High-Tech Gründerfonds

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

Daniela Bach

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Kay G. Balster

Senior Investment Manager

Jens Baumgärtner

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Gernot Berger

Investor

Kilian von Berlichingen

Investor

Anke Cassing

Principal

Tanja Emmerling

Partner

Caroline Fichtner

Senior Investment Manager

Yann Fiebig

Investment Manager

Alexander von Frankenberg

Managing Director and Founder

Bernd Goergen

Partner

Stefanie Grüter

Partner, Communications and Relations

Gregor Haidl

Principal / Authorised Signatory

Frank Hensel

Senior Investment Manager

Olaf Joeressen

Senior Investment Manager

Markus Kressmann

Partner

Maurice Kügler

Investment Manager

Klaus Lehmann

Senior Investment Manager

Dominik Lohle

Senior Investment Manager

Torsten Löffler

Principal ppa. - DeepTech Future Fonds

Fabian Mohr

Investor

Martin Möllmann

Investment Manager

Axel Nitsch

Investment Manager

Andreas Olmes

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Katharina Peters

Investment Manager

Tilmann Petersen

Investment Manager

Claudia Raber

Partner

Nikolaus Raupp

Investor

Frank Reinecke

Partner

Guido Schlitzer

Managing Director

Ulrich Schmitt

Principal

Romy Schnelle

Partner

Tobias Schulz

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Katharina Severin

Investment Manager

Niels Sharman

Investor

Esko Stahl

Investment Manager

Björn Sykora

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Angelika Vlachou

Partner

Johannes Weber

Principal

Marco Winzer

Partner

Julian Zachmann

Investor

Christian Ziach

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Markus Kückelhaus Ph.D

Partner, Industrial Tech Team

Past deals in CleanTech

IO-Dynamics

Seed Round in 2022
IO-Dynamics specializes in energy management software that focuses on enhancing the efficiency of electric vehicle fleets and charging infrastructure. The company’s platform integrates data from vehicles, company operations, and weather conditions to provide actionable insights. By anonymously collecting and analyzing real-time information from electric cars and charging stations, IO-Dynamics enables businesses to optimize their charging processes. This approach not only facilitates sustainable and reliable energy management but also helps companies plan and reduce operational costs associated with electric vehicle charging.

Certivity

Seed Round in 2022
Certivity RegTech Software solution makes regulatory management smarter, more transparent, more efficient, and way cheaper.

INERATEC

Series A in 2022
Provider of sustainable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products intended to replace fossil crude oil. The company specializes in producing renewable hydrogen and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen which are then converted into e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, or methanol, enabling chemical plant operators to run their entire chemical plants using synthetic fuels using climate-neutral energy with reduced chemical waste and more climate protection.

Traceless

Seed Round in 2021
Provider of advanced materials intended to produce bioplastic film, plastics, and coatings from agriculture residues. The company's technology uses food production residues to produce materials that are compostable under natural composting conditions and provides a marketable product from agricultural residues such as starch or brewery residues as a raw material for home compostable, harmless for the environment and humans, enabling the society to get rid of the plastic materials that lead to serious environmental, marine pollution and lower carbon emissions.

HighLine Technology

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Developer of parallel dispensing technology designed to reduce material consumption in the PV (Photovoltaics ) industry. The company's technology is used to apply front metal contacts onto solar cells and can be integrated into conventional production lines for silicon solar cells, replacing the screen printing process normally used for the front-side metal contacts, enabling clients to save resources, increasing the electricity yield and increasing throughput.

Crocus Labs

Seed Round in 2021
Crocus Labs specializes in the development of intelligent LED lighting technology tailored for horticulture. The company aims to reduce energy costs for indoor farming by employing advanced data analytics that facilitate precise lighting control. This innovative approach optimizes plant growth while minimizing energy consumption, making it suitable for vertical farms and greenhouses. By enhancing electrical efficiency, Crocus Labs enables the cultivation of a diverse range of crops without compromising on quality or sustainability.

ZE Energy

Seed Round in 2020
ZE Energy SAS is an independent producer of renewable energy based in Paris, France. Established in 2019, the company focuses on developing, building, and operating hybrid solar power plants that integrate photovoltaic technology with energy storage capabilities. By equipping its plants with batteries to store solar energy generated during the day, ZE Energy offers a solution that enhances the efficiency of solar power while ensuring zero CO2 emissions. The company's commitment to sustainability also extends to marketing green energy, providing consumers access to clean energy alternatives. Through its initiatives, ZE Energy aims to contribute to the decarbonization of the planet.

INERATEC

Seed Round in 2018
Provider of sustainable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products intended to replace fossil crude oil. The company specializes in producing renewable hydrogen and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen which are then converted into e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, or methanol, enabling chemical plant operators to run their entire chemical plants using synthetic fuels using climate-neutral energy with reduced chemical waste and more climate protection.

Zolitron

Venture Round in 2018
Zolitron Technology is a leading cognitive sensor technology company based in the wundervoll Ruhr Valley. They develop holistic IoT and industry 4.0 solutions based on their unique Micro-Energy-Harvesting sensor technology and their cognitive Z-Cloud Analytics platform.They collect and analyse the data you need to establish innovative business or service models. Enabling IoT business models and helping their clients to manage the digital transformation successfully by using cognitive sensor technology is their mission.

LightnTec

Seed Round in 2018
LightnTec GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Karlsruhe, Germany, specializes in the development of digital thin LED wallpapers. The company has created the Media-Screen-Matrix, a lightweight and highly transparent PET thin-film equipped with LED technology that can transform any façade into a dynamic media display. This innovative product is flexible, allowing it to be bent or cut to fit various applications, and is designed for energy efficiency, offering substantial cost savings. Weighing only 250 grams per square meter and available in 600mm width, the ribbons can be installed on glass façades, banners, or directly onto building exteriors. The Media-Screen-Matrix is also rated IP67, making it suitable for outdoor use. By enabling the playback of images, videos, and text from cloud sources, LightnTec provides clients with versatile solutions for creating immersive environments across a wide range of applications, including audio and video displays on various surfaces.

otego

Seed Round in 2018
otego GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Karlsruhe, Germany, specializes in the development of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) that efficiently convert heat into electric power. These generators are designed to provide an independent energy supply for wireless sensors and actuators, functioning effectively in conditions with varying temperatures. The company's technology is applicable in various sectors, including the Internet of Things, waste heat recovery, and Industry 4.0. As a spin-off from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, otego brings together a diverse team of professionals, including physicians, a chemist, and a business engineer, to advance its innovative energy solutions.

ALUVATION

Seed Round in 2017
Atc Aluvation Technology is a high-tech start-up with years of experience. The company has been synonymous with innovative and forward-thinking heat treatment processes for aluminum components in the automotive industry.

Cycle

Seed Round in 2016
Cycle GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in laser technology solutions for scientific and industrial applications. The company provides a range of products, including timing distribution systems that synchronize extensive networks of optical and microwave devices, ultrafast laser synchronization units for coordinating multiple ultrafast lasers, and laser microwave synchronization units that align ultrafast lasers with microwave sources. Additionally, Cycle offers low phase-noise microwave generation units designed to produce ultralow phase-noise microwave signals using optical pulse trains from mode-locked lasers. With a team possessing extensive expertise in laser technology and system integration, Cycle collaborates closely with clients to design and implement tailored solutions, ensuring performance and reliability in active environments. The company also emphasizes comprehensive consulting and support services to meet customer needs effectively.

Enoware

Seed Round in 2015
Enoware specializes in wireless, miniaturized geothermal measuring capsules that enhance the efficiency and quality of geothermal probes. The company offers mobile sensor systems designed for fluid environments, providing users with access to crucial environmental information. By leveraging an online portal and smartphone application, Enoware facilitates system monitoring, optimization, and operational safety for geothermal energy applications. With a growing market in Germany, where over 300,000 geothermal probes are in use and 20,000 new systems are installed annually, Enoware aims to expand its customer base and enhance the capabilities of geothermal energy systems.

Solandeo

Seed Round in 2015
Solandeo GmbH, founded in 2011 and based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in manufacturing and marketing metering and power management solutions tailored for the renewable energy sector. The company provides innovative and cost-effective services that include real-time measurement data, data logging, and oversight of installations related to grid connections and feed-in meters. Solandeo's platform is designed to facilitate the market integration of renewable energy generation systems and battery storage, utilizing artificial intelligence to convert real-time energy measurements into location-specific forecasts of energy generation and consumption. This enables clients such as green electricity traders and plant operators to gain access to vital data and insights necessary for effective energy management and transition.

Heliatek

Series C in 2014
Heliatek GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and production of organic solar films and photovoltaic cells. Its flagship product, HeliaSol, is an organic photovoltaics (OPV) solution that can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for building retrofitting, automotive applications, and other innovative projects. Heliatek caters to the building and construction material sector, as well as automotive manufacturers, offering tailored products like HeliaFilm for integration into façade and roofing systems. The company is recognized as a leader in organic photovoltaics, leveraging its ultra-light and flexible technology to provide sustainable energy solutions. Established in 2006, Heliatek has formed strategic partnerships with companies such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China, and it employs around 160 people across its facilities in Germany. The research and development of its technologies have received support from the Free State of Saxony, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.

akvola Technologies

Seed Round in 2014
akvola Technologies is a German company focused on innovative water treatment solutions. The company develops, installs, and markets packaged water clarification systems utilizing its proprietary akvoFloat technology, which employs a ceramic flotation-filtration process. This process enables the treatment of challenging industrial wastewater, significantly improving water quality while achieving up to 90% lower energy consumption and a 20% smaller footprint compared to conventional methods. akvola's technology is applicable across various industries, including oil and gas, seawater desalination pretreatment, food and beverage, mining, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, and semiconductors. The company's commitment to cost-effective and environmentally-friendly water services positions it as a key player in addressing the growing demand for efficient water management solutions.

CustomCells

Venture Round in 2013
CustomCells specializes in the development and production of customized energy storage solutions, particularly focusing on lithium-ion battery cells. The company provides tailored battery systems, electrode foils, and rechargeable accumulators designed for a wide range of applications, including weather stations, satellites, sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles, and concept cars. By leveraging advanced cell construction technology, CustomCells manufactures products from prototypes to series production, ensuring that each solution meets specific customer requirements. The company maintains a strong connection with research and development as well as material suppliers, allowing it to access the latest advancements in energy storage technologies. This capability enables CustomCells to deliver significant performance benefits compared to standard solutions, all while adhering to a qualified ISO 9001 production environment.

Kiwigrid

Venture Round in 2013
Wir verbinden Erzeuger, Verbraucher, Speicher, Mobilität und das Netz in Microgrids: Kiwigrid-Lösungen unterstützen alle gängigen Energieanlagen. Wir machen Energie transparent: Kiwigrid-Produkte sind schnell zu installieren, zeigen sofort sämtliche Energieströme in verschiedenen zeitlichen Dimensionen (Tag, Monat, Jahr) an und errechnen Kilowattstunden und Euro-Umsatz. Wir monitoren Ihre Geräte und Anlagen: Mit Kiwigrid haben Sie alle Anlagen, deren Zustand sowie vorgefallene Ereignisse stets im Blick. Wir automatisieren und optimieren Stromerzeugung und Verbrauch: Unsere nachladbaren Energy-Apps optimieren Ihren Energiehaushalt. 
Mit Kiwigrid sparen Sie bares Geld.

Saperatec

Seed Round in 2013
saperatec GmbH engages in the disposal and recycling of photovoltaic modules. The company engages in crushing the size of the material; developing separation liquids based on chemical mixtures that aid the separation of the composite; and washing, sorting, and drying of recovered materials. The company recycles used beverage cartons; packaging material made of aluminum and plastic; PV modules made of glass, semi-conductors, and plastic; li-ion batteries; and car glass. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Bielefeld, Germany.

InnoCyte

Series A in 2012
InnoCyte - Technologies for automated Cell Culture. They have the strong belief that automated cell culture could be of inestimable value for cell processing in labs all over the world. InnoCyte brings automated cell culture to the masses - within a benchtop designed, reliable and affordable device.

Smart Hydro Power

Series A in 2012
Smart Hydro Power GmbH, founded in 2010 and based in Feldafing, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of kinetic micro-hydro power plants. The company offers a range of products, including smart turbines and energy management systems, aimed at providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions. Smart Hydro Power focuses on decentralized electrification projects, particularly in remote and off-grid locations, addressing the specific needs and challenges of these areas. Their hydropower plants are designed to be eco-friendly and fish-friendly, requiring minimal infrastructure while promoting renewable energy use. By enhancing the productivity of electricity companies and improving living standards in rural communities, Smart Hydro Power plays a significant role in the transition to clean energy.

Enercast

Series A in 2012
enercast GmbH, founded in 2011 and based in Kassel, Germany, specializes in providing renewable energy forecasts through its software-as-a-service products. The company focuses on delivering accurate power forecasts for wind and solar plants, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into power grids and energy markets globally. Its advanced self-learning technology supports decision-making processes by utilizing artificial intelligence and big data. Additionally, enercast develops the enercast city system, a dashboard that visualizes the predicted share of renewable energy from various sources. The company serves clients in 20 countries, managing forecasts for 160 GW of installed capacity and delivering over 100 million data points. Enercast is privately owned and has notable shareholders, including innogy Venture Capital and High-Tech Gründerfonds.

Smartblue

Seed Round in 2011
Smartblue specializes in developing software and processes for monitoring and optimizing zero-emission energy systems, particularly focusing on photovoltaic and energy storage systems. As a hardware-independent provider, Smartblue offers a centralized web application known as the "Smart Control" Operations and Control Center. This platform facilitates maintenance, life-cycle management, production forecasting, and remote control of these energy systems. By leveraging automation, smart failure detection, and big data analysis, Smartblue aims to help clients reduce overall operational costs while ensuring efficient management of their energy assets.

Capical

Seed Round in 2011
Capical GmbH is a German company, founded in 2010 and based in Braunschweig, that specializes in the development and marketing of electrocardiography (ECG) devices utilizing capacitive electrodes for contact-free patient monitoring. The company's innovative technology enables high-quality monitoring of heart activity, respiratory rates, and other physiological parameters in various applications, including automotive seating, medical furniture, and occupational settings. Capical has positioned itself as a leader in capacitive electrode technology, recognized for its contributions with multiple awards, including the Fresenius Inventor Award. The company supports clients through all phases of product development, from prototype creation to serial production, aiming to enhance the quality of life for elderly and ill individuals while also improving safety and comfort in automated driving environments. Capical is noted for being the first company to receive medical approval for an ECG device based on capacitive technology and holds significant intellectual property rights to protect its innovations.

NonWoTecc Medical

Series B in 2011
NonWoTecc GmbH was founded with the financial support of High-Tech Gründerfond (HTGF) and Rheinland Venture Capital Fond (RVC) in February of 2007. The goal was to develop a newly designed vascular prosthesis with improved biocompatible and bio-stable properties. NonWoTecc GmbH was one of only seven companies which received a commitment for financial support from HTGF in 2006.

Clean Mobile

Series A in 2011
Clean Mobile AG, founded in 2006 in Munich, Germany, specializes in electrical drive train systems for light electric vehicles (LEVs). With a team of over 20 skilled employees, the company has developed a patented drive train technology that significantly enhances the performance of various LEVs, including cargo vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters. Clean Mobile aims to lead the LEV industry by delivering innovative solutions that cater to the growing demand for sustainable transportation options worldwide.

Saperatec

Seed Round in 2011
saperatec GmbH engages in the disposal and recycling of photovoltaic modules. The company engages in crushing the size of the material; developing separation liquids based on chemical mixtures that aid the separation of the composite; and washing, sorting, and drying of recovered materials. The company recycles used beverage cartons; packaging material made of aluminum and plastic; PV modules made of glass, semi-conductors, and plastic; li-ion batteries; and car glass. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Bielefeld, Germany.

Entelios

Series A in 2011
Entelios, founded in 2010 and acquired by EnerNOC in 2014, specializes in demand response and virtual power plant solutions. The company operates as a clean energy supplier, focusing on the management of distributed energy resources across industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. By providing demand response resources, Entelios helps customers balance energy supply and demand, facilitating a transition to sustainable operations. Its offerings enable both large and small companies to adopt greener practices while ensuring a reliable energy supply.

Heliatek

Series B in 2009
Heliatek GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and production of organic solar films and photovoltaic cells. Its flagship product, HeliaSol, is an organic photovoltaics (OPV) solution that can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for building retrofitting, automotive applications, and other innovative projects. Heliatek caters to the building and construction material sector, as well as automotive manufacturers, offering tailored products like HeliaFilm for integration into façade and roofing systems. The company is recognized as a leader in organic photovoltaics, leveraging its ultra-light and flexible technology to provide sustainable energy solutions. Established in 2006, Heliatek has formed strategic partnerships with companies such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China, and it employs around 160 people across its facilities in Germany. The research and development of its technologies have received support from the Free State of Saxony, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.

ReCoTech

Venture Round in 2009
ReCoTech is a young software company that specialises in IT-based solutions for the optimisation of space allocation in office buildings that was founded in 2008. The range of services encompasses both projects, license sales as well as support in the data acquisition and data modelling in both cases. The Berlin based company currently develops interfaces to selected products in the area of real estate and facility management. The company enjoys a close cooperation relationship to the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin.

copark GmbH

Seed Round in 2008
Mit der copark-Technologie lassen sich Kfz-Stellflächen effizienter bewirtschaften.

Clean Mobile

Series A in 2008
Clean Mobile AG, founded in 2006 in Munich, Germany, specializes in electrical drive train systems for light electric vehicles (LEVs). With a team of over 20 skilled employees, the company has developed a patented drive train technology that significantly enhances the performance of various LEVs, including cargo vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters. Clean Mobile aims to lead the LEV industry by delivering innovative solutions that cater to the growing demand for sustainable transportation options worldwide.

LaTherm

Series A in 2008
LaTherm offers its customers a low CO2 heating (heating and hot water) to stable, reliable predictable prices. They collect industrial waste heat, so far, for example, of steel mills, chemical or waste incinerators is disposed of into the environment, in specially-equipped standard containers. Then this heat to medium-sized properties, such as swimming pools, hospitals, schools, apartment buildings or commercial properties will be transported there, and fed into the existing heating systems.

Heliatek

Seed Round in 2006
Heliatek GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and production of organic solar films and photovoltaic cells. Its flagship product, HeliaSol, is an organic photovoltaics (OPV) solution that can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for building retrofitting, automotive applications, and other innovative projects. Heliatek caters to the building and construction material sector, as well as automotive manufacturers, offering tailored products like HeliaFilm for integration into façade and roofing systems. The company is recognized as a leader in organic photovoltaics, leveraging its ultra-light and flexible technology to provide sustainable energy solutions. Established in 2006, Heliatek has formed strategic partnerships with companies such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China, and it employs around 160 people across its facilities in Germany. The research and development of its technologies have received support from the Free State of Saxony, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.
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