IFB Innovationsstarter

IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, focusing on seed financing and supporting early-stage innovative companies. As a subsidiary of Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank, it aims to stimulate local entrepreneurship by investing in young companies with fewer than 50 employees and annual sales or balance sheets under €10 million. The firm typically invests up to €0.6 million per financing round, with a total possible investment of up to €1 million across multiple rounds. IFB Innovationsstarter primarily targets startups that are less than two years old, with plans to exit investments within three to eight years. The organization not only provides financial support but also plays a role in fostering innovation within the Hamburg region.

Dörte Bunge

Principal

Stefanie Hoehn

Investment Manager

Gencer Sahin

Investment Manager

Past deals in Germany

Mindpeak

Series A in 2024
MindPeak GmbH, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in developing artificial intelligence software tools aimed at enhancing cancer diagnostics. The company's flagship product, BreastAI, facilitates the quantification of breast cancer immunohistochemistry (IHC) and can be integrated into third-party software systems. By automating tasks such as cell and biomarker quantification, MindPeak's solutions improve the efficiency of pathologists, allowing them to focus on critical decision-making in cancer treatment. The company also maintains a strategic relationship with Gestalt Diagnostics, further expanding its impact in the field of diagnostic automation. Through its innovative platform, MindPeak strives to make microscopical analysis more accessible and cost-effective in clinical environments.

SupplyET

Seed Round in 2024
SupplyET is a deep-tech startup focused on supply chain planning, founded in 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany, and currently headquartered in Hamburg at the Digital Hub Logistics & Commerce. The company offers an AI-powered software solution that allows manufacturers to optimize capacity planning and adapt to market fluctuations efficiently. Utilizing a no-code approach for intuitive scenario modeling, SupplyET's software enhances machine allocation within seconds, significantly improving planning speed while also increasing sales and reducing investment requirements. The software has been validated at over 40 locations and is recognized for its contribution to sustainability. SupplyET aims to help businesses manage their production and logistics networks effectively, responding to demand changes while minimizing costs and emissions through innovative algorithms and a user-friendly design.

Resourcify

Series A in 2023
Resourcify GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Hamburg, Germany, operates a comprehensive cloud platform designed to streamline waste management and recycling operations for businesses. The platform offers features such as container pick-up and exchange services, waste collection information, and documentation generation, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. By digitizing waste management processes, Resourcify enables organizations to efficiently manage, track, and enhance their recycling efforts while significantly reducing administrative burdens and costs—reportedly by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. Trusted by leading companies across various sectors, Resourcify aims to foster a zero-waste future and improve sustainability practices through its innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing recycling rates and revenue from recyclable materials.

SupplyET

Grant in 2023
SupplyET is a deep-tech startup focused on supply chain planning, founded in 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany, and currently headquartered in Hamburg at the Digital Hub Logistics & Commerce. The company offers an AI-powered software solution that allows manufacturers to optimize capacity planning and adapt to market fluctuations efficiently. Utilizing a no-code approach for intuitive scenario modeling, SupplyET's software enhances machine allocation within seconds, significantly improving planning speed while also increasing sales and reducing investment requirements. The software has been validated at over 40 locations and is recognized for its contribution to sustainability. SupplyET aims to help businesses manage their production and logistics networks effectively, responding to demand changes while minimizing costs and emissions through innovative algorithms and a user-friendly design.

Emmora

Seed Round in 2022
Emmora is a service provider in the funeral industry that aims to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of death and grief. The company offers a digital platform that allows users to plan and arrange funerals online from any location in Germany. Emmora facilitates the booking of various services such as undertakers, funeral speakers, musicians, florists, and bereavement companions, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience. By partnering with local professionals, Emmora seeks to deliver comprehensive support tailored to each individual's wishes and needs during difficult times.

Resourcify

Venture Round in 2022
Resourcify GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Hamburg, Germany, operates a comprehensive cloud platform designed to streamline waste management and recycling operations for businesses. The platform offers features such as container pick-up and exchange services, waste collection information, and documentation generation, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. By digitizing waste management processes, Resourcify enables organizations to efficiently manage, track, and enhance their recycling efforts while significantly reducing administrative burdens and costs—reportedly by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. Trusted by leading companies across various sectors, Resourcify aims to foster a zero-waste future and improve sustainability practices through its innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing recycling rates and revenue from recyclable materials.

Resourcify

Venture Round in 2021
Resourcify GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Hamburg, Germany, operates a comprehensive cloud platform designed to streamline waste management and recycling operations for businesses. The platform offers features such as container pick-up and exchange services, waste collection information, and documentation generation, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. By digitizing waste management processes, Resourcify enables organizations to efficiently manage, track, and enhance their recycling efforts while significantly reducing administrative burdens and costs—reportedly by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. Trusted by leading companies across various sectors, Resourcify aims to foster a zero-waste future and improve sustainability practices through its innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing recycling rates and revenue from recyclable materials.

Sponsoo

Series A in 2020
Sponsoo GmbH is an online platform based in Hamburg, Germany, that facilitates connections between athletes, sports teams, and corporate sponsors. Founded in 2014, Sponsoo serves a wide range of clients, including individual athletes, sports clubs, associations, and event organizers. The platform allows users to create profiles, enabling sponsors to search for and identify suitable teams or athletes to sponsor. Additionally, Sponsoo is part of the INVEST grant program, which allows private investors in Germany to reclaim 20% of their investment as a grant from the German Department of Commerce. This innovative marketplace aims to enhance sports marketing and athlete branding by streamlining the sponsorship search process for enterprises.

Mindpeak

Seed Round in 2019
MindPeak GmbH, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in developing artificial intelligence software tools aimed at enhancing cancer diagnostics. The company's flagship product, BreastAI, facilitates the quantification of breast cancer immunohistochemistry (IHC) and can be integrated into third-party software systems. By automating tasks such as cell and biomarker quantification, MindPeak's solutions improve the efficiency of pathologists, allowing them to focus on critical decision-making in cancer treatment. The company also maintains a strategic relationship with Gestalt Diagnostics, further expanding its impact in the field of diagnostic automation. Through its innovative platform, MindPeak strives to make microscopical analysis more accessible and cost-effective in clinical environments.

Closelink

Seed Round in 2019
Closelink GmbH is a technology company based in Hamburg, Germany, that specializes in cloud-based solutions for the maritime industry. Founded in 2016, Closelink has developed a platform that streamlines the procurement process for marine lubricants, serving both ship managers and lubricant suppliers. The platform facilitates a seamless purchasing experience by allowing buyers to generate a single request for marine lubricants that is automatically sent to all available suppliers. This feature enables users to compare offers on a single screen based on their specific preferences, thus simplifying decision-making and reducing manual effort. By optimizing the procurement process, Closelink helps shipping companies save costs, secure reliable supply, and improve overall efficiency in managing ship consumables.

Wetterheld

Grant in 2019
Wetterheld is a company that aims to transform the weather insurance market for small and medium businesses in Germany by providing protection against adverse weather conditions such as rain, temperature fluctuations, and snow. After extensive research and development, Wetterheld offers an online platform that allows businesses to compare their specific weather-related parameters with data from weather stations. This innovative approach facilitates the insurance process, enabling clients to easily claim compensation in the event of weather-related losses. Wetterheld collaborates with a leading German digital insurer and a prominent global reinsurer, combining expertise in traditional weather insurance with advanced big data technology to deliver tailored solutions to its clients.

Resourcify

Venture Round in 2018
Resourcify GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Hamburg, Germany, operates a comprehensive cloud platform designed to streamline waste management and recycling operations for businesses. The platform offers features such as container pick-up and exchange services, waste collection information, and documentation generation, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. By digitizing waste management processes, Resourcify enables organizations to efficiently manage, track, and enhance their recycling efforts while significantly reducing administrative burdens and costs—reportedly by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. Trusted by leading companies across various sectors, Resourcify aims to foster a zero-waste future and improve sustainability practices through its innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing recycling rates and revenue from recyclable materials.

Massive Insights

Seed Round in 2018
Massive Insights GmbH is a software-as-a-service company based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2013. The company offers a platform called Veescore.com, which provides information on various media channels. Their service aims to enhance the understanding and analysis of media performance for users.

KitchenAdvisor

Seed Round in 2018
KitchenAdvisor GmbH, established in 2017 and located in Hamburg, Germany, operates an online platform designed to facilitate the kitchen designing process. As the first true comparison portal for fitted kitchens, KitchenAdvisor aims to bring transparency to a traditionally opaque market. The platform allows users to estimate project costs and evaluate offers from regional dealers based on a brief online questionnaire. This service is particularly valuable in an industry where discounts and manipulated pricing can obscure true value. By providing clear comparisons and insights, KitchenAdvisor supports customers in making informed decisions regarding their kitchen purchases, ultimately enhancing the buying experience.

wingu GmbH

Series A in 2018
wingu GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in proximity-based location services and interactions. The company offers a cloud-based platform that facilitates the management of location-specific content through various technologies, including iBeacons, Eddystone, QR codes, NFC tags, and geofencing. Users can create and deliver information and services to nearby mobile devices, enhancing the accessibility of location-based content. Wingu's platform includes a comprehensive content management system (CMS) and provides a secure API, allowing for straightforward content creation and delivery. The use of client libraries (SDKs) simplifies the integration of these capabilities into mobile applications, making it easier for users to optimize their location-based services effectively.

cloudplan

Series A in 2017
cloudplan GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, offers a Software-as-a-Service application that facilitates the creation and management of private network storage for companies. Its platform enables organizations to streamline data management through features that include secure workflow file storage, eSigning, and global collaboration. The solution supports both cloud and on-premise environments, allowing for flexible data storage options. Additionally, cloudplan's AI-powered technology simplifies the synchronization, sharing, and storage of files, making it accessible without requiring extensive IT expertise. This comprehensive approach aids enterprises in efficiently managing their workflows and data, enhancing overall corporate IT operations.

CEBCON Technologies

Seed Round in 2016
CEBCON Technologies GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of pellet coolers. The company's products are equipped with an energy-efficient heat recovery system specifically for pellet production. CEBCON focuses on biomass treatment equipment aimed at decentralized energy generation, offering modular and flexible plants that are safe to operate and semi-mobile. These systems can be quickly transported and installed, facilitating the production of sustainable fuels from locally sourced biomass and waste, thereby supporting the establishment of environmentally friendly energy and fuel supply structures.

Baqend

Seed Round in 2016
Baqend develops Speed Kit, a SaaS plugin solution to accelerate e-commerce websites by more than 50% within 2 days. Baqend is a research spin-off from the University of Hamburg on the mission of building a web without loading times. The founders pioneered a novel approach to speed up the delivery of dynamic data. Speed Kit bundles years of this research in a plugin for large-scale e-commerce and brand websites, that is easily implemented by just a line of JavaScript code. Today, some of the leading European e-commerce players like Decathlon, Galeria, and BMW already rely on Speed Kit to improve their conversion rates, user experience, and SEO ranking. Since the product’s speed uplift is cleanly proven by statistically sound A/B-tests, Baqend is one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in Germany.

Bentekk

Seed Round in 2016
Bentekk GmbH, founded in 2014 and based in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in the development and manufacture of intelligent gas measuring systems aimed at on-site analysis of contaminants. The company produces portable gas measurement devices that utilize gas chromatography and photo ionization detection for the assessment of volatile organic compounds, including hazardous substances like benzene. These devices are designed to enhance occupational health and safety across various sectors, including environmental monitoring, emergency response, logistics, life sciences, and the chemical industry. By providing accurate and rapid measurements of toxic gases, Bentekk supports improved safety and compliance with threshold limit values, contributing to a safer working environment. As of April 2017, Bentekk operates as a subsidiary of Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA.

Protembis

Seed Round in 2015
Protembis GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Aachen, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of surgical equipment aimed at enhancing the safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. The company has developed the ProtEmbo System, an intra-aortic filter device designed to mitigate the risk of cerebrovascular events during TAVR by deflecting embolic material away from the cerebral circulation. This innovation addresses a significant complication associated with TAVR, which has become a preferred treatment for patients with valvular heart disease, particularly as the procedure is increasingly performed on younger and lower-risk individuals. By minimizing the risk of brain injury, Protembis aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs related to surgical complications.

Keeeb

Seed Round in 2015
Keeeb, Inc., established in 2013, is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Germany. It operates as a subsidiary of Keeeb GmbH. The company's core business is developing and providing an enterprise intelligence platform that streamlines productivity and performance of employees. The platform enables users to collect, curate, share, and collaborate knowledge from diverse sources such as the web, personal files, and professional content. It transforms manual search into an intuitive, automated discovery process, integrating knowledge into familiar digital environments. Keeeb's client base includes Web designers, social media experts, bloggers, journalists, and marketing managers. The company aims to accelerate digital transformation through machine learning, offering a tool that organizes, shares, and inspires, while also providing private topic pages for focused collaboration.

RetroBrain R&D

Grant in 2014
RetroBrain R&D specializes in developing therapeutic video games aimed at enhancing the physical and mental well-being of elderly individuals. Their flagship product, Memore, gamifies established dementia therapies through a gesture-controlled medical video game platform. This innovative approach allows older adults, even those with no prior gaming experience, to engage with the therapeutic content easily. By focusing on both therapeutic and preventive measures, RetroBrain R&D addresses challenges in mental and physical healthcare, helping to alleviate or prevent age-related illnesses such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. The company's solutions not only promote health and fitness among seniors but also provide an enjoyable experience that supports rehabilitation efforts. Founded in 2014 and based in Hamburg, Germany, RetroBrain R&D is committed to improving the quality of life for its users through engaging and effective gaming solutions.

4 Animals AlsterScience GmbH

Venture Round in 2014
4 Animals AlsterScience GmbH, located in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in the development of biologic drugs and feed supplements for animals aimed at enhancing immune function. The company's innovative products address various health challenges in animals, including viral diseases, tumors, inoculations, and cell therapies. By providing these biologics, 4 Animals AlsterScience GmbH seeks to combat the growing issue of resistance to conventional drugs, offering effective alternatives to improve animal health and welfare.

Embella

Venture Round in 2014
Embella GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in the development of innovative disposal solutions for feminine care products. The company has created a patented disposal bag designed for the discreet and hygienic removal of tampons, ensuring that users can manage their disposal needs with ease and privacy. The bags are manufactured from recyclable polyethylene and have undergone rigorous hygienic testing to guarantee their effectiveness. Large-scale production began in late 2013, and by February 2014, Embella's products were made available through a prominent German health and beauty retailer, marking their entry into the market.

i3 Membrane

Seed Round in 2014
i3 Membrane GmbH, established in 2013 and based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of steel filter membranes tailored for the life sciences sector, including medical and pharmaceutical applications. The company focuses on developing innovative separation technologies that utilize ion and membrane technology, resulting in membranes that are temperature-resistant, flexible, and durable. These membranes are designed for various applications such as sample preparation, virus concentration, and protein separation or removal. i3 Membrane aims to provide advanced solutions that enhance efficiency in separation processes, addressing both current and future challenges within research, development, and production in the life sciences field.

Yoints

Funding Round in 2014
Yoints GmbH is a Hamburg-based company that specializes in mobile shopping and marketing solutions. Founded in 2013, Yoints develops a mobile application designed for smartphones, which supports multichannel retail companies in customer acquisition and sales enhancement. The company focuses on leveraging technological innovations and market developments to create effective strategies tailored to the needs of its clients. By evaluating these advancements, Yoints aims to derive valuable insights that improve the shopping experience and drive business growth for retailers.

Asset Profiler

Venture Round in 2014
Asset Profiler GmbH operates an online platform tailored for real estate professionals, facilitating a closed marketplace exclusively for certified participants. The platform, known as Asset Profiler, enables sellers to list investment properties while allowing investors to review these assets in a secure environment. It caters to a diverse clientele, including fund managers, family offices, investment companies, private equity firms, project developers, insurance and pension entities, and private investors. By providing a confidential setting for direct and intermediary contact, Asset Profiler enhances transaction efficiency and ensures maximum market coverage with minimal wastage. Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, the company aims to streamline interactions between sellers and buyers in the commercial real estate sector.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.