Twelve burgeoning start-ups hailing from Cologne that warrant recognition
Cologne, known as "Domstadt," is rapidly emerging as a hub for startups, surpassing Bundesliga-level in its growing digital scene. The city, located in the heart of Germany, is home to over 800 startups, supported by a lively startup scene, a strong investor landscape, and numerous coworking spaces, trade fairs, and networking events.
One of the key players in this vibrant ecosystem is CologneBusiness, which acts as the central point of contact for the startup and innovation scene. CologneBusiness promotes the framework conditions for founders, connects them with investors, and offers targeted support.
In recent years, several startups based in Cologne have secured significant investments. For instance, CannaZen, a cannabis industry startup, received 500,000 euros from unnamed investors. Alteva, founded in 2023, received 1.7 million euros from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators, NRW.BANK, and business angels.
The FinTech sector is also thriving in Cologne. Hellgrün, a FinTech startup, received 500,000 euros in investment from Saxovent. Jupus, another LegalTech startup, recently secured 6.5 million euros from Acton Capital, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), and others.
The PropTech sector is also seeing significant investment, with Scalara receiving 3 million euros from BfW Bank, Lumoview receiving 3 million euros from Greencode Ventures, IBB Ventures, WakeUp Capital, and others, and Planted securing 5 million euros from TechVision Fonds, WENVEST Capital, neoteq ventures, AWS Gründungsfonds, Smart Infrastructure Ventures, and several business angels.
The ConTech sector is not left behind, with Specter Automation receiving 5 million euros in investment from Shilling, Almaz Capital, Pawao, and others. The AI sector is also growing, with Octonomy receiving 5 million euros from Capnamic.
Newcomers to the scene include NaroIQ, which recently received 5.85 million euros in investment from Magnetic, Redstone, General Catalyst, and others, and Experial, which received 2 million euros in investment from undisclosed sources. Mogenius, founded in 2021, has already secured 2.5 million euros from Conceptum, seed + speed Ventures, and Smart Infrastructure Ventures, and recently received 500,000 euros from D11Z.Ventures.
For those looking for a new challenge, a job board is available featuring job listings from startups and companies in Cologne. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a fresh graduate, the city offers numerous opportunities to grow and innovate.
On November 5, the second STARTUPLAND event will take place in Cologne, featuring talks from successful founders, educational interviews, and pitches that inspire. If you're in the area, it's an event not to be missed.
Whether you're a founder, an investor, or a job seeker, Cologne is a city worth exploring. Connect with CologneBusiness on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated on the latest news and events in the city's thriving startup scene.
- The PropTech sector in Cologne is experiencing substantial growth, with startups like Scalara securing investments of 3 million euros from BfW Bank, Lumoview receiving 3 million euros from Greencode Ventures, IBB Ventures, WakeUp Capital, and others, and Planted securing 5 million euros from TechVision Fonds, WENVEST Capital, neoteq ventures, AWS Gründungsfonds, Smart Infrastructure Ventures, and several business angels.
- The growing digital scene in Cologne is not limited to the PropTech sector; several startups are also making investments in finance, technology, and lifestyle. Examples include Hellgrün (FinTech), Jupus (LegalTech), and NaroIQ, which have secured significant investments.
