Axel Springer

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 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 is an online marketplace designed to facilitate local shopping by allowing customers to purchase products from nearby shops and receive them the same evening through e-cargo bike deliveries. The platform aims to empower local businesses by providing them with essential services such as product listing, marketing, customer support, and logistics, enabling them to offer same-day delivery without the need for in-house infrastructure. Currently piloting in three districts of Berlin, Fyppit has over 40 active selling shops and is committed to creating a more balanced e-commerce environment that emphasizes fair commissions, equitable wages, and eco-sustainability. The company is backed by an experienced founding team with backgrounds in notable startups and aims to enhance the convenience of online shopping while supporting local economies.

Developer of an interactive streaming tool intended to preserve culture and connect people. The company's platform delivers a networking experience and helps to create real connections by hosting virtual events with a social lounge, enabling users to host interactive online events that feel as authentic as in-person events.

Homeday GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Cologne, Germany, operates an online platform that connects private property owners with real estate agents. The company utilizes data-driven methods to facilitate this pairing, enhancing the efficiency of property sales. In addition to its matching services, Homeday offers a range of related services including property appraisal, land valuation, real estate financing, and leasing assistance. By providing comprehensive support, the platform enables clients to effectively advertise their properties across major real estate portals, thereby transforming the process of buying and selling real estate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zizoo is a prominent boat holiday platform that aims to modernize the boat rental industry, which is significantly lagging behind other travel sectors. By creating a global digital booking platform, Zizoo connects travelers with charter companies, allowing users to easily select and book boats in various locations, much like reserving a hotel room. The platform caters to both experienced sailors and those seeking to hire a boat with a captain and crew, offering a hassle-free booking experience without upfront fees. Zizoo also provides charter companies with essential inventory management tools and business insights, enhancing their operational capabilities. With affordable booking options starting at €20 a day, Zizoo strives to make boat holidays accessible to a wider audience while ensuring real-time availability and professional service.

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.

Homeday GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Cologne, Germany, operates an online platform that connects private property owners with real estate agents. The company utilizes data-driven methods to facilitate this pairing, enhancing the efficiency of property sales. In addition to its matching services, Homeday offers a range of related services including property appraisal, land valuation, real estate financing, and leasing assistance. By providing comprehensive support, the platform enables clients to effectively advertise their properties across major real estate portals, thereby transforming the process of buying and selling real estate.

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.

Caroobi GmbH is an integrated marketplace for automotive aftersales based in Berlin, Germany. The company operates a network of workshops that offer a wide range of car repair services, including transmission and engine repairs, oil changes, and vehicle inspections. Caroobi also provides essential auto parts, such as engine and transmission replacement components. Established in 2015, the company aims to enhance the car repair experience by offering a transparent and straightforward booking process. As of June 2020, Caroobi operates as a subsidiary of Deutsches Werkstattnetz GmbH, positioning itself to revolutionize the automotive aftersales industry across Europe and beyond.

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 is a prominent boat holiday platform that aims to modernize the boat rental industry, which is significantly lagging behind other travel sectors. By creating a global digital booking platform, Zizoo connects travelers with charter companies, allowing users to easily select and book boats in various locations, much like reserving a hotel room. The platform caters to both experienced sailors and those seeking to hire a boat with a captain and crew, offering a hassle-free booking experience without upfront fees. Zizoo also provides charter companies with essential inventory management tools and business insights, enhancing their operational capabilities. With affordable booking options starting at €20 a day, Zizoo strives to make boat holidays accessible to a wider audience while ensuring real-time availability and professional service.

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.

Bonial operates a leading location-based shopping platform that connects consumers with their favorite local stores and brands. The platform attracts 25 million users each month, facilitating all stages of the shopping journey, from discovering deals to creating shopping lists and planning store visits. More than 1,000 retailers and brands utilize Bonial's services to promote their offerings, effectively reaching a targeted audience and achieving substantial return on investment. By providing a comprehensive online portal for local businesses and promotions, Bonial enhances the retail experience for consumers while helping businesses maximize their promotional efforts.

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.

Zizoo is a prominent boat holiday platform that aims to modernize the boat rental industry, which is significantly lagging behind other travel sectors. By creating a global digital booking platform, Zizoo connects travelers with charter companies, allowing users to easily select and book boats in various locations, much like reserving a hotel room. The platform caters to both experienced sailors and those seeking to hire a boat with a captain and crew, offering a hassle-free booking experience without upfront fees. Zizoo also provides charter companies with essential inventory management tools and business insights, enhancing their operational capabilities. With affordable booking options starting at €20 a day, Zizoo strives to make boat holidays accessible to a wider audience while ensuring real-time availability and professional service.

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 GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Cologne, Germany, operates an online platform that connects private property owners with real estate agents. The company utilizes data-driven methods to facilitate this pairing, enhancing the efficiency of property sales. In addition to its matching services, Homeday offers a range of related services including property appraisal, land valuation, real estate financing, and leasing assistance. By providing comprehensive support, the platform enables clients to effectively advertise their properties across major real estate portals, thereby transforming the process of buying and selling real estate.

Free2Move operates a car-sharing platform that simplifies mobility by allowing users to find and compare vehicles from various car-sharing providers through a single app. The platform enables customers to locate the nearest available vehicles, compare offers, and make direct bookings, all from their mobile devices. By aggregating information on different car-sharing services, Free2Move aims to enhance access to a diverse range of vehicles, making it easier for users to meet their transportation needs. The Free2Move app is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, ensuring broad accessibility for users.

Free2Move operates a car-sharing platform that simplifies mobility by allowing users to find and compare vehicles from various car-sharing providers through a single app. The platform enables customers to locate the nearest available vehicles, compare offers, and make direct bookings, all from their mobile devices. By aggregating information on different car-sharing services, Free2Move aims to enhance access to a diverse range of vehicles, making it easier for users to meet their transportation needs. The Free2Move app is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, ensuring broad accessibility for users.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

TunedIn is a Berlin-based social media startup focused on transforming the television viewing experience through innovative applications. By introducing a Second Screen concept, TunedIn aims to enhance how users discover, connect with, and engage in television content. The company's applications are specifically designed for iPhones, providing a seamless interface that allows viewers to interact with their favorite shows in new and meaningful ways.

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.

kaufDA is a German company that operates an online platform focused on digital advertising and local shopping. Founded in 2008 and based in Berlin, it provides users with the ability to search for local sales, access brochures from various retailers, and locate nearby stores. The platform also features an application that showcases leaflets and catalogs from leading fashion brands, enhancing the shopping experience by making it easier for consumers to discover and take advantage of promotions in their area.

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.

Awin is a global affiliate network that was formed in 2017 through the rebranding of Affiliate Window and zanox, following a merger with the European affiliate network affilinet. The company specializes in providing affiliate marketing solutions that drive sales for its partners, which include brands, publishers, and agencies across various sectors such as retail, telecommunications, travel, and finance. Awin's services focus on empowering its clients through effective advertising, publishing, and communication strategies, enabling them to connect with customers and enhance their online presence. With a commitment to exceptional service, Awin has established itself as a leader in the performance-driven marketing space since its inception.

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