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 Laser

Midel Photonics

Seed Round in 2023
Midel Photonics specializes in the manufacturing of laser beam shapers and splitters utilizing diffractive optics technology to effectively redistribute laser light. The company's products are designed to enhance various applications by providing innovative solutions that improve process quality and reduce defects. Midel Photonics focuses on compatibility with leading laser types, which allows businesses to benefit from accelerated processes and increased efficiency in their operations.

Blickfeld

Venture Round in 2023
Blickfeld is a Munich-based company that specializes in producing LiDAR sensors and detection software for autonomous mobility and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Founded in 2017, Blickfeld's technology utilizes patented silicon MEMS mirrors along with commercial off-the-shelf components to create cost-effective laser range scanners. These sensors are designed to measure direct distance information in three dimensions, enabling high-definition geometric mapping and object detection. Blickfeld's innovative approach allows for the mass production of low-cost LiDAR systems that meet stringent automotive performance standards, making advanced technology accessible for the autonomous driving market.

Refined Laser Systems

Seed Round in 2023
Refined Laser Systems is a dynamic biophotonics company.It specialises in creating innovative laser systems for SRS-microscopy and quantum technology.

Samp

Series A in 2022
Samp is a software development company founded in 2019 in Paris, France, specializing in the creation of Digital Twins to consolidate technical information for various stakeholders. The company offers two main products: Digital Twin as a Service and As-Built automatic verification. The Digital Twin as a Service leverages machine learning to integrate 3D laser scans and technical data, producing an accurate digital representation of industrial sites, accessible through a web portal. This enables engineers and site workers to efficiently verify the actual state of a facility against its initial design. The As-Built automatic verification service employs advanced algorithms to compare laser scans with 3D CAD models, identifying discrepancies that need attention. By automating these processes, Samp enhances the accuracy and efficiency of facility management and design verification.

Blickfeld

Series A in 2021
Blickfeld is a Munich-based company that specializes in producing LiDAR sensors and detection software for autonomous mobility and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Founded in 2017, Blickfeld's technology utilizes patented silicon MEMS mirrors along with commercial off-the-shelf components to create cost-effective laser range scanners. These sensors are designed to measure direct distance information in three dimensions, enabling high-definition geometric mapping and object detection. Blickfeld's innovative approach allows for the mass production of low-cost LiDAR systems that meet stringent automotive performance standards, making advanced technology accessible for the autonomous driving market.

Qnami

Series A in 2021
Qnami AG is a Swiss company established in 2017, specializing in the development of quantum sensing technologies for nanoscale imaging. The company manufactures non-invasive sensors, including the ProteusQ magnetic imaging microscope and the Quantum Diamond product line, which features diamond probes with single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers for high-resolution magnetic imaging. These advanced technologies enable the measurement of electric and magnetic fields with exceptional sensitivity, facilitating a range of applications such as the characterization of magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), imaging of proteins, and fundamental studies of superconductors. Qnami's innovations unlock new possibilities in both scientific research and industrial applications, aiming to enhance understanding and improve various aspects of life and technology.

Qnami

Seed Round in 2019
Qnami AG is a Swiss company established in 2017, specializing in the development of quantum sensing technologies for nanoscale imaging. The company manufactures non-invasive sensors, including the ProteusQ magnetic imaging microscope and the Quantum Diamond product line, which features diamond probes with single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers for high-resolution magnetic imaging. These advanced technologies enable the measurement of electric and magnetic fields with exceptional sensitivity, facilitating a range of applications such as the characterization of magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), imaging of proteins, and fundamental studies of superconductors. Qnami's innovations unlock new possibilities in both scientific research and industrial applications, aiming to enhance understanding and improve various aspects of life and technology.

dotscene

Seed Round in 2019
Dotscene GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Freiburg, Germany, specializes in the development of three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technology for the real estate industry. The company offers the dotcube 600k laser scanning system, which can be operated on foot, by drones, or vehicles. This system generates computer-aided design (CAD) models, true-to-scale floor plans, and facade projections. In addition to its hardware, Dotscene develops mobile laser data acquisition software that employs simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms to transform indoor and outdoor environments into accurate 3D models. By providing effective mobile mapping services, Dotscene integrates its technology into clients' workflows, enhancing planning and design processes.

Blickfeld

Seed Round in 2018
Blickfeld is a Munich-based company that specializes in producing LiDAR sensors and detection software for autonomous mobility and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Founded in 2017, Blickfeld's technology utilizes patented silicon MEMS mirrors along with commercial off-the-shelf components to create cost-effective laser range scanners. These sensors are designed to measure direct distance information in three dimensions, enabling high-definition geometric mapping and object detection. Blickfeld's innovative approach allows for the mass production of low-cost LiDAR systems that meet stringent automotive performance standards, making advanced technology accessible for the autonomous driving market.

Blickfeld

Seed Round in 2017
Blickfeld is a Munich-based company that specializes in producing LiDAR sensors and detection software for autonomous mobility and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Founded in 2017, Blickfeld's technology utilizes patented silicon MEMS mirrors along with commercial off-the-shelf components to create cost-effective laser range scanners. These sensors are designed to measure direct distance information in three dimensions, enabling high-definition geometric mapping and object detection. Blickfeld's innovative approach allows for the mass production of low-cost LiDAR systems that meet stringent automotive performance standards, making advanced technology accessible for the autonomous driving market.

Pulsar Photonics

Seed Round in 2016
The Pulsar Photonics GmbH is a 2013 established technology-oriented spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT. The range of the company includes the development, production and sales of machines, integrated tools and measuring systems for material processing with short and ultrashort pulse lasers. Modular systems for beam shaping and beam deflection are specifically reinforced with sensors in order to simplify the operation of USP lasers systems and increase productivity significantly. By integrating sensor modules processes can be monitored and workpieces and machining results can be qualified directly in the machine. The interface to the user and the control of the module chain via an intuitive software that is tuned to the automated configuration of the modules. In addition to system development is Pulsar Photonics competent partner for the prototype and batch production with (ultra) short pulse lasers. Core processes structuring, drilling and precision cutting. The Pulsar Photonics team consists of experts with many years of project experience in the areas of Laserprocess- and system development. As an internationally oriented company Pulsar Photonics is part of a powerful network of laser, component and equipment manufacturers and laser users from different sectors.

Cycle

Seed Round in 2016
Cycle was founded with the mission of building innovative ultrafast laser technology for science and industry that excels through performance and reliability in application. A versatile team, backed with decades of expertise in laser technology and system integration, works closely together with applicants to plan and install solutions for active environments. Cycle's team offers comprehensive consulting, service and support to realize the best match for your requirements.

Scopis

Series A in 2013
Scopis is a developer and manufacturer of clinical navigation system for image guided surgery specializing in laser-based measuring and endoscopic augmented reality. Scopis was founded in August 2010 as a joint spin-off of Charité University Clinic Berlin and Fraunhofer IPK. It received an immediate seed round from German incubator High Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The MATRIX POLAR navigation system range was brought on the European market in January 2011. Scopis has since focused on improving the utility of navigation for endoscopic procedures. Notably, the Augmented Reality navigation product MATRIX POLAR AR was launched in August 2011.

HiperScan

Venture Round in 2013
HiperScan GmbH, founded in 2006 and based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in high-performance scanning technologies for laser beam deflection. The company provides compact scan engines capable of scanning laser beams or collimated light beams over large angles in one or two dimensions. These scan engines serve as sub-units for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers across various industries, including metrology and laser writing. HiperScan is recognized for its expertise in light scanning technologies, catering to a diverse range of applications.

p3d systems

Seed Round in 2013
p3d systems GmbH develops and distributes systems to acquire environment three-dimensional. The company offers portable laser scanning systems that consists of terrestrial laser scanners and navigations units to capture spatial data. Its portable laser scanning systems provide mobile mapping, portable scanning, and 3D-scans.

Notion Systems

Seed Round in 2013
Notion Systems GmbH is a manufacturer based in Schwetzingen, Germany, specializing in the development and marketing of precision inkjet printers, laser treatment equipment, and automation machinery. The company offers high-precision inkjet printers designed for the jetting of technical inks, along with laser systems that provide solutions for ablation, structuring, drilling, and cutting. Notion Systems also focuses on providing custom-made automation solutions, including positioning systems equipped with integrated image processing and alignment capabilities. Their products support industrial production processes by enabling businesses to produce precision 3D parts efficiently and cost-effectively.

GME German Medical Engineering

Venture Round in 2011
GME German Medical Engineering GmbH, established in 2011 and headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, specializes in the development and marketing of advanced laser and light systems for dermatological applications. The company’s flagship product, the Linscan 808, is a versatile diode laser designed for permanent hair removal, skin tightening, and the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis and vitiligo. GME's systems are notable for their ease of use, featuring Plug & Play installation, intelligent software, and WiFi update capabilities. Their compact design facilitates transport, making them suitable for various clinical environments. All products are developed and manufactured in Germany, adhering to stringent medical device approval standards. GME markets its products globally through a network of partner companies, providing innovative solutions to dermatologists in both aesthetic and medical fields.

CorTec

Seed Round in 2011
CorTec is a developer and manufacturer focused on creating advanced medical devices for neuromodulation and brain-computer interfaces. The company has spent a decade on research and development, culminating in the innovative CorTec Brain Interchange™ System. This unique platform allows researchers and clinicians to devise novel therapies for neurological disorders. Central to this system are the °AirRay™ electrode arrays, which are laser-structured, soft, and flexible, ensuring a gentle fit to the brain's contours for reliable, permanent recordings. The implanted electronics, protected by biocompatible ceramic encapsulation, preprocess data and include a custom microchip developed with the University of Ulm. This microchip amplifies and digitizes neuronal signals across multiple channels, while eliminating the need for battery replacements through an external inductive power supply. Furthermore, CorTec provides additional support, services, and components related to the Brain Interchange System to Medtech companies and startups in the neurotechnology sector.

PAS-Analytik

Venture Round in 2010
PAS-Analytik Gasanalytik GmbH in Hamburg develops, produces and sells innovative analyzers that detect gases and measure their concentrations. The name of the company derives from the acronym for „Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy“ - P A S. PAS-Analytik is worldwide the only provider of gas analyzers, that utilizes the proprietary and extraordinarily powerful technique of "Laser-Based Photoacoustics". This principle enables extremely high detection sensitivities and selectivities and allows particularly simple and compact gas analyzers.

Scopis

Seed Round in 2010
Scopis is a developer and manufacturer of clinical navigation system for image guided surgery specializing in laser-based measuring and endoscopic augmented reality. Scopis was founded in August 2010 as a joint spin-off of Charité University Clinic Berlin and Fraunhofer IPK. It received an immediate seed round from German incubator High Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The MATRIX POLAR navigation system range was brought on the European market in January 2011. Scopis has since focused on improving the utility of navigation for endoscopic procedures. Notably, the Augmented Reality navigation product MATRIX POLAR AR was launched in August 2011.

Limata

Seed Round in 2010
Limata GmbH is a development stage company based in Ismaning, Germany, founded in 2009. The company focuses on developing industrial precision machines for ultraviolet lithography specifically tailored for the printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing industry. Limata's technology utilizes a laser diode-based direct imaging system that allows for efficient patterning of circuit boards by exposing carrier materials coated with photoresist. This innovation aims to enhance solder mask applications and improve the overall efficiency of PCB production processes.

HiperScan

Seed Round in 2009
HiperScan GmbH, founded in 2006 and based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in high-performance scanning technologies for laser beam deflection. The company provides compact scan engines capable of scanning laser beams or collimated light beams over large angles in one or two dimensions. These scan engines serve as sub-units for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers across various industries, including metrology and laser writing. HiperScan is recognized for its expertise in light scanning technologies, catering to a diverse range of applications.

Luphos

Seed Round in 2008
Luphos is a company focused on developing ultra-high precision optical distance and topology measurement systems for industrial process and quality control applications. Founded in 2006, Luphos provides solutions that enable non-contact distance measurements with nanometer precision, addressing a variety of measurement tasks. The company has created a 4-axis measurement platform designed to measure the topology of rotationally symmetric objects, whether they have rough or polished surfaces. Additionally, Luphos employs multi-wavelength interferometry sensors to enhance measurement accuracy and efficiency.
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