Axel Springer

Axel Springer is a prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. Initially starting as a small publishing house in Hamburg, it has grown to become Europe's largest digital publishing entity, with a strong presence in over 40 countries and a leading position in both print and digital content. The company operates a diverse range of media brands, including well-known newspapers and magazines, while also maintaining a significant focus on digital marketing and classified advertising. Axel Springer has successfully transitioned to a digital-first strategy, with digital media revenues now contributing nearly 70 percent of its total income, a significant increase from just 2 percent in 2006. To further enhance its digital portfolio, the company actively engages with startups through its investment arm, Axel Springer Digital Ventures, focusing on innovative business models and technologies that align with its growth objectives. Through this approach, Axel Springer aims to solidify its position as a leading digital publisher while continuing its commitment to informative and entertaining journalism.

Jens Müffelmann

MD and CEO

Ulrich Schmitz

MD

Michael Schwalba

Investment Director

Jörg Schweikart

MD

103 past transactions

Puulse (ex Cappi)

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Welcome to Puulse, the future of banking and financing for the next generation of digital workers! Our platform is designed specifically for gig workers, providing them with instant payment options and a range of tailored financial products to help solve their unique financial challenges. Our mission is to empower the 1 billion gig workers worldwide to achieve Financial Zen, by offering a flexible and user-friendly banking and financing experience that meets their needs. With Puulse, gig workers can access financial tools and resources that were previously unavailable to them, giving them greater control over their finances and peace of mind. Our team of fintech experts is passionate about creating innovative solutions that truly make a difference in people's lives. We're proud to be at the forefront of the gig economy revolution, and we're committed to helping gig workers thrive in today's digital economy. Join us in our mission to transform the world of finance for gig workers. Follow Puulse on LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights, and visit our website to learn more about our platform and how we can help you achieve Financial Zen.

Inkitt

Series B in 2021
Inkitt GmbH owns and operates an online community for writers and readers of stories. The company also publishes books based on crowd wisdom. It offers Inkitt, an online platform for authors to share, review, and promote their writings. The company provides its services for various categories, such as horror, fandoms, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, humor, action, adventure, children, drama, poetry, erotica, and more. It also operates an application for readers. Inkitt GmbH was formerly known as Inkitt UG (haftungsbeschränkt). The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Berlin, Germany.

Wunderflats

Series C in 2021
Wunderflats GmbH operates an online platform that facilitates the search and rental of furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berlin, the company connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, simplifying the process of finding suitable accommodation. Its platform caters to various needs, offering options for family homes, business apartments, student housing, and more, thereby creating a comprehensive housing ecosystem that enhances the rental experience for all users.

Fyppit

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Fyppit (www.fyppit.com) is an online marketplace where people can buy products across categories directly from their local shops, and receive them the same evening via e-cargo bikes. Fyppit is on a mission to bring power back to local, making e-commerce just as convenient, but with more balance, fair commissions and wages, and exponentially more eco-sustainable. - Asset-lite Hub 6 Spoke model - Highly experienced Founding Team with ex.Startupbootcamp, Parlamind & Ninetendo of America - Currently doing a pilot in 3 Berlin districts, with 40+ active selling shops

FRAMEN

Series B in 2021
FRAMEN GmbH specializes in advertising services by streaming advertisements, news, and stories on public screens tailored to specific audiences. Founded in 2018 and based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the company operates an internet-based platform that allows users to find information, ratings, and reviews regarding advertising spaces, screens, and billboards. FRAMEN also offers browser-based software for tracking screen time and the content displayed. The firm connects local businesses with public screens, enabling them to deliver impactful messages instantly. Additionally, FRAMEN leverages cloud-based streaming technology and computer vision for enhanced performance analytics, bridging online marketing with the physical environment. The company's diverse clientele includes cultural organizations, artists, associations, and public institutions.

FRAMEN

Acquisition in 2020
FRAMEN GmbH specializes in advertising services by streaming advertisements, news, and stories on public screens tailored to specific audiences. Founded in 2018 and based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the company operates an internet-based platform that allows users to find information, ratings, and reviews regarding advertising spaces, screens, and billboards. FRAMEN also offers browser-based software for tracking screen time and the content displayed. The firm connects local businesses with public screens, enabling them to deliver impactful messages instantly. Additionally, FRAMEN leverages cloud-based streaming technology and computer vision for enhanced performance analytics, bridging online marketing with the physical environment. The company's diverse clientele includes cultural organizations, artists, associations, and public institutions.

Homeday

Venture Round in 2020
Homeday is a real estate company. It provides a platform for data-driven pairing in the real estate industry. Its platform helps real estate agents to pair with private property owners to sell their property. The Company offers a platform for property owners to find brokers, as well as provides real estate appraisal, land valuation, and leasing services. Homeday was founded by Steffen Wicker and Dmitri Uvarovski in 2014.

RealFriend

Seed Round in 2020
RealFriend Inc. provides virtual real estate services. The company was formerly known as Shiboleth LLP. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Wilmington, Delaware.

Goggo Network

Series A in 2019
Goggo Network manufactures autonomous driverless cars. It provides autonomous, electric, and shared mobility solutions through the autonomous mobility networks. The company develops legal and engineering frameworks for the European autonomous mobility industry allowing them to deal with heavy traffic, pollution, and other major issues. Goggo Network is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.

OZY Media

Series C in 2019
OZY Media, Inc. is a media and entertainment company that focuses on delivering news and information across various platforms including digital, video, and events. Founded in 2012 and based in Mountain View, California, it aims to engage a curious audience by presenting new ideas, emerging trends, and innovative narratives. OZY Media offers a range of programs designed to cater to diverse interests, including the Presidential Daily Brief, Rising Stars, and Provocateurs, among others. Through its content, OZY seeks to challenge conventional perspectives and spark meaningful conversations, reaching an audience of approximately 50 million individuals.

Proportunity

Seed Round in 2019
Proportunity Limited is a technology-driven mortgage lender based in London, United Kingdom, specializing in providing innovative financing solutions for first-time home buyers. Founded in 2016 by Vadim Toader and Stefan Boronea, the company leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze real estate data, accurately forecasting house prices and identifying high-growth areas. By offering equity and mortgage loans, Proportunity aims to assist buyers in overcoming the challenges of deposit requirements, allowing them to purchase homes in promising locations while potentially paying less than their current rent. Through its data-driven insights, Proportunity empowers customers to make informed decisions in the real estate market.

Group Nine Media

Corporate Round in 2019
Group Nine Media is a digital media holding company that specializes in creating engaging content across various categories, including food, drink, entertainment, and news. Founded in 2016 and based in New York, the company comprises four key brands: The Dodo, a social video platform focused on animals; NowThis, which delivers video news tailored for social media; Thrillist, a lifestyle brand covering food, drink, travel, and entertainment; and Seeker, a channel dedicated to science and exploration. Group Nine Media aims to connect with a millennial audience, generating nearly 4 billion video views each month through its digital-first approach.

Fineway

Series A in 2019
25$m+ funded, Munich-based travel SaaS startup. Running the most advanced B2B platform for individual travel. - Top3 Winner Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award 2019 - Top3 Winner Gründerszene Growth Award 2018 - Best Consumer Product @ EyeForTravel 2018 (London)

Anzu.io

Series A in 2019
Anzu.io, founded in 2017 and based in Tel Aviv with an additional location in Berlin, offers an innovative in-game advertising platform that integrates non-intrusive advertisements into video games and esports. The company's Blended In-Game Advertising solution enables top-tier game studios to incorporate brand advertisements seamlessly into gameplay, enhancing engagement without disrupting the user experience. Utilizing advanced programmatic technology and real-time data, Anzu allows brand advertisers to deploy ads in recognized formats across an exclusive inventory of popular video games, ensuring brand safety and ad visibility. By providing game developers with new revenue streams through cross-platform advertising and monetization solutions, Anzu empowers them to maintain control over content and analytics. The company aims to transform gaming and esports into a premium revenue engine, driven by its commitment to a native advertising approach that meets the needs of the video gaming industry.

Familynet GmbH

Series A in 2019
familynet developes Looping. Looping is a social organizer which helps to share events between individuals, groups, organizations and brands

Wunderflats

Series B in 2019
Wunderflats GmbH operates an online platform that facilitates the search and rental of furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berlin, the company connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, simplifying the process of finding suitable accommodation. Its platform caters to various needs, offering options for family homes, business apartments, student housing, and more, thereby creating a comprehensive housing ecosystem that enhances the rental experience for all users.

dott

Series A in 2019
Dott is a micro-mobility company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializing in shared e-scooters and e-bikes for short-distance travel. Founded in 2018, Dott aims to provide convenient and sustainable transportation alternatives within urban environments. The company has assembled a team of experienced professionals from the mobility and technology sectors in Europe. Recently, Dott secured an initial investment of €20 million to support its growth and expansion efforts.

GetYourLawyer

Funding Round in 2019
GetYourLawyer enables clients to compare prices for legal services, find the ideal lawyer with just a few clicks, mandate them directly and handle the legal case including all payments online. Thanks to the unique matching process, GetYourLawyer finds the right specialist for each case and client. For lawyers, GetYourLawyer offers a comprehensive SaaS solution, thanks to which the law firm can be digitized and automated, and at the same time enables the acquisition of new customers directly via the platform. GetYourLawyer has been acquired by Ringier Axel Springer Switzerland in 2019.

Housell

Venture Round in 2019
Housell nace para cambiar la forma en la que se relacionan compradores y vendedores de inmuebles. Nuestra misión es dar un servicio inmobiliario más eficaz aprovechando las nuevas tecnologías. Ofrecemos un servicio de marketing exclusivo para cada cliente estableciendo una comunicación directa entre las personas interesadas en comprar y vender un inmueble ahorrando costes de intermediación.

PurpleBricks

Post in 2019
PurpleBricks Group plc is an online real estate agency operating in the United Kingdom, specializing in the sale and letting of properties. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Solihull, the company leverages a combination of local property experts and technology to streamline the real estate process, making it more convenient, transparent, and affordable. By eliminating the need for traditional offices and large transportation fleets, PurpleBricks is able to offer a full estate agency service at a lower cost. Clients pay a one-off fee at the time of instruction, which can be deferred for up to ten months or until the property sells if they choose to use the company's conveyancing services.

Vamos

Seed Round in 2019
Founded in 2019 and based in  Madrid, Vamos’ mission is to change the way people have cars. By removing the traditional car ownership experience replacing it with technology and exceptional customer experience, Vamos offers consumers and sellers a convenient online Car as a Service platform.

Tokabot

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Tokabot Ltd. is a company that operates a fan engagement and monetization platform tailored for the sports and entertainment sectors. Founded in 2017 and based in Ganei Tikva, Israel, Tokabot's platform allows fans to create, automate, and share content while facilitating interaction through online forums. The platform features group chats focused on various sports topics, enabling fans to engage in discussions and participate in betting on specific questions. This approach enhances the fan experience by fostering community interaction and contextual engagement among sports enthusiasts.

Hype

Seed Round in 2019
Pico is a company that designs and develops audience relationship management software solutions tailored for online businesses. Established in 2016 and headquartered in New York, it provides pre-made templates equipped with high-converting Facebook and Google sign-in buttons. Pico's platform caters to various sectors, including newsletters, e-commerce, subscriptions, memberships, and donations. Its services are particularly beneficial for small and midsize businesses that aim to foster close-knit communities around content and identity, such as local newsrooms, trade publications, and non-profit organizations.

CeleraOne

Acquisition in 2019
CeleraOne GmbH offers real-time data, content, people, and machine signals processing through its analytics and automation platform. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. As of March 6, 2019, CeleraOne GmbH operates as a subsidiary of Axel Springer SE.

dott

Series A in 2018
Dott is a micro-mobility company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializing in shared e-scooters and e-bikes for short-distance travel. Founded in 2018, Dott aims to provide convenient and sustainable transportation alternatives within urban environments. The company has assembled a team of experienced professionals from the mobility and technology sectors in Europe. Recently, Dott secured an initial investment of €20 million to support its growth and expansion efforts.

Zizoo

Series A in 2018
Zizoo is a leading boat holiday platform. Zizoo is digitalising and transforming the boat rental industry (worth an estimated €33 billion), which is 10 years behind any other travel sector. They are building a global digital booking platform and website connecting suppliers (charter companies) to travelers worldwide, similar to “Booking.com for Boats”. Zizoo also provides charter companies with a powerful inventory management tool and business intelligence. They are making boat holidays affordable and accessible to everyone (bookings starts from €20 a day). Zizoo is a boat rental marketplace where you can select a boat in a location of your choice and book it as easily as a hotel room. They are not an agent; they simply connect holidayers with charters for an amazing experience on the sea. No booking fees, a simple online booking process, real time availabilities, a professional service – without the additional hassle of contacting several companies.

Lamudi

Corporate Round in 2018
Lamudi GmbH operates an online portal for real estate properties, facilitating the buying, selling, and renting of properties in emerging markets. Founded in 2013 and based in Berlin, Germany, the platform enables users to search for real estate offers globally and connect with local agents for detailed property insights. Lamudi is particularly focused on markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, providing a secure and user-friendly environment for sellers, buyers, landlords, and renters to list or find properties. As of April 2019, Lamudi GmbH functions as a subsidiary of Arabian Web Publishing Group FZ-LLC. Lamudi also has a presence in Indonesia, where it operates as a property management e-commerce company based in Jakarta.

Scroll

Series A in 2018
Scroll is a subscription-based service that provides users with an ad-free online journalism experience. Headquartered in the United States, the company aims to present high-quality content to engaged readers while minimizing distractions from advertisements. By allowing users to access articles on participating news sites without ads, Scroll creates a sustainable revenue model that benefits both users and publishers. This approach not only enhances the reading experience but also supports journalism by sharing revenue with the publishers, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged audience. Through its innovative platform, Scroll seeks to address the challenges posed by the distraction economy and filter bubbles, encouraging readers to focus on meaningful content.

Homeday

Series B in 2018
Homeday is a real estate company. It provides a platform for data-driven pairing in the real estate industry. Its platform helps real estate agents to pair with private property owners to sell their property. The Company offers a platform for property owners to find brokers, as well as provides real estate appraisal, land valuation, and leasing services. Homeday was founded by Steffen Wicker and Dmitri Uvarovski in 2014.

Zumper

Series C in 2018
Zumper, Inc. is an online and mobile rental search platform that facilitates the listing and searching for apartments across the United States. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company aims to simplify the rental process for users, equating it to the ease of booking a hotel. Zumper serves renters by providing a comprehensive marketplace where they can find houses, rooms, condos, or apartments based on customizable criteria such as location, price, and amenities. Additionally, the platform offers tools for landlords and property managers to manage listings and optimize rental success. Zumper also features Instarent, a digital leasing solution that allows users to apply for rentals directly. The company maintains offices in several major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Scottsdale, and Providence.

Vermietet.de

Venture Round in 2018
Vermietet.de is an association of Berlin entrepreneurs and investors whose vision is to make real estate ownership simple and intelligent. They know from their own experience how complex the management of a property can be - and have therefore founded rented.de.

PurpleBricks

Post in 2018
PurpleBricks Group plc is an online real estate agency operating in the United Kingdom, specializing in the sale and letting of properties. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Solihull, the company leverages a combination of local property experts and technology to streamline the real estate process, making it more convenient, transparent, and affordable. By eliminating the need for traditional offices and large transportation fleets, PurpleBricks is able to offer a full estate agency service at a lower cost. Clients pay a one-off fee at the time of instruction, which can be deferred for up to ten months or until the property sells if they choose to use the company's conveyancing services.

Magic Leap

Series D in 2018
Magic Leap is a US-based company focused on developing wearable augmented reality technology that enhances user interaction with digital devices. The company is innovating in the augmented reality sector, creating hardware and software designed to provide a unique AR experience that transforms how users access screens and visualize data. Their headset integrates users' natural visual capabilities with mobile computing, producing visual outputs that closely resemble real-world experiences. Utilizing a Dynamic Digitized Lightfield Signal, Magic Leap generates images that are indistinguishable from actual objects, allowing for seamless integration of digital content into the physical environment. The company's platform aims to improve productivity, particularly in enterprise settings, by enabling users to engage with both digital and real-world elements in an immersive manner.

Group Nine Media

Venture Round in 2017
Group Nine Media is a digital media holding company that specializes in creating engaging content across various categories, including food, drink, entertainment, and news. Founded in 2016 and based in New York, the company comprises four key brands: The Dodo, a social video platform focused on animals; NowThis, which delivers video news tailored for social media; Thrillist, a lifestyle brand covering food, drink, travel, and entertainment; and Seeker, a channel dedicated to science and exploration. Group Nine Media aims to connect with a millennial audience, generating nearly 4 billion video views each month through its digital-first approach.

Homebot

Seed Round in 2017
Homebot, Inc. is a financial planner application designed to help homeowners maximize their wealth through home equity, which is often their largest asset. The platform provides tools for homeowners to understand various financial options, such as refinancing and accessing credit lines, while also assisting lenders and real estate agents in facilitating these processes. Homebot's services are particularly relevant as a significant portion of personal wealth in the U.S. is derived from home equity. Founded in 2015 and based in Denver, Colorado, Homebot operates under ASG, LLC and ASG II, LLC, and has formed a strategic alliance with Black Knight, Inc. The platform aims to enhance client engagement and communication within the mortgage and real estate industries, thereby reducing customer churn and increasing conversion rates.

DIPAT

Venture Round in 2017
DIPAT is Germany's first online medical service for effective living wills. Through an online interview, DIPAT users can independently create, store and regularly update individual preventive care documents online. For the health card, they receive a signal sticker with a retrieval code that catches the eye of medical personnel in an emergency. When the living will is retrieved, DIPAT automatically notifies the deposited contact persons immediately by SMS and e-mail. DIPAT thus closes a serious healthcare gap in Germany: More than 90% of previous living wills are proven to be ineffective because they are too inaccurate, too late on site or too old. Since its launch in January 2016, DIPAT has convinced more than ten thousand users as well as the media, politics, medical specialist groups and health insurance funds of the effectiveness of its services. For the future, DIPAT plans further cooperations with health insurance companies, the provision of its services on the international health market and the expansion of its product portfolio.

Fineway

Series A in 2017
25$m+ funded, Munich-based travel SaaS startup. Running the most advanced B2B platform for individual travel. - Top3 Winner Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award 2019 - Top3 Winner Gründerszene Growth Award 2018 - Best Consumer Product @ EyeForTravel 2018 (London)

AdMobilize

Venture Round in 2017
AdMobilize LLC, a big data company, provides real-time metrics and intelligence for outdoor and indoor advertising, and other verticals that include vending machines. It offers AdPlatform, which allows users to pinpoint their target audience and reach them where they are; AdBeacon and AdDashboard, which allows advertisers to get real-time metrics and in-depth analytics on who viewed their advertisement; and Pay-Per-Look and Pay-Per-Face, which allows advertisers to measure each campaigns’ actual impressions in real-time in the physical world. AdMobilize LLC has a strategic partnership with Verizon. The company was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Miami, Florida.

Caroobi

Series A in 2017
Caroobi is an integrated marketplace for automotive aftersales. The company's mission is to provide the best end-to-end repair experience with a 100% transparent and easy booking process. They seek to revolutionize the automotive aftersales industry – across Europe and throughout the world. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Vermietet.de

Venture Round in 2017
Vermietet.de is an association of Berlin entrepreneurs and investors whose vision is to make real estate ownership simple and intelligent. They know from their own experience how complex the management of a property can be - and have therefore founded rented.de.

Zizoo

Venture Round in 2017
Zizoo is a leading boat holiday platform. Zizoo is digitalising and transforming the boat rental industry (worth an estimated €33 billion), which is 10 years behind any other travel sector. They are building a global digital booking platform and website connecting suppliers (charter companies) to travelers worldwide, similar to “Booking.com for Boats”. Zizoo also provides charter companies with a powerful inventory management tool and business intelligence. They are making boat holidays affordable and accessible to everyone (bookings starts from €20 a day). Zizoo is a boat rental marketplace where you can select a boat in a location of your choice and book it as easily as a hotel room. They are not an agent; they simply connect holidayers with charters for an amazing experience on the sea. No booking fees, a simple online booking process, real time availabilities, a professional service – without the additional hassle of contacting several companies.

Uber

Series G in 2017
Uber Technologies, Inc. is a technology company that operates a mobile application connecting consumers with independent drivers for ridesharing services, as well as facilitating food delivery through its Eats segment. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber has expanded its operations to over 600 cities worldwide, serving customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company has diversified its offerings into five segments: Rides, Eats, Freight, Other Bets, and Advanced Technologies Group. The Rides segment enables users to request rides from a variety of vehicle types, while the Eats segment allows for restaurant discovery and food delivery. The Freight segment connects carriers with shippers for logistics services. Uber is also focused on developing autonomous vehicle technology through its Advanced Technologies Group. By leveraging its platform, Uber aims to enhance urban mobility and deliver innovative transportation solutions globally.

WayUp

Series B in 2017
WayUp connects students with jobs during and after college -- from summer internships to part-time gigs to full-time jobs after graduation. Businesses post a job to a targeted audience of students at any US college, and students can browse through jobs and apply for free. It was created in 2014 and is headquartered in New York, United States.

Qwant

Venture Round in 2017
Qwant is an internet company based in Paris, France, established in 2011, that operates a search engine focusing on user privacy. The platform is designed to respect users' data by avoiding tracking and profiling, which distinguishes it from many traditional search engines. Qwant utilizes its own indexing algorithm to deliver search results tailored to individual users, taking into account their search queries, location, and language preferences. Additionally, it offers features such as instant answers, autocomplete suggestions, and search result filtering to enhance user experience and ensure accurate information retrieval. By prioritizing privacy and user-centric functionality, Qwant aims to provide a reliable alternative in the digital search landscape.

kapilendo AG

Series B in 2016
Kapilendo is an innovative online credit market place that enables small and medium-sized companies to make cheap, fast and unbureaucratic financing by private investors in comparison to banks. The funding candidates are subjected to a credit check at the highest level by Kapilendo AG and then presented on the platform. This gives investors the opportunity to decide in which projects they are investing and to achieve an attractive return and a high diversification of the risk already with low investment yields.

Scroll

Seed Round in 2016
Scroll is a subscription-based service that provides users with an ad-free online journalism experience. Headquartered in the United States, the company aims to present high-quality content to engaged readers while minimizing distractions from advertisements. By allowing users to access articles on participating news sites without ads, Scroll creates a sustainable revenue model that benefits both users and publishers. This approach not only enhances the reading experience but also supports journalism by sharing revenue with the publishers, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged audience. Through its innovative platform, Scroll seeks to address the challenges posed by the distraction economy and filter bubbles, encouraging readers to focus on meaningful content.

Bonial.com

Private Equity Round in 2016
Bonial.com operates the leading location based shopping platform worldwide, with a complementary portfolio of brands and products to connect shoppers with their favourite local stores and brands. Reaching 25 mln users each month, their brands focus on all stages of the shopping journey: discovering deals, following favourite stores, creating shopping lists and ultimately making a trip to the store. More than 1,000 retailers and brands rely on their services to communicate their offers and products, reaching a high quality audience with strong ROI.

Clark

Series A in 2016
Clark is a Berlin-based insurance platform founded in June 2015 by Dr. Christopher Oster and Steffen Glomb. The company specializes in providing transparent, affordable, and comprehensive insurance coverage through a digital platform. By leveraging technology and insurance expertise, Clark offers a user-friendly approach to insurance advice, enabling customers to assess their insurance status easily. Users can access the platform via iOS and Android applications or a website, where they receive an analysis of their current insurance situation and recommendations for optimization. This includes comparing tariffs from various insurance providers, allowing users to manage their insurance needs transparently and at a lower cost. Clark is supported by FinLeap and the Institute for Transparency.

Spectrm

Seed Round in 2016
Spectrm Publishing UG operates a conversational marketing platform designed to facilitate lead acquisition and enhance customer engagement through messaging applications such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Falkensee, Germany, with an additional office in New York, the company provides an AI-driven end-to-end chatbot platform that includes features like conversation automation, intent understanding, customer segmentation, remarketing automation, and engagement analysis. Spectrm's platform is utilized by notable clients including Red Bull, Telekom, CNN, and Ford, enabling businesses to quickly launch conversational commerce initiatives and generate valuable insights.

nextmarkets

Series A in 2016
nextmarkets GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Cologne, Germany, specializes in providing a user-friendly web and mobile application designed to enhance the trading experience for private investors in capital markets. The platform allows users to intuitively trade over 1,000 contracts for difference (CFDs) across various asset classes, including equities, foreign exchange, bonds, and commodities. Recognizing that over 80 percent of private investors struggle in the stock market due to behavioral economic factors, nextmarkets aims to empower users with tools that improve their understanding of trading dynamics and help anticipate financial scenarios. The company's focus is on enabling better-informed trading decisions, fostering a more sustainable approach to investing.

Zizoo

Venture Round in 2016
Zizoo is a leading boat holiday platform. Zizoo is digitalising and transforming the boat rental industry (worth an estimated €33 billion), which is 10 years behind any other travel sector. They are building a global digital booking platform and website connecting suppliers (charter companies) to travelers worldwide, similar to “Booking.com for Boats”. Zizoo also provides charter companies with a powerful inventory management tool and business intelligence. They are making boat holidays affordable and accessible to everyone (bookings starts from €20 a day). Zizoo is a boat rental marketplace where you can select a boat in a location of your choice and book it as easily as a hotel room. They are not an agent; they simply connect holidayers with charters for an amazing experience on the sea. No booking fees, a simple online booking process, real time availabilities, a professional service – without the additional hassle of contacting several companies.

Wunderflats

Seed Round in 2016
Wunderflats GmbH operates an online platform that facilitates the search and rental of furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berlin, the company connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, simplifying the process of finding suitable accommodation. Its platform caters to various needs, offering options for family homes, business apartments, student housing, and more, thereby creating a comprehensive housing ecosystem that enhances the rental experience for all users.

Homeday

Series A in 2016
Homeday is a real estate company. It provides a platform for data-driven pairing in the real estate industry. Its platform helps real estate agents to pair with private property owners to sell their property. The Company offers a platform for property owners to find brokers, as well as provides real estate appraisal, land valuation, and leasing services. Homeday was founded by Steffen Wicker and Dmitri Uvarovski in 2014.

eMarketer

Acquisition in 2016
eMarketer, Inc. specializes in providing data and research focused on digital marketing, media, and commerce, helping companies understand marketing trends and consumer behavior in the digital landscape. The company offers in-depth insights across various categories, including advertising budgets, B2B marketing, content marketing, ecommerce, and social media. Its flagship product, eMarketer PRO, serves as a comprehensive platform featuring reports, a searchable data library, and comparative market data sourced from over 3,000 resources. Additionally, eMarketer Daily, a free online newsletter, delivers valuable data and insights to over 200,000 global readers. Established in 1996 and headquartered in New York, with an office in London, eMarketer serves a diverse clientele, including brands, agencies, media companies, and educational institutions. In 2016, eMarketer became a subsidiary of Axel Springer SE, further enhancing its position in the digital marketing research sector.

Free2Move

Series A in 2016
Free2Move allows people to find and compare vehicles from a wide variety of carsharing providers in one app. Users can see cars from major carsharing providers in their area, find the closest one, compare offers and book the best fit.Their mission is to provide people with easy access to a variety of vehicles and enable them to book directly from the app. The Free2Move App is available for Android, iOS and Windows devices.

Clever-tanken

Acquisition in 2016
Clever-tankem is a financial platform that provides its users with statistics, vouchers, and deals for its users.
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH provides online classified advertising services. It owns and operates a French real estate portal, SeLoger; a German real estate portal Immonet; a German city portal, meinestadt.de; a job portal in the United Kingdom, Totaljobs; and a pan-European job portal, StepStone.

NowThis

Series D in 2015
NowThis Media, Inc. is a digital video news outlet that specializes in producing short video news clips tailored for social media and mobile audiences. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, the company targets 18 to 34-year-olds who prefer mobile devices and social platforms as their primary sources for news and commentary. NowThis distributes its content across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, and its mobile applications for iOS and Android. The company aims to engage young adults by addressing trends in digital consumption through original news content that is both captivating and relevant. Co-founders Kenneth Lerer and Eric Hippeau, both of whom were instrumental in the creation of the Huffington Post, recognized a gap in video news designed specifically for mobile viewers, leading to the establishment of NowThis. The company has garnered support from notable investors, securing funding to enhance its offerings.

Free2Move

Seed Round in 2015
Free2Move allows people to find and compare vehicles from a wide variety of carsharing providers in one app. Users can see cars from major carsharing providers in their area, find the closest one, compare offers and book the best fit.Their mission is to provide people with easy access to a variety of vehicles and enable them to book directly from the app. The Free2Move App is available for Android, iOS and Windows devices.

Thrillist Media Group

Funding Round in 2015
Thrillist Media Group, founded in 2004 and headquartered in New York, specializes in providing online content that focuses on food and drink, travel, and lifestyle entertainment, particularly aimed at a young audience. As a subsidiary of Group Nine Media, it operates a network that includes the flagship brand Thrillist, along with Supercompressor, which merges technology with lifestyle insights, and JackThreads, a destination for style and grooming. The organization emphasizes blending content with commerce, offering guidance on how to maximize time and spending across various lifestyle categories.

Insider Inc.

Acquisition in 2015
Business Insider is an online platform that offers the latest business, celebrity, and technology news across America. The platform also covers technology, finance, politics, strategy, life, sports, and more. The site also provides and analyzes business news and acts as an aggregator of top news stories from around the web. It also offers in-depth insight, data and analysis of the digital landscape, from e-commerce and payments to the Internet of Things and fintech. Business Insider was founded by Kevin Ryan and Henry Blodget in May 2007 and is based in New York, United States.

mytic myticket

Venture Round in 2015
mytic myticket AG develops and operates an electronic ticket platform. The company is based in Hamburg, Germany. mytic myticket AG operates as a subsidiary of DEAG Deutsche Entertainment Aktiengesellschaft.

Wunderflats

Seed Round in 2015
Wunderflats GmbH operates an online platform that facilitates the search and rental of furnished apartments in major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berlin, the company connects tenants, landlords, and businesses, simplifying the process of finding suitable accommodation. Its platform caters to various needs, offering options for family homes, business apartments, student housing, and more, thereby creating a comprehensive housing ecosystem that enhances the rental experience for all users.

Mic

Series B in 2015
Mic Network Inc. operates an online platform dedicated to publishing news, focusing on issues relevant to society's changemakers. Established in 2011 and headquartered in New York, the company provides original reporting across various topics, including politics, business, culture, science, and the environment. Mic aims to reach an audience of 50 million monthly, delivering diverse perspectives that challenge conventional viewpoints. As of November 2018, Mic Network Inc. is a subsidiary of BDG Media Inc.

Retale

Venture Round in 2015
Retale brings the retail weekly ad to life! Retale is a free iOS, Android, Apple Watchy and Kindle Fire app, as well as online resource for shopping at local stores. Based on your zip code, it makes brochures, circulars and coupons from a number of retailers available in a simple, attractive format to users so they can plan their weekly shopping. Users can flip through brochures, get information about products, and learn about offers and deals. It provides a comprehensive overview of all stores and retailers, along with their address and store hours. Check out the apps here: http://www.retale.com/Mobile Retale is a concept that started in Germany four years ago, and is now used by 15 million active users in six countries. Retale currently has more than 3.5 million users and 150 of the largest retailers in the United States You can try out the apps for your Android device, your iPhone, AppleWatch, iPad or Kindle Fire tablet, and check out the web portal at http://www.retale.com.

laut.ag

Series A in 2015
LAUT AG is a German music technology company founded in 1996 and headquartered in Konstanz, Germany. The company specializes in digital media within the music and entertainment sector, operating notable platforms such as laut.fm, which focuses on User Generated Radio™, and laut.de, a music magazine. In addition to these platforms, LAUT AG provides radio broadcasting services and operates a web radio station, contributing to the evolving landscape of online music and radio.

Pocket

Series B in 2015
Pocket, the premier Save for Later app, lets you consume and share content whenever you want, wherever you want, even without an internet connection. It's been called "a DVR for the web" by the New York Times, Business Week, Time, TechCrunch and more. When you come across an article, video or a webpage you'd like to read but can't at that time, save it to Pocket. You can then read or watch it whenever you have a moment, whether it's on the couch, during your commute, on the plane, train, or practically anywhere. Millions of users save articles, videos, travel guides, recipes, how-to and reference documents, and more on Pocket, automatically syncing in a stunning and simple interface across devices like iPad, iPhone, Android, desktop and mobile web, Kobo e-reader, Chrome apps, Kindle Fire and now wearable devices like the Samsung Gear.

Vicomi

Seed Round in 2015
vicomi LTD. provides a visual comment platform that provides tools to measure user sentiment by allowing viewers to tag emotions to their comments. Its platform helps Web publishers to increase engagement and stickiness and thereby monetize online commenting systems; and dashboard allows users to monitor and track comments. The company’s platform recommendations widget makes higher content circulation within the Website that increases traffic, retention, stickiness, visitation time, and Web engagement. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Israel.

Insider Inc.

Venture Round in 2015
Business Insider is an online platform that offers the latest business, celebrity, and technology news across America. The platform also covers technology, finance, politics, strategy, life, sports, and more. The site also provides and analyzes business news and acts as an aggregator of top news stories from around the web. It also offers in-depth insight, data and analysis of the digital landscape, from e-commerce and payments to the Internet of Things and fintech. Business Insider was founded by Kevin Ryan and Henry Blodget in May 2007 and is based in New York, United States.

Leisure Group

Acquisition in 2014
The Leisure Group is one of the largest players in the European online market for accommodation rentals, such as holiday homes, holiday parks and hotels. @Leisure is the market leader in both the Benelux and the German online travel markets. Leisure offers in excess of 300,000 holiday properties in 36 countries, approximately 20,000 of which are under direct contract.

Blendle

Series A in 2014
Blendle operates as a digital platform that allows readers to purchase individual articles from various Dutch newspapers and some Belgian publishers, as well as select magazines like the Economist. Articles are priced between €0.10 and €0.30, and the platform is designed to resemble an iTunes model for news content. Users can explore major front pages and receive recommendations for specific articles, presented in a social media-style format. New users are initially credited with €2.50, and approximately 20% of them exceed this amount in spending. Buyers have a limited period to cancel their purchases for a refund, after which Blendle retains a 30% commission on sales.

OZY Media

Series A in 2014
OZY Media, Inc. is a media and entertainment company that focuses on delivering news and information across various platforms including digital, video, and events. Founded in 2012 and based in Mountain View, California, it aims to engage a curious audience by presenting new ideas, emerging trends, and innovative narratives. OZY Media offers a range of programs designed to cater to diverse interests, including the Presidential Daily Brief, Rising Stars, and Provocateurs, among others. Through its content, OZY seeks to challenge conventional perspectives and spark meaningful conversations, reaching an audience of approximately 50 million individuals.

Car&Boat Media

Acquisition in 2014
Car & Boat Media is the leading digital group in France on the automobile and the boat, bringing together sites with high notoriety and audience: - The Centrale: 1st site of used vehicles - Caradisiac: 1st site of contents automobile and motorcycle - Forum- auto: 1st car community - Promoneuve: 1st site of sale of new vehicles destocked - Announcements of the boat: 1st site of new and used boats.

Qwant

Venture Round in 2014
Qwant is an internet company based in Paris, France, established in 2011, that operates a search engine focusing on user privacy. The platform is designed to respect users' data by avoiding tracking and profiling, which distinguishes it from many traditional search engines. Qwant utilizes its own indexing algorithm to deliver search results tailored to individual users, taking into account their search queries, location, and language preferences. Additionally, it offers features such as instant answers, autocomplete suggestions, and search result filtering to enhance user experience and ensure accurate information retrieval. By prioritizing privacy and user-centric functionality, Qwant aims to provide a reliable alternative in the digital search landscape.

Vertical Media

Acquisition in 2014
Vertical Media is a Berlin-based media house focused on the digital economy. It publishes online magazines such as Gründerszene and VentureVillage, catering to digital entrepreneurs and businesses. In addition to its editorial offerings, the company organizes networking events like Spätschicht, the Heureka! Conference, and the CEO Events Breakfast Club, fostering connections among industry leaders. Vertical Media also provides knowledge transfer through digital databases, seminars, and various other services aimed at delivering relevant information and enhancing transparency. By facilitating dialogue among individuals, companies, and key players in the digital landscape, Vertical Media plays a significant role in the development of the digital economy.

Grunderszene

Acquisition in 2014
Gruenderszene is the German-speaking online magazine for the digital industry in Germany. Vertical Media is the publishing house behind the magazine which is based in Berlin. It started as a privat blog-project of the German serial-entrepreneur [Lukasz Gadowski](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/lukasz-gadowski). Gruenderszene has become a major player in the online coverage of the startup industry in Germany,it delivers news and articles about the German internet, web and tech scene. Gruenderszene is also an organizer of industry events, such as e.g. the "Spätschicht" event in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich. The English version of Gründerszene is called VentureVillage.eu. The company was acquired by [Axel Springer](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/axel-springer) in June 2014.

Mbaas Development

Venture Round in 2014
Mbaas Development has a SaaS solution that allows users to optimize content in existing apps and mobile game.

embraase

Venture Round in 2014
embraase - Fresh out of beta and ready to go, embraase is an easy tool for A/B testing mobile apps with a quick SDK integration that supports iOS, Android, Unity and Xamarin (iOS and Android). The intuitive dashboard allows marketers, developers, and product managers alike to manage A/B tests and personalization campaigns in real time. The platform is scalable, with pricing based on the number of end users of your app--not the number of tests running. embraase also lets you push tests live to your users, without updates to the app store first, resulting in responsive campaigns that don’t require developer or designer input or intervention.

Yad2

Acquisition in 2014
Yad2 is an online classifieds marketplace for buying and selling second-hand products. The marketplace features products such as electrical appliances and furniture as well as a car, real estate, pets, job portal, and professionals. It was founded in 2005 by Shaun Tel in Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv.

Retale

Venture Round in 2013
Retale brings the retail weekly ad to life! Retale is a free iOS, Android, Apple Watchy and Kindle Fire app, as well as online resource for shopping at local stores. Based on your zip code, it makes brochures, circulars and coupons from a number of retailers available in a simple, attractive format to users so they can plan their weekly shopping. Users can flip through brochures, get information about products, and learn about offers and deals. It provides a comprehensive overview of all stores and retailers, along with their address and store hours. Check out the apps here: http://www.retale.com/Mobile Retale is a concept that started in Germany four years ago, and is now used by 15 million active users in six countries. Retale currently has more than 3.5 million users and 150 of the largest retailers in the United States You can try out the apps for your Android device, your iPhone, AppleWatch, iPad or Kindle Fire tablet, and check out the web portal at http://www.retale.com.

Runtastic

Acquisition in 2013
Runtastic GmbH, founded in 2009 and based in Linz, Austria, specializes in health and fitness tracking products. The company offers a diverse range of hardware, including activity trackers, sleep monitors, heart rate monitors, and smart scales that sync with smartphones and tablets. Runtastic is well-known for its flagship mobile app that enables users to track their fitness activities, monitor progress, and connect with others in a social networking environment. The company combines traditional fitness with modern technology, incorporating elements of gamification to engage users. In addition to its app offerings, Runtastic also provides various accessories and music to enhance the fitness experience through its online shop. In 2015, Runtastic became a subsidiary of adidas International B.V., further solidifying its position in the fitness industry. The company aims to inspire individuals to lead healthier, more active lives by providing tools and services that support their fitness journeys.

TunedIn

Acquisition in 2013
TunedIn is a social media startup on a mission to revolutionize the television watching experience. Thanks to the introduction of a Second Screen, they at TunedIn are building an application experience that will forever change the way you discover, connect, and participate with television content.

Visual Meta

Acquisition in 2011
Robert M. Maier and Johannes Schaback founded Visual Meta in a backroom in the Berlin district of Prenzlauer Berg in January 2009. Shoppers have been able to access the virtual shopping centre LadenZeile at www.ladenzeile.de since April 2009. The idea behind LadenZeile came about in conversations with brothers Oliver, Marc and Alexander Samwer. Rocket Internet was the main investor of Visual Meta, until the takeover by Axel Springer in December 2011. The aim was to become a meta-search engine for fashion and other products for which appearance is key. A search engine with a shopping feature at the same time, without the need for its own shipping or storage. The team quickly grew to around 40 employees. In the meantime, Visual Meta employs more than 240 employees in various business areas, such as IT, Business Development, Marketing, Sales or Quality Management. The business model behind LadenZeile was rolled out to other European countries from July to December 2011, including France, Italy and Spain. In addition to LadenZeile in Germany, Visual Meta is also present in 18 other countries under the brands ShopAlike, Shoppala (Turkey) and UmSòLugar (Brazil). Robert M. Maier and Johannes Schaback have continued acting as long-term managing partners even after the takeover.

Autoreflex.Com

Acquisition in 2011
Autoreflex.com is an automotive classified web portal for pre-owned cars. The online portal enables self-employed professionals such as vehicle dealers and agents, and garages to advertise their secondhand cars on its platform. Autoreflex.com provides its clients with a vast criteria to find the cars they need, including brand, model, maximum price, region, and more. It also offers tools and options for its users to search, save recent searches, and compare up to 10 cars through its online comparison service. Autoreflex.com was launched in 1998 by Jean Cartier. It is operated from Paris, France.

Airbnb

Series B in 2011
Airbnb is a global platform that facilitates the booking of unique accommodations and experiences, connecting hosts with guests through its website and mobile applications. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company allows users to discover a diverse range of listings, including private rooms, luxury villas, and unconventional spaces such as castles and sailboats. With over 8 million active listings in more than 65,000 cities across 191 countries, Airbnb serves a wide array of travelers seeking authentic experiences at various price points. The company's revenue primarily comes from transaction fees associated with online bookings, with a significant portion generated from North America. By streamlining the process of listing and reserving accommodations, Airbnb has established itself as a leading alternative accommodation provider in the travel industry.

kaufDA

Acquisition in 2011
kaufDA operates an online platform for digital advertising and brochures and prevailing offers search for local shopping. It also offers an application for leaflets and catalogs of top fashion companies. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Berlin, Germany.

InterRed

Venture Round in 2011
InterRed GmbH develops and distributes software-solutions based on the most advanced information technology. InterRed is one of the leading providers of content management systems (CMS), editorial systems, multi-channel publishing, knowledge management, personalized websites, web analytics and offers print-, web- and mobile-solutions for newspapers, magazines and periodicals, corporate publishing and catalogs. InterRed's line of products consisting of the editorial system InterRed Print, the web content management system InterRed Online, the app-solution InterRed AppPublishing and the modules InterRed ContentAgents (knowledge-management solution) in addition to InterRed LiveReporting (web-analytics software) has something in store for every line of business and every use case.

SeLoger.com

Acquisition in 2011
Seloger operates websites for online property advertisements in France. The company posts property advertisements of real estate agents primarily on Seloger.com, immostreet.com, and Belles Demeures.com.

Azet.sk

Acquisition in 2010
Azet.sk, a.s. operates Internet portals. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Žilina, Slovakia. As of December 17, 2010, Azet.sk, a.s. operates as a subsidiary of Ringier Axel Springer Slovakia, a. s.

CarWale

Acquisition in 2010
CarWale is owned by Automotive Exchange Pvt Ltd and is backed by India’s leading early stage venture capital firm Seedfund and top tier US venture fund Sierra Ventures. CarWale offers a complete consumer-focused service that includes content and tools for exhaustive research, pricing and marketplace information. As consumers research and make purchase decisions, CarWale connects them with automotive manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, allowing them to make the best decisions for their automotive purchases.

Sohomint

Acquisition in 2010
Sohomint is designs and develops content management software M²C, which handles all aspects of structured content administration, including elimination, reporting, and controlling. The company also operates themed content portals on the Internet known as vertical internet websites. Sohomint GmbH offers services, such as search engine optimization and keyword management.

StepStone

Acquisition in 2009
StepStone is a recruitment platform that facilitates connections between job seekers and employers across Europe. Founded in 1996 and based in Berlin, the platform allows candidates to create personalized profiles detailing their preferences and qualifications, which are then accessible to recruiters. These recruiters can utilize services such as job advertisements and candidate searches to efficiently fill vacancies. StepStone aims to transform the hiring process for small and medium-sized businesses through its AI-powered technology and autonomous matching systems, making it one of the leading next-generation recruitment platforms in the industry. The platform publishes thousands of job opportunities daily, catering to a diverse range of clients, from local enterprises to global corporations.

CarWale

Series A in 2008
CarWale is owned by Automotive Exchange Pvt Ltd and is backed by India’s leading early stage venture capital firm Seedfund and top tier US venture fund Sierra Ventures. CarWale offers a complete consumer-focused service that includes content and tools for exhaustive research, pricing and marketplace information. As consumers research and make purchase decisions, CarWale connects them with automotive manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, allowing them to make the best decisions for their automotive purchases.

Transfermarkt.de

Acquisition in 2008
Transfermarkt.de is operates an online football community.

gamigo

Acquisition in 2008
gamigo AG, a subsidiary of Axel Springer AG, has been a major player in the world of online games since it was founded in 2000. Thanks to many years of experience, attractive products, and an emphasis on customer accessibility, gamigo has grown to be one of the leading online publishers in Europe and distributes Massively Multi-player Online Games (MMOGs) of various genres to a wide target audience. The range of products stretches from casual games to its core of role-playing games.

Awin

Acquisition in 2007
Awin is a global affiliate network formed in March 2017 through the rebranding of Affiliate Window and zanox. It has been driving sales for its partners since 2000, providing award-winning affiliate marketing solutions and exceptional service. In September 2017, Awin expanded by merging with affilinet, a well-established European competitor that has offered performance-driven solutions since 1997. Following the merger, the local teams from Awin and affilinet integrated their operations, and affilinet now operates under the Awin brand. Awin serves a diverse clientele, including publishers, advertisers, and agencies, focusing on delivering sophisticated marketing strategies that enhance sales performance.

idealo

Acquisition in 2006
Idealo is a price comparison website that allows users to compare prices on a range of products from many shops. It attracts a unique audience of 7 million internet users each month. It has been expanding into new markets and spreading its range of services into the travel sector with new sites such as flug.idealo and hotel.idealo. Idealo’s international team consists of more than 600 employees. Idealo was launched in 2001 and is based in Berlin. In 2006, Idealo was acquired by Axel Springer SE. About 16,000 employees work with passion at Axel Springer SE: Europe’s leading digital publisher

ProSiebenSat.1

Acquisition in 2005
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE is a prominent German mass media company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Unterföhring, Germany. Operating across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it manages a diverse portfolio that includes 15 television stations, radio stations, and digital entertainment services. The ProSiebenSat.1 Group is recognized as one of the largest independent media corporations in Europe, reaching approximately 42 million households across the continent. In addition to traditional media, ProSiebenSat.1 Digital oversees various new media services, enhancing the company’s footprint in the digital landscape.
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