The most important investments in Q3 2023

Helsing closes further funding round and becomes the next Munich unicorn: Founded in 2021, the startup positions itself as a new type of defense company focusing on AI-based capabilities to protect European democracies. The startup’s goal is to upgrade existing weapons systems with an AI that analyzes information from onboard sensors. In its Series B funding round, Helsing secured a total of 209 million euros. The lead investor is US-based General Catalyst. Swedish Saab Group is also participating as a strategic investor, deepening the existing partnership. Helsing plans to use the new capital to further expand its operations in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom and to increase investment in its core technologies. (Image: Bradpcs / Pixabay)

eGym receives record funding of 207 million euros: The financial boost for fitness technology company eGym comes from its new investor Affinity Partners, a global investment company based in Miami, USA, as well as existing investors Mayfair Equity Partners and Bayern Kapital. At 207 million euros, the funding round is one of the largest in the portfolio of seed investor High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). 107 million euros flow immediately, with a further 100 million euros available for future investments. Investment priorities are the development of further innovative digital solutions for health-oriented training and the massive expansion of the corporate fitness network Wellpass. (Image: eGym)

Lilium raises another 171 million euros: Lilium’s current funding is divided into several phases. In May, Tencent already committed to a financial injection of 89 million euros (100 million dollars). The tech company gave its commitment to invest a further 67 million euros (75 million dollars) if Lilium managed to raise the same amount from other investors. The air taxi company has apparently succeeded in doing so. As Lilium reports, it has raised 67 million euros (75 million dollars) through the placement of additional shares. In addition, Earlybird Venture Capital, BIT Capital, UVC Partners, Frank Thelen, and several board members and executives have invested an additional 37 million euros (42 million dollars). Following this, Tencent released the tranche of a further 67 million euros as agreed in May. This investment is being handled, like the previous funding, through Tencent subsidiary Aceville. (Image: Lilium)

Aily Labs closes Series A with 19 million euros: The Munich-based AI startup is working on AI solutions designed to change how employees work in companies. To do this, the startup uses data available within a company, combines it with its AI, and presents the results in a way that employees can understand. In this way, users should be able to make their working day more efficient through personalized business insights. Now Aily Labs has successfully completed its Series A funding round and raised 19 million euros. Lead investor is Insight Partners. (Image: AltumCode / Unsplash)

Ivy raises another 18.5 million euros: Just five weeks after its seed funding, another 18.5 million euros (20 million dollars) flows into Ivy’s account. Ivy has developed an API that aims to enable open banking payments worldwide. Direct account-to-account payments eliminate the need for intermediaries like Visa and their transaction fees. So far, however, open banking technology providers have largely limited themselves to domestic transactions in a single currency – Ivy aims to change that. Fintech investor Valar Ventures led the round. (Image: Ivy)

Fernride expands Series A to 47 million euros: For its remotely controlled trucks, Fernride was able to raise 29.1 million euros (31 million dollars) in Series A funding. Now the Munich-based startup is expanding the round by a further 17.8 million euros (19 million dollars). Fernride is being financed by venture capital providers 10x Founders, Promus Ventures, Fly Ventures, Speedinvest, and Push Ventures. Additionally, the companies HHLA Next, DB Schenker, and Krone are supporting the startup. This group was joined with the expansion of Series A by the German Deep Tech and Climate Fund (DTCF). Furthermore, Munich Re Ventures based in San Francisco, Bayern Kapital, and Klaus Kleinfeld are participating in the financing. The latter is also to assume the key role of chairman of Fernride’s supervisory board. (Image: Fernride)

Stabl Energy receives 15 million euro funding: With its technology, Stabl Energy divides high-voltage battery packs into many smaller modules and dynamically interconnects them. In this way, the startup aims to eliminate risks when used electric vehicle batteries are used for battery storage systems. In this way, old batteries receive a second use in the spirit of the circular economy. Now the Munich-based startup has completed a funding round of 15 million euros. With Northern European Growth Fund from Nordic Alpha Partners and the European Innovation Council (EIC), two new backers are joining Stabl Energy’s investors in the now-completed funding round. However, existing investors such as UVC Partners and Energie 360 have also participated again in the round. (Image: Stabl Energy)