U-Start

Dott is a micromobility company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that provides shared electric scooters and e-bikes for short-distance travel. Founded in 2018, Dott aims to offer safe, convenient, and sustainable transportation alternatives to urban commuters. The company focuses on reliability and safety in its design, featuring bikes with wide decks for optimized stability, double brake systems, and enhanced charging autonomy. This design philosophy ensures that users have access to dependable and affordable electric scooters and bikes, promoting eco-friendly travel in urban environments.

TransferGo is a global money transfer company that provides a cost-effective solution for migrant workers to send money to their families abroad. By employing a digital account-to-account business model, it allows users to transfer funds internationally without incurring unnecessary bank fees. The company operates as a licensed payment institution, ensuring secure transactions under the supervision of relevant financial authorities. TransferGo’s platform enables users to make transfers at significantly lower costs compared to traditional banks and cash bureaus, often with same-day delivery. The service charges a fixed fee for transfers and a currency conversion fee ranging from 0.6% to 1.5%, making it an attractive option for both individuals and businesses looking to pay suppliers internationally.

Keatz GmbH, based in Berlin, Germany, operates a virtual restaurant chain specializing in the delivery of fresh salads, juices, and other ready-to-eat snacks. Founded in 2015, the company emphasizes a fusion of indulgence and comfort in its contemporary dishes, ensuring that meals reach customers with the same quality they have when leaving the kitchen. Keatz's culinary team continuously explores new trends and techniques to enhance its offerings, aiming to establish itself as a trusted brand for on-demand fast-casual food delivery to households and offices. Deliveries are made using eco-friendly electric scooters, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainability while providing convenient dining options.

TransferGo is a global money transfer company that provides a cost-effective solution for migrant workers to send money to their families abroad. By employing a digital account-to-account business model, it allows users to transfer funds internationally without incurring unnecessary bank fees. The company operates as a licensed payment institution, ensuring secure transactions under the supervision of relevant financial authorities. TransferGo’s platform enables users to make transfers at significantly lower costs compared to traditional banks and cash bureaus, often with same-day delivery. The service charges a fixed fee for transfers and a currency conversion fee ranging from 0.6% to 1.5%, making it an attractive option for both individuals and businesses looking to pay suppliers internationally.

Dott is a micromobility company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that provides shared electric scooters and e-bikes for short-distance travel. Founded in 2018, Dott aims to offer safe, convenient, and sustainable transportation alternatives to urban commuters. The company focuses on reliability and safety in its design, featuring bikes with wide decks for optimized stability, double brake systems, and enhanced charging autonomy. This design philosophy ensures that users have access to dependable and affordable electric scooters and bikes, promoting eco-friendly travel in urban environments.

Festicket is an online platform that enables music fans to discover and book tickets and travel packages for music festivals worldwide. It provides a comprehensive service that includes festival tickets, accommodation, and travel arrangements, creating a seamless experience for users planning their festival trips. Operating as a two-sided marketplace, Festicket features over 1,000 music festivals across 40 countries and collaborates with a network of 2,000 suppliers to offer a variety of options. The platform also incorporates technology to assist event creators in managing, promoting, and selling their events, facilitating a hassle-free experience for both festival-goers and organizers.

Naadam Inc. is an American clothing company based in New York, founded in 2013, that specializes in affordable luxury cashmere knitwear, including sweaters, jackets, gloves, socks, and various loungewear items like blankets and robes. The company is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that its cashmere products are made from organic materials without toxic chemicals. Naadam's manufacturing processes are designed to create garments that not only become softer over time but also enhance the comfort of everyday living. Additionally, the company engages in environmental initiatives, including anti-desertification programs and clean energy-powered factories, reflecting its dedication to protecting the planet. Naadam distributes its products through an online platform and retail locations, catering to a diverse customer base seeking durable and stylish cashmere apparel.

Finless Foods Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in producing seafood products for human consumption using cellular-agriculture technologies. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on growing marine-animal cells to create alternatives to traditional fish and seafood, including bluefin tuna. By offering a variety of responsibly produced food options, Finless Foods aims to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs while promoting sustainability and better ocean health. The company's innovative approach provides consumers with healthy and accessible seafood alternatives, enabling them to maintain a balanced diet without compromising on flavor or variety.

Freeda Media, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Milan, Italy, is a media content creation agency focused on inspiring and engaging young women. The company aims to share authentic women's stories that promote positive change and celebrate achievements, personal expression, and sisterhood. By producing content tailored for various screens and social platforms, Freeda empowers media professionals to effectively reach and connect with their audience. Their approach centers on relevant passions, cultures, and news for young women, fostering deeper connections and maximizing the impact of their content.

Horizn Studios GmbH, based in Berlin, specializes in the design and manufacture of innovative luggage and travel bags tailored for modern travelers. Founded in 2015, the company offers a diverse range of products, including backpacks, totes, laptop bags, weekender bags, and cabin trolleys, catering to both men and women. Additionally, Horizn Studios provides travel accessories such as smart chargers, wallets, and cosmetics cases. The company is recognized as a pioneer in the European luggage market, focusing on premium quality and competitive pricing. Their signature Smart Luggage range integrates features like GPS tracking, removable chargers, and a travel app, aiming to enhance the travel experience for digital nomads and conscious travelers. Horizn Studios sells its products through physical stores and online platforms, promoting a sustainable approach to travel.

Rebag, founded in 2014 by Charles Gorra, specializes in the resale of luxury handbags and accessories through a robust e-commerce platform and physical retail locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Florida. The company has introduced innovative features such as a consignment service in 2023 and a membership program, Rebag⁺, in 2024, enhancing its appeal as a transparent and flexible resale option for customers. By leveraging proprietary technology and extensive data analysis, Rebag offers instant payment for designer items, setting a new standard in the luxury resale market. Additionally, Rebag provides tailored solutions for professional resellers through its Rebag for Business initiative. Recognized for its innovation, the company has received accolades from prominent publications, affirming its position as a leader in the luxury resale sector.

Soldo Limited is a company that specializes in developing expense management software solutions tailored for small businesses, enterprises, and accountants. Its offerings include Soldo Pro, which manages expenses from payment to reconciliation; Soldo Premium, which focuses on controlling business spending; and Soldo Enterprise, designed to support comprehensive financial strategies. The platform integrates prepaid MasterCard cards, a web-based administration console, and a mobile app, providing a user-friendly experience for managing the entire business expense cycle. Soldo serves a diverse clientele, including not-for-profits, start-ups, scale-ups, and various sectors such as digital media, technology, and higher education. Founded in 2014 and originally named PX Technology Ltd, the company rebranded to Soldo Limited in March 2015 and is headquartered in London, with additional offices in Rome, Milan, and Dublin.

SumUp is a financial technology company founded in 2011 that specializes in mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) solutions, allowing businesses to accept card payments easily and securely. Since its entry into the German market in 2012, SumUp has expanded its operations to 13 countries, including the United Kingdom and Brazil. The company provides a comprehensive payment solution through its proprietary card reader, which supports magstripe, chip, and contactless payments, and can be paired with smartphones and tablets. SumUp also offers a suite of software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) for third-party developers to integrate card payments into their own mobile applications. With a workforce of over 100 employees, SumUp is committed to simplifying payment processing for small and medium-sized businesses around the world.

Misterb&b is a property rental marketplace established in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. It connects travelers and hosts within the LGBTQ community, offering a searchable database of short-term rentals, including homes, rooms, and apartments. The platform allows LGBTQ individuals and allies to monetize their spare space, facilitating the provision of affordable housing options for users. By focusing on the needs of the LGBTQ community, Misterb&b aims to create a welcoming environment for travelers while simplifying the rental process for hosts.

Hotelscan is a metasearch engine that specializes in accommodation searches, allowing users to compare a wide range of lodging options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, and villas. By indexing hundreds of travel sites, Hotelscan offers access to over 1.5 million different accommodations worldwide. This platform facilitates users in finding the best deals available, enabling them to book the lowest-priced options for their stay. With its comprehensive search capabilities, Hotelscan serves as a valuable resource for travelers seeking cost-effective accommodation solutions.

The Essential, formerly known as Move, operates as an innovative e-commerce platform focused on delivering high-quality groceries in a convenient box format. The company aims to enhance the food value chain by providing affordable and ethical options for consumers. Each box includes a week's worth of essentials, such as fresh milk, farm-raised meat, frozen seafood, organic butter, eggs, cheese, and seasonal vegetables, catering to various dietary restrictions. By prioritizing quality and value, The Essential strives to offer the best possible products at competitive prices, making it easier for customers to access their daily necessities.

Arthena is a venture-backed financial technology company that specializes in art investment through a quantitative investment platform. By utilizing data science, Arthena provides investors access to the fine arts market, allowing them to invest in art as an asset class. The company enables investors to pool their capital to form small collections of fine art, referred to as syndicates, which cater to different risk tolerances. Arthena is dedicated to enhancing transparency in art investing, offering investors insights into acquired assets and artists, thus fostering informed investment decisions.

Arylla Inc. is a company that specializes in developing nanotechnology-based invisible ink aimed at fraud detection for luxury goods. Founded in 2015 and based in Winnipeg, Canada, Arylla's ink is utilized by luxury brands during production to help resellers verify the authenticity of items such as leather goods, footwear, and ready-to-wear clothing. This innovative solution allows luxury brands to monetize the resale of their products while combatting counterfeit goods in the market. In addition to its invisible ink, Arylla offers a tiered security platform for printing invisible labels for food authentication and has developed scanners for authenticating fluorescent signatures. By enabling resellers to confirm product authenticity via smartphone, Arylla provides a comprehensive approach to reducing the prevalence of counterfeits online.

Treedom is the first platform that allows consumers and corporations to celebrate and contribute to environmental commitment, planting trees and following their impact online. It’s a smart, simple way to make a big difference, supporting the environment and local communities around the world. The goal is to become the leading tree planter globally. With over 3.3 million trees planted in 42 agroforestry projects to date, Treedom initiates positive impacts in Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Italia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nepal Tanzania and Thailandia. Treedom is a certified B Corp based in Florence (Tuscany) , Munich (Germany), London (UK), Paris (France) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) relies on the enthusiasm and experience of a team of over 100 people.

Horizn Studios GmbH, based in Berlin, specializes in the design and manufacture of innovative luggage and travel bags tailored for modern travelers. Founded in 2015, the company offers a diverse range of products, including backpacks, totes, laptop bags, weekender bags, and cabin trolleys, catering to both men and women. Additionally, Horizn Studios provides travel accessories such as smart chargers, wallets, and cosmetics cases. The company is recognized as a pioneer in the European luggage market, focusing on premium quality and competitive pricing. Their signature Smart Luggage range integrates features like GPS tracking, removable chargers, and a travel app, aiming to enhance the travel experience for digital nomads and conscious travelers. Horizn Studios sells its products through physical stores and online platforms, promoting a sustainable approach to travel.

Stoyo is an advertising agency that specializes in creating engaging video content for social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Its primary focus is on facilitating data-driven advertisement creation, allowing businesses to efficiently engage their customers through targeted marketing campaigns. By providing a streamlined process for developing compelling video advertisements, Stoyo helps companies enhance their online presence and generate customer leads on social networks.

Outfittery is an online personal shopping service designed specifically for men, aiming to simplify the shopping experience. The company employs personal style experts who curate two to three outfits for customers based on their individual preferences and personalities, utilizing a selection from various top fashion brands. After an initial online interaction and an optional phone consultation, customers receive a selection of clothing items tailored to their style. The service is free, with customers only paying for the items they choose to keep. Outfittery updates its inventory regularly to feature the latest offerings from interesting men's fashion brands and popular designers worldwide. As a pioneer and market leader in curated shopping for men in Europe, Outfittery operates in eight countries, including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.

AirHelp is an organization dedicated to enhancing passenger rights and experiences worldwide by assisting travelers in obtaining compensation from airlines for flight cancellations, delays, and overbookings. The company streamlines the claims process by managing essential documentation and legal complexities, thus enabling passengers to assert their rights under relevant laws. In addition to flight compensation services, AirHelp offers subscription-based disruption coverage and parametric travel insurance products. Founded in 2013 by Greg Roodt, Henrik Zillmer, and Nicolas Michaelsen, AirHelp operates globally, providing support to millions of travelers in 18 languages, with offices located in major cities including Berlin, Barcelona, Gdansk, and Sao Paulo. The current CEO, Tomasz Pawliszyn, has led the company since January 2022.

Festicket is an online platform that enables music fans to discover and book tickets and travel packages for music festivals worldwide. It provides a comprehensive service that includes festival tickets, accommodation, and travel arrangements, creating a seamless experience for users planning their festival trips. Operating as a two-sided marketplace, Festicket features over 1,000 music festivals across 40 countries and collaborates with a network of 2,000 suppliers to offer a variety of options. The platform also incorporates technology to assist event creators in managing, promoting, and selling their events, facilitating a hassle-free experience for both festival-goers and organizers.

Rebag, founded in 2014 by Charles Gorra, specializes in the resale of luxury handbags and accessories through a robust e-commerce platform and physical retail locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Florida. The company has introduced innovative features such as a consignment service in 2023 and a membership program, Rebag⁺, in 2024, enhancing its appeal as a transparent and flexible resale option for customers. By leveraging proprietary technology and extensive data analysis, Rebag offers instant payment for designer items, setting a new standard in the luxury resale market. Additionally, Rebag provides tailored solutions for professional resellers through its Rebag for Business initiative. Recognized for its innovation, the company has received accolades from prominent publications, affirming its position as a leader in the luxury resale sector.

TOK.tv Inc. operates a voice social platform designed for sports fans, enabling them to communicate with friends while watching live games on television. The platform enhances fan engagement by allowing users to share stadium sounds, take social selfies, and stream games on their devices, creating a more immersive experience akin to being at the stadium. Founded in 2012 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in London and Pavia, TOK.tv also facilitates interaction between sports teams and their fans, providing opportunities for monetization within the game experience. The company became a subsidiary of Minerva Networks in August 2019 and has partnered with notable brands, contributing features like the TOK.tv Social Button to official mobile apps for major sports teams.

Soldo Limited is a company that specializes in developing expense management software solutions tailored for small businesses, enterprises, and accountants. Its offerings include Soldo Pro, which manages expenses from payment to reconciliation; Soldo Premium, which focuses on controlling business spending; and Soldo Enterprise, designed to support comprehensive financial strategies. The platform integrates prepaid MasterCard cards, a web-based administration console, and a mobile app, providing a user-friendly experience for managing the entire business expense cycle. Soldo serves a diverse clientele, including not-for-profits, start-ups, scale-ups, and various sectors such as digital media, technology, and higher education. Founded in 2014 and originally named PX Technology Ltd, the company rebranded to Soldo Limited in March 2015 and is headquartered in London, with additional offices in Rome, Milan, and Dublin.

La Belle Assiette is a company dedicated to simplifying the process of entertaining by providing a private chef booking platform that connects customers with a curated network of chefs and caterers. Through its online marketplace, users can browse various catering options, including buffet services, canapé receptions, private chef experiences, and office lunches, allowing them to select customized menus and book services effortlessly. On the day of the event, a chosen chef or caterer executes the service, ensuring a high-quality dining experience at home or in the office without the associated stress. Additionally, La Belle Assiette offers chefs a comprehensive suite of online tools to manage their businesses efficiently, covering aspects such as billing and customer relationship management.

Secret Escapes Limited is an online travel agency that specializes in offering discounted luxury hotel stays and holidays in the United Kingdom and internationally. Established in 2009 and based in London, the company negotiates exclusive rates for four and five-star accommodations, allowing members to access offers of up to 60% off standard pricing through week-long flash sales. The platform features a selection of hand-picked hotels, spa breaks, resorts, and tropical escapes, along with curated recommendations for various destinations. Acting as an agent for hotels, suppliers, and tour operators, Secret Escapes provides a members-only service that requires only an email sign-up for access to these exclusive deals, ensuring that members receive competitive prices and exceptional travel experiences.

Zipjet GmbH is an online laundry and dry cleaning service headquartered in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2014. The company offers a range of services including wash and fold, ironing, luxury dry cleaning, and specialized options for Airbnb hosts and restaurants. Zipjet allows users to conveniently order laundry and dry cleaning pickup and delivery, providing an efficient solution for managing their laundry needs. As of September 2019, it operates as a subsidiary of Jonny Fresh GmbH, reinforcing its position in the on-demand laundry market.

Satispay S.p.A. is a mobile payment application founded in 2013 and headquartered in Milan, Italy. The company aims to transform the payment landscape in Europe by offering a platform that enables users to make payments in stores, online, and between friends without relying on traditional debit or credit cards. Launched in 2015, Satispay provides a user-friendly and secure app that simplifies the payment process for consumers. For businesses, the service is both easy to implement and cost-effective, allowing merchants to accept payments quickly through their smartphones, tablets, or computers. By focusing on convenience and security, Satispay is changing the way people interact with money in daily transactions.

Misterb&b is a property rental marketplace established in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. It connects travelers and hosts within the LGBTQ community, offering a searchable database of short-term rentals, including homes, rooms, and apartments. The platform allows LGBTQ individuals and allies to monetize their spare space, facilitating the provision of affordable housing options for users. By focusing on the needs of the LGBTQ community, Misterb&b aims to create a welcoming environment for travelers while simplifying the rental process for hosts.

LifeQ Inc. is a health management technology company based in Alpharetta, Georgia, that focuses on enhancing personal health and wellness. The company has developed a platform that provides users with comprehensive insights into their health across various domains, including fitness, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. By utilizing a biology-led computational systems approach, LifeQ extracts meaningful digital biomarkers from data collected through wearable devices. This technology empowers users to understand their health better and make informed decisions to optimize their well-being. Through personalized recommendations and tools, LifeQ aims to help individuals delay aging, harness energy, and reduce disease risk, ultimately fostering a healthier lifestyle.

Coureon Logistics GmbH, founded in 2015 and based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in a multi-carrier management platform that simplifies shipping for e-commerce stores and logistics companies. The platform integrates various logistics providers, including local delivery services, line haulers, cargo airlines, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers, facilitating seamless cross-border shipping. By offering an efficient solution for managing incoming orders and organizing distribution, Coureon enables online merchants to streamline their logistics operations. The platform also supports integration with major e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, allowing sellers to compare shipping options and prices effectively. Additionally, Coureon provides consulting and implementation services for cross-border logistics tailored to the needs of large merchants and logistics partners. As of June 2018, Coureon operates as a subsidiary of UB Tech B.V.

ALOHA is an employee-owned company founded in 2013 by three Hawaiian business partners, specializing in the production and retail of plant-based protein products. Based in New York, the company offers a diverse range of items, including protein drinks, protein bars, and protein powders, all made from USDA Organic and non-GMO ingredients. ALOHA products are designed to be healthy, delicious, and free from common allergens such as soy and dairy, as well as sugar alcohols and stevia. The company is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that its practices are beneficial for both the environment and the communities it serves. ALOHA's products are available at various grocery and natural food retailers, as well as online through platforms like Amazon and its own direct-to-consumer website.

La Belle Assiette is a company dedicated to simplifying the process of entertaining by providing a private chef booking platform that connects customers with a curated network of chefs and caterers. Through its online marketplace, users can browse various catering options, including buffet services, canapé receptions, private chef experiences, and office lunches, allowing them to select customized menus and book services effortlessly. On the day of the event, a chosen chef or caterer executes the service, ensuring a high-quality dining experience at home or in the office without the associated stress. Additionally, La Belle Assiette offers chefs a comprehensive suite of online tools to manage their businesses efficiently, covering aspects such as billing and customer relationship management.

Marinanow is an online portal that allows sailors to search for places to moor their boats in marinas, compare prices between varyious marinas and book online. The current systems for booking places for private boats in marinas both in the mediterranean and worldwide is outdated and complicated. There is no one unified system for managing bookings so owners of boats currently have to search for phone numbers of directors of the marina, overcome language and time difference and ring them up to check for and reserve places. If that marina is full, or the director is difficult to reach, the boat owners have to search again for nearby ports. Marinanow solves this problem by using proven business models from the hotel and home rental industry. It offers the ability to book online, automatically from any port in the world using one site (a similar concept to sites like hotels.com). It also allows the “subleasing” of berths that have long term bookings (a similar concept to airbnb). The team is made up of four partners who have a vast experience in the marina industry as well as programming, internet companies and Startups. They have been accepted into an incubator and raised money from an accelerator programme and are now looking for angels to coinvest with United Ventures, an Italian VC firm. The site and mobile apps are online and fully functional and last summer, the team invested a small amount in marketing to test the product. The test was a huge success with a return of initial investment of around 2000%. They are now looking to raise further money to build on this initial success and expand aggressively to become the dominant player.