Growth launchpad for global success

Dear reader

AirConsole is developing a cloud-based in-car game aggregation platform, which, in partnership with BMW, lays the foundation for the introduction of gaming in the automotive industry. The platform enables players to play video games on the car’s entertainment system. In recognition of its potential, KPIT Technologies, which provides embedded software to automotive companies, has made a strategic investment of EUR 3 million to acquire a minority stake in AirConsole, allowing it to scale the technology and strengthen its market position.

In the realm of sleep technology, Aesyra has attracted the world’s first investor ­– Supermoon Capital – to focus on this segment, with its pioneering AI-based dental device to tackle sleep disorders such as bruxism. The EPFL spin-off has also become the first portfolio company for the newly founded Creadd Ventures. GliaPharm’s capital injection will accelerate the clinical development of its lead programme, which targets Alzheimer’s disease, while Vandria, which has just emerged from stealth after closing a USD 20.6 million series A round, is ready to advance its platforms that address cognitive impairment and memory loss.

The journey to fast growth is intricate, but with the right support start-ups can find the right trajectory. This week, we recorded a total of seven financing rounds, including three deals from the TV programme Höhle der Löwen. Notably, cleantech start-ups received the most capital, indicating a growing demand for innovative solutions to accelerate the energy transition. A three-year project by Meteomatics and its Norwegian partner that has resulted in an increase in power grid capacity of 30% will pave the way to faster adoption of renewable energies.

Venture Kick’s winners REMA and Planeto are developing, respectively, a proprietary membrane-less electrolysis technology to make hydrogen production affordable and efficient, and a thermal energy simulation assistant called TESSA to decarbonise building heating and cooling. Several winners in the IMD Startup Competition and Venture Leaders Mobile are also taking different approaches to climate-related issues.

Total Energies has acquired Predictive Layer, a start-up that uses AI to generate short and medium-term market signals and related data for energy price predictions. InnoFind, which uses AI to help webshop visitors find what they are looking for, and Veertly,  provider of an interactive virtual events platform, have also been acquired three and four years, respectively, after their foundation.

Preparation for Startup Days 2024 is underway, and early bird tickets are up for grabs. As the year winds down, remember to apply for the WA de Vigier Award and Sustainable Food Systems Challenge.

Have a good week.

Ritah Ayebare Nyakato
Duty Editor at Startupticker