Articles written by
Stéphane Paillard

European laboratories are embracing AI-powered microscopy at unprecedented rates, with productivity gains of up to 75% driving investment across the continent. This surge in digitalisation reflects broader trends in MedTech automation as regulatory frameworks like the EU’s Medical Device Regulation create demand for more precise, traceable diagnostic tools. Swedish biotech Cytely has secured €3 million in funding to accelerate its smart microscopy platform across European markets. The round was led by Ugly Duckling Ventures, positioning the Stockholm-based company to capitalise on growing demand for AI-enhanced laboratory equipment. Founded in 2021, Cytely has developed automated microscopy solutions that reduce analysis time whilst improving accuracy in cellular research. The company’s platform combines advanced imaging with machine learning algorithms to streamline workflows for pharmaceutical research and clinical diagnostics. Smart microscopy funding attracts Nordic investors Ugly Duckling Ventures, known for backing early-stage Nordic deeptech companies, led the investment round. The Stockholm-based VC has previously invested in companies like Kognic and Recorded Future, demonstrating their commitment to AI-powered solutions with global potential. “We’re seeing laboratories across Europe struggling with bottlenecks in microscopy analysis,” explains a spokesperson from Ugly Duckling Ventures. “Cytely’s approach of combining hardware optimisation with intelligent software creates compelling value for research institutions facing increasing workloads.” The funding positions Cytely within a growing ecosystem of Nordic companies applying AI to traditional industries. Sweden’s strong research infrastructure and talent pipeline in both life sciences and artificial intelligence create natural advantages for companies like Cytely competing in global markets. European investors are increasingly focused on companies that can demonstrate clear productivity improvements in regulated industries, particularly where AI adoption has lagged behind other sectors. European laboratories drive adoption of automated microscopy Cytely’s platform addresses specific challenges within European research environments, where varying regulatory requirements across member states create complexity for traditional microscopy workflows. The company’s automated approach helps standardise analysis protocols whilst maintaining compliance across different jurisdictions. “Traditional microscopy requires extensive manual intervention, creating variability in results,” notes Cytely’s leadership team. “Our platform ensures consistent, reproducible analysis whilst dramatically reducing time-to-insight for research teams.” The funding will support expansion across key European markets, including Germany’s pharmaceutical research sector and the UK’s biotech clusters. Cytely plans to establish partnerships with major research institutions whilst developing additional AI capabilities for specialised microscopy applications. Competition in the automated microscopy space includes established players like Leica Microsystems and emerging AI-first companies. However, Cytely’s focus on European regulatory requirements and local partnership strategies provides differentiation in fragmented markets. This investment reflects growing confidence in Nordic deeptech companies that combine hardware innovation with AI capabilities. As European laboratories face increasing pressure to improve efficiency whilst maintaining quality standards, solutions like Cytely’s platform become increasingly attractive for research institutions and commercial laboratories alike.

Industrial decarbonisation has moved from regulatory compliance to competitive advantage across Europe, with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism creating unprecedented demand for breakthrough technologies. Cambridge-based Immaterial has secured €15.4 million in Series A2 funding to commercialise its monolithic metal-organic framework (MOF) systems, positioning the startup at the forefront of Europe’s green industrial transformation. The round was led by SLB, the oilfield services giant pivoting towards energy transition technologies, with participation from existing investors. This backing represents more than capital—it provides Immaterial with direct access to industrial customers and deployment channels across SLB’s global energy infrastructure network. Industrial decarbonisation funding attracts energy sector veterans SLB’s leadership of this round signals a strategic shift within traditional energy companies towards tangible decarbonisation solutions. Unlike venture investors betting on potential, SLB brings immediate market validation and customer relationships that can accelerate Immaterial’s path to commercial scale. The company’s monolithic MOF technology addresses a critical bottleneck in industrial carbon capture—existing systems suffer from powder handling issues and limited durability. “Our partnership with Immaterial aligns with our strategy to develop breakthrough technologies that enable the energy transition,” noted SLB’s corporate development team. The energy services company has increasingly focused its venture activities on technologies that can be rapidly deployed within its existing customer base, particularly in hard-to-abate industrial sectors. European investors have deployed over €2.8 billion into climate tech startups in 2024, with industrial decarbonisation representing the fastest-growing subsegment. Immaterial’s approach differentiates through manufacturing scalability—their structured MOF systems can be produced using established industrial processes rather than requiring entirely new production infrastructure. Monolithic MOF systems target European manufacturing sector Immaterial’s technology addresses specific challenges within European manufacturing, where fragmented supply chains and diverse regulatory requirements demand flexible carbon capture solutions. Their monolithic approach eliminates powder handling complications while delivering superior performance in real industrial environments. The funding will accelerate pilot deployments across cement, steel, and chemical production facilities. “European manufacturers need carbon capture systems that integrate seamlessly with existing operations,” explained Immaterial’s leadership team. “Our monolithic MOF technology delivers the reliability and efficiency required for continuous industrial processes.” The company has already demonstrated promising results in pilot installations, with commercial deployments planned throughout 2025. The timing proves advantageous as European manufacturers face increasing pressure from both regulatory requirements and customer demands for lower-carbon products. Recent policy developments have strengthened incentives for industrial decarbonisation technologies, creating a more favourable market environment for solutions like Immaterial’s systems. This funding positions Immaterial to capitalise on Europe’s industrial transformation whilst establishing a foundation for global expansion. SLB’s backing provides not just financial resources but strategic partnerships that could define the next phase of industrial decarbonisation technology deployment.

Europe’s quantum computing race is heating up as institutional investors recognise the continent’s potential to challenge Silicon Valley’s dominance in next-generation computing. The latest validation comes from QFX, a UK-based quantum startup that has secured €2.2 million in seed funding to accelerate development of its quantum hardware platform. This funding underscores growing European confidence in quantum technologies as a strategic competitive advantage. Quantum hardware funding attracts strategic European investment The seed round was led by Paul Graham, marking a significant endorsement from one of the startup ecosystem’s most respected figures. Graham’s involvement signals serious validation for QFX’s quantum hardware approach, particularly given his track record of identifying transformative technologies early. The funding represents more than capital—it provides QFX access to Silicon Valley networks whilst maintaining its European operational base. “We’re building quantum hardware that can scale beyond current limitations,” explains QFX’s founding team. “This investment allows us to bridge the gap between quantum theory and practical commercial applications.” The timing aligns with increased European Union focus on quantum sovereignty, with Brussels allocating billions through the Quantum Flagship programme to reduce dependence on US and Chinese quantum technologies. European quantum hardware market positioning QFX’s quantum hardware platform addresses critical scalability challenges that have hindered widespread quantum adoption. Unlike software-focused quantum companies, QFX tackles the fundamental hardware infrastructure needed to make quantum computing commercially viable. The company’s UK base provides regulatory advantages under the developing European quantum framework whilst accessing London’s deep capital markets. The startup faces competition from established players like IBM and Google, but also emerging European rivals including Finland’s IQM and France’s Pasqal. QFX’s differentiation lies in its hardware-first approach, focusing on solving fundamental quantum coherence and error correction challenges. The €2.2 million funding will primarily support hardware development, team expansion, and establishing partnerships with European research institutions. This quantum hardware funding round reflects broader European ambitions to establish technological sovereignty in critical emerging technologies. With quantum computing poised to revolutionise everything from drug discovery to financial modelling, QFX’s progress could position Europe as a serious quantum hardware competitor on the global stage.

The European AI landscape is witnessing a decisive shift towards explainable artificial intelligence, as regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act demand greater transparency in automated decision-making. Leading this charge is Astut, an Oxford University spin-out that has secured €1.8 million in seed funding to advance its transparent reasoning-based AI platform. The round, co-led by East X Ventures and SVV (Sure Valley Ventures), positions the UK startup at the forefront of a movement that could reshape how AI systems operate across European markets. Strategic investors back transparent AI development East X Ventures and SVV’s co-leadership of Astut’s €1.8 million round reflects a broader investor conviction that transparent AI will become table stakes in the European market. East X Ventures, known for backing deep-tech companies emerging from leading universities, sees particular value in Astut’s Oxford pedigree and technical approach. “The regulatory environment in Europe is creating unique opportunities for AI companies that prioritise transparency from the ground up,” notes the investment thesis that drove their participation. SVV’s involvement adds complementary expertise in scaling enterprise software across fragmented European markets. The Northern Ireland-based VC has consistently backed companies navigating complex regulatory environments, making them an ideal partner for Astut’s European expansion ambitions. This investor combination provides not just capital, but strategic guidance for penetrating enterprise customers increasingly concerned about AI explainability and compliance. Reasoning-based AI addresses European market demands Astut’s transparent reasoning platform directly addresses the European enterprise market’s growing demand for AI systems that can explain their decision-making processes. Unlike black-box AI solutions that dominate Silicon Valley narratives, Astut’s approach aligns perfectly with European regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards. The company’s Oxford University origins provide additional credibility in a market where academic rigour carries significant weight. The €1.8 million funding will primarily support product development and early European market penetration, with particular focus on financial services and healthcare sectors where regulatory scrutiny is most intense. These verticals represent substantial opportunities in the European market, where companies face mounting pressure to demonstrate AI governance and risk management. Astut’s technology enables organisations to maintain competitive AI capabilities while meeting stringent transparency requirements that increasingly define the European business landscape. This funding round signals that European investors recognise the strategic advantage of backing AI companies built for regulatory compliance rather than retrofitting transparency into existing systems. As the EU AI Act implementation accelerates, Astut’s early positioning could prove decisive in capturing market share from less transparent alternatives.

Estonian cleantech MarkeDroid secures €300K from EstBAN to scale its AI energy platform, connecting home solar systems across Europe’s grid markets.

Italian ocean tech firm WSense raises €10M pre-Series B led by Indico Capital Partners and SIMEST to scale subsea wifi and expand underwater IoT.

Every Health secures €1.1M from Czech Founders VC for Europe’s first LGBTQ digital health clinic serving 75M underserved individuals across the continent.

London’s Rightcharge has raised €1.9 million to automate fleet EV charging payments across Europe, cutting costs by up to 90% and accelerating business electrification.

Oslo’s Riff secures €14.7M Series A led by Northzone for its vibe coding platform enabling businesses to build AI apps without coding.

London’s Paygentic secures €1.8M pre-seed from MiddleGame Ventures to build flexible AI billing infrastructure for usage-based pricing models.

The European sports technology sector continues its robust growth trajectory, with French startups leading the charge in democratising elite athletic performance. Against this backdrop, Paris-based Kotcha has secured €3.5 million in funding to transform how everyday runners access professional-grade coaching. The round positions France as a key player in the rapidly expanding sports tech market, where digital platforms are reshaping traditional coaching models across Europe. Sports tech funding attracts European investors The funding round was led by Racine2, a Paris-based venture capital firm known for backing consumer technology companies across Europe. Racine2’s investment thesis centres on platforms that leverage technology to democratise access to premium services, making Kotcha a natural fit for their portfolio strategy. The firm has previously backed European startups that challenge traditional service delivery models through digital innovation. “Kotcha represents the perfect intersection of sports expertise and accessible technology,” explains a partner at Racine2. “Their approach to making elite running coaching available to amateur athletes addresses a significant gap in the European fitness market.” The investment reflects growing investor confidence in European sports technology companies that can scale across multiple markets whilst maintaining local relevance. Platform targets fragmented European fitness market Kotcha’s platform connects recreational runners with certified coaches through a digital interface that personalises training programmes based on individual goals and performance data. The startup differentiates itself from generic fitness apps by emphasising human expertise combined with data-driven insights, a approach particularly resonant with European consumers who value personalised service. The funding will primarily support international expansion across European markets, where Kotcha sees significant opportunity in countries with strong running cultures like Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. “We’re not just building another fitness app – we’re creating a bridge between elite sports knowledge and everyday athletes,” states the company’s founder. The platform already serves thousands of runners across France and plans to launch in three additional European markets by 2025. This funding round signals investors’ growing appetite for European sports technology ventures that combine traditional expertise with modern accessibility. For the broader ecosystem, Kotcha’s success demonstrates how French startups can compete effectively in the global sports tech arena whilst maintaining their European identity.

The European food industry’s sustainability transformation is accelerating, driven by both regulatory pressure and genuine consumer demand. Against this backdrop, Mondra, a London-based platform tackling food supply chain emissions, has secured €11.8 million in Series A funding to expand its carbon management technology across Europe’s fragmented food sector. The round was led by AlbionVC and Planet A Ventures, two investors with distinctly different but complementary approaches to the European sustainability market. This investor combination signals growing confidence in food tech solutions that address both environmental impact and operational efficiency. Food emissions Series A attracts European sustainability specialists AlbionVC’s participation represents a strategic bet on B2B climate solutions within their established enterprise software thesis. The firm, which previously backed European success stories like Cazoo and Zopa, sees food supply chain optimisation as a massive addressable market ripe for digitisation. “Food companies are facing unprecedented pressure to demonstrate genuine sustainability credentials, not just marketing speak,” noted an AlbionVC partner familiar with the deal. Planet A Ventures brings complementary expertise as one of Europe’s most active climate-focused VCs. Their portfolio approach targets solutions addressing specific carbon reduction challenges, with food systems representing one of their core investment themes. The firm’s backing suggests Mondra’s technology has demonstrated quantifiable emission reductions rather than theoretical projections. This investor mix—traditional enterprise VC plus climate specialist—reflects the maturation of European sustainability investing. Companies like Mondra no longer need to choose between commercial viability and environmental impact; the best solutions deliver both. European food sector embraces digital carbon management Mondra’s platform addresses a distinctly European challenge: managing sustainability compliance across multiple jurisdictions whilst maintaining operational efficiency. Unlike US food companies operating within relatively uniform regulations, European food businesses navigate a complex web of national and EU-level requirements, from farm-to-fork strategies to upcoming corporate sustainability reporting directives. The startup’s technology enables food companies to track, measure, and reduce emissions across their supply chains through real-time data integration and automated reporting. This approach resonates particularly well with European food manufacturers who face increasingly stringent sustainability disclosure requirements under incoming EU legislation. “We’re not just measuring emissions—we’re helping companies fundamentally rethink their supply chain decisions to achieve genuine reductions,” explains Mondra’s CEO. “European food companies understand that sustainability isn’t optional anymore; it’s becoming a competitive advantage.” The funding will primarily support product development and European market expansion, with plans to establish operations in key food manufacturing hubs including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. This geographic strategy acknowledges that European food supply chains are inherently cross-border, requiring solutions that work seamlessly across different regulatory frameworks. Mondra’s Series A reflects broader momentum in European food tech, where regulatory tailwinds and corporate sustainability commitments are creating genuine market demand for solutions that deliver measurable environmental impact alongside commercial returns.