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.

Lena Krzyzak

Principal

Katharina Peters

Investment Manager

Claudia Raber

Partner

Tobias Schulz

Principal

Past deals in Semiconductor

Synthara

Venture Round in 2024
Synthara is a Swiss semiconductor company focused on in-memory computing for embedded chips and smart sensor applications. It develops ComputeRAM, a drop-in memory-based compute technology that performs complex calculations directly in memory, reducing CPU workload and improving performance for AI workloads. The technology targets energy-constrained environments and applications including wearables, hearing aids, biomedical monitoring, AR/VR, and industrial IoT sensors, as well as drones, autonomous navigation, space, aerospace, and automotive use cases. Synthara's approach is processor-agnostic and can be integrated with existing microcontrollers to boost energy efficiency and latency without redesigning silicon. The company supports chipmakers and device manufacturers seeking lower costs, shorter time to market, and greater computational throughput. Based in Zurich, Synthara emphasizes enabling seamless adoption of in-memory computing across embedded platforms to extend battery life and unlock new opportunities for intelligent sensing.

Chipmetrics

Seed Round in 2024
Chipmetrics specializes in developing metrology chips and wafers to enhance semiconductor process control. Its primary product, PillarHall test chips, enables accurate thin film conformality characterization, accelerating applications of conformal 3D thin films in advanced materials and microelectronics manufacturing.

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.

Midel Photonics

Seed Round in 2023
Midel Photonics specializes in the manufacture of laser beam shapers and splitters utilizing diffractive optics to efficiently redistribute laser light. The company's products are designed to enhance process quality and reduce defects across a variety of applications, ensuring compatibility with leading laser types. By providing innovative solutions in laser beam shaping, Midel Photonics aims to accelerate processes for businesses, contributing to improved operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Soluterials

Seed Round in 2023
Soluterials manufactures innovative, high-performance pure aluminium materials designed to promote sustainability and combat climate change. Their products leverage the natural properties of aluminium, such as conductivity and corrosion resistance, to provide solutions for functional and structural lightweight construction.

Delft Circuits

Series A in 2023
Delft Circuits manufactures specialized hardware for quantum engineers and industries. They offer in-house cleanroom fabrication, cryogenic high-frequency laboratories, and expertise in microwave design, engineering, and superconducting materials to enable customers to achieve scalable, high-performance Input/Output (I/O) solutions.

InCirT

Seed Round in 2022
InCirT develops ultra-high-speed, low-power data converters and IP solutions that enhance wireless communication and radar performance. The company focuses on modulation bandwidth and energy efficiency, delivering wide-bandwidth technology suitable for integration into wireless chipsets and digital radar devices. Its solutions support mmWave 5G and 6G applications, enabling more energy-efficient and compact system designs.

HQS Quantum Simulations

Seed Round in 2022
HQS Quantum Simulations GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Karlsruhe, Germany, specializes in the development of quantum algorithms aimed at predicting molecular properties for various industries, including performance materials, specialty chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The company's innovations address the lengthy and costly processes involved in the design and development of functional molecules and formulations. By leveraging quantum computing, HQS Quantum Simulations seeks to enhance the efficiency of simulations, which are crucial for reducing the time-to-market and costs associated with research and development cycles. Their platform enables companies to better understand chemical and physical interactions, thereby accelerating product development in the chemistry and pharmaceutical sectors.

Aegiq

Seed Round in 2022
Aegiq Ltd. is a company specializing in the development of semiconductor-based quantum photonic chips, which are designed for various communications and computing applications such as broadband quantum communication, imaging, microscopy, and scalable quantum computing. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Sheffield, United Kingdom, Aegiq adopts a full-stack photonic quantum computing approach that provides speed, compactness, and modularity. The company's technology serves a diverse range of industries, including defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, addressing complex computational challenges. Aegiq's integrated photonic platform aims to facilitate large-scale quantum computing with multi-million qubit operations, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and systems related to quantum cybersecurity and networking.

Qnami

Series A in 2021
Qnami AG is a Swiss company that specializes in the development of quantum sensing technologies for non-invasive magnetic imaging at the nanoscale. Founded in 2017 and based in Basel, Qnami's flagship products include the ProteusQ, a magnetic imaging microscope, and the Quantum Diamond, which features diamond probes with a single nitrogen-vacancy center for high-resolution imaging. These technologies allow for advanced applications in various fields, including multiferroic antiferromagnets, magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), and superconductivity. By enabling researchers and industries to measure electric and magnetic fields with exceptional sensitivity, Qnami enhances the capabilities of imaging techniques and supports groundbreaking scientific studies and industrial advancements.

Delft Circuits

Venture Round in 2021
Delft Circuits manufactures specialized hardware for quantum engineers and industries. They offer in-house cleanroom fabrication, cryogenic high-frequency laboratories, and expertise in microwave design, engineering, and superconducting materials to enable customers to achieve scalable, high-performance Input/Output (I/O) solutions.

Synthara

Seed Round in 2020
Synthara is a Swiss semiconductor company focused on in-memory computing for embedded chips and smart sensor applications. It develops ComputeRAM, a drop-in memory-based compute technology that performs complex calculations directly in memory, reducing CPU workload and improving performance for AI workloads. The technology targets energy-constrained environments and applications including wearables, hearing aids, biomedical monitoring, AR/VR, and industrial IoT sensors, as well as drones, autonomous navigation, space, aerospace, and automotive use cases. Synthara's approach is processor-agnostic and can be integrated with existing microcontrollers to boost energy efficiency and latency without redesigning silicon. The company supports chipmakers and device manufacturers seeking lower costs, shorter time to market, and greater computational throughput. Based in Zurich, Synthara emphasizes enabling seamless adoption of in-memory computing across embedded platforms to extend battery life and unlock new opportunities for intelligent sensing.

Arioso Systems

Venture Round in 2020
Arioso Systems GmbH is a technology company based in Dresden, Germany, that specializes in manufacturing silicon-based micro loudspeakers. The company develops innovative micro-transducer technology featuring rows of 20-micrometer-wide bending strips integrated into silicon chips. Its cutting-edge audio transducer technology utilizes pure silicon Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS), aimed at enhancing sound fidelity in in-ear headsets and hearing aids. By providing a cost-efficient solution for audio applications, Arioso Systems is positioned to revolutionize the market for in-ear audio devices.

Hprobe

Seed Round in 2020
Hprobe SA is a French company established in 2017, specializing in the design and construction of automated wafer-level magnetic test solutions. Based in Eybens, the company develops a three-dimensional magnetic field generator that enables the characterization and testing of various magnetic devices and sensors, including Magnetic Tunnel Junctions, STT MRAM, and TMR sensors. Hprobe's innovative equipment and software facilitate wafer prober testing automation, catering to the needs of the semiconductor industry, particularly in spintronics-based applications. This technology provides customers with efficient testing solutions critical for mass production and the development of embedded memory technologies in system-on-chip designs.

Qnami

Seed Round in 2019
Qnami AG is a Swiss company that specializes in the development of quantum sensing technologies for non-invasive magnetic imaging at the nanoscale. Founded in 2017 and based in Basel, Qnami's flagship products include the ProteusQ, a magnetic imaging microscope, and the Quantum Diamond, which features diamond probes with a single nitrogen-vacancy center for high-resolution imaging. These technologies allow for advanced applications in various fields, including multiferroic antiferromagnets, magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), and superconductivity. By enabling researchers and industries to measure electric and magnetic fields with exceptional sensitivity, Qnami enhances the capabilities of imaging techniques and supports groundbreaking scientific studies and industrial advancements.

HQS Quantum Simulations

Seed Round in 2019
HQS Quantum Simulations GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Karlsruhe, Germany, specializes in the development of quantum algorithms aimed at predicting molecular properties for various industries, including performance materials, specialty chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The company's innovations address the lengthy and costly processes involved in the design and development of functional molecules and formulations. By leveraging quantum computing, HQS Quantum Simulations seeks to enhance the efficiency of simulations, which are crucial for reducing the time-to-market and costs associated with research and development cycles. Their platform enables companies to better understand chemical and physical interactions, thereby accelerating product development in the chemistry and pharmaceutical sectors.

The Ferroelectric Memory Company

Seed Round in 2017
The Ferroelectric Memory Company (FMC), based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in providing embedded nonvolatile memory solutions to the semiconductor industry. FMC's core technology is based on ferroelectric hafnium oxide (FE-HfO2), enabling ultra-low-power, high-performance, and dense non-volatile storage. This technology, known as FeFET, transforms classical high-k metal-gate transistors into nonvolatile ferroelectric field effect transistors, allowing for easy scaling of microcontrollers from 65nm down to 5nm and beyond. FMC's solutions offer significant advantages, including a 80% reduction in system-on-chip (SoC) cost, a 1000x reduction in write energy per bit, and a 70% overall performance gain. The company's technology is designed to be compatible with cutting-edge technology nodes, making it a future-proof solution for the semiconductor industry.

CommSolid

Seed Round in 2016
CommSolid GmbH is a cellular intellectual property company specializing in ultra-low power modem solutions targeted at the Internet of Things (IoT) market. Founded in 2015 and based in Dresden, Germany, the company offers a baseband IP solution that can be integrated into customer integrated circuits, enabling efficient communication for various applications, including health care, smart homes, transport, logistics, and industrial systems. Their flagship product, the CommSolid CSN130, is designed specifically for ultra-low power cellular communication, facilitating direct connectivity of sensors and multiple devices to Internet-based networks. With over a decade of experience in wireless communication, CommSolid possesses unique capabilities for delivering highly optimized and easily integrable solutions to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding IoT landscape. As of 2018, CommSolid operates as a subsidiary of Goodix Technology.

CustomCells

Venture Round in 2013
CustomCells is a battery cell developer and manufacturer that specializes in lithium-ion technology. It designs and produces high-performance cells for automotive and aviation applications and delivers solutions from prototype concepts to full-scale production, including electrode foils, rechargeable modules, and battery systems for a range of uses such as weather stations, satellites, sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles, and concept cars. The company operates multiple development and production sites and is expanding into the United States. It serves as a manufacturing partner for notable programs, including Porsche’s Cellforce Group, and works with partners such as Lilium. CustomCells also provides energy storage components and systems for diverse applications, emphasizing advancements in production through artificial intelligence.

EXTOLL

Venture Round in 2013
EXTOLL is a technology company founded in 2011 as a spin-off from the University of Heidelberg, with support from the German EXIST program. Its core intellectual property, developed by the computer architecture group co-founded by Ulrich Brüning, concerns high-density Active Optical Cable interconnects for computing clusters and was exclusively licensed to EXTOLL. The technology enables longer-distance signal transmission than purely electrical interconnects and underpins a complete product solution for interconnecting clusters ranging from a few nodes to 64,000 nodes.

Extoll

Seed Round in 2012
Extoll develops and delivers products for high-performance computing and data center markets. Founded in 2011, the company offers high-performance network connectors and active optical cables to improve cluster performance, reduce power consumption, and lower total cost of ownership.

SemiLev

Venture Round in 2010
SemiLev GmbH develops and markets Equipment Frontend Modules (EFEMs) and sorters for wafer-handling in the semiconductor industry. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in GroЯwallstadt, Germany.

Limata

Seed Round in 2010
Limata is a German development-stage company based in Ismaning. It specializes in developing precision machines for ultraviolet lithography of printed circuit boards.

Nanda Technologies

Venture Round in 2010
Nanda Technologies, founded in 2006 in Munich, specializes in the manufacturing of wafer inspection systems for the semiconductor fabrication process. The company is comprised of an international team of experienced engineers and managers from the semiconductor and high-tech industries. Nanda Technologies focuses on innovative optical technology that allows for full wafer inspection within the process flow, moving beyond traditional statistical sampling methods. Currently, the company is collaborating with selected lead customers to bring its new product to market.

sim4tec

Venture Round in 2009
sim4tec specializes in simulation software for organic electronics, offering tools for organic material analysis and OLED simulation. Their software is designed to facilitate comprehensive electrical characterization of organic materials, which aids engineers in research, device design, and quality control. With an intuitive user interface, sim4tec's products allow users to quickly engage with the calculation kernel, promoting faster learning and a deeper understanding of the underlying physical processes. By utilizing sim4tec's innovative solutions, developers can significantly reduce research and development costs while accelerating their product design cycles, ultimately enhancing product quality and decreasing time-to-market.

Nanda Technologies

Series B in 2008
Nanda Technologies, founded in 2006 in Munich, specializes in the manufacturing of wafer inspection systems for the semiconductor fabrication process. The company is comprised of an international team of experienced engineers and managers from the semiconductor and high-tech industries. Nanda Technologies focuses on innovative optical technology that allows for full wafer inspection within the process flow, moving beyond traditional statistical sampling methods. Currently, the company is collaborating with selected lead customers to bring its new product to market.

sim4tec

Venture Round in 2008
sim4tec specializes in simulation software for organic electronics, offering tools for organic material analysis and OLED simulation. Their software is designed to facilitate comprehensive electrical characterization of organic materials, which aids engineers in research, device design, and quality control. With an intuitive user interface, sim4tec's products allow users to quickly engage with the calculation kernel, promoting faster learning and a deeper understanding of the underlying physical processes. By utilizing sim4tec's innovative solutions, developers can significantly reduce research and development costs while accelerating their product design cycles, ultimately enhancing product quality and decreasing time-to-market.

Process Relations

Seed Round in 2007
Process Relations is an independent software vendor and consulting firm that focuses on assisting clients in the development and transfer of advanced manufacturing processes. The company operates primarily in high-tech industries, including semiconductors, MEMS, and photovoltaic markets. By offering tailored solutions and expertise, Process Relations aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing operations for its customers.

Nanda Technologies

Venture Round in 2006
Nanda Technologies, founded in 2006 in Munich, specializes in the manufacturing of wafer inspection systems for the semiconductor fabrication process. The company is comprised of an international team of experienced engineers and managers from the semiconductor and high-tech industries. Nanda Technologies focuses on innovative optical technology that allows for full wafer inspection within the process flow, moving beyond traditional statistical sampling methods. Currently, the company is collaborating with selected lead customers to bring its new product to market.

Dresden Silicon

Venture Round in 2005
Dresden Silicon GmbH develops semiconductor intellectual property solutions for multistandard multimedia applications. Its signal processing solutions enable lowering of battery consumption of mobile devices. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Dresden, Germany.

CenterPoint - Connective Software Engineering

Series A in 2005
CenterPoint was founded in 2000 and is based in Villach, Austria with an additional office in Warsaw, Poland. CenterPoint - Connective Software Engineering develops and markets process control and fault detection and classification software solutions. The company offers cause effect analysis, metrology assessment, and close loop and run to run control services. It's focus are the semiconductors, electronics, and steel and alloy industries.
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