HTGF | High-Tech Gruenderfonds

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

Jens Baumgärtner

Senior Investment Manager

Anke Cassing

Principal

Tanja Emmerling

Partner / Head HTGF Berlin

Yann Fiebig

Investment Manager

Frank Hensel

Senior Investment Manager

Markus Kressmann

Partner

Dominik Lohle

Senior Investment Manager

Axel Nitsch

Investment Manager

Andreas Olmes

Partner

Katharina Peters

Investment Manager

Martin Pfister

Senior Investment Manager

Claudia Raber

Partner

Guido Schlitzer

Managing Director

Ulrich Schmitt

Principal

Tobias Schulz

Principal

Marco Winzer

Investment Director and Partner

Past deals in Embedded Software

Synthara

Venture Round in 2024
Synthara AG, a Swiss semiconductor startup founded in 2019 and based in Zurich, specializes in designing advanced smart sensors for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications and other energy-sensitive uses. The company focuses on developing energy-efficient computational AI chips tailored for various applications, including wearables, health monitoring, augmented reality/virtual reality, and aerospace technologies. Its flagship product, ComputeRAM, serves as a drop-in replacement for traditional SRAM, enabling complex calculations to be performed directly in memory. This innovation significantly reduces CPU workload, enhances system performance, and improves efficiency, particularly for AI applications. Synthara's technology is processor-type agnostic, compatible with architectures such as RISC-V, ARM, and x86, allowing seamless integration into existing microcontroller platforms. By empowering chipmakers and device manufacturers, Synthara aims to lower costs, accelerate time to market, and foster new avenues for innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Emproof

Seed Round in 2022
Emproof is a company based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, that specializes in security solutions for embedded systems. Founded in 2019, Emproof develops a security platform aimed at protecting the intellectual property within software used in these systems. The platform addresses various layers of the software security stack and employs formally verified code transformations to safeguard against industrial espionage. By offering robust information technology security, Emproof enables its clients to meet essential security properties and fulfill functional safety requirements.

Banxware

Seed Round in 2022
Banxware is a fintech startup based in Berlin that focuses on providing embedded lending solutions for platform-based businesses, fintechs, and banks. Founded in 2020 by Miriam Wohlfarth, Jens Röhrborn, and Fabian Heiß, the company employs over 50 people. Banxware's platform allows digital platforms, such as marketplaces and payment providers, to offer white-label financial products, including merchant cash advances and loans, to their users. The technology integrates essential financial infrastructure seamlessly, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises, e-commerce sellers, and restaurant owners to access necessary liquidity. With features like customer onboarding checks, credit scoring, risk management, and loan origination, Banxware promotes growth and enhances customer convenience by empowering platforms to launch tailored lending solutions across Europe.

Banxware

Seed Round in 2021
Banxware is a fintech startup based in Berlin that focuses on providing embedded lending solutions for platform-based businesses, fintechs, and banks. Founded in 2020 by Miriam Wohlfarth, Jens Röhrborn, and Fabian Heiß, the company employs over 50 people. Banxware's platform allows digital platforms, such as marketplaces and payment providers, to offer white-label financial products, including merchant cash advances and loans, to their users. The technology integrates essential financial infrastructure seamlessly, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises, e-commerce sellers, and restaurant owners to access necessary liquidity. With features like customer onboarding checks, credit scoring, risk management, and loan origination, Banxware promotes growth and enhances customer convenience by empowering platforms to launch tailored lending solutions across Europe.

Synthara

Seed Round in 2020
Synthara AG, a Swiss semiconductor startup founded in 2019 and based in Zurich, specializes in designing advanced smart sensors for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications and other energy-sensitive uses. The company focuses on developing energy-efficient computational AI chips tailored for various applications, including wearables, health monitoring, augmented reality/virtual reality, and aerospace technologies. Its flagship product, ComputeRAM, serves as a drop-in replacement for traditional SRAM, enabling complex calculations to be performed directly in memory. This innovation significantly reduces CPU workload, enhances system performance, and improves efficiency, particularly for AI applications. Synthara's technology is processor-type agnostic, compatible with architectures such as RISC-V, ARM, and x86, allowing seamless integration into existing microcontroller platforms. By empowering chipmakers and device manufacturers, Synthara aims to lower costs, accelerate time to market, and foster new avenues for innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Emteria

Seed Round in 2020
Emteria GmbH, based in Aachen, Germany, specializes in developing a custom Android operating system tailored for industrial applications. Founded in 2017, the company provides tools for building, customizing, and maintaining embedded Android platforms, catering to the needs of various industries. Emteria's solution integrates the benefits of Android with features such as kiosk mode, remote device access, and enhanced security, enabling clients to efficiently manage and scale their Android-based IoT devices. The platform supports automatic updates and offers a reliable cloud infrastructure that allows users to control firmware updates over the air. Emteria serves a diverse clientele, including global enterprises and niche vendors, by delivering a modern Android-based operating system designed for professional use cases and applications.

Inecosys

Seed Round in 2018
Inecosys GmbH, based in Munich, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacturing of engine systems and subsystems tailored for test bench control, data acquisition, cylinder pressure indexing, and engine control units. Founded in 2014, the company provides innovative solutions that support clients in creating prototypes and near-production systems. By offering software interfaces for engine control systems, Inecosys enhances the efficiency of engine development processes. Their intelligent control systems facilitate the transition from prototype to series production, allowing customers to achieve cost savings and increased flexibility through agile methodologies and automation.

The Ferroelectric Memory Company

Seed Round in 2017
The Ferroelectric Memory Company (FMC), based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in providing embedded nonvolatile memory solutions to the semiconductor industry. FMC's core technology is based on ferroelectric hafnium oxide (FE-HfO2), enabling ultra-low-power, high-performance, and dense non-volatile storage. This technology, known as FeFET, is designed to be easily integrated into chip designs at various transistor sizes, from 28nm to 5nm and below. FMC's solutions offer significant advantages, including substantial cost reduction, dramatic write energy reduction, and notable performance gains for overall systems. The company's focus is on commercializing this disruptive material innovation to enable efficient non-volatile storage for current and future technology nodes.

CommSolid

Seed Round in 2016
CommSolid GmbH is a cellular IP company based in Dresden, Germany, specializing in ultra-low power modem solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) market. Founded in 2015, the company develops highly optimized baseband intellectual property (IP) that integrates into customer integrated circuits, facilitating direct internet connectivity for sensors and devices. This technology supports a range of smart applications across various sectors, including health care, smart home, transportation, logistics, and industrial systems. By focusing on the NarrowBand-IoT standard, CommSolid aims to meet the growing demand for efficient and easy-to-integrate communication solutions. As of 2018, CommSolid operates as a subsidiary of Goodix Technology.

VIOSO

Series B in 2010
VIOSO GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializes in automatic digital edge-blending and geometry alignment solutions for various visual applications worldwide. The company's offerings include VIOSO Player, a professional video playback software designed for mapping content on custom surfaces such as fulldome displays and 3D objects. Additional products include VIOSO Anyblend, an embedded solution for simulators and signage; VIOSO Anyblend VR & SIM for military and non-commercial applications; and Wings VIOSO, a media server tailored for large venues and events. VIOSO also provides high-resolution display technology through the VIOSO Blackbox 4K and auto-alignment solutions for video walls and digital signage. The company continues to innovate with customized projects and training services, all aimed at enhancing presentations and visual experiences. VIOSO's journey began with the "smartprojector" concept at Bauhaus University in Weimar, evolving into a comprehensive software suite that redefines how information is presented.

SciEngines

Venture Round in 2010
SciEngines GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Kiel, Germany, specializes in developing FPGA-based reconfigurable high-performance computing solutions tailored for applications in natural sciences, finance, and IT security. The company offers a cloud computing platform that addresses the computational requirements of science and engineering, providing parallel reconfigurable computing products suitable for large-scale data analysis. SciEngines' technology allows for customizable computing resources, emphasizing factors such as raw processing power, data throughput, or memory, enabling software vendors to enhance the performance of their existing algorithms and applications.

VIOSO

Series A in 2008
VIOSO GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializes in automatic digital edge-blending and geometry alignment solutions for various visual applications worldwide. The company's offerings include VIOSO Player, a professional video playback software designed for mapping content on custom surfaces such as fulldome displays and 3D objects. Additional products include VIOSO Anyblend, an embedded solution for simulators and signage; VIOSO Anyblend VR & SIM for military and non-commercial applications; and Wings VIOSO, a media server tailored for large venues and events. VIOSO also provides high-resolution display technology through the VIOSO Blackbox 4K and auto-alignment solutions for video walls and digital signage. The company continues to innovate with customized projects and training services, all aimed at enhancing presentations and visual experiences. VIOSO's journey began with the "smartprojector" concept at Bauhaus University in Weimar, evolving into a comprehensive software suite that redefines how information is presented.

microNet Automation

Seed Round in 2008
microNet Automation GmbH specializes in innovative communication solutions tailored for automation across various sectors, including building automation, process automation, and energy management. Established in 2005 and located in Grasbrunn, Germany, the company develops a comprehensive software platform known as microX, which integrates digital field devices, bus systems, and Ethernet communication into a single controller. Key offerings include microX.server for managing control and communication tasks, microX.commander for system configuration, and microX.driver for programming interfaces that connect existing devices. Additionally, microNet provides interoperable field devices through microX.io, decentralized gateways via microX.gate, and optional interface extensions with microX.link. The company also supports developers with a Starterkit, facilitating the creation of customized embedded controllers and network control systems. Through its products, microNet Automation aims to streamline automation processes and enhance efficiency in diverse applications such as transportation, infrastructure, and wastewater treatment.

VIOSO

Series A in 2007
VIOSO GmbH, founded in 2007 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializes in automatic digital edge-blending and geometry alignment solutions for various visual applications worldwide. The company's offerings include VIOSO Player, a professional video playback software designed for mapping content on custom surfaces such as fulldome displays and 3D objects. Additional products include VIOSO Anyblend, an embedded solution for simulators and signage; VIOSO Anyblend VR & SIM for military and non-commercial applications; and Wings VIOSO, a media server tailored for large venues and events. VIOSO also provides high-resolution display technology through the VIOSO Blackbox 4K and auto-alignment solutions for video walls and digital signage. The company continues to innovate with customized projects and training services, all aimed at enhancing presentations and visual experiences. VIOSO's journey began with the "smartprojector" concept at Bauhaus University in Weimar, evolving into a comprehensive software suite that redefines how information is presented.

Kröhnert Infotecs

Venture Round in 2007
Kröhnert Infotecs GmbH specializes in the development and production of embedded systems focused on condition monitoring for technical machines. Based in Baden, Germany, the company provides solutions aimed at preventing machine failures by analyzing machine behavior and signaling any anomalies in noise and performance parameters. Its systems are designed to consistently monitor specified machine properties, enabling manufacturers and operators to detect early signs of potential breakdowns and deviations. By offering tools for condition monitoring and tele service, Kröhnert Infotecs supports organizations in maintaining operational efficiency and reducing unexpected faults in their machinery and plants.

Particle Computer GmbH

Seed Round in 2005
Particle Computer is engaged in the development of sensor network technology solutions in Europe. It offers devices, circuits, boards, and various other parts to sense physical phenomena via sensors, compute the data on the sensor node, and to communicate the resulting information to other IT systems. Particle Computer is headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany.
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