and explore value-driven partnership opportunities.”
