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.
Top Stages
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Past deals in GreenTech
eeden
Series A in 2025
eeden is a recycling technology company focused on chemical textile recycling to reclaim cellulose and polyester from polycotton blends. Its patented process separates and recovers these materials to provide outputs that can replace virgin resources in the manufacture of high-quality clothing. By enabling recovery from blended textiles, eeden helps brands reduce dependence on virgin inputs, cut textile waste, and meet evolving environmental regulations. The company also targets conversion of recovered fibers into materials suitable for downstream use, including lyocell or viscose, and pursues scale-upcycling technologies to repurpose textile waste into new products. Through these efforts, eeden aims to accelerate the apparel industry's shift toward a circular economy and offer a pathway to more sustainable textile production.
ctrl+s
Seed Round in 2025
Ctrl+s is a business that specializes in providing high-resolution supply chain data to facilitate decarbonization and promote sustainable practices. It has developed a carbon management platform that helps businesses streamline their supply chain decarbonization efforts. The platform combines deep statistical data with supplier survey insights, enabling companies to effectively monitor their emissions, set reduction targets, and engage suppliers in reducing their carbon footprint.
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.
syte
Seed Round in 2024
Syte is an artificial intelligence company based in Münster, Germany, founded in 2021. It operates an AI-powered platform designed to assist real estate developers by providing real-time analysis of property and building data. The software aggregates essential information related to plots of land, including location data, surrounding structures, materials, sustainability criteria, and estimated returns on investment. This comprehensive analysis supports developers in making informed decisions and promotes the sustainable creation of new living spaces.
BIOVOX
Seed Round in 2024
BIOVOX develops sustainable plastic materials tailored for healthcare applications. Their compounds are renewable, degradable, recyclable, and offer rigidity, surface hardness, and transparency, enabling medical manufacturers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high safety standards.
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.
FarmInsect
Series A in 2023
FarmInsect GmbH, established in 2019 and headquartered in Bergkirchen, Germany, specializes in automated insect breeding systems. The company develops machines and IoT solutions that enable regional farmers to rear insects on-site for use as animal feed, primarily for chickens, pigs, and fish. This sustainable approach aims to replace imported soy or fishmeal with locally produced protein feed, thereby enhancing the efficiency of animal husbandry while reducing environmental impact.
Resourcify
Series A in 2023
Resourcify GmbH, established in 2015 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in developing and operating a neutral cloud platform for waste management. This platform enables businesses to efficiently manage their waste and recycling operations online, reducing administrative tasks by up to 40% compared to conventional methods. Key features include container pick-up scheduling, real-time collection tracking, documentation management, and legally compliant reporting. Trusted by global corporations such as Cargill and McDonald's, Resourcify aims to facilitate a zero-waste future through digital transformation of recycling processes.
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!
sewts
Series A in 2023
sewts GmbH, founded in 2019 and located in Munich, Germany, specializes in automation technology focused on the processing of easily deformable materials, particularly textiles. The company collaborates with the Technical University of Munich to create finite element (FE) simulations that accurately replicate textile behavior. Its flagship product, Velum, is an AI-driven technology that analyzes textiles and converts insights into robotic commands. This innovative solution supports real-time motion and trajectory planning, enabling efficient control of industrial robots and coordination among multiple robots. sewts' technology streamlines complex manual processes in industrial settings, such as laundries and garment manufacturing, while promoting sustainability and innovation in production methods. The company is supported by several investors, including APEX Ventures and Bayern Kapital, which underscores its commitment to advancing the robotics and textile industries.
Bind-X
Series B in 2023
Bind-X is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing the sustainability of various industries through innovative applications. The company specializes in the development of microbiologically induced bio-cement, which utilizes a bio-geochemical process to facilitate calcium carbonate precipitation within soil. This technology enables clients to transform sand into bricks, providing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for dust control and pollution management. By optimizing biotechnological processes, Bind-X aims to improve both the sustainability and profitability of its clients' operations.
Materials Nexus
Seed Round in 2023
Materials Nexus is a deep-tech company specializing in automated quantum calculations for accurate large-scale material analysis. They aim to accelerate the development of sustainable materials and reduce CO2 emissions.
ReCatalyst
Seed Round in 2023
ReCatalyst develops advanced catalysts for next-generation PEM fuel cells. It specializes in creating patented platinum-alloy nano-catalysts that enhance stability and reduce platinum usage, aiming to facilitate the decarbonization of energy and transport sectors through applications like green hydrogen production.
Phytonics
Seed Round in 2023
Phytonics specializes in designing and providing anti-reflective coating products for photovoltaic modules. These coatings offer superior light-trapping capabilities, enhancing solar energy absorption and facilitating the transition to renewable energy sources.
Intelligent fluids
Series B in 2023
Intelligent fluids develops high-performance cleaning fluids based on a patented technology that combines gentle ingredients to create dynamic phase fluids tailored to specific needs. The fluids achieve cleaning effects through physical mechanisms rather than chemical dissolution, making them safe for users, equipment, and the environment. They are designed for microelectronics, electronics, optics, printing, industrial maintenance, and building protection, and are used for stripping, removing dirt, residues, coatings, and lacquer. The company pursues ongoing product development for its own line and collaborates on joint development agreements and private-label projects. In addition to established applications, the technology has potential in fields such as functional skincare and dental cosmetics. The approach aims to improve process efficiency and sustainability by offering alternatives to conventional solvents.
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.
Refuel Green
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Refuel Green provides services in the fields of technical and economic analyses and evaluations of individual PtX technologies up to complete PtX systems and projects. They offer consulting services in the field of renewable and CO2-neutral fuels.
Crocus Labs
Seed Round in 2022
Crocus Labs is a Berlin-based deep tech company specializing in advanced light engine technology. It develops energy-saving solutions for wellness, horticultural, and specialty lighting applications, aiming to bring its innovations to residential, commercial, and industrial spaces worldwide.
syte
Seed Round in 2022
Syte is an artificial intelligence company based in Münster, Germany, founded in 2021. It operates an AI-powered platform designed to assist real estate developers by providing real-time analysis of property and building data. The software aggregates essential information related to plots of land, including location data, surrounding structures, materials, sustainability criteria, and estimated returns on investment. This comprehensive analysis supports developers in making informed decisions and promotes the sustainable creation of new living spaces.
EcoPals
Seed Round in 2022
EcoPals is a company focused on developing sustainable solutions for road construction by transforming waste plastics into innovative materials. It specializes in creating a carbon-reducing asphalt additive derived from non-recyclable plastics, providing a low-cost alternative to traditional bitumen additives. This approach not only helps address global plastic waste issues but also enhances the quality of road infrastructure. By offering eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives, EcoPals aims to contribute to a more sustainable future in the construction industry.
eeden
Seed Round in 2022
eeden is a recycling technology company focused on chemical textile recycling to reclaim cellulose and polyester from polycotton blends. Its patented process separates and recovers these materials to provide outputs that can replace virgin resources in the manufacture of high-quality clothing. By enabling recovery from blended textiles, eeden helps brands reduce dependence on virgin inputs, cut textile waste, and meet evolving environmental regulations. The company also targets conversion of recovered fibers into materials suitable for downstream use, including lyocell or viscose, and pursues scale-upcycling technologies to repurpose textile waste into new products. Through these efforts, eeden aims to accelerate the apparel industry's shift toward a circular economy and offer a pathway to more sustainable textile production.
viboo
Convertible Note in 2022
Viboo is a company that specializes in self-learning predictive control technology powered by physics-informed machine learning. It provides a cloud-based platform designed for smart thermostat manufacturers and building automation companies, facilitating the development of computationally efficient models for predictive control in buildings. Viboo's platform offers smart thermostat solutions tailored for residential environments and building automation services for light commercial spaces. The company’s intuitive API delivers control algorithms that help users optimize energy usage by taking into account both user preferences and weather forecasts. Through its innovative approach, Viboo aims to enhance energy efficiency and user comfort in building management systems.
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.
FarmInsect
Seed Round in 2021
FarmInsect GmbH, established in 2019 and headquartered in Bergkirchen, Germany, specializes in automated insect breeding systems. The company develops machines and IoT solutions that enable regional farmers to rear insects on-site for use as animal feed, primarily for chickens, pigs, and fish. This sustainable approach aims to replace imported soy or fishmeal with locally produced protein feed, thereby enhancing the efficiency of animal husbandry while reducing environmental impact.
sewts
Seed Round in 2021
sewts GmbH, founded in 2019 and located in Munich, Germany, specializes in automation technology focused on the processing of easily deformable materials, particularly textiles. The company collaborates with the Technical University of Munich to create finite element (FE) simulations that accurately replicate textile behavior. Its flagship product, Velum, is an AI-driven technology that analyzes textiles and converts insights into robotic commands. This innovative solution supports real-time motion and trajectory planning, enabling efficient control of industrial robots and coordination among multiple robots. sewts' technology streamlines complex manual processes in industrial settings, such as laundries and garment manufacturing, while promoting sustainability and innovation in production methods. The company is supported by several investors, including APEX Ventures and Bayern Kapital, which underscores its commitment to advancing the robotics and textile industries.
traceless materials
Seed Round in 2021
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!
HighLine Technology
Pre Seed Round in 2021
HighLine Technology develops and commercializes highly efficient dispensing technology to reduce material usage in the photovoltaics sector and provides dispensing solutions for other industries. Its parallel dispensing technology lowers material consumption in solar cell manufacturing by applying front metal contacts to silicon solar cells and can be integrated into conventional production lines to replace the screen‑printing process for front‑side contacts, enabling resource savings, higher electricity yield, and improved throughput.
MagnoTherm
Seed Round in 2021
MagnoTherm, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, specializes in innovative magnetic cooling and heating technologies. With a team of over 40 experts in magnetocaloric materials, the company is committed to addressing the climate crisis by revolutionizing the cooling industry, which accounts for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions. MagnoTherm's technology offers an alternative to traditional gas compression systems, boasting up to 30% greater energy efficiency while being non-explosive, non-flammable, and requiring low maintenance. The company aims to meet the increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective cooling solutions, providing a viable pathway for policymakers to transition from outdated gas compression methods that have remained unchanged for nearly two centuries.
Crocus Labs
Seed Round in 2021
Crocus Labs is a Berlin-based deep tech company specializing in advanced light engine technology. It develops energy-saving solutions for wellness, horticultural, and specialty lighting applications, aiming to bring its innovations to residential, commercial, and industrial spaces worldwide.
Lignopure
Seed Round in 2021
Lignopure is a manufacturer of naturally degradable biopolymers derived from non‑food lignin sources. Using proprietary technology, it converts raw lignin into tailored, non‑cytotoxic biopolymers that can replace environmentally and health‑harmful chemicals in material science. The company supplies customized lignin for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements, and develops biobased prototypes such as insulating materials, polyurethane foams, aerogels, and 3D‑printing filaments. Its protected technology delivers lignin with unique safety and functional properties, positioning Lignopure as a leading provider of sustainable, lignin‑based alternatives.
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.
Resourcify
Venture Round in 2018
Resourcify GmbH, established in 2015 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in developing and operating a neutral cloud platform for waste management. This platform enables businesses to efficiently manage their waste and recycling operations online, reducing administrative tasks by up to 40% compared to conventional methods. Key features include container pick-up scheduling, real-time collection tracking, documentation management, and legally compliant reporting. Trusted by global corporations such as Cargill and McDonald's, Resourcify aims to facilitate a zero-waste future through digital transformation of recycling processes.
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 is a company based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, specializing in GPS-based geo-fencing anti-theft systems specifically designed for photovoltaic (PV) plants. The company develops and markets innovative monitoring and theft protection solutions for PV modules, inverters, and high-quality goods. Its offerings include 24/7 alarm services facilitated through a control center, as well as web portals and mobile applications compatible with smartphones and tablets. viamon operates in various international markets, including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Namibia, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, providing enhanced security for renewable energy assets and ensuring protection against theft.
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 provides a wireless infrastructure that optimizes outdoor lighting and supports smart city initiatives by facilitating communication between lights, sensors, and devices. Its cloud-based light portals enable the remote control and maintenance of lighting systems, while integrated sensors measure environmental data such as CO2 and ozone levels and monitor traffic flow. Additionally, ICE Gateway offers consulting services and develops both hardware and software for its Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions. The company's diverse offerings encompass applications in traffic management, marketing, security, logistics, and tourism, alongside services like LED retrofits and big data analytics. Incorporated in 2013, ICE Gateway GmbH focuses on advancing smart urban environments through innovative lighting and sensor technologies.
Saperatec
Seed Round in 2013
Founded in 2010, Saperatec specializes in recycling technologies. Its proprietary process physically and chemically separates bonded and coated materials, transforming multi-layer waste into valuable secondary raw materials.
Subitec
Series B in 2012
Subitec GmbH, founded in 2000 in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of microalgae biotechnology cultivation equipment and turn-key production systems. The company offers a range of products, including Flat Panel Airlift Photobioreactors with various cultivation volumes, along with essential components such as lighting systems, media feeds, temperature control, and harvesting solutions. Subitec's systems encompass engineering and construction for outdoor and indoor applications, as well as compact and hybrid systems, catering to diverse markets including nutraceuticals, food and feed, aquaculture, cosmetics, and energy. Originating as a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial and Biotechnology, Subitec focuses on enabling clients to produce sustainable bio-products from high-quality microalgae.
Clean Mobile
Series A in 2011
Clean Mobile AG, founded in 2006 in Munich, Germany, specializes in the development of electrical drive train technologies for light electric vehicles (LEVs). The company, established by Bernhard Gutmann, Werner Gruber, and Rudi Höbel, has positioned itself as a leader in this innovative sector. With a dedicated team of over 20 skilled employees, Clean Mobile has created a patented electrical drive train system that significantly enhances the performance and efficiency of various LEVs, including cargo vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters. Their commitment to innovation has made them a key player in the global LEV market.
Saperatec
Seed Round in 2011
Founded in 2010, Saperatec specializes in recycling technologies. Its proprietary process physically and chemically separates bonded and coated materials, transforming multi-layer waste into valuable secondary raw materials.
WeSustain
Seed Round in 2010
WeSustain is a company that specializes in developing web-based software for enterprise sustainability management. Founded in 2010 and based in Buxtehude, Germany, WeSustain's software assists organizations in measuring, improving, and communicating their sustainability performance. The platform offers a comprehensive management support system that enables clients to implement and manage sustainability initiatives effectively, while also addressing sustainability risks. In addition to its core software, WeSustain provides services such as organizational models, reporting standards, enterprise compliance, stakeholder surveys, and customized workflows. This holistic approach allows companies to enhance their sustainability practices, improve operational efficiency, and promote profitability.
enymotion
Venture Round in 2008
Enymotion specializes in the development and production of ultra-quiet, zero-emission energy sources tailored for mobile applications. The company focuses on creating innovative mobile fuel cell systems that provide a self-sufficient power supply for recreational use, such as in caravans, boats, and utility vehicles. These systems utilize the caloric equivalent of conventional fuels or liquid gas, delivering power without noise or exhaust emissions. By enabling consumers to consume power independently, Enymotion positions itself as a leader in sustainable energy solutions for outdoor and recreational lifestyles.
Clean Mobile
Series A in 2008
Clean Mobile AG, founded in 2006 in Munich, Germany, specializes in the development of electrical drive train technologies for light electric vehicles (LEVs). The company, established by Bernhard Gutmann, Werner Gruber, and Rudi Höbel, has positioned itself as a leader in this innovative sector. With a dedicated team of over 20 skilled employees, Clean Mobile has created a patented electrical drive train system that significantly enhances the performance and efficiency of various LEVs, including cargo vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters. Their commitment to innovation has made them a key player in the global LEV market.
Subitec
Series A in 2007
Subitec GmbH, founded in 2000 in Stuttgart, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of microalgae biotechnology cultivation equipment and turn-key production systems. The company offers a range of products, including Flat Panel Airlift Photobioreactors with various cultivation volumes, along with essential components such as lighting systems, media feeds, temperature control, and harvesting solutions. Subitec's systems encompass engineering and construction for outdoor and indoor applications, as well as compact and hybrid systems, catering to diverse markets including nutraceuticals, food and feed, aquaculture, cosmetics, and energy. Originating as a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial and Biotechnology, Subitec focuses on enabling clients to produce sustainable bio-products from high-quality microalgae.
Intelligent fluids
Series A in 2006
Intelligent fluids develops high-performance cleaning fluids based on a patented technology that combines gentle ingredients to create dynamic phase fluids tailored to specific needs. The fluids achieve cleaning effects through physical mechanisms rather than chemical dissolution, making them safe for users, equipment, and the environment. They are designed for microelectronics, electronics, optics, printing, industrial maintenance, and building protection, and are used for stripping, removing dirt, residues, coatings, and lacquer. The company pursues ongoing product development for its own line and collaborates on joint development agreements and private-label projects. In addition to established applications, the technology has potential in fields such as functional skincare and dental cosmetics. The approach aims to improve process efficiency and sustainability by offering alternatives to conventional solvents.
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