HTGF | High-Tech Gruenderfonds
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.
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Past deals in Energy Storage
alteva
Pre Seed Round in 2025
Alteva is a technology company specializing in the development of advanced battery cells. Its primary focus is on creating high-energy density, safety-conscious batteries tailored for the decarbonization of hard-to-electrify transport sectors such as aviation and heavy-duty vehicles. The company's innovative approach involves the use of ultralight carbon materials and sustainable raw materials, aiming to enhance battery performance, longevity, and compatibility with existing production facilities.
Autarkize
Seed Round in 2024
Autarkize is a developer of a patented pyrolysis system technology that focuses on achieving energy and fertilizer self-sufficiency through the carbonization of residual biomasses. The company offers a market-ready system that extracts high-quality gas composed of methane and hydrogen from various biomass residues in a decentralized manner. Its technology is capable of processing all types and amounts of biomass, resulting in significantly higher energy density compared to traditional carbonization systems. Additionally, the process generates biochar, which enhances soil quality and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By enabling industrial companies to promote energy cleaning and decarbonization, Autarkize plays a vital role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Aerleum
Seed Round in 2024
Aerleum develops innovative technology that captures CO2 and converts it into clean fuels and chemicals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
Everyone Energy
Seed Round in 2024
Everyone Energy is a technology company that specializes in an automated energy advisory platform. This platform aims to enhance user experience during the energy transition by providing expert advice on various energy solutions, including PV systems, heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and battery storage. It caters to both residential and commercial clients, helping them connect with relevant solution providers, facilitating informed decision-making, and saving time in the process.
Rabot Energy
Series A in 2024
Rabot Energy is a progressive green electricity supplier offering flexible and intelligent tariffs for residential customers and electric vehicles. Its platform utilizes real-time market data to optimize charging schedules, helping users save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and simplify vehicle ownership.
instagrid
Series C in 2024
Instagrid GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacturing of portable battery storage systems designed to create mobile power infrastructures for various sectors, including construction, event technology, landscaping, and public services. The company's innovative products feature a unique architecture of stacked micro-level inverters, which allows them to be smaller, lighter, and more powerful than traditional battery systems. Instagrid's portable power solutions provide reliable access to clean, affordable, and silent electricity, effectively replacing environmentally harmful petrol and diesel generators. By enabling users to operate efficiently at temporary locations, Instagrid plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of industries with challenging power requirements.
BTRY
Pre Seed Round in 2024
BTRY, spun off from EMPA and ETH, specializes in developing the first energy-dense solid-state battery, leveraging advanced semiconductor manufacturing techniques. The company aims to provide a sustainable energy storage solution, offering customizable battery properties to meet diverse customer needs, thereby reducing energy consumption and waste from solvent evaporation and recycling.
INERATEC
Series B in 2024
INERATEC develops sustainable fuels and power-to-X plants to replace fossil fuels with carbon-neutral alternatives. The company focuses on renewable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products that enable transportation and industrial processes to run on climate-friendly energy. It produces renewable hydrogen and other greenhouse gases, which are transformed into products such as e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, and methanol, allowing chemical plants to operate using synthetic fuels with climate-neutral energy, reduced chemical waste, and enhanced climate protection.
Rabot Energy
Seed Round in 2023
Rabot Energy is a progressive green electricity supplier offering flexible and intelligent tariffs for residential customers and electric vehicles. Its platform utilizes real-time market data to optimize charging schedules, helping users save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and simplify vehicle ownership.
INERATEC
Venture Round in 2023
INERATEC develops sustainable fuels and power-to-X plants to replace fossil fuels with carbon-neutral alternatives. The company focuses on renewable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products that enable transportation and industrial processes to run on climate-friendly energy. It produces renewable hydrogen and other greenhouse gases, which are transformed into products such as e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, and methanol, allowing chemical plants to operate using synthetic fuels with climate-neutral energy, reduced chemical waste, and enhanced climate protection.
IO-Dynamics
Seed Round in 2022
IO-Dynamics specializes in smart charging solutions for electric vehicle fleets, focusing on energy management and optimization. The company develops software that gathers and analyzes real-time data from electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. This technology enables organizations to efficiently manage and control the charging processes of their e-fleets, ensuring sustainable and reliable operations. By providing insights into energy consumption and charging patterns, IO-Dynamics helps businesses plan their charging schedules automatically and reduce costs associated with electric vehicle operations.
instagrid
Series B in 2022
Instagrid GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacturing of portable battery storage systems designed to create mobile power infrastructures for various sectors, including construction, event technology, landscaping, and public services. The company's innovative products feature a unique architecture of stacked micro-level inverters, which allows them to be smaller, lighter, and more powerful than traditional battery systems. Instagrid's portable power solutions provide reliable access to clean, affordable, and silent electricity, effectively replacing environmentally harmful petrol and diesel generators. By enabling users to operate efficiently at temporary locations, Instagrid plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of industries with challenging power requirements.
INERATEC
Series A in 2022
INERATEC develops sustainable fuels and power-to-X plants to replace fossil fuels with carbon-neutral alternatives. The company focuses on renewable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products that enable transportation and industrial processes to run on climate-friendly energy. It produces renewable hydrogen and other greenhouse gases, which are transformed into products such as e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, and methanol, allowing chemical plants to operate using synthetic fuels with climate-neutral energy, reduced chemical waste, and enhanced climate protection.
ZE Energy
Series A in 2021
ZE Energy is provides a hybrid solar plant solution featuring energy storage capabilities and photovoltaics. Equipped with a battery that stores the solar energy generated throughout the day, its power plants boast the advantages of solar power in terms of production costs, integration to the environment and power grid, as well as the generation of zero CO2 emissions.
ZE Energy
Seed Round in 2020
ZE Energy is provides a hybrid solar plant solution featuring energy storage capabilities and photovoltaics. Equipped with a battery that stores the solar energy generated throughout the day, its power plants boast the advantages of solar power in terms of production costs, integration to the environment and power grid, as well as the generation of zero CO2 emissions.
instagrid
Series A in 2020
Instagrid GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacturing of portable battery storage systems designed to create mobile power infrastructures for various sectors, including construction, event technology, landscaping, and public services. The company's innovative products feature a unique architecture of stacked micro-level inverters, which allows them to be smaller, lighter, and more powerful than traditional battery systems. Instagrid's portable power solutions provide reliable access to clean, affordable, and silent electricity, effectively replacing environmentally harmful petrol and diesel generators. By enabling users to operate efficiently at temporary locations, Instagrid plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of industries with challenging power requirements.
envelio
Series A in 2019
envelio GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Cologne, Germany, specializes in developing software solutions for the planning and operation of energy networks. The company offers the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), a modular software system designed to assist distribution grid operators in digitizing and automating their processes. This platform integrates algorithms based on artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization to facilitate the management of distribution grids, allowing for the seamless incorporation of numerous distributed energy resources and smart meter data. Key features of the IGP include applications for data quality management, automated grid planning, and operational support for congestion management in response to potential grid bottlenecks. By enabling grid operators to optimize their operations, envelio plays a crucial role in advancing the energy transition and enhancing grid sustainability and flexibility.
instagrid
Seed Round in 2019
Instagrid GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacturing of portable battery storage systems designed to create mobile power infrastructures for various sectors, including construction, event technology, landscaping, and public services. The company's innovative products feature a unique architecture of stacked micro-level inverters, which allows them to be smaller, lighter, and more powerful than traditional battery systems. Instagrid's portable power solutions provide reliable access to clean, affordable, and silent electricity, effectively replacing environmentally harmful petrol and diesel generators. By enabling users to operate efficiently at temporary locations, Instagrid plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of industries with challenging power requirements.
Volterion
Series A in 2018
Volterion is a German energy storage company that designs and manufactures redox-flow battery stacks and systems for renewable energy storage. Founded in 2015 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, it operates from Dortmund and develops compact, scalable energy storage solutions such as the powerRFB, based on welded, seal-less stacks and automated high-throughput manufacturing of bipolar-graphite electrodes. Its products target residential and commercial/industrial storage to increase self-consumption of solar and wind energy and to provide cost-efficient, durable storage for bulk energy applications.
INERATEC
Seed Round in 2018
INERATEC develops sustainable fuels and power-to-X plants to replace fossil fuels with carbon-neutral alternatives. The company focuses on renewable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products that enable transportation and industrial processes to run on climate-friendly energy. It produces renewable hydrogen and other greenhouse gases, which are transformed into products such as e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, and methanol, allowing chemical plants to operate using synthetic fuels with climate-neutral energy, reduced chemical waste, and enhanced climate protection.
envelio
Seed Round in 2018
envelio GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Cologne, Germany, specializes in developing software solutions for the planning and operation of energy networks. The company offers the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), a modular software system designed to assist distribution grid operators in digitizing and automating their processes. This platform integrates algorithms based on artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization to facilitate the management of distribution grids, allowing for the seamless incorporation of numerous distributed energy resources and smart meter data. Key features of the IGP include applications for data quality management, automated grid planning, and operational support for congestion management in response to potential grid bottlenecks. By enabling grid operators to optimize their operations, envelio plays a crucial role in advancing the energy transition and enhancing grid sustainability and flexibility.
otego
Seed Round in 2018
otego GmbH is a German company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Karlsruhe. It specializes in the development of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) that provide independent energy solutions for wireless sensors and actuators. By converting heat directly into electric power through temperature differences, otego's technology is applicable in various fields, including the Internet of Things, waste heat recovery, and Industry 4.0. The company emerged as a spin-off from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and is driven by a diverse team comprising physicians, a chemist, and a business engineer, all dedicated to advancing and commercializing its innovative technology.
Wiferion
Seed Round in 2017
Wiferion is a Germany-based provider of wireless charging and energy storage solutions for mobile robots, automated guided vehicles and electric industrial trucks. The company offers a range of products and systems, including wall boxes, charging pads, receiver coils, mobile charging units and energy storage modules, enabling on-the-go energy supply and retrofit options for existing fleets. Founded in 2015 in Freiburg by former employees of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Wiferion develops inductive charging technology and energy-management solutions aimed at increasing fleet utilization and efficiency while reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Its etaLINK inductive charging family has earned industry awards and is deployed in more than 20 countries, with thousands of systems in operation. Wiferion collaborates with robotics and automation partners to deliver scalable, resource-efficient power for electric industrial vehicles, supporting sustainable operations across logistics, manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Volterion
Series A in 2017
Volterion is a German energy storage company that designs and manufactures redox-flow battery stacks and systems for renewable energy storage. Founded in 2015 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, it operates from Dortmund and develops compact, scalable energy storage solutions such as the powerRFB, based on welded, seal-less stacks and automated high-throughput manufacturing of bipolar-graphite electrodes. Its products target residential and commercial/industrial storage to increase self-consumption of solar and wind energy and to provide cost-efficient, durable storage for bulk energy applications.
Enoware
Seed Round in 2015
Enoware specializes in mobile sensor systems designed for the geothermal energy sector. The company offers a miniaturized geothermal measuring capsule that enhances the efficiency and quality of geothermal probes. Its technology allows users to access vital environmental data through an online portal and smartphone application, facilitating system monitoring, optimization, and operational safety. With over 300,000 geothermal probes currently in operation in Germany and an annual addition of 20,000 new systems, Enoware is positioned to expand its customer base and contribute to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
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. The company focuses on providing energy management solutions tailored for renewable energy plants, aiding in the detection of actual power output for the green electricity market. Solandeo offers services such as real-time measurement data provision, data logging, and monitoring of measured installations to support grid connection and feed-in meters. Additionally, it provides cost-effective and innovative solutions for smart metering, remote control technology, and technical upgrades for wind turbines, solar panels, and biogas heating plants.
Heliatek
Series C in 2014
Heliatek GmbH, founded in 2006 and based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of organic photovoltaics (OPV) solutions, particularly HeliaSol and HeliaFilm. These innovative products are designed for integration into various building surfaces, including horizontal, vertical, and curved structures, making them suitable for retrofitting existing buildings as well as for new construction. Heliatek's OPV technology is characterized by its ultra-lightweight and flexible nature, contributing to environmentally friendly energy solutions. The company serves a diverse clientele, including those in the building and construction materials industry, automotive manufacturers, and suppliers, and has established strategic partnerships with firms such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China. With approximately 160 employees, Heliatek is at the forefront of advancing organic electronics, utilizing advanced roll-to-roll manufacturing processes in controlled environments to produce its solar films.
CustomCells
Venture Round in 2013
CustomCells is a battery cell developer and manufacturer that specializes in lithium-ion technology. It designs and produces high-performance cells for automotive and aviation applications and delivers solutions from prototype concepts to full-scale production, including electrode foils, rechargeable modules, and battery systems for a range of uses such as weather stations, satellites, sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles, and concept cars. The company operates multiple development and production sites and is expanding into the United States. It serves as a manufacturing partner for notable programs, including Porsche’s Cellforce Group, and works with partners such as Lilium. CustomCells also provides energy storage components and systems for diverse applications, emphasizing advancements in production through artificial intelligence.
Next Kraftwerke
Venture Round in 2013
Next Kraftwerke GmbH is a German company based in Cologne that operates a large-scale virtual power plant (VPP) and serves as a certified power trader on various European energy exchanges. Founded in 2009, the company specializes in digitally aggregating and managing a diverse network of medium and small-scale power-producing units, including bioenergy, wind, and solar generators, alongside power-consuming units. Through its innovative VPP, Next Kraftwerke effectively connects these decentralized energy resources, facilitating efficient power supply and demand management. This digital platform enables the smart trading of generated and consumed power, contributing to the integration of renewable energy into European power markets.
Kiwigrid
Venture Round in 2013
Kiwigrid develops and operates a smart grid energy management platform in Europe. Its solutions enable efficient monitoring, analysis, and optimization of energy systems, supporting various industries including OEM, utilities, automotive, real estate, and installers.
Smart Hydro Power
Series A in 2012
Smart Hydro Power GmbH is a company based in Feldafing, Germany, that specializes in the development and manufacture of kinetic micro-hydro power plants. Founded in 2010, it evolved from a group of turbine developers into a provider of comprehensive renewable energy solutions, focusing on decentralized electrification projects. The company offers a range of products, including smart turbines, smart packages, and an intelligent energy management system, designed to meet the needs of remote and off-grid locations. Smart Hydro Power's systems are eco-friendly, fish-friendly, and require minimal infrastructure, making them a viable alternative for rural electrification. By combining simplicity, competitiveness, and completeness in its offerings, the company aims to enhance productivity and improve living standards in underserved communities.
Smartblue
Seed Round in 2011
Smartblue specializes in developing and operating software solutions aimed at monitoring and optimizing zero-emission energy systems, particularly photovoltaic and energy storage systems. As a hardware-independent provider, Smartblue offers a centralized web application called the "Smart Control" Operations and Control Center. This comprehensive software service facilitates maintenance, life-cycle management, production forecasting, and remote control of energy systems. By leveraging automation, smart failure detection, and big data analysis, Smartblue enables its clients to effectively monitor the operating performance of their photovoltaic systems, thereby reducing overall operational costs and enhancing efficiency.
Next Kraftwerke
Seed Round in 2010
Next Kraftwerke GmbH is a German company based in Cologne that operates a large-scale virtual power plant (VPP) and serves as a certified power trader on various European energy exchanges. Founded in 2009, the company specializes in digitally aggregating and managing a diverse network of medium and small-scale power-producing units, including bioenergy, wind, and solar generators, alongside power-consuming units. Through its innovative VPP, Next Kraftwerke effectively connects these decentralized energy resources, facilitating efficient power supply and demand management. This digital platform enables the smart trading of generated and consumed power, contributing to the integration of renewable energy into European power markets.
Heliatek
Series B in 2009
Heliatek GmbH, founded in 2006 and based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of organic photovoltaics (OPV) solutions, particularly HeliaSol and HeliaFilm. These innovative products are designed for integration into various building surfaces, including horizontal, vertical, and curved structures, making them suitable for retrofitting existing buildings as well as for new construction. Heliatek's OPV technology is characterized by its ultra-lightweight and flexible nature, contributing to environmentally friendly energy solutions. The company serves a diverse clientele, including those in the building and construction materials industry, automotive manufacturers, and suppliers, and has established strategic partnerships with firms such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China. With approximately 160 employees, Heliatek is at the forefront of advancing organic electronics, utilizing advanced roll-to-roll manufacturing processes in controlled environments to produce its solar films.
LaTherm
Series A in 2008
LaTherm specializes in providing low CO2 heating solutions and hot water systems to various sectors, including hospitals, schools, and commercial properties in Germany. The company focuses on collecting industrial waste heat from sources such as steel mills, chemical plants, and waste incinerators, which is typically released into the environment. This waste heat is captured in specially-equipped mobile heat storage containers and transported to medium-sized properties, where it is integrated into existing heating systems. By utilizing this method, LaTherm offers stable and predictable pricing for its heating services while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
Heliatek
Seed Round in 2006
Heliatek GmbH, founded in 2006 and based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of organic photovoltaics (OPV) solutions, particularly HeliaSol and HeliaFilm. These innovative products are designed for integration into various building surfaces, including horizontal, vertical, and curved structures, making them suitable for retrofitting existing buildings as well as for new construction. Heliatek's OPV technology is characterized by its ultra-lightweight and flexible nature, contributing to environmentally friendly energy solutions. The company serves a diverse clientele, including those in the building and construction materials industry, automotive manufacturers, and suppliers, and has established strategic partnerships with firms such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China. With approximately 160 employees, Heliatek is at the forefront of advancing organic electronics, utilizing advanced roll-to-roll manufacturing processes in controlled environments to produce its solar films.
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