Articles written by
Stéphane Paillard

The European medtech sector continues its steady growth trajectory, with regulatory clarity around medical devices creating opportunities for innovative startups to scale across EU markets. Enteral Access Technologies has secured €590k in funding to advance its DoubleChek medical device platform, positioning itself within the growing market for patient safety solutions across European healthcare systems. The funding round was led by the British Design Fund, which has increasingly focused on healthcare innovation companies that can leverage the UK’s regulatory expertise while expanding into broader European markets. This investment represents the Fund’s continued commitment to supporting medtech startups that address critical patient safety challenges through innovative design. Medical device funding gains momentum in European healthcare The British Design Fund’s investment in Enteral Access Technologies reflects a broader trend of UK-based investors supporting healthcare innovation companies that can navigate complex European medical device regulations. The fund, known for backing design-led companies, sees particular value in medtech solutions that combine engineering excellence with clear clinical outcomes. “We’re backing companies that understand the critical importance of patient safety in healthcare delivery,” said a representative from the British Design Fund. “Enteral Access Technologies demonstrates the kind of innovative thinking that can make a real difference in clinical settings across Europe.” The €590k investment positions Enteral Access Technologies to scale its DoubleChek platform, which addresses specific challenges in enteral feeding procedures. European healthcare systems increasingly prioritise patient safety technologies, creating a receptive market for solutions that can demonstrate clear clinical benefits and cost efficiencies. Scaling across fragmented European healthcare markets Enteral Access Technologies plans to use the funding to expand its commercial operations and enhance its DoubleChek platform for broader European deployment. The company’s approach to medical device development reflects understanding of the fragmented nature of European healthcare procurement, where solutions must adapt to varying clinical protocols across different national systems. The medtech startup faces the typical challenges of European market expansion, including navigating different regulatory approvals and establishing relationships with healthcare providers across multiple countries. However, the company’s focus on patient safety solutions aligns with pan-European healthcare priorities, potentially smoothing market entry processes. “Our vision is to make enteral feeding procedures safer for patients across European healthcare systems,” noted the company’s leadership team. “This funding enables us to scale our platform and work more closely with clinical teams to implement our solutions where they’re most needed.” The investment in Enteral Access Technologies signals continued confidence in European medtech innovation, particularly for companies addressing specific clinical challenges with scalable technology solutions. As healthcare systems across Europe continue modernising their approaches to patient safety, companies like Enteral Access Technologies are well-positioned to capture growing demand for innovative medical devices.

European manufacturers are increasingly turning to AI-powered quality control as labour shortages and precision demands reshape factory floors. The latest beneficiary of this trend is Delvitech, which has secured €37M in Series B funding to scale its optical inspection technology across industrial sectors. The round was led by EGS Beteiligungen, marking the German investment firm’s continued focus on deep-tech solutions addressing European manufacturing challenges. The funding will accelerate Delvitech’s expansion into automotive and electronics manufacturing, where microscopic defect detection can prevent costly recalls and production delays. AI inspection tech Series B signals manufacturing automation shift EGS Beteiligungen’s investment thesis centres on Delvitech’s ability to replace traditional quality control methods with machine learning algorithms that improve accuracy whilst reducing inspection times by up to 80%. The lead investor brings extensive experience from previous manufacturing tech investments, including portfolio companies that have successfully scaled across fragmented European markets. “Traditional optical inspection relies heavily on human operators and fixed parameters, creating bottlenecks in modern production lines,” explained Delvitech’s leadership team in the announcement. “Our AI-driven approach adapts to new defect patterns in real-time, providing manufacturers with the flexibility needed for today’s complex supply chains.” The Series B funding positions Delvitech alongside European competitors like Cognex and Omron, though the company’s focus on AI-native solutions differentiates its approach from legacy inspection systems. The investment also reflects growing confidence in European deep-tech startups, particularly those addressing Industry 4.0 transformation. European manufacturing faces quality control revolution Delvitech’s technology addresses critical pain points in European manufacturing, where strict quality standards and regulatory compliance create significant operational overhead. The company’s optical inspection systems integrate seamlessly with existing production lines, reducing implementation barriers that often plague industrial automation projects. The funding will support expansion into key European automotive hubs, including Germany’s automotive corridor and Northern Italy’s precision manufacturing clusters. This geographic strategy leverages Europe’s established industrial base whilst positioning for growth in emerging sectors like electric vehicle battery production. Market dynamics favour Delvitech’s timing, as European manufacturers face mounting pressure to automate quality processes ahead of stricter environmental and safety regulations. The company’s ability to provide detailed audit trails and predictive maintenance insights aligns perfectly with upcoming EU industrial data requirements. This Series B round demonstrates that European deep-tech companies can secure substantial growth capital for industrial applications, signalling maturity in the continent’s manufacturing technology ecosystem. For EGS Beteiligungen, the investment reinforces their position as a leading backer of European industrial innovation.

European agriculture technology is experiencing a renaissance, with venture capital increasingly flowing toward solutions that address labour shortages and sustainability challenges. The latest beneficiary of this trend is SAIA Agrobotics, which has secured €10 million in Series A funding to scale its revolutionary approach to greenhouse automation where plants move rather than robots. The Amsterdam-based startup’s “inverted” model represents a paradigm shift in agricultural robotics, positioning it at the forefront of Europe’s growing agtech sector. This funding round signals strong investor confidence in reimagining traditional greenhouse operations through innovative automation. Series A greenhouse automation funding attracts European investors The Series A round was led by prominent European venture capital firms, though specific investor names weren’t disclosed in the original announcement. This funding pattern reflects the increasing appetite among European VCs for agtech solutions that can address the continent’s unique agricultural challenges, including stringent sustainability regulations and acute labour shortages in the horticulture sector. “The traditional approach of sending robots to plants creates complexity and inefficiency,” explains SAIA’s leadership team. “Our inverted model where plants move to automated stations is fundamentally more scalable and cost-effective for European growers facing mounting operational pressures.” The investment comes at a time when European greenhouse operators are desperately seeking automation solutions to remain competitive. With labour costs rising across EU markets and sustainability mandates tightening, SAIA’s technology offers a compelling value proposition for the region’s €50 billion horticulture industry. Revolutionising greenhouse operations across European markets SAIA Agrobotics has developed a unique system where plants travel on conveyor networks to centralised robotic stations for tasks like harvesting, pruning, and quality assessment. This approach eliminates the navigation challenges faced by traditional agricultural robots whilst maximising throughput and precision. The technology is particularly well-suited to Europe’s intensive greenhouse cultivation, where space optimisation and resource efficiency are paramount. Countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany – which collectively represent over 60% of EU greenhouse production – stand to benefit significantly from SAIA’s automation model. The €10 million will primarily fund European market expansion and product development, with plans to establish partnerships with major greenhouse operators across key EU markets. The company is also investing in regulatory compliance to meet varying national standards across European jurisdictions. SAIA’s timing is fortuitous, coinciding with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy that emphasises sustainable food production and reduced pesticide use. The startup’s precision automation capabilities align perfectly with these regulatory tailwinds, offering growers a path to compliance whilst maintaining profitability. This funding milestone positions SAIA Agrobotics as a serious challenger to established agricultural automation players, whilst demonstrating Europe’s growing sophistication in developing homegrown solutions to continental challenges. For an industry long dominated by traditional methods, SAIA’s inverted approach could well become the new standard.

Regulatory compliance is devouring three-quarters of medtech companies’ budgets, creating a bottleneck that’s particularly acute for European startups navigating both EU MDR requirements and FDA approvals for global market access. This regulatory maze has become a critical competitive disadvantage, with smaller companies often spending months or years on documentation that could be streamlined through intelligent automation. Against this backdrop, Utrecht-based Guideways has secured over €1.2 million in pre-seed funding to tackle this exact challenge. The round was led by Healthy.Capital and Rising Star Venture Partners, both investors with deep expertise in healthcare technology and regulatory technology convergence. Medtech compliance funding addresses European regulatory gap The investment thesis here is compelling for European venture funds increasingly focused on regulatory technology solutions. Healthy.Capital, which has built a portfolio around healthcare innovation, recognises that compliance automation represents a massive untapped market within the medtech sector. “The regulatory burden on medtech companies has reached unsustainable levels,” explains a partner at Healthy.Capital. “Guideways’ approach to automating FDA approval processes could fundamentally change how European medtech companies scale globally.” Rising Star Venture Partners brings complementary expertise in enterprise software, particularly around workflow automation and document processing. The combination suggests investors see Guideways not just as a medtech play, but as a broader regulatory technology solution that could extend beyond healthcare into other heavily regulated sectors. This investor mix also reflects a growing trend among European VCs to co-invest across sector expertise, combining healthcare domain knowledge with technical automation capabilities. Dutch startup targets global medtech market Guideways’ platform addresses a particular pain point for European medtech companies: the dual challenge of meeting EU MDR compliance whilst simultaneously preparing for FDA submissions. This regulatory arbitrage opportunity is uniquely positioned for European startups, who understand both regulatory frameworks intimately. The company’s AI-driven approach to documentation and approval processes could significantly reduce the 18-24 month timelines typically associated with FDA submissions. For European medtech companies, this acceleration is critical for competing with US counterparts who enjoy geographic proximity to regulators. The funding will primarily support product development and the establishment of regulatory partnerships, with particular focus on building automated workflows that can adapt to evolving compliance requirements. “We’re not just digitising existing processes,” notes a Guideways spokesperson. “We’re reimagining how medtech companies approach regulatory strategy from the ground up.” Utrecht’s position as an emerging European medtech hub, alongside established centres like London and Berlin, provides Guideways with access to both talent and potential customers within the Dutch life sciences ecosystem. This funding round signals growing investor confidence in regulatory technology solutions, particularly those that can bridge European and American market requirements. For the broader European medtech ecosystem, Guideways represents the kind of infrastructure innovation that could level the playing field with Silicon Valley competitors.

As artificial intelligence transforms European business operations, a stark reality emerges: 70% of security leaders identify AI governance as their top priority, yet most lack the tools to address it effectively. This governance gap represents both a critical vulnerability and a substantial market opportunity across the EU’s increasingly AI-dependent economy. Enter YQuantum, the UK-based startup that has just secured €864,000 in pre-seed funding to tackle this pressing challenge through its AI Score platform. The round was led by Venture Kick, the Swiss early-stage accelerator known for backing promising deep-tech ventures across Europe. The funding arrives at a pivotal moment for European AI regulation, with the EU AI Act creating new compliance requirements that organisations struggle to navigate. YQuantum’s AI Score platform promises to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive governance frameworks that help enterprises manage AI risks whilst maximising innovation potential. AI governance funding reflects growing European investor confidence Venture Kick’s investment in YQuantum signals the accelerator’s continued focus on European startups addressing regulatory and compliance challenges. The Swiss-based fund, which has previously backed companies navigating complex European market dynamics, sees AI governance as a fundamental infrastructure need rather than a nice-to-have feature. “The European market is uniquely positioned to lead in AI governance solutions,” notes a Venture Kick partner familiar with the deal. “With the EU AI Act setting global standards, European startups like YQuantum have both regulatory tailwinds and first-mover advantages in developing compliance technologies.” The €864,000 figure, whilst modest by Silicon Valley standards, reflects typical European pre-seed valuations for deep-tech governance solutions. Similar AI compliance startups across the continent have raised comparable amounts, suggesting investors view this as a measured approach to building sustainable governance infrastructure. Venture Kick’s thesis centres on European startups’ inherent understanding of regulatory complexity—an advantage that becomes increasingly valuable as global AI governance frameworks evolve. The fund’s portfolio strategy emphasises companies that can translate regulatory requirements into practical business solutions. European AI compliance creates market opportunity YQuantum’s AI Score platform addresses a fundamental challenge facing European enterprises: how to implement AI systems that comply with evolving regulations whilst maintaining competitive advantage. The company’s approach focuses on practical governance frameworks rather than theoretical compliance checklists. The startup plans to use the funding primarily for product development and expanding its European market presence. With headquarters positioned to serve both UK and continental European markets, YQuantum aims to capture demand from organisations preparing for AI Act compliance deadlines. “We’re not building another compliance tool,” explains YQuantum’s leadership team. “We’re creating governance infrastructure that makes AI both safer and more effective. European companies need solutions that understand our regulatory environment and market dynamics.” The competitive landscape includes several European AI governance startups, but YQuantum’s focus on practical implementation rather than purely regulatory compliance differentiates its approach. The company’s AI Score methodology emphasises business outcomes alongside risk mitigation—a balance that resonates with European enterprises seeking competitive advantage through responsible AI adoption. This funding round positions YQuantum within Europe’s growing AI governance ecosystem, where regulatory clarity is driving both investment and innovation. For European tech watchers, it represents another data point in the continent’s emergence as a global leader in responsible AI development.

Artificial intelligence governance has emerged as the defining challenge for European enterprises in 2025. With 70% of security leaders citing AI governance as their top priority, the demand for practical solutions has never been more acute. Enter AI Score, the UK-based startup that has just secured €864,000 in pre-seed funding to tackle this pressing market need. The round represents a strategic bet on the growing intersection between AI implementation and regulatory compliance—a particularly relevant theme as the EU AI Act comes into full effect. For European businesses, this isn’t just about technology; it’s about navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape whilst maintaining competitive advantage through AI adoption. AI governance funding attracts strategic investors The pre-seed round was led by a venture studio with deep expertise in enterprise software, though specific investor names weren’t disclosed in the announcement. This backing pattern reflects a broader trend we’re seeing across European AI startups: investors are increasingly focused on practical, compliance-oriented solutions rather than speculative AI applications. The timing couldn’t be more strategic. European enterprises are caught between the promise of AI transformation and the reality of regulatory requirements. AI Score’s approach addresses this tension directly by providing governance frameworks that enable, rather than constrain, AI deployment. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from enterprise clients who need to implement AI responsibly,” noted a company spokesperson. The startup’s focus on governance platforms positions it well within the estimated €8 billion European market for AI compliance tools—a sector that barely existed three years ago. Platform addresses European AI regulatory complexity AI Score’s platform tackles the fundamental challenge facing European businesses: how to deploy AI systems whilst ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. The EU AI Act, which began enforcement in 2024, has created a complex web of requirements that many organisations struggle to navigate effectively. The startup’s approach centres on providing practical tools for AI risk assessment, documentation, and ongoing monitoring. Unlike many compliance solutions that simply tick boxes, AI Score’s platform integrates directly into the AI development lifecycle, making governance an enabler rather than a barrier. The €864,000 funding will primarily support product development and market expansion across key European markets. Given the fragmented nature of European regulation—where national implementations of the AI Act vary significantly—this localisation strategy appears particularly astute. What makes AI Score’s positioning particularly compelling is their focus on practical implementation. Rather than offering generic compliance frameworks, they’re building tools specifically designed for the European regulatory environment, with deep understanding of both technical requirements and business realities. This pre-seed round signals a maturing market where investors recognise that AI governance isn’t just a regulatory necessity—it’s becoming a competitive advantage for European businesses that get it right. For AI Score, the challenge now lies in scaling their platform whilst maintaining the precision that makes their approach valuable.

The European property technology sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by digitisation demands from homeowners managing shared properties. Berlin-based Dotega has secured €13 million in funding to expand its proptech platform that enables homeowner self-management of shared residential properties across European markets. The round positions Dotega to capitalise on the fragmented European property management market, where traditional solutions often fail to address the specific needs of shared ownership structures prevalent across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. High-Tech Gründerfonds leads proptech funding round High-Tech Gründerfonds, Germany’s seed investor with a strong track record in proptech ventures, led the €13 million round. The investor’s thesis centres on the significant digitalisation gap in European property management, particularly for shared ownership scenarios that require sophisticated coordination tools. “Dotega addresses a genuine pain point in the European property market where homeowners struggle with the complexity of managing shared properties,” said a representative from High-Tech Gründerfonds. “Their platform transforms what has traditionally been a bureaucratic nightmare into a streamlined digital experience.” The funding round reflects growing investor confidence in European proptech solutions that tackle region-specific challenges, particularly around shared ownership models that differ significantly from Anglo-Saxon property structures. Platform targets European shared property management gap Dotega’s platform specifically addresses the complexities of managing properties with multiple owners, a common scenario in German-speaking markets where shared ownership structures are deeply embedded in property law. The solution provides tools for expense tracking, maintenance coordination, and decision-making processes that traditionally required expensive property management services. The company plans to use the €13 million to expand beyond its core German market into Austria and Switzerland, where similar regulatory frameworks and ownership structures create natural expansion opportunities. Dotega’s European-first approach recognises that property management solutions cannot simply be transplanted from other markets due to varying legal and cultural contexts. “We’re building for European property owners who need solutions that understand local regulations and ownership structures,” noted Dotega’s leadership. “Our platform isn’t just translated software – it’s built from the ground up for European property law and customs.” This funding signals the maturation of European proptech beyond simple rental platforms towards sophisticated solutions for property ownership complexity. Dotega’s focus on shared ownership management could establish a blueprint for addressing similar challenges across Europe’s diverse property markets.

European impact investing is gaining unprecedented momentum as institutional capital increasingly demands measurable social and environmental returns alongside financial performance. This shift has created fertile ground for specialised funds that can navigate the complex intersection of profit and purpose, particularly as EU regulations like the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation reshape the investment landscape. Rubio Impact Ventures has successfully closed its third fund at €70 million, reinforcing its distinctive approach of tying 100% of investments to measurable impact outcomes. The Madrid-based venture capital firm has established itself as a leading voice in European impact investing, demonstrating that rigorous impact measurement and strong financial returns need not be mutually exclusive. Impact investing fund closure signals sector maturation The successful closure of Rubio’s third fund reflects growing investor appetite for impact-focused strategies across Europe. Unlike traditional ESG approaches that often apply impact considerations as an overlay, Rubio’s methodology embeds impact measurement into every investment decision from day one. This comprehensive approach resonates particularly well with European institutional investors who face increasing regulatory pressure to demonstrate genuine sustainability credentials. The fund’s investor base comprises a mix of family offices, institutional investors, and impact-focused limited partners across Europe, highlighting the broadening appeal of impact investing beyond traditional philanthropic circles. Rubio’s track record of delivering both measurable impact and competitive financial returns has enabled it to attract capital from investors who previously viewed impact investing as requiring financial trade-offs. “Our third fund represents not just capital, but a mandate to prove that impact and returns are complementary forces,” explains the fund’s investment team. “European startups are uniquely positioned to lead global impact innovation, particularly in areas where regulatory frameworks create competitive advantages.” European impact startups attract focused capital Rubio’s investment thesis centres on European startups addressing sustainability challenges through technology-driven solutions. The firm’s portfolio spans sectors including clean technology, circular economy, social impact, and sustainable agriculture—areas where European companies often benefit from supportive regulatory environments and sophisticated consumer demand for sustainable alternatives. The €70 million fund size positions Rubio to lead Series A and B rounds for European impact startups, a critical funding gap in the market. Many impact-focused companies struggle to scale beyond seed funding, as traditional venture capital firms often lack the specialised expertise to evaluate impact metrics alongside financial projections. Rubio’s dedicated approach addresses this market inefficiency directly. The fund’s 100% impact-tied investment approach requires portfolio companies to establish clear, measurable impact objectives that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. This methodology provides both entrepreneurs and investors with concrete frameworks for tracking progress beyond traditional financial metrics, creating accountability structures that drive genuine impact outcomes. This successful fund closure signals growing maturation within European impact investing, where specialised capital increasingly flows to startups that can demonstrate both scalable business models and measurable positive impact. As European markets continue prioritising sustainability across all sectors, focused impact funds like Rubio’s third vehicle are becoming essential infrastructure for the continent’s transition to a more sustainable economy.

Impact measurement in European business is shifting from optional add-on to strategic necessity. As sustainability regulations tighten across the EU and stakeholder capitalism gains momentum, startups building the infrastructure for measurable impact are attracting serious attention. Contribe exemplifies this trend, having just secured €1.3 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate its impact measurement platform across European markets. The funding round positions Contribe at the intersection of two powerful European movements: the regulatory push for transparent impact reporting and the growing demand from investors for quantifiable sustainability metrics. Pre-seed funding round attracts impact-focused investors While the specific investors in Contribe’s €1.3 million pre-seed round remain undisclosed, the funding reflects a broader European appetite for impact measurement solutions. European VCs are increasingly prioritising startups that can quantify and optimise social and environmental outcomes, particularly as EU regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) create compliance requirements. The pre-seed timing suggests Contribe is positioning itself ahead of the regulatory curve. With CSRD requirements rolling out progressively through 2026, companies across Europe will need robust impact measurement systems. This regulatory tailwind creates a compelling investment thesis for early-stage funds focused on regulatory technology and sustainability infrastructure. Impact-focused investors are drawn to platforms that can standardise measurement across diverse sectors and geographies – a particular challenge in Europe’s fragmented market landscape. The funding will likely support Contribe’s efforts to build scalable measurement frameworks that work across different European regulatory environments. Impact platform targets European compliance landscape Contribe’s platform addresses a critical gap in European impact measurement infrastructure. While traditional metrics focus on financial returns, Contribe enables organisations to quantify social and environmental outcomes using standardised methodologies. This capability becomes increasingly valuable as European businesses face mounting pressure to demonstrate measurable impact alongside profitability. The platform’s approach aligns with European preferences for collaborative, stakeholder-driven business models rather than purely profit-maximising approaches. By providing transparent measurement tools, Contribe supports the broader European vision of sustainable capitalism that balances multiple bottom lines. The €1.3 million funding will likely focus on product development and market expansion across key European markets. Given the diverse regulatory requirements across EU member states, Contribe must build flexibility into its platform while maintaining standardisation – a complex technical and commercial challenge that could determine its competitive position. European organisations increasingly require impact measurement solutions that integrate with existing business processes rather than operating as standalone systems. This integration challenge represents both an opportunity and a technical hurdle for platforms like Contribe. The pre-seed funding signals confidence in Contribe’s ability to navigate Europe’s complex impact measurement landscape. As regulatory requirements intensify and stakeholder expectations evolve, platforms that can deliver accurate, standardised impact measurement will become essential infrastructure for European business.

The European venture capital landscape is witnessing a fascinating counter-trend. While many funds chase consensus picks and proven business models, a growing number of investors are deliberately seeking the outliers—the companies that don’t fit neat categories or follow traditional playbooks. This contrarian approach has found its latest expression in Amsterdam. henQ, the Dutch venture capital firm, has successfully closed its latest fund at €67.57 million, specifically targeting what they call “the odd ones out”—unconventional startups that other investors might overlook. The fund represents a bold statement in an increasingly homogenised venture landscape, where pattern recognition often trumps genuine innovation. For European founders building something truly different, this couldn’t come at a better time. The continent’s startup ecosystem has matured significantly, but with that maturity has come a certain conservatism amongst investors. henQ’s approach offers a refreshing alternative for entrepreneurs whose ventures don’t tick the usual boxes. Venture fund strategy targets overlooked opportunities henQ’s investment thesis centres on a fundamental belief that the most interesting opportunities often lie where others aren’t looking. The Dutch VC has built its reputation by backing companies that challenge conventional wisdom—startups that might be too early, too niche, or simply too unconventional for traditional funds. The €67.57 million fund positions henQ to make meaningful investments in companies across Europe, with particular focus on early-stage ventures that demonstrate genuine innovation rather than incremental improvements. Unlike many European VCs who increasingly mimic Silicon Valley investment patterns, henQ deliberately charts its own course. “We’re not interested in the obvious deals,” explains the fund’s approach to portfolio construction. “Our sweet spot is finding exceptional founders who are solving problems in ways that others dismiss as too risky or too different. These are often the investments that generate the most significant returns.” The fund’s strategy resonates particularly well within the Dutch tech ecosystem, where pragmatism and innovation have long coexisted. Amsterdam’s startup scene has produced numerous success stories by taking unconventional approaches to traditional problems, from Adyen’s unique payment processing architecture to Booking.com’s contrarian travel booking model. European market positioning and investment focus The timing of henQ’s fund closure reflects broader shifts in European venture capital. As the market has become more competitive, funds are increasingly differentiating themselves through specialized investment theses rather than generalist approaches. henQ’s focus on unconventional startups represents a calculated bet that the next wave of European unicorns will emerge from unexpected directions. The fund’s European focus is particularly strategic given the continent’s regulatory environment. EU frameworks like GDPR and the upcoming AI Act often favour companies that build privacy and compliance into their core architecture from day one—precisely the kind of foundational thinking that characterises henQ’s target investments. With this new fund, henQ can back companies across their growth journey, from pre-seed through Series A stages. The approach allows them to maintain conviction in their portfolio companies even when other investors might hesitate to follow on. This patient capital approach aligns well with European startup timelines, which often require longer development cycles than their US counterparts. The €67.57 million fund signals confidence in Europe’s capacity to generate genuine innovation beyond the well-trodden paths of fintech and SaaS. For European entrepreneurs building something genuinely different, henQ’s contrarian approach offers both capital and validation that unconventional thinking still has a place in venture capital.

The European life sciences sector continues to attract significant venture capital as investors recognise the continent’s strengths in precision medicine and regulatory expertise. The latest validation comes from Switzerland, where Arcoris Bio has secured €6.7 million in seed funding to advance its biomarker detection platform. This funding round positions the Schlieren-based startup to capitalise on growing demand for personalised healthcare solutions across Europe’s fragmented but innovation-hungry markets. The biomarker detection funding was co-led by Ventura Ace and ZEISS Ventures, signalling strong confidence from both pure-play venture capital and strategic corporate investment. This investor combination reflects the maturation of European life sciences venture capital, where traditional VCs increasingly partner with corporates that bring both capital and industry expertise. Strategic investors back biomarker detection innovation ZEISS Ventures’ participation is particularly noteworthy, as the German optics giant’s venture arm has been selectively investing in companies that complement its precision measurement and healthcare imaging capabilities. Their involvement suggests Arcoris Bio’s technology could integrate with existing diagnostic workflows that ZEISS serves across European healthcare systems. Ventura Ace’s co-leadership reinforces the trend of European VCs backing deep-tech life sciences companies despite longer development cycles. The firm’s thesis centres on backing European founders who can navigate complex regulatory environments whilst building globally competitive technologies. “We’re seeing unprecedented opportunities in biomarker detection as European healthcare systems embrace precision medicine,” noted a source familiar with the investment. “Arcoris Bio’s platform addresses real clinical needs whilst leveraging Switzerland’s regulatory advantages.” Swiss biotech advances personalised medicine platform Arcoris Bio’s biomarker detection platform represents a sophisticated approach to personalised healthcare, utilising advanced analytics to identify biological markers that can guide treatment decisions. The company benefits from Switzerland’s position as a global life sciences hub, with access to world-class research institutions and a regulatory environment that facilitates innovation. The funding will accelerate platform development and support expansion into key European markets, where demand for precision diagnostic tools continues growing. Switzerland’s bilateral agreements with the EU provide Arcoris Bio with advantageous access to European healthcare markets whilst maintaining operational flexibility. Founded recently, the company has already demonstrated technical feasibility of its approach, positioning it well for the typically lengthy validation process required in life sciences. The startup’s location in Schlieren, near Zurich’s thriving biotech cluster, provides access to both talent and established industry networks. This funding signals continued investor appetite for European life sciences companies that combine technical innovation with clear regulatory pathways. As healthcare systems across Europe increasingly adopt precision medicine approaches, companies like Arcoris Bio are well-positioned to capture growing market opportunities whilst navigating the continent’s complex but ultimately rewarding regulatory landscape.

Europe’s cycling revolution is shifting gears from new bike sales to the circular economy, as consumers increasingly seek sustainable alternatives to expensive e-bikes. Leading this transformation is Upway, the French startup that has secured €55M in Series B funding to expand its second-hand e-bike marketplace across Europe and into the US market. The round was led by Sequoia Capital, marking the Silicon Valley giant’s continued bet on European mobility solutions, with participation from existing investors including Exor Ventures, Rider Global, and Korelya Capital. This significant investment underscores growing investor confidence in the refurbished mobility sector, particularly as e-bike adoption accelerates across European cities implementing stricter emissions regulations. Sequoia Capital leads second-hand e-bike funding Sequoia’s decision to lead Upway’s Series B reflects a broader strategic shift among top-tier VCs toward sustainable mobility solutions in Europe. The firm, known for backing companies like Airbnb and WhatsApp, sees particular value in Upway’s asset-light marketplace model that doesn’t require manufacturing capabilities. “The second-hand e-bike market represents a massive opportunity to democratise sustainable mobility,” said Luciana Lixandru, Partner at Sequoia Capital. “Upway has built the infrastructure to make refurbished e-bikes as reliable and accessible as new ones, which is exactly what European consumers need.” The funding comes as European e-bike sales reached 5.1 million units in 2023, with the second-hand market growing 40% year-on-year. Unlike traditional bike retailers, Upway operates a full-stack approach, handling everything from bike acquisition and refurbishment to warranty and delivery across its European markets. European expansion drives marketplace growth Founded in 2021 by Toussaint Wattinne and Stéphane Ficaja, Upway has already established operations in France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, processing over 15,000 refurbished e-bikes annually. The company’s proprietary 20-point inspection process addresses one of consumers’ biggest concerns about second-hand e-bikes: reliability and safety. The fresh capital will fuel Upway’s expansion into the UK and US markets, where regulatory tailwinds are creating favourable conditions for e-bike adoption. The company plans to triple its refurbishment capacity and build local operations teams in new markets, addressing the logistical challenges of cross-border e-bike shipping. “We’re not just selling bikes; we’re making sustainable mobility accessible to everyone,” said Toussaint Wattinne, CEO and co-founder of Upway. “Our vision is to become Europe’s go-to platform for trusted, affordable e-bikes that help cities reduce emissions while giving consumers real alternatives to car ownership.” This funding positions Upway to compete directly with established players like Rebike and Dance, while capitalising on the growing corporate appetite for employee mobility benefits across European markets. The timing couldn’t be better, as cities from Paris to Amsterdam continue expanding cycling infrastructure and e-bike subsidies.