HTGF | High-Tech Gruenderfonds

The seed investor High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) finances tech start-ups with growth potential and has supported more than 700 start-ups since 2005. With the launch of its fourth fund, HTGF now has about 1.4 billion euros under management. Its team of experienced investment managers and start-up experts support young companies with expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and passion. HTGF’s focus is on high-tech start-ups in the fields of digital tech, industrial tech, life sciences, chemistry and related business areas. To date, external investors have injected about 5 billion euros of capital into the HTGF portfolio via more than 2,000 follow-on financing rounds. In addition, HTGF has already successfully sold shares in more than 170 companies. Fund investors in this public-private partnership include the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, KfW Capital and 45 companies from a wide range of industries. Fund investors in this public-private partnership include the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, KfW Capital and 45 companies from a wide range of industries.

Kay Balster

Senior Investment Manager

Jens Baumgärtner

Senior Investment Manager

Anke Cassing

Principal

Tanja Emmerling

Partner / Head HTGF Berlin

Caroline Fichtner

Senior Investment Manager

Yann Fiebig

Investment Manager

Dr. Alex von Frankenberg

Managing Director and Founder

Bernd Goergen

Partner

Frank Hensel

Senior Investment Manager

Markus Kressmann

Partner

Lena Krzyzak

Principal

Maurice Kügler

Investment Manager

Klaus Lehmann

Senior Investment Manager

Dominik Lohle

Senior Investment Manager

Curtis MacDonald

Venture Partner

Andreas Olmes

Partner

Katharina Peters

Investment Manager

Martin Pfister

Senior Investment Manager

Claudia Raber

Partner

Guido Schlitzer

Managing Director

Ulrich Schmitt

Principal

Romy Schnelle

Partner

Clemens Von Bergmann

Investment Director

Axel Nitsch

Investment Manager

Tobias Schulz

Principal

Past deals in GreenTech

INERATEC

Series B in 2024
INERATEC is a company dedicated to developing sustainable energy solutions through the production of innovative synthetic fuels and power-to-X plants. By focusing on replacing fossil fuels with carbon-neutral alternatives, INERATEC aims to contribute to a post-fossil fuel economy. The company specializes in generating renewable hydrogen and converting greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen, into various synthetic products, including e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, and methanol. These products enable chemical plant operators to utilize synthetic fuels, which are derived from climate-neutral energy sources, thereby minimizing chemical waste and enhancing climate protection.

FarmInsect

Series A in 2023
FarmInsect GmbH, founded in 2019 and based in Bergkirchen, Germany, specializes in automated insect breeding systems designed to provide a sustainable and efficient source of animal feed. The company focuses on enabling local farmers to produce insect larvae from organic residues, which can be used as protein feed for livestock such as chickens, pigs, and fish. By offering a solution that replaces imported soy and fishmeal with locally sourced insect protein, FarmInsect aims to enhance the sustainability of animal husbandry while ensuring that farmers have a consistent supply of young larvae each week for their feeding needs.

Resourcify

Series A in 2023
Resourcify GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Hamburg, Germany, operates a comprehensive cloud platform designed to streamline waste management and recycling operations for businesses. The platform offers features such as container pick-up and exchange services, waste collection information, and documentation generation, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. By digitizing waste management processes, Resourcify enables organizations to efficiently manage, track, and enhance their recycling efforts while significantly reducing administrative burdens and costs—reportedly by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. Trusted by leading companies across various sectors, Resourcify aims to foster a zero-waste future and improve sustainability practices through its innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing recycling rates and revenue from recyclable materials.

traceless materials

Series A in 2023
traceless materials is offering a holistically sustainable alternative to plastics and bioplastics. With our first-of-a-kind biomaterial it’s our mission to contribute to solving global plastic pollution. Our innovative technology filed for patent allows to use food production residues to produce materials that are compostable under natural composting conditions. While bio-based, our materials don’t compete with food nor cause land-use-change, don’t need hazardous additives or solvents and have up to 95% lower CO2 emissions. Our materials are neither chemically modified nor synthetically polymerized, therefore they will not fall under the EU Single Use Plastic Directive. Follow us on our journey, and become a part of the solution, not the pollution!

Bind-X

Series B in 2023
Bind-X focuses on biotechnology applications aimed at enhancing sustainability across various industries. The company has developed a microbiologically induced bio-cement that utilizes a bio-geochemical process to promote calcium carbonate precipitation within soil. This innovative approach allows for a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of controlling dust and pollution, transforming sand into bricks. By optimizing biotechnological processes, Bind-X seeks to improve both the sustainability and profitability of its clients' operations, addressing pressing environmental challenges while providing practical solutions.

Materials Nexus

Seed Round in 2023
Materials Nexus is a deep-tech company focused on advancing sustainable materials through an innovative material modeling platform. By automating quantum calculations, the company enhances the accuracy of material research at scale, thereby facilitating the development of green materials that contribute to net-zero emissions. Utilizing insights from quantum mechanics and artificial intelligence, Materials Nexus aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the materials sector, providing clients with access to sustainable building solutions. Through its efforts, the company seeks to accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly materials and support the global shift toward sustainability.

Intelligent Fluid

Series B in 2023
Intelligent Fluids GmbH is a technology company specializing in the development of innovative, high-performance cleaning fluids that utilize a patented technology combining gentle ingredients to create dynamic phase fluids. These fluids are designed for specific applications and function effectively without chemical dissolving or etching, making them safe for users, equipment, and the environment. They are particularly suited for industries such as microelectronics, industrial maintenance, optics, printing, and building protection, among others. The company's products facilitate the removal of dirt, residues, coatings, and lacquers, offering significant advantages in process optimization and cost savings. Additionally, Intelligent Fluids is committed to sustainability, supporting multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals by reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and material use. Beyond its product line, the company also engages in joint development and private label agreements, further broadening its impact in the eco-friendly cleaning sector.

INERATEC

Venture Round in 2023
INERATEC is a company dedicated to developing sustainable energy solutions through the production of innovative synthetic fuels and power-to-X plants. By focusing on replacing fossil fuels with carbon-neutral alternatives, INERATEC aims to contribute to a post-fossil fuel economy. The company specializes in generating renewable hydrogen and converting greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen, into various synthetic products, including e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, and methanol. These products enable chemical plant operators to utilize synthetic fuels, which are derived from climate-neutral energy sources, thereby minimizing chemical waste and enhancing climate protection.

Crocus Labs

Seed Round in 2022
Crocus Labs GmbH is a Berlin-based deep tech company focused on developing advanced light engine technology aimed at promoting a greener future. The company specializes in creating energy-efficient lighting solutions for wellness, horticultural, and specialty applications. By employing intelligent light-emitting diode technology and advanced data analytics, Crocus Labs provides precise lighting control that optimizes plant growth while minimizing energy consumption. This innovative approach supports indoor farms and greenhouses, allowing them to cultivate diverse crops efficiently. Crocus Labs aims to extend its cutting-edge research and technological advancements to residential, commercial, and industrial spaces worldwide.

GS Bavaria

Seed Round in 2022
GS Bavaria is a manufacturer of industrial-scale nano-sized carbide powders. The production of the nanomaterials is extremely cost-efficient, sustainable and with minimal energy consumption due to the revolutionary bioleaching extraction process for tungsten, tungsten carbide and other metals.

EcoPals

Seed Round in 2022
EcoPals specializes in creating sustainable solutions for road construction by transforming waste plastics into innovative materials. The company develops a carbon-reducing asphalt additive derived from non-recyclable plastics, providing a low-cost alternative to traditional bitumen additives. This approach not only addresses the issue of global plastic waste but also enhances the quality and sustainability of road infrastructure. By offering these environmentally friendly alternatives, EcoPals contributes to more sustainable construction practices while helping clients meet their ecological goals.

viboo

Convertible Note in 2022
Viboo specializes in self-learning predictive control technologies, leveraging physics-informed machine learning to enhance energy management in buildings. The company provides a cloud-based platform that delivers computationally efficient models for predictive control, catering primarily to smart thermostat manufacturers and building automation service providers. Its offerings include smart thermostat solutions for residential properties and automation services for light commercial buildings. Through an intuitive application programming interface (API), Viboo’s control algorithms facilitate the optimization of energy usage by taking into account user preferences and weather forecasts, thereby promoting energy efficiency in building operations.

anybill

Seed Round in 2021
We provide technology and infrastructure to create smart added value for the connected POS of the future. anybill develops technology and software solutions based on the digital receipt to establish a contemporary and environmentally friendly alternative for receipt issuance. The aim is to use the receipt as the first digital touchpoint to the customer in stationary retail and to offer further smart and interactive added values. The anybill services can be integrated as white label modules into merchant apps, banking apps or used as a stand-alone solution.

FarmInsect

Seed Round in 2021
FarmInsect GmbH, founded in 2019 and based in Bergkirchen, Germany, specializes in automated insect breeding systems designed to provide a sustainable and efficient source of animal feed. The company focuses on enabling local farmers to produce insect larvae from organic residues, which can be used as protein feed for livestock such as chickens, pigs, and fish. By offering a solution that replaces imported soy and fishmeal with locally sourced insect protein, FarmInsect aims to enhance the sustainability of animal husbandry while ensuring that farmers have a consistent supply of young larvae each week for their feeding needs.

HighLine Technology

Pre Seed Round in 2021
HighLine Technology specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced dispensing technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the photovoltaics (PV) sector. The company's innovative solutions significantly reduce material consumption by applying front metal contacts onto solar cells, replacing traditional screen printing methods. This integration into existing production lines for silicon solar cells not only conserves resources but also boosts electricity yield and increases throughput. In addition to its primary focus on the PV industry, HighLine Technology also provides dispensing solutions for various other sectors, further demonstrating its commitment to improving operational efficiency and sustainability across multiple applications.

MagnoTherm

Seed Round in 2021
MAGNOTHERM, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, specializes in innovative cooling and heating technology utilizing magnetic materials. The company has assembled a team of over 40 experts with significant expertise in magnetic cooling and magnetocaloric materials. MAGNOTHERM aims to address the climate crisis by providing energy-efficient alternatives to traditional gas compression cooling, which contributes to at least 7% of global CO2 emissions. Its technology, which operates at low pressure, is designed to be up to 30% more energy efficient than existing systems while being non-explosive, non-flammable, and low maintenance. The company focuses on developing magnetic cooling systems suitable for various applications, including room temperature environments and hydrogen liquefaction plants, offering a sustainable solution that can help transition industries away from outdated gas compression methods.

Crocus Labs

Seed Round in 2021
Crocus Labs GmbH is a Berlin-based deep tech company focused on developing advanced light engine technology aimed at promoting a greener future. The company specializes in creating energy-efficient lighting solutions for wellness, horticultural, and specialty applications. By employing intelligent light-emitting diode technology and advanced data analytics, Crocus Labs provides precise lighting control that optimizes plant growth while minimizing energy consumption. This innovative approach supports indoor farms and greenhouses, allowing them to cultivate diverse crops efficiently. Crocus Labs aims to extend its cutting-edge research and technological advancements to residential, commercial, and industrial spaces worldwide.

Lignopure

Seed Round in 2021
Lignopure specializes in producing natural, degradable biopolymers derived from non-food sources, focusing on high-quality lignin products. The company's lignin stands out in the market due to its proven non-cytotoxicity and customizable properties, achieved through proprietary technology. Lignopure transforms raw lignin into valuable materials suitable for a variety of applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements. Additionally, their biobased prototypes encompass insulating materials, biobased polyurethane foams, aerogels, and filaments for 3D printing. By providing safer alternatives to harmful chemicals currently used in material science, Lignopure aims to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products.

INERATEC

Seed Round in 2018
INERATEC is a company dedicated to developing sustainable energy solutions through the production of innovative synthetic fuels and power-to-X plants. By focusing on replacing fossil fuels with carbon-neutral alternatives, INERATEC aims to contribute to a post-fossil fuel economy. The company specializes in generating renewable hydrogen and converting greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen, into various synthetic products, including e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, and methanol. These products enable chemical plant operators to utilize synthetic fuels, which are derived from climate-neutral energy sources, thereby minimizing chemical waste and enhancing climate protection.

Atc Aluvation Technology

Seed Round in 2017
Atc Aluvation Technology is a high-tech start-up specializing in advanced heat treatment processes for aluminum components, primarily targeting the automotive industry. The company has developed a mobile heat-treating system that optimizes the usage of aluminum while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This innovative system is connected to a data network and features standardized furnace modules for annealing and cooling materials, providing clients with flexibility in application. With years of experience, Atc Aluvation Technology is committed to delivering sustainable solutions that enhance the efficiency and performance of aluminum components.

viamon

Seed Round in 2014
viamon GmbH specializes in the development and marketing of GPS-based geo-fencing anti-theft systems aimed at protecting photovoltaic plants and high-value goods. The company provides comprehensive monitoring and theft protection services, which include 24/7 alarm monitoring through a control center, as well as user-friendly web portals and mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. Operating from Kaiserslautern, Germany, viamon serves a diverse range of markets including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Namibia, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, focusing on the security needs of photovoltaic systems and inverters.

Subitec

Series B in 2012
Subitec GmbH, founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial and Biotechnology, specializes in manufacturing microalgae biotechnology cultivation equipment and turn-key production systems. The company offers a range of Flat Panel Airlift Photobioreactors in various sizes, including 6 liter, 28 liter, 100 liter, and 180 liter volumes, along with essential components such as lighting systems, media feeds, temperature control, and harvesting tools. Subitec's systems are designed for diverse applications, including nutraceuticals, food and feed, aquaculture, cosmetics, research, and energy markets. The company provides solutions for indoor, outdoor, compact, and hybrid systems, as well as pilot plants, enabling clients to produce sustainable bio-products from microalgae. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, Subitec operates as a subsidiary of Roeser Medical GmbH & Co. KG.

Clean Mobile

Series A in 2011
Clean Mobile AG, founded in 2006 in Munich, Germany, specializes in developing advanced electrical drive train technologies for light electric vehicles (LEVs). The company has established itself as a leader in this sector, focusing on innovative solutions for various applications, including cargo vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters. With a dedicated team of over 20 skilled employees, Clean Mobile has created a patented electrical drive train system that aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of LEVs globally.

Saperatec

Seed Round in 2011
Saperatec, founded in December 2010, is based in Bielefeld, where it operates comprehensive production facilities focused on the separation of bonded and coated materials. The company specializes in recycling technology that enables the processing of multi-layer materials into secondary raw materials. Utilizing both physical and chemical principles, Saperatec's innovative technology enhances the conversion of waste into recyclable materials, providing valuable recycling alternatives for various products. Additionally, the facility includes a laboratory dedicated to exploring and developing new technologies, further advancing the company's capabilities in the recycling sector.

enymotion

Venture Round in 2008
Enymotion specializes in the development and production of ultra-quiet, zero-emission mobile fuel cell systems designed for recreational applications such as caravans and boats. These systems provide a self-sufficient power supply, utilizing the caloric equivalent of conventional fuels or liquid gas to deliver energy without generating noise or exhaust. By offering a reliable battery backup solution for motor homes, sailing boats, and utility vehicles, Enymotion enables consumers to enjoy independent power consumption while minimizing environmental impact.

Clean Mobile

Series A in 2008
Clean Mobile AG, founded in 2006 in Munich, Germany, specializes in developing advanced electrical drive train technologies for light electric vehicles (LEVs). The company has established itself as a leader in this sector, focusing on innovative solutions for various applications, including cargo vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters. With a dedicated team of over 20 skilled employees, Clean Mobile has created a patented electrical drive train system that aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of LEVs globally.

Intelligent Fluid

Series A in 2006
Intelligent Fluids GmbH is a technology company specializing in the development of innovative, high-performance cleaning fluids that utilize a patented technology combining gentle ingredients to create dynamic phase fluids. These fluids are designed for specific applications and function effectively without chemical dissolving or etching, making them safe for users, equipment, and the environment. They are particularly suited for industries such as microelectronics, industrial maintenance, optics, printing, and building protection, among others. The company's products facilitate the removal of dirt, residues, coatings, and lacquers, offering significant advantages in process optimization and cost savings. Additionally, Intelligent Fluids is committed to sustainability, supporting multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals by reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and material use. Beyond its product line, the company also engages in joint development and private label agreements, further broadening its impact in the eco-friendly cleaning sector.
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