High-Tech Gründerfonds

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.

Daniela Bach

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Kay G. Balster

Senior Investment Manager

Jens Baumgärtner

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Gernot Berger

Investor

Kilian von Berlichingen

Investor

Anke Cassing

Principal

Tanja Emmerling

Partner

Caroline Fichtner

Senior Investment Manager

Yann Fiebig

Investment Manager

Alexander von Frankenberg

Managing Director and Founder

Bernd Goergen

Partner

Stefanie Grüter

Partner, Communications and Relations

Gregor Haidl

Principal / Authorised Signatory

Frank Hensel

Senior Investment Manager

Olaf Joeressen

Senior Investment Manager

Markus Kressmann

Partner

Maurice Kügler

Investment Manager

Klaus Lehmann

Senior Investment Manager

Dominik Lohle

Senior Investment Manager

Torsten Löffler

Principal ppa. - DeepTech Future Fonds

Fabian Mohr

Investor

Martin Möllmann

Investment Manager

Axel Nitsch

Investment Manager

Andreas Olmes

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Katharina Peters

Investment Manager

Tilmann Petersen

Investment Manager

Claudia Raber

Partner

Nikolaus Raupp

Investor

Frank Reinecke

Partner

Guido Schlitzer

Managing Director

Ulrich Schmitt

Principal

Romy Schnelle

Partner

Tobias Schulz

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Katharina Severin

Investment Manager

Niels Sharman

Investor

Esko Stahl

Investment Manager

Björn Sykora

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Angelika Vlachou

Partner

Johannes Weber

Principal

Marco Winzer

Partner

Julian Zachmann

Investor

Christian Ziach

Principal and Authorized Signatory

Markus Kückelhaus Ph.D

Partner, Industrial Tech Team

Past deals in Renewables

Sunvigo

Venture Round in 2022
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

INERATEC

Series A in 2022
Provider of sustainable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products intended to replace fossil crude oil. The company specializes in producing renewable hydrogen and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen which are then converted into e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, or methanol, enabling chemical plant operators to run their entire chemical plants using synthetic fuels using climate-neutral energy with reduced chemical waste and more climate protection.

Sunvigo

Venture Round in 2021
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Sunvigo

Seed Round in 2021
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Sunvigo

Seed Round in 2020
Sunvigo specializes in making solar power accessible to residential homeowners by offering affordable rooftop solar solutions. The company simplifies the process of using solar energy by collaborating with a network of partners, which includes smart meter operators and photovoltaic installers. Sunvigo enables customers to either purchase or rent solar systems, thereby promoting the use of local and emission-free energy. In addition to providing solar power generated from rooftops, the company offers real green power sourced from the grid, further supporting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

ZE Energy

Seed Round in 2020
ZE Energy SAS is an independent producer of renewable energy based in Paris, France. Established in 2019, the company focuses on developing, building, and operating hybrid solar power plants that integrate photovoltaic technology with energy storage capabilities. By equipping its plants with batteries to store solar energy generated during the day, ZE Energy offers a solution that enhances the efficiency of solar power while ensuring zero CO2 emissions. The company's commitment to sustainability also extends to marketing green energy, providing consumers access to clean energy alternatives. Through its initiatives, ZE Energy aims to contribute to the decarbonization of the planet.

envelio

Series A in 2019
Envelio GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Cologne, Germany, specializes in developing software and algorithms for energy networks. Its primary offering is the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), a modular software system designed to assist distribution grid operators in digitizing and automating grid planning and operation processes. The IGP includes applications for data quality, which connects isolated data systems to identify and correct errors, as well as planning applications that automate grid planning tasks. Additionally, IGP operation applications provide recommendations for managing congestion in the grid during potential bottlenecks. By leveraging artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization, Envelio supports the integration of numerous distributed energy resources and smart meter data, addressing the challenges posed by the evolving energy landscape.

Volterion

Series A in 2018
Volterion GmbH manufactures and sells compact size redox flow batteries for private homes for the storage of renewable energies. The company offers redox flow stacks, redox flow modules, and redox flow systems. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Dortmund, Germany.

INERATEC

Seed Round in 2018
Provider of sustainable e-fuels and synthetic chemical products intended to replace fossil crude oil. The company specializes in producing renewable hydrogen and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen which are then converted into e-kerosene, carbon dioxide-neutral diesel, synthetic waxes, or methanol, enabling chemical plant operators to run their entire chemical plants using synthetic fuels using climate-neutral energy with reduced chemical waste and more climate protection.

envelio

Seed Round in 2018
Envelio GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Cologne, Germany, specializes in developing software and algorithms for energy networks. Its primary offering is the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), a modular software system designed to assist distribution grid operators in digitizing and automating grid planning and operation processes. The IGP includes applications for data quality, which connects isolated data systems to identify and correct errors, as well as planning applications that automate grid planning tasks. Additionally, IGP operation applications provide recommendations for managing congestion in the grid during potential bottlenecks. By leveraging artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization, Envelio supports the integration of numerous distributed energy resources and smart meter data, addressing the challenges posed by the evolving energy landscape.

Resourcify

Venture Round in 2018
Resourcify GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Hamburg, Germany, operates a neutral cloud platform designed for efficient management of waste and recycling operations. The platform offers various features such as container pick-up and exchange services, detailed container information, collection scheduling, and the generation of legally compliant documentation and reports. In addition, the company has developed an application called Mein Recycling, which simplifies waste management for businesses by allowing them to manage their waste, collections, and recyclers in a single interface. This app also facilitates seamless connections between waste management companies and their customers. Resourcify's overarching vision is to promote a zero-waste future by driving the digital transformation of the waste sector, thereby supporting the principles of the circular economy.

node.energy

Venture Round in 2017
node.energy GmbH is a software-as-a-service company that specializes in the optimization of local energy micro grids for commercial and industrial real estate. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, node.energy provides the opti.node application, which enables businesses with on-site power generation to effectively reduce energy costs and minimize their carbon dioxide emissions. The company's solutions support energy managers and metering service providers by significantly reducing administrative burdens and ensuring compliance with current regulations. Additionally, node.energy offers features such as electricity tax relief analysis and automated reporting, alongside planning and advisory services, to facilitate companies' energy transitions and enhance their operational efficiency.

Volterion

Series A in 2017
Volterion GmbH manufactures and sells compact size redox flow batteries for private homes for the storage of renewable energies. The company offers redox flow stacks, redox flow modules, and redox flow systems. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Dortmund, Germany.

Solandeo

Seed Round in 2015
Solandeo GmbH, founded in 2011 and based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in manufacturing and marketing metering and power management solutions tailored for the renewable energy sector. The company provides innovative and cost-effective services that include real-time measurement data, data logging, and oversight of installations related to grid connections and feed-in meters. Solandeo's platform is designed to facilitate the market integration of renewable energy generation systems and battery storage, utilizing artificial intelligence to convert real-time energy measurements into location-specific forecasts of energy generation and consumption. This enables clients such as green electricity traders and plant operators to gain access to vital data and insights necessary for effective energy management and transition.

OneShore

Seed Round in 2015
OneShore Energy GmbH specializes in the development, engineering, and operation of off-grid solar-diesel hybrid systems for power generation. Founded in 2014 and based in Berlin, Germany, the company provides a comprehensive software suite designed to optimize the design and operation of solar systems that complement diesel generators. Its key offerings include OneAnalyser, which assesses demand profiles and existing equipment to produce certified fuel-saving reports; OneOptimiser, a remote monitoring tool that identifies maintenance needs and suggests upgrades; and OneDesign, which facilitates modeling for various power system configurations. OneShore Energy serves diverse sectors, including hospitals, hotels, off-grid villages, and industrial facilities across Germany, Greece, Tanzania, and Kenya. As of 2017, it operates as a subsidiary of Baywa re GmbH.

Heliatek

Series C in 2014
Heliatek GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and production of organic solar films and photovoltaic cells. Its flagship product, HeliaSol, is an organic photovoltaics (OPV) solution that can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for building retrofitting, automotive applications, and other innovative projects. Heliatek caters to the building and construction material sector, as well as automotive manufacturers, offering tailored products like HeliaFilm for integration into façade and roofing systems. The company is recognized as a leader in organic photovoltaics, leveraging its ultra-light and flexible technology to provide sustainable energy solutions. Established in 2006, Heliatek has formed strategic partnerships with companies such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China, and it employs around 160 people across its facilities in Germany. The research and development of its technologies have received support from the Free State of Saxony, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.

CustomCells

Venture Round in 2013
CustomCells specializes in the development and production of customized energy storage solutions, particularly focusing on lithium-ion battery cells. The company provides tailored battery systems, electrode foils, and rechargeable accumulators designed for a wide range of applications, including weather stations, satellites, sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles, and concept cars. By leveraging advanced cell construction technology, CustomCells manufactures products from prototypes to series production, ensuring that each solution meets specific customer requirements. The company maintains a strong connection with research and development as well as material suppliers, allowing it to access the latest advancements in energy storage technologies. This capability enables CustomCells to deliver significant performance benefits compared to standard solutions, all while adhering to a qualified ISO 9001 production environment.

Next Kraftwerke

Venture Round in 2013
Next Kraftwerke GmbH is an operator and provider of virtual power plant (VPP) and a certified power trader on various European energy exchanges. Its VPP Next Pool includes a network of medium and small scale power producing units, such as bioenergy, wind, and solar power generators, as well as power consuming units in Central Europe. The company digitally aggregates distributed units and trades their power smartly. Next Kraftwerke GmbH was founded in 2009 and is based in Cologne, Germany.

Kiwigrid

Venture Round in 2013
Wir verbinden Erzeuger, Verbraucher, Speicher, Mobilität und das Netz in Microgrids: Kiwigrid-Lösungen unterstützen alle gängigen Energieanlagen. Wir machen Energie transparent: Kiwigrid-Produkte sind schnell zu installieren, zeigen sofort sämtliche Energieströme in verschiedenen zeitlichen Dimensionen (Tag, Monat, Jahr) an und errechnen Kilowattstunden und Euro-Umsatz. Wir monitoren Ihre Geräte und Anlagen: Mit Kiwigrid haben Sie alle Anlagen, deren Zustand sowie vorgefallene Ereignisse stets im Blick. Wir automatisieren und optimieren Stromerzeugung und Verbrauch: Unsere nachladbaren Energy-Apps optimieren Ihren Energiehaushalt. 
Mit Kiwigrid sparen Sie bares Geld.

Saperatec

Seed Round in 2013
saperatec GmbH engages in the disposal and recycling of photovoltaic modules. The company engages in crushing the size of the material; developing separation liquids based on chemical mixtures that aid the separation of the composite; and washing, sorting, and drying of recovered materials. The company recycles used beverage cartons; packaging material made of aluminum and plastic; PV modules made of glass, semi-conductors, and plastic; li-ion batteries; and car glass. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Bielefeld, Germany.

Smart Hydro Power

Series A in 2012
Smart Hydro Power GmbH, founded in 2010 and based in Feldafing, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of kinetic micro-hydro power plants. The company offers a range of products, including smart turbines and energy management systems, aimed at providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions. Smart Hydro Power focuses on decentralized electrification projects, particularly in remote and off-grid locations, addressing the specific needs and challenges of these areas. Their hydropower plants are designed to be eco-friendly and fish-friendly, requiring minimal infrastructure while promoting renewable energy use. By enhancing the productivity of electricity companies and improving living standards in rural communities, Smart Hydro Power plays a significant role in the transition to clean energy.

Enercast

Series A in 2012
enercast GmbH, founded in 2011 and based in Kassel, Germany, specializes in providing renewable energy forecasts through its software-as-a-service products. The company focuses on delivering accurate power forecasts for wind and solar plants, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into power grids and energy markets globally. Its advanced self-learning technology supports decision-making processes by utilizing artificial intelligence and big data. Additionally, enercast develops the enercast city system, a dashboard that visualizes the predicted share of renewable energy from various sources. The company serves clients in 20 countries, managing forecasts for 160 GW of installed capacity and delivering over 100 million data points. Enercast is privately owned and has notable shareholders, including innogy Venture Capital and High-Tech Gründerfonds.

Saperatec

Seed Round in 2011
saperatec GmbH engages in the disposal and recycling of photovoltaic modules. The company engages in crushing the size of the material; developing separation liquids based on chemical mixtures that aid the separation of the composite; and washing, sorting, and drying of recovered materials. The company recycles used beverage cartons; packaging material made of aluminum and plastic; PV modules made of glass, semi-conductors, and plastic; li-ion batteries; and car glass. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Bielefeld, Germany.

Entelios

Series A in 2011
Entelios, founded in 2010 and acquired by EnerNOC in 2014, specializes in demand response and virtual power plant solutions. The company operates as a clean energy supplier, focusing on the management of distributed energy resources across industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. By providing demand response resources, Entelios helps customers balance energy supply and demand, facilitating a transition to sustainable operations. Its offerings enable both large and small companies to adopt greener practices while ensuring a reliable energy supply.

WeSustain

Seed Round in 2010
WeSustain is a company based in Buxtehude, Germany, that specializes in web-based software designed for enterprise sustainability management. Founded in 2010, WeSustain's software provides management support that assists organizations in adopting environmentally friendly practices across their products, processes, and technologies. The platform enables clients to implement a comprehensive sustainability management solution, allowing them to measure, improve, and report on their sustainability performance globally while addressing associated risks. Additionally, the software encompasses features such as organizational models, reporting standards, compliance management, and stakeholder surveys, which help enterprises enhance efficiency and effectively communicate their sustainability efforts.

Next Kraftwerke

Seed Round in 2010
Next Kraftwerke GmbH is an operator and provider of virtual power plant (VPP) and a certified power trader on various European energy exchanges. Its VPP Next Pool includes a network of medium and small scale power producing units, such as bioenergy, wind, and solar power generators, as well as power consuming units in Central Europe. The company digitally aggregates distributed units and trades their power smartly. Next Kraftwerke GmbH was founded in 2009 and is based in Cologne, Germany.

Heliatek

Series B in 2009
Heliatek GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and production of organic solar films and photovoltaic cells. Its flagship product, HeliaSol, is an organic photovoltaics (OPV) solution that can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for building retrofitting, automotive applications, and other innovative projects. Heliatek caters to the building and construction material sector, as well as automotive manufacturers, offering tailored products like HeliaFilm for integration into façade and roofing systems. The company is recognized as a leader in organic photovoltaics, leveraging its ultra-light and flexible technology to provide sustainable energy solutions. Established in 2006, Heliatek has formed strategic partnerships with companies such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China, and it employs around 160 people across its facilities in Germany. The research and development of its technologies have received support from the Free State of Saxony, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.

Enexion GmbH

Seed Round in 2009
Enexion GmbH, founded in 2008 and based in Kronberg, Germany, specializes in assisting enterprises with energy procurement in the European market. The company focuses on minimizing costs and risks associated with energy purchases and offers comprehensive energy cost management services. Its offerings include energy efficiency and management, grid cost regulation, risk management, and procurement strategies. Enexion employs a holistic approach known as Enexion 360°, which encompasses energy markets, direct wholesale procurement, regulatory frameworks, and tailored efficiency technologies. The company serves various sectors, including liberalization, electricity, gas, and carbon markets, positioning itself as a full-service provider for industrial clients seeking optimized energy solutions.

enymotion

Venture Round in 2008
Enymotion specializes in the development and production of ultra-quiet, zero-emission energy sources aimed at enhancing the mobile deployment of electrical consumer devices for caravans and boats. The company focuses on mobile fuel cell systems that provide a self-sufficient power supply for recreational applications. These systems utilize the caloric equivalent of conventional fuels or liquid gas to generate power, ensuring zero noise and exhaust emissions. This technology allows users to operate motor homes, sailing boats, and utility vehicles with a reliable battery backup, enabling independent consumption of power in various recreational settings.

LaTherm

Series A in 2008
LaTherm offers its customers a low CO2 heating (heating and hot water) to stable, reliable predictable prices. They collect industrial waste heat, so far, for example, of steel mills, chemical or waste incinerators is disposed of into the environment, in specially-equipped standard containers. Then this heat to medium-sized properties, such as swimming pools, hospitals, schools, apartment buildings or commercial properties will be transported there, and fed into the existing heating systems.

Heliatek

Seed Round in 2006
Heliatek GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the development and production of organic solar films and photovoltaic cells. Its flagship product, HeliaSol, is an organic photovoltaics (OPV) solution that can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for building retrofitting, automotive applications, and other innovative projects. Heliatek caters to the building and construction material sector, as well as automotive manufacturers, offering tailored products like HeliaFilm for integration into façade and roofing systems. The company is recognized as a leader in organic photovoltaics, leveraging its ultra-light and flexible technology to provide sustainable energy solutions. Established in 2006, Heliatek has formed strategic partnerships with companies such as AGC Glass Europe and Reckli China, and it employs around 160 people across its facilities in Germany. The research and development of its technologies have received support from the Free State of Saxony, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.
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