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.

Dominik Lohle

Senior Investment Manager

Katharina Peters

Investment Manager

Martin Pfister

Senior Investment Manager

Past deals in Internet of Things

SmartLoC

Seed Round in 2024
SmartLoC is a fintech company that specializes in providing innovative trading solutions, IoT-based tracking, payment solutions, and supply chain management services. The company has developed a data-driven B2B payment platform that enhances supply chain visibility and facilitates secure transactions through IoT technology. By focusing on international trade, SmartLoC aims to improve transparency in supply chains while streamlining digital payment processes. This approach allows exporters and importers to bypass traditional banking methods, such as costly letters of credit, thereby reducing risks associated with incomplete or damaged shipments. Through its services, SmartLoC seeks to transform the way businesses manage their supply chains and financial transactions.

Synthara

Venture Round in 2024
Synthara AG, a Swiss semiconductor startup founded in 2019 and based in Zurich, specializes in designing advanced smart sensors for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications and other energy-sensitive uses. The company focuses on developing energy-efficient computational AI chips tailored for various applications, including wearables, health monitoring, augmented reality/virtual reality, and aerospace technologies. Its flagship product, ComputeRAM, serves as a drop-in replacement for traditional SRAM, enabling complex calculations to be performed directly in memory. This innovation significantly reduces CPU workload, enhances system performance, and improves efficiency, particularly for AI applications. Synthara's technology is processor-type agnostic, compatible with architectures such as RISC-V, ARM, and x86, allowing seamless integration into existing microcontroller platforms. By empowering chipmakers and device manufacturers, Synthara aims to lower costs, accelerate time to market, and foster new avenues for innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Tomorrow Things

Seed Round in 2024
Tomorrow Things operates an intelligent automation platform that specializes in creating digital twins of physical assets. By leveraging AI-generated blueprints, the platform facilitates a one-click digitalization process that streamlines asset management and optimizes operations. This technology enhances decision-making through improved data collection and streaming, ultimately fostering greater operational efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, the platform's blueprint capabilities support plug-and-produce functionality, ensuring interoperability across various systems and enabling seamless integration of third-party applications. Through its innovative approach, Tomorrow Things aims to contribute to enhanced efficiency and sustainability in asset management.

BOX ID Systems

Seed Round in 2024
BOX ID Systems GmbH specializes in the development and manufacturing of Internet of Things (IoT) based positioning and identification systems tailored for the industrial supply chain. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, with an additional office in Regensburg, the company offers innovative solutions such as BOX ID DoubleTrack and BOX ID TripleTrack. These systems enable users to accurately track and localize mobile assets and containers in real-time, both indoors and outdoors, enhancing logistics processes. BOX ID Systems provides an end-to-end location and process mining solution designed to efficiently track millions of logistics assets across Europe and globally. Their offerings include advanced analytics software, sensor tracking devices, and management tools that facilitate process automation and optimization, ultimately delivering transparency and efficiency for industrial and automotive production clients in their supply chain operations.

Rabot Charge

Series A in 2024
Rabot Charge is an electric car charging service provider that focuses on delivering advanced digital energy solutions. The company utilizes algorithms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance its charging technologies, allowing users to charge their electric vehicles at home efficiently. Its dynamic electricity pricing platform is designed to support eco-conscious households and electric vehicle owners by optimizing charging schedules based on real-time electricity market data. This approach enables customers to save on energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable energy grid and simplifying the overall experience of vehicle ownership through smart charging automation.

Blickfeld

Venture Round in 2023
Blickfeld GmbH, established in 2017 and based in Munich, Germany, specializes in the production of LiDAR sensors and associated software. These sensors, based on patented silicon MEMS mirrors and commercial off-the-shelf components, measure direct distance information in 3D, enabling autonomous vehicles to perceive and analyze their surroundings. The company's object detection and mapping software processes data from these sensors, facilitating applications in city planning, connected mobility, real-time mapping, and usage pattern analysis. Blickfeld caters to the automotive, transportation, industrial, and robotics sectors, offering low-cost LiDAR systems to support the mass market's transition towards autonomous mobility and IoT applications.

Rabot Charge

Seed Round in 2023
Rabot Charge is an electric car charging service provider that focuses on delivering advanced digital energy solutions. The company utilizes algorithms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance its charging technologies, allowing users to charge their electric vehicles at home efficiently. Its dynamic electricity pricing platform is designed to support eco-conscious households and electric vehicle owners by optimizing charging schedules based on real-time electricity market data. This approach enables customers to save on energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable energy grid and simplifying the overall experience of vehicle ownership through smart charging automation.

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.

Awake Mobility

Seed Round in 2022
AWAKE Mobility is a data science startup focused on aiding public and private bus operators in their digital transformation efforts. It has developed a predictive maintenance platform that utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology and machine learning to enhance the reliability of city buses. By preventing breakdowns and failures, the platform aims to improve the overall experience for passengers. Additionally, it provides bus operators with real-time data regarding the health of their entire fleet, allowing for more informed decision-making and operational efficiency.

Blickfeld

Series A in 2021
Blickfeld GmbH, established in 2017 and based in Munich, Germany, specializes in the production of LiDAR sensors and associated software. These sensors, based on patented silicon MEMS mirrors and commercial off-the-shelf components, measure direct distance information in 3D, enabling autonomous vehicles to perceive and analyze their surroundings. The company's object detection and mapping software processes data from these sensors, facilitating applications in city planning, connected mobility, real-time mapping, and usage pattern analysis. Blickfeld caters to the automotive, transportation, industrial, and robotics sectors, offering low-cost LiDAR systems to support the mass market's transition towards autonomous mobility and IoT applications.

Awake Mobility

Seed Round in 2021
AWAKE Mobility is a data science startup focused on aiding public and private bus operators in their digital transformation efforts. It has developed a predictive maintenance platform that utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology and machine learning to enhance the reliability of city buses. By preventing breakdowns and failures, the platform aims to improve the overall experience for passengers. Additionally, it provides bus operators with real-time data regarding the health of their entire fleet, allowing for more informed decision-making and operational efficiency.

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.

Synthara

Seed Round in 2020
Synthara AG, a Swiss semiconductor startup founded in 2019 and based in Zurich, specializes in designing advanced smart sensors for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications and other energy-sensitive uses. The company focuses on developing energy-efficient computational AI chips tailored for various applications, including wearables, health monitoring, augmented reality/virtual reality, and aerospace technologies. Its flagship product, ComputeRAM, serves as a drop-in replacement for traditional SRAM, enabling complex calculations to be performed directly in memory. This innovation significantly reduces CPU workload, enhances system performance, and improves efficiency, particularly for AI applications. Synthara's technology is processor-type agnostic, compatible with architectures such as RISC-V, ARM, and x86, allowing seamless integration into existing microcontroller platforms. By empowering chipmakers and device manufacturers, Synthara aims to lower costs, accelerate time to market, and foster new avenues for innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Blickfeld

Series A in 2020
Blickfeld GmbH, established in 2017 and based in Munich, Germany, specializes in the production of LiDAR sensors and associated software. These sensors, based on patented silicon MEMS mirrors and commercial off-the-shelf components, measure direct distance information in 3D, enabling autonomous vehicles to perceive and analyze their surroundings. The company's object detection and mapping software processes data from these sensors, facilitating applications in city planning, connected mobility, real-time mapping, and usage pattern analysis. Blickfeld caters to the automotive, transportation, industrial, and robotics sectors, offering low-cost LiDAR systems to support the mass market's transition towards autonomous mobility and IoT applications.

BOX ID Systems

Seed Round in 2018
BOX ID Systems GmbH specializes in the development and manufacturing of Internet of Things (IoT) based positioning and identification systems tailored for the industrial supply chain. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, with an additional office in Regensburg, the company offers innovative solutions such as BOX ID DoubleTrack and BOX ID TripleTrack. These systems enable users to accurately track and localize mobile assets and containers in real-time, both indoors and outdoors, enhancing logistics processes. BOX ID Systems provides an end-to-end location and process mining solution designed to efficiently track millions of logistics assets across Europe and globally. Their offerings include advanced analytics software, sensor tracking devices, and management tools that facilitate process automation and optimization, ultimately delivering transparency and efficiency for industrial and automotive production clients in their supply chain operations.

Blickfeld

Seed Round in 2018
Blickfeld GmbH, established in 2017 and based in Munich, Germany, specializes in the production of LiDAR sensors and associated software. These sensors, based on patented silicon MEMS mirrors and commercial off-the-shelf components, measure direct distance information in 3D, enabling autonomous vehicles to perceive and analyze their surroundings. The company's object detection and mapping software processes data from these sensors, facilitating applications in city planning, connected mobility, real-time mapping, and usage pattern analysis. Blickfeld caters to the automotive, transportation, industrial, and robotics sectors, offering low-cost LiDAR systems to support the mass market's transition towards autonomous mobility and IoT applications.

GWA Hygiene

Venture Round in 2018
GWA Hygiene GmbH is a German company based in Stralsund, founded in 2015, specializing in hygiene monitoring systems for healthcare settings. The company designs and manufactures sensors that monitor hand hygiene standards among hospital personnel, as well as developing a software application that tracks disinfection rates across various wards and professional groups. GWA Hygiene's solutions integrate the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, allowing for the monitoring of both hand and surface disinfection processes. Their sensor technology is installed in disinfectant and soap dispensers, providing real-time data displayed on monitors. Users can choose to store data on an in-house server or utilize the company’s secure cloud server. The accompanying software toolbox enables analysis of hygiene processes and streamlines logistical tasks, such as managing disinfectant supplies and maintaining devices.

Zolitron

Venture Round in 2018
Zolitron Technology GmbH, established in 2016 and based in Bochum, Germany, specializes in developing energy-autonomous cognitive sensors and holistic IoT solutions. The company's core products include Z-Node, an autonomous cognitive sensor; Z-Cloud Analytics, a machine learning and AI-driven platform for data analysis; and Z-Beacon, a maintenance-free Bluetooth Beacon powered by Micro-Energy-Harvesting. Zolitron offers these solutions across various industries, such as waste management, smart logistics, traffic management, and predictive maintenance. Additionally, the company provides consulting services, including feasibility studies, IoT strategy development, and sensor-as-a-service offerings.

otego

Seed Round in 2018
otego GmbH, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, specializes in the development of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) that convert heat into electric power. These generators provide independent energy supplies for wireless sensors and actuators, making them suitable for various applications, 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, founded by a diverse team of professionals, including physicians, a chemist, and a business engineer. This interdisciplinary collaboration is aimed at commercializing their innovative technology.

Blickfeld

Seed Round in 2017
Blickfeld GmbH, established in 2017 and based in Munich, Germany, specializes in the production of LiDAR sensors and associated software. These sensors, based on patented silicon MEMS mirrors and commercial off-the-shelf components, measure direct distance information in 3D, enabling autonomous vehicles to perceive and analyze their surroundings. The company's object detection and mapping software processes data from these sensors, facilitating applications in city planning, connected mobility, real-time mapping, and usage pattern analysis. Blickfeld caters to the automotive, transportation, industrial, and robotics sectors, offering low-cost LiDAR systems to support the mass market's transition towards autonomous mobility and IoT applications.

Wiferion

Seed Round in 2017
Wiferion GmbH, based in Freiburg, Germany, specializes in wireless charging and energy storage systems tailored for mobile robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and electric forklifts. Founded in 2015, the company, formerly known as Blue Inductive GmbH, leverages inductive charging technology to provide efficient energy solutions that enhance the operational efficiency of industrial vehicles. Wiferion’s product offerings include a wallbox, charging pad, receiver coil, mobile charging unit, and energy storage system, all designed to optimize fleet utilization while reducing machine downtime and maintenance costs. The award-winning etaLINK series exemplifies the company's commitment to innovation, having won accolades such as the IFOY Award. Wiferion's technology has been adopted by notable players in logistics, industrial, and automotive sectors, with over 3000 etaLINK systems sold across more than 20 countries, positioning the company as a leading provider of mobile wireless power supply solutions for electric industrial vehicles.

CommSolid

Seed Round in 2016
CommSolid GmbH is a cellular IP company based in Dresden, Germany, specializing in ultra-low power modem solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) market. Founded in 2015, the company develops highly optimized baseband intellectual property (IP) that integrates into customer integrated circuits, facilitating direct internet connectivity for sensors and devices. This technology supports a range of smart applications across various sectors, including health care, smart home, transportation, logistics, and industrial systems. By focusing on the NarrowBand-IoT standard, CommSolid aims to meet the growing demand for efficient and easy-to-integrate communication solutions. As of 2018, CommSolid operates as a subsidiary of Goodix Technology.

Comodule

Seed Round in 2015
Comodule GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Berlin, Germany, operates an innovative platform designed for light electric vehicles, including bicycles and scooters. The platform enables users to monitor essential battery parameters, alleviating concerns about range anxiety by providing real-time data through a smartphone application. This user-friendly interface not only assists in route planning but also transmits usage data to manufacturers, allowing them to make informed development decisions and engage directly with end users. Comodule aims to enhance the technology available in light electric vehicles, positioning itself as a leading force in the sector by integrating advanced data monitoring and visualization solutions.

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.

CargoGuard

Venture Round in 2011
CargoGuard GmbH is a German company specializing in security and transparency solutions for logistics. Founded in 2007 and based in Merseburg, it offers a range of services including portable tracking, secure monitoring of valuables, fixed tracking, and Internet-of-Things lock solutions. The company's innovative system is designed to protect valuable goods, high-end products, and sensitive documents from risks such as loss, theft, and manipulation during transportation and storage. By integrating locking and sealing functions, GPS tracking, condition monitoring, and emergency response features, CargoGuard enables logistics companies, manufacturers, and authorities to effectively manage and safeguard their valuable assets throughout the intermodal supply chain. Its solutions cater to various sectors, including cash and valuables transportation, logistics, automotive, insurance, and manufacturing.

ubigrate

Series B in 2010
ubigrate is specialised powerful integration software to connect enterprise software with data from various intelligent devices, such RFID, Barcode, sensors, PLCs, industrial scales, and others. The company develops its own range of software products for process data capture in production and logistics. It is offered in the SaaS model under the "Geqoo" brand (see http://geqoo.ubigrate.com). ubigrate is also active in licencing its technology in the form of OEM-products for other technology companies.

amedo Smart Tracking Solutions GmbH

Seed Round in 2010
Amedo Smart Tracking Solutions GmbH, founded in 2008 and based in Bochum, Germany, specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative tracking technologies. The company focuses on laser-based navigation systems designed for CT-guided medical interventions, notably offering the amedo-LNS, a laser-controlled navigation solution. Additionally, Amedo provides advanced wireless positioning technology that utilizes passive RFID tags for precise tracking in three-dimensional space, achieving millimeter-level accuracy. Its products cater to a diverse clientele, including hospitals, resident radiologists, and medical technology firms, enhancing operational efficiency and precision in medical procedures.

Grandcentrix

Seed Round in 2010
GrandCentrix is a company that specializes in providing support and services for digital product engineering, with a focus on Internet of Things (IoT) integration and smart home solutions. Founded in 2009 by Ralf Rottmann, the company offers a range of services including user experience design, application development, mobile analytics, and system integration. GrandCentrix assists clients in implementing digital transformation initiatives by delivering tailored solutions that facilitate the development and operation of smart products and platforms. Their expertise extends to maintenance and operational services, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the product lifecycle.

ubigrate

Seed Round in 2009
ubigrate is specialised powerful integration software to connect enterprise software with data from various intelligent devices, such RFID, Barcode, sensors, PLCs, industrial scales, and others. The company develops its own range of software products for process data capture in production and logistics. It is offered in the SaaS model under the "Geqoo" brand (see http://geqoo.ubigrate.com). ubigrate is also active in licencing its technology in the form of OEM-products for other technology companies.

CargoGuard

Seed Round in 2008
CargoGuard GmbH is a German company specializing in security and transparency solutions for logistics. Founded in 2007 and based in Merseburg, it offers a range of services including portable tracking, secure monitoring of valuables, fixed tracking, and Internet-of-Things lock solutions. The company's innovative system is designed to protect valuable goods, high-end products, and sensitive documents from risks such as loss, theft, and manipulation during transportation and storage. By integrating locking and sealing functions, GPS tracking, condition monitoring, and emergency response features, CargoGuard enables logistics companies, manufacturers, and authorities to effectively manage and safeguard their valuable assets throughout the intermodal supply chain. Its solutions cater to various sectors, including cash and valuables transportation, logistics, automotive, insurance, and manufacturing.

amedo Smart Tracking Solutions GmbH

Seed Round in 2008
Amedo Smart Tracking Solutions GmbH, founded in 2008 and based in Bochum, Germany, specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative tracking technologies. The company focuses on laser-based navigation systems designed for CT-guided medical interventions, notably offering the amedo-LNS, a laser-controlled navigation solution. Additionally, Amedo provides advanced wireless positioning technology that utilizes passive RFID tags for precise tracking in three-dimensional space, achieving millimeter-level accuracy. Its products cater to a diverse clientele, including hospitals, resident radiologists, and medical technology firms, enhancing operational efficiency and precision in medical procedures.

Particle Computer GmbH

Seed Round in 2005
Particle Computer is engaged in the development of sensor network technology solutions in Europe. It offers devices, circuits, boards, and various other parts to sense physical phenomena via sensors, compute the data on the sensor node, and to communicate the resulting information to other IT systems. Particle Computer is headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany.
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