DACH Startups: AI, VC, & Fintech Trends - March 2025

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Introduction

Dive into the DACH region's startup scene! This episode covers the latest trends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, recorded with Chris Fahrenbach in New York City.

Key Highlights

• Fintech Evolution: Coorsair's IDNow acquisition (€300M) and the stablecoin surge to $226B highlight fintech's dynamism.

  
  

• Venture Capital: Toma Bravo's €1.8B European fund signals investor interest, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies persist.

  
  

• AI and Tech: Germany leads in AI research, but faces implementation challenges. Volocopter's acquisition and BioMed's cancer detection breakthrough showcase innovation.

  
  

• Funding & Founders: Funding rounds like Tectal's (€52M) and Swiss female founder success demonstrate growth.

  
  

• Legal & Regulatory: Legal battles (startup vs. SAP) and GDPR reviews (DeepSeek) highlight complexities.

  
  

Fintech: A Sector in Motion

Fintech sees Coorsair's IDNow acquisition and stablecoin growth. The ECB's digital Euro plans are also significant.

Venture Capital: Navigating the Landscape

Toma Bravo's fund shows investor confidence, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies pose challenges.

AI and Technology: Innovation

Germany's AI research faces implementation hurdles. Volocopter and BioMed demonstrate other tech advancements.

Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Successes

Funding for companies like Tectile contrasts with layoffs and insolvencies. Acquisitions continue.

Regional Highlights

• Germany: Strong AI research, but application lags.

  
  

• Switzerland: Tight fintech VC, but female founders thrive.

  
  

• Austria: Linz launches an AI cluster; the Austrian DAH Fund starts.

  
  

Conclusion

The DACH startup scene is dynamic, with innovation and challenges across sectors.

Call to Action

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The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search

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