Deep Tech Germany - Startups and Venture Capital

Deep Tech Germany  - Startups and Venture Capital

**New Description for Deep Tech Germany Podcast:** Welcome to Deep Tech Germany, a sub-podcast of Startuprad.io™, your premier source for insights and news on German, Austrian, and Swiss startups! Ranked among the top 20 entrepreneurship podcasts on Apple Podcasts worldwide, we delve into the vibrant world of German-speaking deep tech innovation, all delivered in English for a global audience. Our deep tech track offers a unique lens into the realm of AI-driven startups and cutting-edge technology emerging from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Featuring a diverse range of guests, including Emmy winners, New York Times best-selling authors, Forbes 40 under 40, Capital 40 unter 40, Forbes 30 under 30, influential investors, and game-changing entrepreneurs, we introduce you to pioneers who are set to make a significant impact on the future. From deep learning to materials, robotics, and quantum computing, we spotlight the latest advancements and insights driving innovation in these critical fields. We cover the forefront of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and AI, uncovering stories from groundbreaking startups pioneering in climate tech, clean tech, and beyond. Discover how deep tech startups, spearheaded by scientists and engineers specializing in fields like agriculture, life sciences, chemistry, aerospace, and green energy, navigate the landscape of R&D and significant investment. Unravel the potential for these startups to not only shape new industries but also leave a profound impact on the global economy. Recognized as a Global Top 200 Technology Podcast by Chartable, Deep Tech Germany provides monthly startup news wrap-ups and exclusive interviews, ensuring you stay ahead with the latest developments in the tech startup scene. Our content spans Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, collectively known as the GSA or DACH region, with a focus on startups at the Series B funding stage or beyond. Join us whether you're part of a deep tech startup seeking inspiration or simply fascinated by the ever-evolving landscape of tech startups. Tune in and be inspired by every conversation at Deep Tech Germany, the international voice of the German-speaking deep tech scene. Learn more about us at https://startuprad.io/ Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Subscribe here: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Startuprad.io™ - The Authority on GSA Startups. Dive into our curated selection of interviews and discover the partnerships driving growth in the European tech space. Our platform has expanded from a single audio podcast to a 24/7 internet radio station, blog, YouTube channel, TikTok channel, eight sub-podcasts, and more than two dozen social media accounts.

  1. Scaling Cybersecurity: How Link11 Navigated Growth, Funding & Innovation

    4D AGO

    Scaling Cybersecurity: How Link11 Navigated Growth, Funding & Innovation

    🔊 SPONSORED BY VANTA Vanta automates security and compliance. Save $1,000 when you sign up at vanta.com/startupradio 🛠️ This episode was made possible by HTAI and the Enterprise Europe Network Hessen, who support startups through funding, networking, and international scaling resources. Learn more: htai.de | een-hessen.de 🎙️ EPISODE OVERVIEW What does it take to build a category-defining cybersecurity startup in one of the most competitive markets in tech? In Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Jens Philipp Jung, co-founder and CEO of Link11, you’ll hear the growth strategies, investor tactics, and innovation mindset behind one of Europe’s leading DDoS protection companies. From smart fundraising without giving up control to building a high-performance team for global scale, this episode is packed with insights for startup founders, scaleup execs, and tech investors who want to understand how to grow in the cybersecurity game. This isn’t theory. This is the real story of scaling a startup at the frontlines of internet security. 🧠 What You’ll Learn How Link11 scaled its DDoS protection platform globally The strategic funding approach that allowed them to retain vision control Why cybersecurity startups must outpace threats—not just competition Team-building and leadership lessons from founder Jens Philipp Jung How Link11 stays relevant in a fast-moving security landscape Advice for entrepreneurs building in regulated or critical-infrastructure markets ⏱️ Chapters & Key Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back & Link11's role in cybersecurity 05:00 – Jens’ founder journey: from zero to scale 10:00 – Scaling up: hiring, structure, and execution 15:00 – Cybersecurity’s evolving threat landscape 20:00 – Fundraising and investor alignment 25:00 – Leadership and resilience in tech 30:00 – Product innovation in DDoS protection 35:00 – Vision, legacy, and building a durable company 40:00 – Takeaways for startup builders

    36 min
  2. Scale Your Tech & Beat DDoS: Link11 CEO's Playbook

    6D AGO

    Scale Your Tech & Beat DDoS: Link11 CEO's Playbook

    Learn how Link11 scaled from startup to global cybersecurity player — and how your tech venture can grow safely, too. 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio In this action-packed episode, Jens Philipp Jung, CEO of Link11, joins host Joe Menninger to share the real story behind scaling a tech company while defending against relentless DDoS attacks. Whether you're building the next big startup or protecting digital infrastructure, this episode delivers field-tested tactics you can use today. 🔐 What You’ll Learn: • How Link11 pivoted from low-latency tech to cybersecurity leader • DDoS attack breakdowns and how to stop them before they start • Hiring & retaining top-tier tech talent • Using AI in the cybersecurity arms race • Implementing Zero Trust: “Never trust, always verify” • Entrepreneurial focus, mindset, and real-world lessons 🎯 Who Should Listen: • Startup founders and tech executives scaling fast • Cybersecurity professionals and infrastructure leaders • Investors scouting resilient tech companies • Anyone passionate about innovation and digital defense 🧠 Episode Highlights: • [00:01:54] Jens’s unconventional path to cybersecurity • [00:04:00] The DDoS attack that changed everything • [00:15:45] Focus: the founder’s superpower • [00:23:44] Winning the hiring war • [00:30:03] AI's role in modern cyber threats 👤 Guest: Jens Philipp Jung (CEO, Link11) 📌 More from Startuprad.io: • Full episode blog & resources →http://startuprad.io/post/ddos-protection-tech-scaling-link11-s-jens-philipp-jung-on-cybersecurity-s-future-part-1 • Related founder interviews → https://www.startuprad.io/blog/categories/entrepreneur-interviews Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and share with fellow founders and tech leaders. Connect: https://linktr.ee/startupradio #Cybersecurity #DDoSProtection #TechStartups #StartupGrowth #AI #ZeroTrust #Entrepreneurship #FounderTips #Link11

    41 min
  3. DACH Startups: AI, VC & Fintech Hot Takes

    MAR 27

    DACH Startups: AI, VC & Fintech Hot Takes

    Sponsor Section 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio Introduction Dive into the DACH startup scene! This episode covers the latest trends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Key Highlights Fintech Evolution: Coorsair's IDNow acquisition (€300M) and the stablecoin surge to $226B highlight fintech's dynamism. Venture Capital: Toma Bravo's €1.8B European fund signals investor interest, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies persist. AI and Tech: Germany leads in AI research, but faces implementation challenges. Volocopter's acquisition and BioMed's cancer detection breakthrough showcase innovation. Funding & Founders: Funding rounds like Tectal's (€52M) and Swiss female founder success demonstrate growth. Legal & Regulatory: Legal battles (startup vs. SAP) and GDPR reviews (DeepSeek) highlight complexities. Fintech: A Sector in Motion Fintech sees Coorsair's IDNow acquisition and stablecoin growth. The ECB's digital Euro plans are also significant. Venture Capital: Navigating the Landscape Toma Bravo's fund shows investor confidence, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies pose challenges. AI and Technology: Innovation Germany's AI research faces implementation hurdles. Volocopter and BioMed demonstrate other tech advancements. Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Successes Funding for companies like Tectile contrasts with layoffs and insolvencies. Acquisitions continue. Regional Highlights Germany: Strong AI research, but application lags. Switzerland: Tight fintech VC, but female founders thrive. Austria: Linz launches an AI cluster; the Austrian DAH Fund starts. Conclusion The DACH startup scene is dynamic, with innovation and challenges across sectors. Call to Action Subscribe to our podcast for DACH startup updates! Share your thoughts below. All rights reserved - Startuprad.io™

    39 min
  4. 🎧 Is Your SME Missing Calls? AI Is the Solution! 🚀

    MAR 20

    🎧 Is Your SME Missing Calls? AI Is the Solution! 🚀

    Brought to you by Vanta: 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, saving you $1,000 when you sign up using this exclusive link: vanta.com/startupradio. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we dive deep into the revolutionary world of AI phone assistants for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Struggling with missed calls, overwhelmed customer service teams, or inefficient communication? AI is the game-changer your business needs to elevate customer service and drive growth. Our guest, Daniel Keinrath, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Fonio.ai, explains how his company is empowering SMEs to streamline customer service with cutting-edge AI technology. He reveals the challenges businesses face in customer communication and how Fonio.ai’s AI phone assistants are not just automating call handling but enhancing the overall customer experience—saving time and money. Here’s What You’ll Discover in This Episode: SME Pain Points: Discover the common struggles SMEs face with customer communication, including missed calls, understaffed teams, and the direct impact on customer satisfaction. AI at Work: Learn how Fonio.ai’s AI phone assistants are automating processes, improving response times, and transforming customer service into a seamless experience. Customization for Success: Uncover how Fonio.ai tailors its technology to meet the unique needs of each SME, providing a personalized solution that fits any business model. Startup Wisdom: Get actionable entrepreneurial advice from Daniel, covering the keys to scaling an AI startup, the importance of resilience, and how to overcome obstacles in the startup world. SME Growth: Learn how AI phone assistants enable SMEs to scale their customer service operations without the significant overhead associated with traditional methods. This Episode Is Perfect For: Entrepreneurs & Founders seeking inspiration and practical advice on building an AI-driven startup. SME Owners looking for innovative solutions to streamline customer service and boost efficiency. Tech Investors interested in AI and automation, and how these technologies are disrupting the SME landscape. Anyone Curious about how AI is reshaping business communication and driving growth for SMEs. For a deeper dive into how AI is revolutionizing SME customer service, check out our detailed blog post: How AI Phone Assistants Are Revolutionizing SME Customer Service: https://www.startuprad.io/post/how-ai-phone-assistants-are-revolutionizing-sme-customer-service

    45 min
  5. Biotech Entrepreneurship: The Qiagen Story (Part 2)

    MAR 14

    Biotech Entrepreneurship: The Qiagen Story (Part 2)

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Professor Detlev Riesner, the co-founder of Qiagen, who shares the incredible journey of building a global biotech powerhouse. In the 1980s, with venture capital scarce and no clear path from research to market, Professor Riesner took bold steps to turn his vision into reality. This isn’t just the story of a company—it’s a tale of scientific curiosity, entrepreneurial grit, and the belief in biotech’s transformative power. In this exclusive interview, you’ll hear: How Qiagen became the first German company to list on Nasdaq! 🚀 Professor Riesner’s challenges in early-stage biotech and how he overcame funding hurdles. The strategies that bridge cutting-edge academic research with business success. Insights into the evolution of Germany’s biotech ecosystem and its impact on innovation. Advice for biotech entrepreneurs, tech founders, and investors. Who should listen? Aspiring biotech entrepreneurs Biotech startup founders and innovators Investors in biotech and technology University spin-offs and technology transfer advocates Those interested in the history and future of biotech, especially in Germany What makes this episode unique? We go beyond the surface to explore the personal journey of Professor Riesner. His story of resilience, tough decisions, and unwavering determination paints a picture of how Qiagen became a leader in the biotech industry. You’ll hear valuable insights that will inspire anyone in biotech or entrepreneurship. Professor Riesner’s key takeaway: "It has to be in the mind of the administration of these people to help and not to ask money from people who don’t have the money." This powerful insight sums up the challenges and opportunities in academic entrepreneurship. Episode Highlights: The influence of a Nobel laureate on Professor Riesner’s academic career. Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship: turning research into business. Overcoming funding challenges in biotech’s early days. Qiagen’s rise to Nasdaq and key milestones along the way. The future of the German biotech ecosystem. Professor Riesner’s advice for aspiring biotech entrepreneurs. Brought to you by ModernIQs.com. Startuprad.io listeners can create two free SEO-optimized blog posts each month in under a minute. Don’t miss out on this offer!

    39 min
  6. Qiagen's Biotech Rise: From Lab to Nasdaq (Part 1)

    MAR 13

    Qiagen's Biotech Rise: From Lab to Nasdaq (Part 1)

    👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio Discover the secrets behind building a global biotech powerhouse with Professor Detlev Riesner. Launching Qiagen in 1980s Germany, a time when venture capital was scarce and the path from research to market success was uncharted, Professor Riesner didn’t just imagine it—he lived it. This isn’t just a company story; it’s a powerful narrative of scientific curiosity, entrepreneurial grit, and the transformative potential of biotech. In this exclusive interview, you’ll learn: The captivating founding story of Qiagen and its groundbreaking achievement as the first German company to list on Nasdaq! 🚀 Professor Riesner’s firsthand account of overcoming early-stage biotech challenges and securing funding. Key strategies for bridging the gap between academic research and building a thriving business. Insights into the evolution of Germany's biotech ecosystem and its impact on innovation. Professor Riesner’s advice for biotech entrepreneurs, tech founders, and investors. A must-listen for those interested in: Biotech entrepreneurship and startups Biotech funding and investment University spin-offs and technology transfer Building and scaling successful biotech companies The history and future of the German biotech industry What makes this episode unique? We delve deep into Professor Riesner’s personal journey, uncovering pivotal moments, tough decisions, and the resilience that fueled Qiagen’s success. It's a story of determination, innovation, and entrepreneurial vision. Ready to be inspired? Professor Riesner’s profound insight: "It has to be in the mind of the administration of these people to help and not to ask money from people who don't have the money." This encapsulates the challenges and potential of academic entrepreneurship. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a biotech pioneer! Episode Highlights: The influence of a Nobel laureate on Professor Riesner’s academic journey. Transitioning from academia to building a biotech company. Overcoming funding challenges in biotech’s early days. Qiagen’s historic Nasdaq listing. The evolution of Germany's biotech ecosystem. Professor Riesner’s advice for aspiring biotech entrepreneurs. This episode is brought to you by ModernIQs.com. Startuprad.io listeners get two free SEO-optimized blog posts per month in less than a minute. Get your two free posts by using this exclusive link: https://moderniqs.com/create-an-account/?res_aff=startupradio. #BiotechEntrepreneurship #BiotechStartups #BiotechInnovation #BiotechFunding #UniversitySpinOffs #Qiagen #GermanBiotech #DACHStartups #AcademicEntrepreneurship #BiotechIndustry #Entrepreneurship #StartupSuccess #BiotechGermany #BiotechHistory #BiotechLeadership #VentureCapital #Nasdaq #Startupradio Share this episode with your network!

    41 min
  7. OpenMind Robotics: Revolutionizing AI Companionship

    MAR 6

    OpenMind Robotics: Revolutionizing AI Companionship

    Sponsor Section: 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio Join Startuprad.io for an insightful conversation with Jan Liphardt, founder of OpenMind Robotics and associate professor at Stanford University, as we delve into the fascinating world of AI-driven robotics.   OpenMind is pioneering open-source software for robots, enabling them to engage in conversations, assist with tasks, and even tutor in math. In this episode, Jan discusses the inspiration behind OpenMind, the challenges of developing robotics software, and the company's vision for the future of robotics, including its potential impact on industries like healthcare and elder care.   Key Themes: The genesis of OpenMind and its focus on AI-powered robot dogs for companionship and assistance.   The challenges of developing robotics software, including ensuring safety and avoiding unintended actions.   OpenMind's vision for the future of robotics, including its potential impact on industries like healthcare and elder care.   The ethical considerations of AI-driven robotics and the need for broader societal discussion.   Intriguing Insights: Discover how Jan's passion for AI and robotics led him to create OpenMind.   Learn about the challenges of developing robotics software that can emotionally engage with humans.   Explore the potential of OpenMind's technology to be used in a wide range of AI companions, including therapy robots, educational robots, and personal robots.   Hear Jan's thoughts on the ethical considerations of AI-driven robotics and the need for responsible development.   Call to Action: Subscribe to Startuprad.io for more insightful interviews with leading entrepreneurs and innovators. Share this episode with your network and leave a review! Let's keep the conversation going – follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more updates and discussions on the future of technology and startups.   Show Notes: Guest: Jan Liphardt, Founder of OpenMind Robotics and Associate Professor at Stanford University Company: OpenMind Robotics (https://openmind.org/) Key Topics: AI-driven robotics, open-source software, robotics software development, robotics industry, robotics market, robotics trends, robotics ethics, robotics applications, robotics future

    50 min

About

**New Description for Deep Tech Germany Podcast:** Welcome to Deep Tech Germany, a sub-podcast of Startuprad.io™, your premier source for insights and news on German, Austrian, and Swiss startups! Ranked among the top 20 entrepreneurship podcasts on Apple Podcasts worldwide, we delve into the vibrant world of German-speaking deep tech innovation, all delivered in English for a global audience. Our deep tech track offers a unique lens into the realm of AI-driven startups and cutting-edge technology emerging from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Featuring a diverse range of guests, including Emmy winners, New York Times best-selling authors, Forbes 40 under 40, Capital 40 unter 40, Forbes 30 under 30, influential investors, and game-changing entrepreneurs, we introduce you to pioneers who are set to make a significant impact on the future. From deep learning to materials, robotics, and quantum computing, we spotlight the latest advancements and insights driving innovation in these critical fields. We cover the forefront of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and AI, uncovering stories from groundbreaking startups pioneering in climate tech, clean tech, and beyond. Discover how deep tech startups, spearheaded by scientists and engineers specializing in fields like agriculture, life sciences, chemistry, aerospace, and green energy, navigate the landscape of R&D and significant investment. Unravel the potential for these startups to not only shape new industries but also leave a profound impact on the global economy. Recognized as a Global Top 200 Technology Podcast by Chartable, Deep Tech Germany provides monthly startup news wrap-ups and exclusive interviews, ensuring you stay ahead with the latest developments in the tech startup scene. Our content spans Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, collectively known as the GSA or DACH region, with a focus on startups at the Series B funding stage or beyond. Join us whether you're part of a deep tech startup seeking inspiration or simply fascinated by the ever-evolving landscape of tech startups. Tune in and be inspired by every conversation at Deep Tech Germany, the international voice of the German-speaking deep tech scene. Learn more about us at https://startuprad.io/ Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Subscribe here: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Startuprad.io™ - The Authority on GSA Startups. Dive into our curated selection of interviews and discover the partnerships driving growth in the European tech space. Our platform has expanded from a single audio podcast to a 24/7 internet radio station, blog, YouTube channel, TikTok channel, eight sub-podcasts, and more than two dozen social media accounts.

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