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 Electric Grid

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.

Sunvigo

Venture Round in 2022
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

instagrid

Series B in 2022
Instagrid GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of portable battery storage solutions. The company develops software-defined battery systems designed to provide advanced portable power supplies. Its products cater to various sectors, including construction, event technology, professional landscaping, garden and tree care, and public services, addressing the need for reliable and efficient power sources in diverse applications.

Sunvigo

Venture Round in 2021
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Sunvigo

Seed Round in 2021
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Gilytics

Seed Round in 2020
Gilytics AG specializes in advanced computing and 3D visualization technology for the complex planning of transportation and energy infrastructures. Founded in 2017 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, the company offers an interactive software package that aids in the management and planning of distributed energy and linear infrastructures. Its solutions cater to various sectors, including transportation networks, oil and gas pipelines, wind and solar energy projects, and utilities. Gilytics' software enhances the planning process by providing automated services for identifying optimal routes for new transmission lines, while also facilitating improved interactions with authorities and communities through its visualization capabilities.

Sunvigo

Seed Round in 2020
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

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.

instagrid

Series A in 2020
Instagrid GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of portable battery storage solutions. The company develops software-defined battery systems designed to provide advanced portable power supplies. Its products cater to various sectors, including construction, event technology, professional landscaping, garden and tree care, and public services, addressing the need for reliable and efficient power sources in diverse applications.

envelio

Series A in 2019
Envelio GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Cologne, Germany, specializes in developing software and algorithms for energy networks. Its primary offering is the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), a modular software system designed to assist distribution grid operators in digitizing and automating grid planning and operation processes. The IGP includes applications for data quality, which connects isolated data systems to identify and correct errors, as well as planning applications that automate grid planning tasks. Additionally, IGP operation applications provide recommendations for managing congestion in the grid during potential bottlenecks. By leveraging artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization, Envelio supports the integration of numerous distributed energy resources and smart meter data, addressing the challenges posed by the evolving energy landscape.

Gridscale

Series A in 2019
gridscale GmbH is a cloud computing provider based in Bedburg, Germany, specializing in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions for both businesses and individual developers. Founded in 2014, the company offers a highly automated platform that allows users to manage cloud servers and customize infrastructure resources according to their specific needs. Their services include virtual cloud servers, storage, network resources, and complementary Platform as a Service (PaaS) components such as load balancers and firewalls. gridscale’s architecture is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing corporate systems, enabling clients to focus on their core business activities without the complexities of managing cloud infrastructure. This approach is particularly valuable in an era of increasing data complexity and volume.

instagrid

Seed Round in 2019
Instagrid GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of portable battery storage solutions. The company develops software-defined battery systems designed to provide advanced portable power supplies. Its products cater to various sectors, including construction, event technology, professional landscaping, garden and tree care, and public services, addressing the need for reliable and efficient power sources in diverse applications.

Volterion

Series A in 2018
Volterion GmbH manufactures and sells compact size redox flow batteries for private homes for the storage of renewable energies. The company offers redox flow stacks, redox flow modules, and redox flow systems. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Dortmund, Germany.

Wirelane

Series A in 2018
Wirelane is a full service provider in the field of electric mobility. The company is currently active in 5 countries (D, F, S, NL, CH) and has experience with large industrial customers (VW, Vattenfall, Bouygues and others). In addition to their software solutions, they also offer specially developed charging stations that set standards through the use of advanced technology such as radar sensors and tap payment. The company works with customers from all industry sectors to develop solutions for tomorrow’s mobility needs. Wirelane is one of Europe’s leading specialist providers of hardware, software and app solutions.

envelio

Seed Round in 2018
Envelio GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Cologne, Germany, specializes in developing software and algorithms for energy networks. Its primary offering is the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), a modular software system designed to assist distribution grid operators in digitizing and automating grid planning and operation processes. The IGP includes applications for data quality, which connects isolated data systems to identify and correct errors, as well as planning applications that automate grid planning tasks. Additionally, IGP operation applications provide recommendations for managing congestion in the grid during potential bottlenecks. By leveraging artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization, Envelio supports the integration of numerous distributed energy resources and smart meter data, addressing the challenges posed by the evolving energy landscape.

node.energy

Venture Round in 2017
node.energy GmbH is a software-as-a-service company that specializes in the optimization of local energy micro grids for commercial and industrial real estate. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, node.energy provides the opti.node application, which enables businesses with on-site power generation to effectively reduce energy costs and minimize their carbon dioxide emissions. The company's solutions support energy managers and metering service providers by significantly reducing administrative burdens and ensuring compliance with current regulations. Additionally, node.energy offers features such as electricity tax relief analysis and automated reporting, alongside planning and advisory services, to facilitate companies' energy transitions and enhance their operational efficiency.

Volterion

Series A in 2017
Volterion GmbH manufactures and sells compact size redox flow batteries for private homes for the storage of renewable energies. The company offers redox flow stacks, redox flow modules, and redox flow systems. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Dortmund, Germany.

Gridscale

Seed Round in 2016
gridscale GmbH is a cloud computing provider based in Bedburg, Germany, specializing in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions for both businesses and individual developers. Founded in 2014, the company offers a highly automated platform that allows users to manage cloud servers and customize infrastructure resources according to their specific needs. Their services include virtual cloud servers, storage, network resources, and complementary Platform as a Service (PaaS) components such as load balancers and firewalls. gridscale’s architecture is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing corporate systems, enabling clients to focus on their core business activities without the complexities of managing cloud infrastructure. This approach is particularly valuable in an era of increasing data complexity and volume.

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.

OneShore

Seed Round in 2015
OneShore Energy GmbH specializes in the development, engineering, and operation of off-grid solar-diesel hybrid systems for power generation. Founded in 2014 and based in Berlin, Germany, the company provides a comprehensive software suite designed to optimize the design and operation of solar systems that complement diesel generators. Its key offerings include OneAnalyser, which assesses demand profiles and existing equipment to produce certified fuel-saving reports; OneOptimiser, a remote monitoring tool that identifies maintenance needs and suggests upgrades; and OneDesign, which facilitates modeling for various power system configurations. OneShore Energy serves diverse sectors, including hospitals, hotels, off-grid villages, and industrial facilities across Germany, Greece, Tanzania, and Kenya. As of 2017, it operates as a subsidiary of Baywa re GmbH.

ICE Gateway GmbH

Seed Round in 2014
ICE Gateway GmbH, based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in the development of LED systems, sensors, and cloud-based services tailored for lighting applications. The company focuses on optimizing outdoor lighting through its wireless infrastructure, which enhances the functionality of smart cities by offering services for both pedestrians and connected devices. Its cloud-based platform allows for the remote control and maintenance of lighting systems, providing capabilities such as environmental data measurement, object counting, and traffic flow analysis. Additionally, ICE Gateway offers consulting services and develops both hardware and software for its wireless outdoor infrastructure. The company's solutions encompass various sectors, including traffic, marketing, security, logistics, parking, and tourism, alongside providing LED retrofits and advanced data analytics. Founded in 2013, ICE Gateway GmbH integrates efficient LED lamps with proprietary communication technology to support a broad range of applications.

Next Kraftwerke

Venture Round in 2013
Next Kraftwerke GmbH is an operator and provider of virtual power plant (VPP) and a certified power trader on various European energy exchanges. Its VPP Next Pool includes a network of medium and small scale power producing units, such as bioenergy, wind, and solar power generators, as well as power consuming units in Central Europe. The company digitally aggregates distributed units and trades their power smartly. Next Kraftwerke GmbH was founded in 2009 and is based in Cologne, Germany.

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.

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.

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.

Next Kraftwerke

Seed Round in 2010
Next Kraftwerke GmbH is an operator and provider of virtual power plant (VPP) and a certified power trader on various European energy exchanges. Its VPP Next Pool includes a network of medium and small scale power producing units, such as bioenergy, wind, and solar power generators, as well as power consuming units in Central Europe. The company digitally aggregates distributed units and trades their power smartly. Next Kraftwerke GmbH was founded in 2009 and is based in Cologne, Germany.

Cuculus

Series B in 2010
Cuculus GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Ilmenau, Germany, specializes in software solutions for the energy sector, focusing on smart metering and energy management. The company offers ZONOS, an IoT platform that facilitates the integration and management of various utility meters, including electric, gas, and water, into a cohesive digital framework. This platform supports energy suppliers, grid operators, telecommunications companies, and metering service providers in transitioning from traditional manual meters to intelligent, connected systems. With a team that combines expertise in information technology, telecommunications, and electrical engineering, Cuculus leverages advanced technology developed in collaboration with the Technical University Ilmenau and IDEO Laboratories. The company also has an office in Leipzig, enhancing its presence in one of Germany's key technology regions.

Enexion GmbH

Seed Round in 2009
Enexion GmbH, founded in 2008 and based in Kronberg, Germany, specializes in assisting enterprises with energy procurement in the European market. The company focuses on minimizing costs and risks associated with energy purchases and offers comprehensive energy cost management services. Its offerings include energy efficiency and management, grid cost regulation, risk management, and procurement strategies. Enexion employs a holistic approach known as Enexion 360°, which encompasses energy markets, direct wholesale procurement, regulatory frameworks, and tailored efficiency technologies. The company serves various sectors, including liberalization, electricity, gas, and carbon markets, positioning itself as a full-service provider for industrial clients seeking optimized energy solutions.

Cuculus

Seed Round in 2007
Cuculus GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Ilmenau, Germany, specializes in software solutions for the energy sector, focusing on smart metering and energy management. The company offers ZONOS, an IoT platform that facilitates the integration and management of various utility meters, including electric, gas, and water, into a cohesive digital framework. This platform supports energy suppliers, grid operators, telecommunications companies, and metering service providers in transitioning from traditional manual meters to intelligent, connected systems. With a team that combines expertise in information technology, telecommunications, and electrical engineering, Cuculus leverages advanced technology developed in collaboration with the Technical University Ilmenau and IDEO Laboratories. The company also has an office in Leipzig, enhancing its presence in one of Germany's key technology regions.
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