DTCF | DeepTech & Climate Fonds

🌟 Did someone inspire your journey into entrepreneurship?   Lilian Schwich, Co-Founder and CEO of our portfolio company cylib, is inspired by the Hungarian-American inventor known as The Sun Queen: Mária Telkes. She was a pioneer in solar energy technologies who turned bold ideas into world-changing solutions.   “For me, Mária Telkes is a role model. She is best known for developing the first house with solar heating, demonstrating her dedication to applying scientific research to solve real-world problems. Despite facing skepticism and doubt, she focused on the how rather than the if, embodying an entrepreneurial mindset that bridged research and practical innovation, proving that what seemed impossible could be accomplished. Her work inspires me by showing the power of perseverance, creativity, and a solutions-oriented approach to challenges.”   At cylib, Lilian mirrors this visionary spirit. cylib’s cutting-edge battery recycling technology recovers critical elements like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, driving sustainable solutions for a circular economy. ♻️🔋 With plans to scale operations to an industrial level, cylib is helping Europe build a resilient battery infrastructure and redefine sustainability in practice. 🌍   Mária Telkes’ legacy lives on through leaders like Lilian, proving that perseverance and innovation can achieve the seemingly impossible. 🚀   ✨ This Inspirational Role Model Month, we celebrate the pioneers shaping our future. Stay tuned for more stories from our founders.   Cc Paul Sabarny Gideon Schwich Rebekka Mueller Elisabeth Schrey Tobias Weissgerber Stephanie L. Stein Porsche Ventures Bosch Ventures Speedinvest Vsquared Ventures 10x Founders World Fund NRW.BANK

🌍 A Decade of #EuropeanTech: Transformation, Resilience, and Potential 🌍 As we dive into the 10th edition of Atomico's State of European Tech, it's clear how far Europe has come over the past decade, from a niche ecosystem to a $3.2 trillion powerhouse. 🚀 Key Insights from 2024: 📈 Talent Boom: A sevenfold increase in the tech workforce since 2015, now at 3.5M. Europe is on track to rival the U.S. in talent within five years. 📈 Sustainability Leadership: 21% of funding in Europe targets sustainability—twice the share in the U.S. 📈 Unicorn Surge: From 72 in 2015 to over 300 today, showcasing Europe's growing ambition and ecosystem maturity. 📈 Challenges Ahead: A $375B growth-stage funding gap and regulatory fragmentation threaten Europe's momentum. For us, this report offers quantitative reasons to continue our work at DTCF: Focussing on deeptech and #climatetech startups in the early #growth stage. Our portfolio and many other scale ups embody the ambition #Europe needs to stay ahead. 🌱💡 Having backed startups in quantum computing, fusion energy, autonomous logistics, and more, we are strong believers in the opportunities, but also witness hurdles when scaling transformative technologies in Europe. There is still not enough growth-stage funding for #deeptech companies. And while we as a fund continue giving our very best to close this gap, we need more Series B and C funding within the next few years - until successful tech IPOs in Europe become a viable exit route. 📜 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/dQK__DQq Elisabeth Schrey Tobias Faupel Torsten Löffler Dr. Markus Düttmann Dr. Anne-Kathrin Hinze Jonas Sommer Anke Gratz Stephanie L. Stein Günther Bogenrieder Lena Stache Cristina Doumitrachko Tobias Weissgerber Jana Kutter #StateofEuropeanTech #AtomicoReport

🌌 Exploring the Future of #Computing: One Year Later 🌌 Exactly a year ago, our Investment Manager Jonas Sommer shared his visionary article, "Five Hypotheses for Investing in the Future of Computing." 🧠 It highlighted transformative opportunities like #LLM memory innovation and the game-changing potential of hybrid quantum computing. A lot has happened since then! These insights continue to resonate, and we’ve made two landmark investments in quantum #technology: 🌟 Kipu Quantum (Dec 2023): Developing quantum algorithms with breakthrough compression technology, drastically reducing quantum resource requirements to achieve Quantum Advantage. 🌟 planqc (July 2024): Building quantum computers powered by nature’s best qubits—individual atoms—for unparalleled scalability. It’s thrilling to see these technologies advance toward real-world impact, and we’re proud to support the teams shaping the quantum future. 📖 Revisit Jonas’ insights: https://lnkd.in/e5qxRajf 🔗 Virtual Event Tip! On Friday, 22nd November, Kipu Quantum is hosting an engaging #QuantumComputing Meet-Up featuring their CEO Daniel Volz. Don’t miss this chance to explore: 💡 When we’ll see quantum advantage & which architecture will lead. 🔍 Real-world applications already proving quantum’s value. ⏰ Friday, 22nd November at 6 PM CET / 12 PM EST Register here: https://lnkd.in/dCNKrMc3 Tobias Grab Enrique Solano Joanna Folberth Alexander Glätzle Sebastian Blatt Johannes Zeiher Verena Zimmermann, CFA Torsten Löffler Lena Stache Stephanie L. Stein

🌟 TO THE STARS AND BEYOND! We’re over the moon to announce our participation in the biggest European space-tech Series B, welcoming The Exploration Company to our portfolio! 🌍🌌 Alongside lead investors Balderton Capital & Plural Ventures, joined by Bayern Kapital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and NGP Capital, and alongside existing supporters like EQT Ventures and Cherry Ventures, we’re thrilled to co-invest with French Tech Souveraineté (Bpifrance), marking the first time this two European sovereign funds have teamed up. This truly emphasizes TEC’s strategic European DNA.💫 🎥 Check out the heartfelt message from TEC Co-founder and CEO, Hélène Huby in the video! We are continuously inspired by her ambitious team demonstrating what’s possible in European space-tech when we come together. Or, as our Managing Director Tobias Faupel states: "We believe that The Exploration Company will redefine European leadership in space exploration and we are proud to back their mission together with other outstanding European investors." This marks our second space-tech venture (shoutout to our friends at LiveEO in Berlin! 👋), and we’re beyond excited. 🚀 As DTCF Investment Manager Jonas Sommer shares: "We are thrilled by TEC's vision to revolutionize the European space ecosystem as it was accomplished in the United States." 👉 Welcome aboard, Hélène Huby & the entire TECteam! We’re excited to the moon and back to witness your next adventures! 🌕🌟 📰 Read more in our official press release: Link 📰 For additional media coverage, check the comments below! ⬇️ Cc Elisabeth Schrey Torsten Löffler Lena Stache Dana Baki Matilda Alku Pierre Faucoup Mark Kirasich Artur Koop Eric MIQUEL Antoine Mondésert Najwa NAIMY Jon Reijneveld David Thevenon Melissa Negretti Khaled Helioui Stephanie L. Stein

🌍 The future of energy is evolving rapidly, with new technologies across bioenergy, hydrogen, and advanced energy storage leading the way toward a more sustainable world. In a recent feature by ClimateHack on the “50+ Energy Startups to Watch,” our own Cristina Doumitrachko shared some of the most exciting ventures transforming the energy landscape. 🚀 Alongside our investments in the charge point operator eze.network and fusion energy startup Proxima Fusion, Cristina highlighted two more innovative companies making waves: 🇩🇪 Voltfang – Delivering high-performance, sustainable energy storage by repurposing second-life EV batteries to offer eco-friendly, cost-efficient solutions for businesses. 🌱🔋 🇧🇷 BioHack – Supporting industries in reducing environmental impact by implementing circular economy principles and converting waste into valuable products. ♻️ From stellarator fusion to next-gen energy storage, the energy sector is brimming with transformative ideas that will reshape how we power our world. Read more in the article by Laura Hodgkiss: https://lnkd.in/etPNkvUW Elisabeth Schrey Dr. Anne-Kathrin Hinze Tobias Weissgerber Stephanie L. Stein

🌟 Did someone inspire your journey into entrepreneurship? For Cyrille PAUTHENIER, CEO and Co-Founder of our portfolio company Abolis Biotechnologies, it was Louis Pasteur——the legendary scientist who transformed our understanding of chemistry, created microbiology and laid the groundwork for rational vaccine development. "I had the privilege of studying at the École Normale Supérieure, in the Department of Chemistry founded by Louis Pasteur. At its entrance stands the small building where he conducted his famous rabies experiments. In the old library, a dusty display case holds samples of his work—from the first racemic separation of tartaric acid to his evidence against spontaneous generation. A portrait of Pasteur teaching chemistry reminds us of his impact on science and education. Pasteur inspired a generation of multidisciplinary scientists who advanced microbiology worldwide—and myself. I hope to someday reflect on my own contributions and feel worthy of his remarkable legacy." Cyrille’s company, Abolis Biotechnologies, is deeply connected to Pasteur’s legacy, working in the very field of microbiology he pioneered. Abolis is revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, cosmetics, and sustainable chemistry by leveraging innovations in biomanufacturing and microbiome. The company has recently started a breakthrough collaboration with L'Oréal and Evonik. 🧬 As we celebrate Inspirational Role Model Month this November, we’re sharing stories like Cyrille’s that show the impact of scientific heritage on today’s entrepreneurial spirit. Here’s to a future where innovation meets sustainability, inspired by pioneers like Pasteur. 🌍✨ Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the founders of our portfolio in the coming weeks! Valerie Brunel Gwenael Servant, PhD BOLD, the venture fund of L’Oréal Evonik Venture Capital Clay Capital LIBERSET Icos Capital Cristina Doumitrachko Tobias Faupel Stephanie L. Stein Holger Seier Nadine Albach Dr. Jens Busse Julie Pelcener Smithwhite

❄️ Catch Us in Helsinki!   From November 20–21, it’s Slush time again! One of the world’s leading startup events, Slush will bring together 5,500+ founders and 3,300+ investors—all under one roof. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, Slush is where the startup ecosystem comes alive, creating unmatched opportunities for networking, matchmaking, and innovation-sharing. 💡🤝 And of course, we’ll be there too! Our Investment Manager, Jonas Sommer, will be onsite, eager to connect with visionary founders and disruptive startups that are reshaping industries and driving sustainable change. ✨ If you’re attending and would like to meet for a coffee, don’t hesitate to shoot Jonas a message! ☕ Let’s explore how we can work together to build a brighter future. 🌱 Cc Elisabeth Schrey Stephanie L. Stein Konrad Kordowski Niina Niskanen

🌟 Did someone inspire your journey into entrepreneurship? For Hendrik Kramer, CEO and Co-Founder of our portfolio company FERNRIDE, it was his grandfather—a lifelong entrepreneur—who shaped his path. Hendrik’s childhood was filled with invaluable lessons in resilience, kindness, and hard work. “Growing up, I had the unique privilege of being raised by my grandparents—a journey rich with wisdom, resilience, and love. My grandfather, an entrepreneur, filled my childhood with countless stories, life lessons, and simple everyday advice. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate how those small pearls of wisdom were shaping me into the leader I am today. But one piece of advice he gave me has always stood out: ‘Work hard and be nice to people.’ This simple phrase has profoundly influenced not only how I lead but also the kind of company I strive to build with my team.” 🔥 Under Hendrik’s leadership, FERNRIDE has grown into the leading platform for autonomous trucking, offering a seamless path to automation through a pragmatic human-assisted autonomy approach. 🚛 For his efforts, Hendrik was named “Logistics Leader of the Year” in September. Celebrating its 5-year anniversary, the company recently announced a new strategic partnership with JOST World to drive logistics automation, underscoring its commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking solutions. With this, FERNRIDE continues to set new standards for the industry. ✨ This November, as part of Inspirational Role Model Month, we’re celebrating leaders like Hendrik, whose journeys are rooted in values that drive positive impact. 🌍💡 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the founders of our portfolio over the coming weeks! Cc Maria Tarasova Martin Isik Thomas Bock Elisabeth Schrey Stephanie L. Stein

🔮 The Quantum Revolution is Here!   Quantum computing is transforming industries, from cybersecurity to material science, with startups and big players like IBM and Google leading the charge. European startups, including those in our portfolio, are making groundbreaking advances in quantum security, sensors, software, and full-stack hardware.   🏆 We’re especially proud that our portfolio company planqc has been nominated as a finalist for the "EY Entrepreneur of the Year" award by manager magazin and EY! You can support them with your vote: https://lnkd.in/dntsxEWr   For an even deeper dive into the world of quantum, check out an insightful article from our archive - written by DTCF Investment Analyst Lena Stache, who explored how these advancements are set to reshape the future of computing.   Here are some key takeaways: 🔐 Quantum Security: Quantum communication is enhancing security, while traditional encryption faces new threats from quantum computers. 🎛️ Quantum Sensors: Diamond-based sensors are revolutionizing precision in fields like medical imaging and environmental monitoring. 🧮 Quantum Algorithms: startups like Kipu Quantum are developing hardware- and application-specific algorithms that reduce the requirements for early industrial usefulness. 💻Quantum Hardware: startups like planqc are developing next-gen quantum computers that solve challenges beyond the capabilities of classical systems.   🔗 Read the full article on our blog: https://lnkd.in/etXtnFyt Cc Elisabeth Schrey Torsten Löffler Jonas Sommer Marten Neelsen Paul Gärtner Alexander Glätzle Daniel Volz Joanna Folberth Verena Zimmermann, CFA Stephanie L. Stein

🌱 IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024 is just around the corner! Meet us at Europe’s biggest B2B event for sustainable innovation, where startups, corporates, and investors are working on — and investing in — sustainability solutions to accelerate economic transformation.   Dr. Elisabeth Schrey will be joining the panel "Growth Capital for ClimateTech Hardware: Closing the Later Stage Funding Gap" on October 31st, from 2:00 - 2:40 PM. She’ll be alongside industry leaders, including Tim Schumacher from World Fund and Dr.-Ing. Herbert Mangesius from Vsquared Ventures. The panel will be moderated by Laurent-Frederic Lohmann from 4P CAPITAL.   Meanwhile, Cristina Doumitrachko will participate in the Startup & Investor Matchmaking & Mentoring at the Investors Lounge on October 30th—connecting with visionary founders and changemakers. 🤝   We can’t wait to exchange ideas, meet inspiring innovators, and explore the future of #ClimateTech at #ImpactFestival24. Are you there too? Let us know! 🌍   🔗 Use the code IMPACTINVEST30 for a 30% discount on business and investor tickets: https://lnkd.in/eM2eaSic Cc Mara Steinbrenner Rick Neu Fabian Demuth Linda Köpper Josa Gräber Stephanie L. Stein Dr. Anne-Kathrin Hinze Tobias Weissgerber Anke Gratz