What are the most active VC firms in Germany?

Our research shows that the most active venture capital firms in Germany are TruVenturo, Target Partners, Earlybird, Holtzbrinck Ventures, Capnamic Ventures, High-Tech Gründerfonds, Piton Capital and Arena Ventures. These firms have funded startups from various sectors such as e-commerce, fintech and software.

What are the most well-funded startups in Germany?

Some of the most well-funded startups in Germany include N26, Auto1, FlixMobility and Kreditech. N26 is a digital bank that has raised over $570 million in venture funding. Auto1 is an automotive marketplace that provides car dealers with access to used cars and has raised over $625 million in venture funding. Flixmobility is a mobility platform for long-distance buses and trains that has raised over $590 million in venture funding. Finally, Kreditech is a consumer finance company that provides loans to people who lack access to financial services and has raised over $360 million in venture capital funding. All four companies have received significant investments from notable VCs such as Atomico, Earlybird, Rocket Internet, Goldman Sachs and Rocket Internet.

What are the most common industries for VC investment in Germany?

VC investment in Germany is typically focused on technology-driven companies in sectors such as software, e-commerce, fintech and healthcare. In recent years, venture capital firms have become increasingly interested in deep tech companies that use artificial intelligence (AI) or blockchain technology. Additionally, there has been an increasing focus on sustainability-related investments such as clean energy, green mobility and smart cities. All of these sectors have received significant investment from top VCs in Germany and are expected to continue growing in the future.

How has the VC landscape in Germany changed in recent years?

The venture capital landscape in Germany has seen some significant changes in recent years. Notable VCs such as Atomico, Earlybird, Rocket Internet, Goldman Sachs and Rocket Internet have increased their presence in the country. There is a greater focus on technology-driven investments such as AI and blockchain, which have spurred interest from investors looking for new opportunities. With the emergence of sustainable investment options such as clean energy and green mobility, VC firms are now looking at these sectors as potential sources of returns. All of these factors combined have made Germany an attractive destination for venture capital investing.

What are some of the trends in VC funding in Germany?

Recent trends in VC funding in Germany include increased activity from corporate venture capital (CVC) firms as well as a shift towards larger ticket investments. CVCs such as Daimler Mobility and Bosch Ventures have become active players in the German startup ecosystem, investing not only for financial returns but also to gain access to technology and innovative ideas. Additionally, venture funds are increasingly shifting towards investing larger amounts of money into fewer deals - a trend known as “mega-deals”. This trend has been particularly visible in the mobility sector, where startups such as FlixMobility and Auto1 have raised over $500 million each.Overall, VC funding in Germany is on the rise, with many investors recognizing the potential of German startups to become global players. By closely tracking these trends, it is possible to identify which sectors are seeing most investment activity and which companies are receiving the largest investments. These insights can be used by entrepreneurs to better understand what kind of businesses are attractive for venture capital money and how they can maximize their chances of success when pitching for investments.

What are the most successful exits by German startups?

Some of the most successful exits by German startups are Delivery Hero, Rocket Internet, Zalando and Adjust. Delivery Hero is a food delivery platform that was acquired for $4 billion in 2017. Rocket Internet is an e-commerce incubator that went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 2014 at a valuation of €6.7 billion ($7.1 billion). Zalando is an online fashion retailer that has achieved success both through organic growth as well as high-profile acquisitions such as Humanic and Jades24. Finally, Adjust is a mobile analytics company that was acquired for $960 million in 2020. These exits demonstrate the potential of German tech companies to become global players and create significant value for their investors. They have also attracted attention from international investors, making Germany an even more attractive destination for venture capital investment. With many new and innovative startups launching every day, there will likely be even more successful exits in the near future.

Investors & Venture Capital Firms in Stockholm: 30+ Listed

Stockholm’s Startup Ecosystem: A Global Leader in Innovation and Impact Tech

Stockholm has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic startup hubs, earning global recognition as a “unicorn factory.” The city has produced at least 41 unicorns—including Spotify, Klarna, King (Candy Crush), Skype, and Mojang (Minecraft)—which underscores its ability to build and scale high-growth companies.

This success is rooted in a combination of entrepreneurial culture, strong government support, and a mature network of investors in Stockholm. Even amid shifting global markets, the city continues to thrive, particularly in key sectors like:

Fintech: Stockholm is a global fintech leader thanks to companies like Klarna and iZettle, which have revolutionized digital payments and financial services.
Gaming and Creative Tech: Home to pioneers like Spotify and King, the city is a hotspot for innovative gaming and entertainment startups.
Impact Tech and Sustainability: In 2023, 74% of Sweden’s venture capital funding went to startups addressing sustainability and climate challenges. This reflects Stockholm’s unique position as a leading green tech hub.
Deep Tech: The city is also gaining traction in advanced fields such as AI, quantum computing, and next-generation materials, drawing increasing attention from venture capital firms.

A standout example is Northvolt, a battery technology company playing a central role in Stockholm’s green energy push. These developments continue to make Stockholm one of the most attractive destinations for impact-driven investors and founders alike.

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Venture Capital in Stockholm: A Well-Connected Investment Hub

The venture capital landscape in Stockholm is both active and globally integrated. In 2023, Swedish startups secured €4.7 billion in funding, with a large portion funneled into Stockholm-based companies. Even as funding slightly dipped across Europe in 2024, Stockholm remained resilient—securing significant rounds and reinforcing its position in the tech sector.

Notable milestones include:

Tink, a fintech startup acquired by Visa for over $2 billion, validating Stockholm’s financial innovation ecosystem.
Klarna raised $800 million in 2022, navigating global downturns and continuing its global expansion from Stockholm.

A mix of local and international investors contributes to this momentum. Leading Stockholm-based VC firms like Northzone, Creandum, EQT Ventures, and Luminar Ventures are deeply involved in early- and growth-stage funding. At the same time, global heavyweights such as Accel, Sequoia, and Index Ventures actively invest in Stockholm startups, attracted by the region’s innovation and proven track record.

Government-backed funding programs further bolster the ecosystem. Initiatives like Vinnova grants, STING incubator programs, and support from Stockholm Innovation & Growth provide crucial capital and mentorship for early-stage companies.

Institutional investors are also playing a role. Pension-backed funds such as AP Ventures and Industrifonden have stepped in to support later-stage startups, helping to bridge funding gaps in tighter market conditions.

Another defining feature is the city’s “startup mafia” effect. Founders from companies like Spotify, Skype, and Klarna frequently reinvest in the ecosystem—as angel investors, advisors, or mentors—creating a cycle of support that helps emerging startups scale. This ongoing reinvestment has helped Stockholm achieve one of the world’s highest unicorns-per-capita ratios.

The Future of Stockholm’s Startup Scene in 2025

Stockholm’s global mindset continues to set it apart, with most startups targeting international markets from day one. This export-driven approach has contributed to Sweden’s €239 billion startup ecosystem, which has doubled in value over the past five years. However, like many other startup hubs, Stockholm faces challenges in late-stage capital availability, requiring some scale-ups to moderate growth plans or seek bridge rounds as venture capital markets shift.

A growing concern for Stockholm’s ecosystem is talent acquisition and retention. While the city offers an exceptional quality of life, progressive values, and strong social support systems, it remains one of Europe’s more expensive places to live. As competition for top engineering and business talent intensifies, Stockholm has implemented programs to attract international tech workers and support new entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead to 2025, Stockholm’s strengths in sustainability, fintech, and deep tech will continue to attract both investors and talent. With strong institutional support, a vibrant investor community, and a track record of global success, Stockholm is set to remain one of the top startup ecosystems in Europe and beyond.