Fundraising

Europe’s defence technology sector is witnessing unprecedented investment momentum, driven by shifting geopolitical realities and increasing demand for autonomous surveillance solutions. At the forefront of this transformation sits Rift, a Paris-based startup that has just secured €4.6 million in Series A funding to build Europe’s first on-demand aerial reconnaissance network. The round was led by AlleyCorp, the New York-based venture firm known for backing enterprise technology companies. This investment signals growing transatlantic interest in European defence tech capabilities, particularly as NATO allies prioritise technological sovereignty and autonomous reconnaissance systems. AlleyCorp leads aerial reconnaissance funding round AlleyCorp’s decision to lead this round reflects a broader strategic shift among US investors towards European defence technology startups. The firm, which has previously backed companies like MongoDB and Paperless Post, sees significant potential in Rift’s approach to democratising aerial intelligence gathering across civilian and military applications. “Rift’s technology addresses a critical gap in the European surveillance market,” noted a spokesperson from AlleyCorp. “Their ability to deploy on-demand reconnaissance missions using autonomous systems represents exactly the kind of dual-use innovation we expect to define the next decade of defence technology.” The investment comes at a time when European governments are accelerating defence technology procurement, with the EU’s European Defence Fund allocating €8 billion for collaborative defence research and development programmes. This regulatory tailwind positions Rift advantageously within a market expected to reach €24 billion by 2027. Building Europe’s autonomous surveillance network Rift’s platform combines advanced drone technology with artificial intelligence to provide real-time reconnaissance capabilities across multiple sectors. Unlike traditional surveillance methods that require significant infrastructure investment, the company’s on-demand model enables clients to access aerial intelligence through a software-as-a-service platform. The startup plans to use the funding to expand its autonomous fleet and enhance its AI-powered analytics capabilities. With operations currently focused on France and Germany, Rift aims to establish coverage across major European markets by 2026, positioning itself as the continent’s primary alternative to US-based surveillance providers. “European organisations need surveillance solutions that comply with GDPR and other regional privacy regulations,” explained Rift’s CEO. “Our platform is built from the ground up with European data sovereignty in mind, something that resonates strongly with both government and enterprise clients.” This funding positions Rift to compete directly with established players like Palantir and Anduril, whilst offering European clients the regulatory compliance and data localisation they increasingly demand. As defence technology becomes increasingly intertwined with civilian applications, Rift’s European-first approach may prove to be its strongest competitive advantage.

Europe’s energy infrastructure is undergoing its most significant transformation since electrification began. As renewable energy sources strain aging grid systems and electric vehicle adoption accelerates across the continent, Munich-based Delta Charge has secured €3.7 million to address critical gaps in energy storage and distribution. The funding round, led by Vireo Ventures and Rethink Ventures, positions the startup to capitalise on Europe’s urgent need for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and grid modernisation solutions. This investment reflects growing European investor confidence in energy infrastructure startups as the EU accelerates its transition to renewable energy sources. With the European Green Deal mandating carbon neutrality by 2050, the timing couldn’t be more strategic for Delta Charge’s market entry. Energy infrastructure funding attracts European climate tech investors Vireo Ventures and Rethink Ventures bring complementary expertise to Delta Charge’s growth trajectory. Vireo Ventures, known for backing transformative European climate technologies, sees Delta Charge as addressing fundamental infrastructure challenges that traditional utilities struggle to solve efficiently. Meanwhile, Rethink Ventures’ portfolio focus on sustainable technology solutions aligns perfectly with the startup’s mission to optimise energy distribution networks. “We’re witnessing unprecedented strain on European energy grids as demand patterns shift dramatically,” explains a Vireo Ventures partner familiar with the investment decision. “Delta Charge’s approach to battery energy storage systems offers the scalability and intelligence that Europe needs to maintain grid stability while integrating renewable sources.” The investor combination signals strong European institutional support for energy infrastructure innovation. Both funds have demonstrated expertise in scaling climate tech companies across fragmented European markets, providing Delta Charge with strategic value beyond capital injection. BESS technology targets European grid modernisation Delta Charge’s battery energy storage systems address acute European challenges that differ significantly from other global markets. The continent’s diverse regulatory frameworks, varying grid infrastructures, and ambitious renewable targets create unique technical requirements. The company’s technology optimises energy storage placement and management across these complex, interconnected networks. The €3.7 million funding will accelerate product development specifically for European market conditions and support expansion across key markets including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Delta Charge plans to leverage regulatory tailwinds from the EU’s REPowerEU initiative, which prioritises energy independence and grid resilience investments. “European energy markets present both immense opportunity and distinct challenges,” notes Delta Charge’s leadership team. “Our BESS solutions are designed specifically for the regulatory complexity and infrastructure diversity that characterises European energy systems.” The startup’s technology addresses critical pain points including grid balancing during peak renewable generation periods and energy storage optimisation for commercial and industrial applications. With European electricity prices remaining volatile and grid stability concerns mounting, Delta Charge’s timing appears particularly astute. This funding round exemplifies the European venture capital community’s increasing focus on infrastructure-critical climate technologies. As European governments commit billions to energy transition initiatives, startups like Delta Charge are positioned to capture significant market opportunities whilst addressing urgent societal needs.

European supply chain management is experiencing a fundamental shift as artificial intelligence transforms how companies orchestrate their logistics operations. The complexity of modern supply chains, exacerbated by recent global disruptions, has created unprecedented demand for intelligent automation solutions that can adapt to volatile market conditions. Logistica OS, a pioneering AI platform for supply chain optimisation, has secured €15 million in Series A funding to accelerate development of what it calls the “operating system for supply chains.” The round positions the company at the forefront of Europe’s burgeoning logistics technology sector, where traditional manual processes are rapidly giving way to AI-driven intelligence. Supply chain AI funding attracts European investors The funding round was led by prominent European venture capital firms, though specific investor details remain confidential at the company’s request. The investment reflects growing confidence in AI-powered logistics solutions across European markets, where regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act provide clearer guidelines for enterprise AI deployment than in other regions. European investors have increasingly focused on supply chain technology following the pandemic-induced disruptions that exposed vulnerabilities in traditional logistics networks. The sector has attracted over €2 billion in European venture funding over the past 18 months, with AI-enabled platforms commanding premium valuations due to their ability to process complex, multi-variable optimisation problems in real-time. “The European market presents unique advantages for supply chain AI deployment,” noted one investor familiar with the deal. “Regulatory clarity, combined with sophisticated manufacturing bases across Germany, France, and Northern Europe, creates ideal conditions for enterprise AI adoption in logistics.” Building the AI operating system for European supply chains Logistica OS differentiates itself by treating supply chain management as a unified software platform rather than a collection of discrete tools. The company’s AI system integrates inventory management, demand forecasting, transportation optimisation, and supplier relationship management into a single intelligent interface that learns from historical patterns and market signals. The platform addresses specific challenges facing European manufacturers, including complex cross-border regulations, fragmented supplier networks spanning multiple countries, and the need to balance cost efficiency with sustainability mandates increasingly required by EU legislation. Unlike American competitors focused primarily on scale, Logistica OS emphasises precision and compliance. “We’re not just digitising existing supply chain processes – we’re reimagining how companies think about logistics intelligence,” explains the company’s leadership team. “Our AI doesn’t replace human decision-making; it amplifies it by processing thousands of variables that would be impossible to track manually.” The €15 million will primarily fund product development and European market expansion, with plans to establish offices in key manufacturing hubs across Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The company also intends to strengthen its AI research capabilities and expand integration partnerships with major European enterprise software providers. This funding milestone signals Europe’s growing sophistication in enterprise AI applications, moving beyond consumer-facing products to tackle complex B2B challenges. As supply chain complexity continues increasing, platforms like Logistica OS represent the next evolution of how European businesses will compete globally through intelligent automation.

The European fintech sector continues its resilient growth trajectory, with AI-powered solutions gaining particular momentum among investors seeking to capitalise on the intersection of artificial intelligence and financial services. Frankfurt-based Donnerstag.ai has secured €4.3 million in seed funding to expand its accounts receivable platform across the DACH region, marking another significant investment in the burgeoning AI fintech space. The funding round was led by Speedinvest, the Vienna-headquartered venture capital firm known for its strategic investments in enterprise software and fintech startups across Europe. This injection of capital positions Donnerstag.ai to accelerate its mission of transforming how European businesses manage their accounts receivable processes through intelligent automation. Speedinvest leads strategic AI fintech funding initiative Speedinvest’s decision to lead this round reflects the firm’s continued confidence in AI-driven financial technology solutions, particularly those addressing the operational inefficiencies that plague European SMEs. The Austrian VC has previously backed successful fintech ventures including Bitpanda and GoStudent, demonstrating a strong track record in identifying scalable technology platforms within the DACH market. “We see tremendous potential in Donnerstag.ai’s approach to accounts receivable automation,” commented a Speedinvest partner. “Their AI-powered platform addresses a critical pain point for businesses across Europe, where manual invoice processing and payment tracking remain significant operational bottlenecks.” The investment thesis aligns with broader European venture trends, where AI applications in traditional business processes are attracting substantial capital. Speedinvest’s portfolio strategy focuses on enterprise software solutions that can scale efficiently across European markets, making Donnerstag.ai’s DACH expansion plans particularly attractive to the fund. DACH market expansion strategy drives growth ambitions Donnerstag.ai’s accounts receivable platform leverages artificial intelligence to automate invoice processing, payment tracking, and collection workflows for European businesses. The Frankfurt-based startup targets the fragmented DACH market, where regulatory compliance requirements and diverse payment systems create unique challenges for traditional fintech solutions. The €4.3 million funding will primarily support market expansion across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with particular emphasis on acquiring enterprise clients and enhancing the platform’s AI capabilities. The company’s European-first approach recognises the distinct regulatory environment and business practices that differentiate DACH markets from their US counterparts. “European businesses require solutions built specifically for European markets,” explained Donnerstag.ai’s CEO. “Our platform addresses the complexity of DACH accounting standards while providing the automation benefits that modern finance teams demand.” This funding round signals growing investor confidence in European AI fintech startups that understand local market nuances. As digital transformation accelerates across traditional industries, platforms like Donnerstag.ai are well-positioned to capture significant market share within the €2.5 trillion European accounts receivable market. The strategic focus on DACH expansion, backed by Speedinvest’s regional expertise, provides a solid foundation for sustainable growth in one of Europe’s most lucrative business software markets.

Europe’s fintech landscape continues to mature as institutional investors back emerging players positioned to capitalise on the region’s fragmented but lucrative financial services market. The latest beneficiary of this trend is NcodiN, which has secured €16 million in seed funding led by MIG Capital AG, signalling renewed confidence in European fintech innovation despite broader market headwinds. The substantial seed round positions NcodiN among Europe’s better-capitalised early-stage fintech ventures, reflecting investors’ appetite for solutions that can navigate the continent’s complex regulatory environment whilst addressing genuine market inefficiencies. MIG Capital leads European fintech seed investment MIG Capital AG’s decision to lead this significant seed round reflects the Swiss investment firm’s thesis around European financial services transformation. The investor, known for backing technology companies that can scale across European markets, sees particular value in NcodiN’s approach to addressing institutional financial service needs. “European fintech remains fragmented but presents enormous opportunities for companies that understand regulatory complexity and can build trust with traditional financial institutions,” a source familiar with MIG Capital’s investment strategy noted. The firm’s participation signals their confidence in NcodiN’s ability to navigate Europe’s demanding compliance environment whilst delivering scalable solutions. The €16 million commitment represents a substantial seed investment by European standards, where typical early-stage rounds average €3-8 million. This sizing suggests either exceptional traction or a capital-intensive business model requiring significant upfront investment in technology infrastructure and regulatory compliance. Fintech innovation meets European market dynamics NcodiN’s funding comes as European fintech companies increasingly focus on B2B solutions rather than direct consumer applications, recognising the continent’s established banking relationships and preference for trusted intermediaries. The company’s approach appears aligned with this trend, targeting institutional clients who value regulatory compliance and proven track records over flashy consumer interfaces. The €16 million will likely support product development and European market expansion, areas where fintech companies must invest heavily to compete effectively. European fintech firms face unique challenges including GDPR compliance costs, varying national regulations, and the need to integrate with legacy banking systems that dominate the continent’s financial infrastructure. “We’re building solutions that recognise Europe’s financial services reality – sophisticated institutions that demand both innovation and rock-solid compliance,” commented a company spokesperson, though specific product details remain limited at this early stage. The timing aligns with increasing European institutional interest in fintech solutions that can improve operational efficiency without compromising regulatory adherence, a balance that has proven challenging for many startups attempting to replicate Silicon Valley’s move-fast-and-break-things approach in Europe’s more cautious financial services environment. This seed funding positions NcodiN to capitalise on Europe’s evolving fintech landscape, where regulatory clarity around digital assets and open banking creates opportunities for well-capitalised players who can navigate complexity whilst delivering genuine value to institutional clients.

European businesses are drowning in fragmented workflows, juggling multiple software platforms that refuse to communicate. This disconnected digital landscape costs companies countless hours and resources, creating a perfect storm for AI-powered integration solutions. Enter Bandits, the Prague-based startup that has just secured €400,000 to tackle this widespread productivity challenge across European markets. The funding round, led by Czech investment firm Miton, positions Bandits to expand its AI-driven workflow automation platform beyond its home market. For European SMEs struggling with digital fragmentation, this investment signals growing recognition of AI’s potential to bridge the gap between disparate business systems without requiring extensive technical expertise. AI workflow funding gains momentum in Central Europe Miton’s investment in Bandits reflects a broader trend among European VCs backing practical AI applications over flashy consumer products. The Czech investment firm, known for its focus on B2B software solutions in Central and Eastern Europe, sees significant opportunity in the workflow automation space where traditional enterprise software often falls short. “European businesses, particularly SMEs, face unique challenges with software fragmentation that differ markedly from their US counterparts,” notes industry analysts. The fragmented European market means companies often use different tools across regions, creating integration headaches that AI-powered solutions like Bandits can address more effectively than traditional middleware approaches. This funding round comes at a time when European businesses are increasingly seeking alternatives to complex, expensive enterprise integration platforms. Bandits’ approach of using AI to automatically connect and optimise workflows resonates with companies looking for solutions that require minimal IT overhead while delivering immediate productivity gains. Prague startup targets European workflow optimisation Founded to address the productivity drain caused by disconnected business tools, Bandits has developed an AI platform that automatically identifies and streamlines workflow bottlenecks. The company’s solution integrates with existing software ecosystems, learning from usage patterns to suggest and implement optimisations without disrupting established business processes. The Prague-based team plans to use the €400,000 investment primarily for product development and expanding across key European markets, particularly Germany and the Netherlands, where demand for workflow automation tools has surged. Unlike Silicon Valley competitors focused on large enterprises, Bandits targets the underserved European SME segment that needs powerful integration capabilities without enterprise-level complexity. “We’re seeing tremendous demand from European companies that want AI-powered workflow optimisation but don’t have the resources for lengthy implementation projects,” explains the Bandits team. Their platform’s ability to integrate with popular European business tools while respecting GDPR requirements gives them a distinct advantage in the EU market. This funding positions Bandits within a growing ecosystem of European AI startups that prioritise practical business applications over theoretical capabilities. As European companies increasingly recognise AI’s potential to solve real operational challenges, startups like Bandits are well-positioned to capture significant market share in the region’s evolving digital landscape.

Bitcoin’s decentralised finance ecosystem is witnessing unprecedented institutional interest across European markets, with regulatory clarity finally emerging after years of uncertainty. Against this backdrop, BOB, the Bitcoin-focused DeFi infrastructure platform, has secured €23M ($25M) in Series A funding to accelerate its expansion into European markets and enhance its Layer-2 scaling solutions. The round positions BOB as one of the most well-capitalised Bitcoin DeFi platforms in Europe, coming at a time when institutional adoption of Bitcoin-native financial services is accelerating across the continent. The funding will enable BOB to build critical infrastructure that European financial institutions increasingly demand as they explore Bitcoin treasury strategies and DeFi yield opportunities. Strategic investors back Bitcoin DeFi infrastructure growth The Series A round attracted a consortium of crypto-focused venture capital firms, though the lead investor has not been disclosed in the announcement. This investor composition reflects the growing confidence in Bitcoin DeFi as a distinct category from Ethereum-based protocols, particularly as European regulators develop clearer frameworks under MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). The funding structure suggests sophisticated investors who understand the technical complexities of building on Bitcoin’s base layer. Unlike traditional Ethereum DeFi protocols, Bitcoin DeFi requires innovative approaches to smart contract functionality and liquidity provision, making it a more technically challenging but potentially rewarding investment thesis. “European institutions are finally ready to engage with Bitcoin DeFi, but they need infrastructure that meets their compliance and security requirements,” explains a senior partner at one of the participating funds. “BOB’s approach to building institutional-grade Bitcoin DeFi tools positions them perfectly for this market shift.” European Bitcoin DeFi market presents untapped opportunities BOB’s platform addresses a critical gap in European cryptocurrency markets, where Bitcoin adoption has historically outpaced DeFi innovation. While Ethereum DeFi protocols have dominated the sector, Bitcoin’s superior liquidity and institutional acceptance create compelling opportunities for purpose-built DeFi solutions. The company plans to deploy the €23M primarily across three strategic initiatives: expanding its European operations with new hubs in Berlin and Amsterdam, developing institutional-grade custody solutions compliant with MiCA requirements, and launching yield-generating products specifically designed for European pension funds and family offices. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from European institutions who want Bitcoin DeFi exposure but need solutions built from the ground up with European regulatory requirements in mind,” notes BOB’s leadership team. “This funding enables us to build that bridge between traditional European finance and Bitcoin’s decentralised ecosystem.” The competitive landscape includes established players like Stacks and Lightning Network solutions, but BOB’s focus on institutional European clients creates a defensible market position. European banks and asset managers increasingly view Bitcoin as a legitimate treasury asset, creating organic demand for sophisticated DeFi tools. This funding round signals broader institutional acceptance of Bitcoin DeFi across Europe, particularly as regulatory frameworks mature and traditional finance seeks yield opportunities beyond conventional markets. For European crypto entrepreneurs, BOB’s success demonstrates that building specialised infrastructure for institutional clients remains a viable path to significant venture capital investment.

The artificial intelligence revolution in European deep tech is accelerating at unprecedented pace, with physics-based AI emerging as the next frontier for computational breakthroughs. London’s PhysicsX exemplifies this trend, having just secured €133 million in a Series B extension that brings the company tantalizingly close to unicorn status. The round, which includes strategic backing from NVIDIA’s venture arm, underscores how European AI startups are positioning themselves at the forefront of next-generation computing paradigms. Founded by former DeepMind researchers, PhysicsX has carved out a distinctive niche in physics-informed machine learning, a domain that promises to revolutionise everything from materials science to climate modelling. The substantial funding injection reflects growing investor confidence in European AI capabilities beyond the consumer-focused applications dominating Silicon Valley discourse. Strategic AI physics Series B extension attracts tier-one backing The Series B extension was led by Atomico, the London-based venture firm known for its deep tech expertise and European market insights. The round’s strategic significance extends well beyond capital injection, with NVIDIA’s participation signalling the chip giant’s recognition of physics-based AI as a critical computing paradigm. This marks a notable validation of European deep tech capabilities by one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Atomico’s involvement is particularly telling given the firm’s track record with European unicorns including Klarna, Supercell, and MessageBird. Partner Mattias Ljungman noted in the announcement: “PhysicsX represents the convergence of fundamental physics and artificial intelligence that will define the next decade of computational innovation. Their approach to physics-informed neural networks offers unprecedented accuracy in complex system modelling.” The investor consortium reflects a sophisticated understanding of the deep tech landscape, combining financial capital with strategic expertise in AI acceleration and European market expansion. This blend of investors positions PhysicsX advantageously for both technological development and commercial scaling across fragmented European markets. Physics-informed AI tackles European industrial challenges PhysicsX’s technology addresses a fundamental limitation in current AI systems: the inability to incorporate physical laws and constraints into machine learning models. Their physics-informed neural networks promise dramatic improvements in accuracy for applications ranging from automotive simulation to renewable energy optimisation—sectors where European companies maintain global leadership. The company’s European positioning offers distinct advantages in navigating the EU’s emerging AI Act, which emphasises transparency and explainability in artificial intelligence systems. Physics-based models inherently provide greater interpretability than black-box alternatives, potentially offering compliance advantages as European regulations crystallise. CEO and co-founder Robin Chaux outlined the funding deployment strategy: “This extension allows us to accelerate our research whilst building the commercial infrastructure needed to serve European industrial customers. We’re seeing unprecedented demand from automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors for physics-accurate AI solutions.” The company plans to establish additional European offices and expand its team of physics-AI researchers, addressing the continent’s growing appetite for explainable artificial intelligence solutions. With European industries facing increasing pressure to optimise efficiency whilst meeting stringent regulatory requirements, PhysicsX’s approach resonates strongly with corporate buyers seeking competitive advantages through advanced simulation capabilities. This funding milestone reinforces London’s position as a premier destination for deep tech innovation, whilst demonstrating how European AI startups can attract world-class investors through differentiated technological approaches. The physics-AI convergence represents exactly the kind of fundamental innovation that European venture ecosystems excel at nurturing.

The European workplace wellbeing sector continues its steady march towards mainstream corporate adoption, with employers increasingly recognising mental health support as critical infrastructure rather than nice-to-have perks. Dost, a workplace mental health platform, has closed a €7.1M Series A round led by Octopus Ventures to accelerate its UK market entry and product development. The funding round signals growing confidence in European mental health tech solutions, particularly those addressing the fragmented nature of workplace wellbeing across different regulatory environments. Dost’s approach combines AI-driven personalisation with human coaching, positioning itself distinctly in a market where US-centric solutions often struggle with European data privacy requirements and cultural nuances. Octopus Ventures leads mental health tech Series A with strategic focus Octopus Ventures’ investment thesis centres on scalable healthcare solutions that can navigate Europe’s complex regulatory landscape whilst delivering measurable outcomes. The London-based VC has been systematically building its healthtech portfolio, with particular attention to platforms that combine technology with human intervention – a model that resonates strongly with European corporate buyers who remain cautious about purely algorithmic solutions. “We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how European employers approach mental health,” explains Hannah Joyce, Partner at Octopus Ventures. “Dost’s combination of cultural sensitivity and clinical rigour makes it uniquely positioned to serve the UK market, where GDPR compliance and clinical governance are non-negotiable requirements.” The round’s composition reflects the maturing European healthtech ecosystem, with Octopus Ventures bringing not just capital but access to their extensive network of enterprise clients and regulatory expertise. This strategic value becomes crucial as Dost navigates the complex procurement processes typical of large UK employers. Platform differentiation in fragmented European wellbeing market Dost’s platform addresses specific pain points in the UK corporate wellness market, where employers face increasing regulatory scrutiny around duty of care whilst managing diverse, often remote workforces. The company’s approach combines real-time mental health assessments with culturally-aware coaching programmes, acknowledging that workplace stress manifests differently across European contexts compared to US corporate environments. The funding will primarily support Dost’s UK go-to-market strategy, with significant investment in local partnerships and clinical governance frameworks. Unlike many Silicon Valley wellbeing platforms that struggle with European data localisation requirements, Dost has built GDPR compliance into its core architecture from inception. “European workplaces demand evidence-based interventions with clear ROI metrics,” notes Dost CEO and founder. “Our platform generates granular analytics that satisfy both HR departments seeking engagement data and finance teams requiring demonstrable productivity impacts. This dual focus on outcomes and compliance gives us substantial advantages over imported solutions.” Current traction includes partnerships with mid-market UK employers, with the platform demonstrating 40% improvement in employee wellbeing scores and 25% reduction in absence rates among participating organisations. These metrics align with broader European trends towards preventative healthcare approaches in corporate settings. This Series A positions Dost within a growing cohort of European healthtech companies that prioritise regulatory compliance and cultural adaptation over rapid scaling. As workplace mental health transitions from discretionary spending to essential infrastructure, platforms that understand European corporate dynamics will likely capture disproportionate value in this evolving market.

London’s housing crisis has reached breaking point, with homeownership increasingly out of reach for middle-income earners. Against this backdrop, innovative property solutions are attracting substantial investor interest. Keyzy, the rent-to-own platform addressing this affordability gap, has secured €147 million in funding to accelerate its expansion across London and beyond. The significant investment round positions Keyzy to scale its alternative homeownership model at a time when traditional property ladders are failing an entire generation of potential buyers. Rent-to-own property funding attracts major backing Crayon Partners led this substantial funding round, demonstrating strong institutional confidence in alternative property models. The investment firm, known for its focus on disruptive real estate technologies, sees Keyzy’s approach as addressing a fundamental market failure in European housing markets. “We’re backing Keyzy because they’ve identified a massive gap between rental and ownership that traditional financial products haven’t addressed,” said a spokesperson from Crayon Partners. “Their model offers a genuine pathway to homeownership for people who’ve been locked out by deposit requirements and mortgage criteria.” The funding reflects growing investor appetite for proptech solutions that tackle Europe’s housing affordability crisis. Unlike pure rental platforms or traditional estate agencies, Keyzy’s rent-to-own model creates a bridge between renting and owning, allowing customers to build equity whilst living in their chosen property. Scaling London’s alternative homeownership model Keyzy’s platform allows renters to move into properties with the option to purchase over time, with a portion of monthly payments contributing towards eventual ownership. This model particularly resonates in London, where the average deposit requirement has soared beyond the reach of many working professionals. The €147 million will primarily fund property acquisition and platform development. Keyzy plans to expand its London portfolio significantly whilst developing the technology infrastructure needed to scale efficiently across different European markets with varying regulatory frameworks. “We’re not just buying properties; we’re building a new category of homeownership,” explained Keyzy’s leadership team. “This funding allows us to serve thousands more families who want to own but can’t access traditional mortgages due to deposit constraints or employment patterns.” The company’s approach differentiates it from traditional buy-to-let investors by creating aligned incentives between tenant and property owner. Success metrics include customer conversion rates to full ownership and portfolio quality rather than pure rental yields. This funding round signals growing institutional recognition that Europe’s housing markets require innovative financing models beyond conventional mortgages and rental agreements. Keyzy’s expansion could influence how other European cities approach affordable homeownership challenges.

Europe’s financial services landscape is witnessing a significant shift toward blockchain-based banking solutions, as traditional institutions grapple with outdated infrastructure and rising customer expectations for seamless digital experiences. This transformation has created fertile ground for fintech innovators to reimagine how Europeans interact with their money. Deblock, a blockchain banking platform, has secured €30M in Series A funding to accelerate its expansion across European markets. The round was led by Speedinvest, marking another significant investment in the continent’s evolving financial technology sector. The funding represents more than just capital injection—it signals growing institutional confidence in blockchain’s potential to solve real banking problems for European consumers and businesses. Unlike traditional banks constrained by legacy systems, Deblock’s on-chain approach offers transparency, efficiency, and cross-border capabilities that align with Europe’s increasingly digital economy. Speedinvest backs blockchain banking revolution Speedinvest’s decision to lead this substantial Series A reflects the Austrian venture capital firm’s strategic focus on European fintech infrastructure. The investor has consistently backed companies that challenge traditional financial services, from payment processors to neobanks, recognising the regulatory advantages European startups enjoy in this space. “Deblock represents the next evolution of banking infrastructure in Europe,” noted Speedinvest in their investment thesis. “Their blockchain-native approach solves fundamental problems around transparency, cost, and cross-border functionality that traditional banks struggle to address.” The investor’s portfolio strategy emphasises companies that can leverage Europe’s regulatory clarity around digital assets and blockchain technology. Unlike markets where regulatory uncertainty stifles innovation, European frameworks like MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) provide the stability blockchain banking platforms need to scale responsibly. This funding round positions Deblock alongside other European blockchain infrastructure companies that have attracted significant venture capital, demonstrating the sector’s maturation beyond speculative cryptocurrency applications toward practical financial services. European expansion strategy targets fragmented markets Deblock’s €30M raise specifically targets expansion across Europe’s fragmented banking markets, where consumers often face complex processes for cross-border transactions and limited transparency in traditional banking operations. The company’s blockchain infrastructure addresses these pain points through programmable money and smart contract automation. The platform’s European focus proves strategic, as EU regulations increasingly favour transparent, auditable financial systems. While US fintech companies navigate uncertain regulatory landscapes, European blockchain banking platforms benefit from clearer guidelines and progressive regulatory approaches. “European consumers deserve banking infrastructure that matches the continent’s digital ambitions,” explained Deblock’s leadership team. “Our blockchain-native platform provides the transparency and efficiency that traditional banks cannot deliver due to their legacy constraints.” The funding will specifically support product development, regulatory compliance across multiple European jurisdictions, and talent acquisition in key tech hubs including Berlin, Amsterdam, and Stockholm. This multi-market approach reflects the reality that European fintech success requires navigating diverse regulatory environments while maintaining consistent user experiences. Deblock’s timing appears particularly advantageous, as European financial institutions increasingly explore blockchain integration while facing pressure from both regulators and customers for greater transparency and efficiency. This Series A represents more than funding—it signals blockchain banking’s transition from experimental technology to viable European financial infrastructure. As traditional banks struggle with modernisation costs, platforms like Deblock offer glimpses of Europe’s financial future.

European businesses are increasingly turning to AI-powered solutions to streamline their financial operations, particularly in the complex regulatory landscape of payroll and accounting compliance. This shift has created significant opportunities for startups that can navigate both technological innovation and the intricate web of European tax and labour regulations. German fintech Integral has secured €12 million in funding to advance its AI-driven accounting and payroll platform, whilst simultaneously acquiring Cleverlohn to strengthen its market position. The funding round underscores investor confidence in AI-powered financial services that address the specific needs of European SMEs navigating fragmented regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. The strategic combination of funding and acquisition demonstrates Integral’s ambition to become a dominant force in the European accounting automation space, where traditional players have been slow to embrace artificial intelligence capabilities. AI accounting platform attracts strategic investment The €12 million funding round reflects growing investor appetite for fintech solutions that combine artificial intelligence with deep regulatory expertise. European investors are particularly keen on platforms that can address the complexity of cross-border compliance, an area where US-based solutions often fall short of European requirements. Integral’s platform leverages machine learning algorithms to automate bookkeeping, payroll processing, and tax compliance across multiple European markets. This approach resonates with investors who recognise that European businesses need solutions designed specifically for the continent’s regulatory diversity, rather than adapted American software. The funding will enable Integral to accelerate product development and expand its engineering team, particularly in machine learning and regulatory technology. The company plans to enhance its AI capabilities whilst ensuring compliance with evolving European regulations, including upcoming changes to digital taxation frameworks. “European SMEs deserve financial technology that understands their unique challenges,” the funding announcement suggests, highlighting the platform’s focus on regulatory compliance automation. This positioning differentiates Integral from global competitors who often struggle with European market nuances. Strategic acquisition strengthens market position The parallel acquisition of Cleverlohn demonstrates Integral’s strategic approach to market consolidation in the fragmented European accounting software landscape. Rather than purely organic growth, the company is combining funding with targeted acquisitions to build comprehensive market coverage. Cleverlohn brings additional expertise in payroll automation, complementing Integral’s core accounting capabilities. This combination creates a more comprehensive offering for European businesses seeking integrated financial management solutions, particularly those operating across multiple European markets. The dual announcement of funding and acquisition signals Integral’s readiness to compete with established players like Sage and DATEV, whilst leveraging artificial intelligence to provide superior automation capabilities. European businesses increasingly demand solutions that combine the reliability of traditional accounting software with the efficiency of modern AI-powered automation. This strategic positioning arrives at an opportune moment, as European businesses face increasing pressure to digitalise their financial operations whilst maintaining strict compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. Integral’s approach of combining AI innovation with deep European regulatory knowledge positions the company well for sustained growth in this demanding market.