360 Capital
Paris, France · Venture CapitalFrench-Italian VC with Paris and Milan offices managing about €700M AUM; focused on deep tech and automation and backs unicorns such as Exotec.
Venture CapitalSeed to Series ADeep TechAutomation
Directory
Deep Tech startup ecosystem
Founders, investors, and support organizations active in Deep Tech.
360 Capital
Milan, Italy · AcceleratorEuropean VC with Paris and Milan offices managing about €700M AUM; invests in consumer and deep tech and backs unicorns such as Exotec.
AcceleratorSeed to Series AConsumerDeep Tech
Accent
Lower Austria, Austria · IncubatorFounded 2003. Lower Austria's high-tech incubator providing 18-24 months of pre-seed funding, intensive coaching, and training sessions to build regional deep-tech companies. Alumni examples include Greenwood Power and Cyan Cycle. Support: grants, business coaching, advisor network. Scope: Regional (Lower Austria).
IncubatorHigh TechDeep TechRegional
Aerospace Tech Week
Munich, Germany · Event OrganisatorOrganizer of Aerospace Tech Week Europe, a B2B event on aerospace connectivity, avionics, and operations technology.
Event OrganisatorEventsAerospaceEngineeringDeep Tech
Aerospace Tech Week Europe 2026
Munich, Germany · EventB2B aerospace technology conference in Munich focused on digital aviation systems, avionics, connectivity, flight operations software, and testing workflows. High-value venue for deep-tech founders in aviation software, satellite communications, drones, and aerospace manufacturing partnerships.
EventEventsAerospaceDeep TechConnectivityEngineering
Agoranov
Paris, France · IncubatorAgoranov is a Paris-based public incubator founded in 2000 by a consortium of universities and research institutions. It supports science- and technology-intensive startups, often spun out of academic labs, and has backed 400+ startups that raised €1.5B+ and created 10,000+ jobs. Program: office space in central Paris, a 6-month renewable incubation program with tailored mentorship, research access, grant support, and investor introductions. As a public-interest incubator, Agoranov is equity-free and funded by French public institutions and the City of Paris. Unicorn alumni: - Doctolib - Alan - Criteo
IncubatorDeep TechHealthGreenTechDigital
AINOT Business Angels Network
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorA network of private investors associated with NOT (Federation of Engineering Associations), supporting early-stage high-growth companies. AINOT runs a structured support program from idea scouting and pre-incubation to equity investment (up to €200k) and follow-ons. How to apply: submit your idea via the online application form on the AINOT website (open intake). Notable focus: deep innovation and engineering-heavy startups, leveraging NOT’s technical expertise to vet and mentor projects.
Angel InvestorPre-Seed to SeedEngineeringHardwareDeep Tech
Antler Munich
Munich, Germany · Event OrganisatorMunich program operator for Antler's pre-seed founder residencies and investment cohorts.
Event OrganisatorAccelerator ProgramsArtificial IntelligenceDeep Tech
Antler Munich 2026 Cohorts
Munich, Germany · AcceleratorPre-seed accelerator and VC program for founders in AI, data, and deep tech. The spring 2026 application cut-off passed on February 27, 2026 for a March 9 cohort start; applications continue on a rolling basis for subsequent 2026 cohorts. Typical Antler offer includes early investment and startup-building support from day zero.
AcceleratorArtificial IntelligenceDataDeep TechPre-Seed
APER Angels
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorA deep-tech and hardware focused co-investment network founded in 2014 under the APER Ventures fund. APER Angels connects private angel investors with VC funds to pool capital for high-tech startups. They typically invest PLN 250k–5M in early-stage companies, and have backed over 24 startups with ~PLN 50M total. Notable focus: hardware, IoT, and deep-tech startups (often syndicating with APER Ventures).
Angel InvestorSeed to Series AHardwareIoTDeep Tech
Apex Ventures
Vienna, Austria · IncubatorLaunched 2017. Seed fund focused on deep tech and medical excellence, backing science-driven teams.
IncubatorPre-Seed to SeedDeep TechAIMedical DevicesDigital Health
Armilar Venture Partners
Lisbon, Portugal · AcceleratorSpun out in 2016. Deep tech and healthcare investor with a history from seed to growth stages.
AcceleratorSeed to GrowthDeep TechEnterprise ITHealthcare
Atlantic Bridge Capital
Dublin, Ireland · AcceleratorFounded 2004. Growth investor focused on deep tech, semiconductors, and enterprise hardware with a global footprint.
AcceleratorSeries B to GrowthDeep TechSemiconductorsEnterprise HardwareIoT
CDP Venture Capital SGR
Rome, Italy · AcceleratorLaunched 2020 as Italy's National Innovation Fund with EUR 1.8B backed by CDP and the government. Generalist mandate to revitalize Italy's startup ecosystem across deep tech, digital, and impact.
AcceleratorSeed to GrowthGeneralistDeep TechDigitalImpact
Chalmers Ventures
Gothenburg, Sweden · AcceleratorVenture builder and fund founded in 2015 (building on earlier programs) that co-creates tech startups from Chalmers University research using its Encubation model. Support: incubation, seed investment, business coaches, and access to labs. Scope: Regional (West Sweden).
AcceleratorDeep TechIndustrialSustainability
Chalmers Ventures
Gothenburg, Sweden · Venture StudioEstablished 2015 (building on earlier university incubation). Venture builder and fund for tech startups from Chalmers University using an Encubation model; provides pre-seed funding, business coaches, and lab access. Notable spin-offs include Minesto and KomboSat. Scope: Regional (West Sweden).
Venture StudioDeep TechUniversityEnergy
Credo Ventures
Prague, Czech Republic · Venture CapitalCredo Ventures is a Prague-based early-stage VC focused on Central and Eastern Europe. The firm manages about EUR 250m across four funds and is currently investing out of Fund IV, writing initial checks up to roughly EUR 5m. Credo backs founders from pre-seed to Series A and has supported breakout CEE companies including UiPath, Productboard, and ElevenLabs. Key partners include Ondrej Bartos and Vladislav Jez, alongside partners such as Tomas Burian and Michal Cernocky. The firm is known for hands-on support and long-term follow-on capital in the region.
Venture CapitalPre-Seed to Series ATechnologyAIDeep Tech
Deep Tech Momentum
Berlin, Germany · Event OrganisatorOrganizer of Deep Tech Momentum, a Berlin marketplace event for deep-tech founders and specialist investors.
Event OrganisatorEventsDeep TechArtificial IntelligenceAdvanced Manufacturing
Deep Tech Momentum 2026
Berlin, Germany · EventDeep-tech marketplace event at Wilhelm Studios Berlin covering AI, Web3, photonics, and advanced manufacturing, culminating in Berlin's Deep Tech Award ceremony. Especially relevant for R&D-heavy startups seeking patient capital and strategic industrial backers.
EventEventsDeep TechArtificial IntelligenceWeb3Advanced Manufacturing
DeepDrive
Munich, Germany · StartupDeepDrive is the Munich startup that convinced major automakers to rethink the electric motor itself. Its core innovation is a patented dual-rotor motor architecture. In a traditional motor, a single rotor spins inside a fixed stator. DeepDrive's design spins both the internal and external rotor simultaneously, delivering higher torque density and substantially better efficiency. The practical outcome is compelling: EVs can achieve roughly 20% more range with 50% less motor weight, while reducing bill-of-materials costs. By 2026, DeepDrive has moved beyond impressive prototypes to industrialization. The company has reportedly secured series nominations with eight of the top ten global automakers for platform launches in 2028–2029. That level of OEM validation is rare at this stage and signals confidence in both the performance and manufacturability of the design. The company is now focused on building automated production lines in northern Munich to scale output for fleet testing and pre-series runs. A particularly strategic application is the in-wheel motor. Because the dual-rotor unit is compact and lightweight, it can fit inside the wheel hub, freeing up interior volume and enabling fully flat skateboard platforms. That creates new possibilities for autonomous shuttles and urban delivery vehicles where maximizing passenger or cargo space is paramount. It also allows for advanced vehicle dynamics such as torque vectoring without complex drivetrain components, improving both safety and handling. DeepDrive is a classic spin-out from the UnternehmerTUM ecosystem at TU Munich, with early validation support from the XPRENEURS incubator. Its investor base blends strategic automotive capital with deep-tech venture funding: Leitmotif led the Series B, BMW i Ventures provides rare early-stage OEM participation, Continental's corporate VC is a strategic partner for braking and chassis integration, and UVC Partners and Bayern Kapital anchor local support. In 2026, DeepDrive is one of Europe’s most promising hardware deep-tech bets: a motor breakthrough with clear OEM pull, manufacturability momentum, and the potential to reshape EV platform design.
StartupSeries BAutomotiveDeep TechHardware
DTU Skylab
Lyngby, Denmark · Innovation HubDTU Skylab is the innovation hub of the Technical University of Denmark, providing students and researchers with prototyping facilities, mentoring, and startup support. The space includes electronics labs, workshops, and maker facilities that help teams build hardware, robotics, and deep tech prototypes. Skylab runs courses, hackathons, and incubation programs that turn student projects into real ventures. It is one of the most important feeders of new engineering startups in Denmark.
Innovation HubHardwareDeep TechEducation
Ecosummit
Berlin, Germany · Event OrganisatorOrganizer of Ecosummit Berlin, a climate-tech investor and founder matchmaking event focused on decarbonization and deep tech.
Event OrganisatorEventsClimate TechDeep TechSustainability
Ecosummit Berlin 2026
Berlin, Germany · EventClimate-tech and green economy matchmaking event at Flussbad Campus (Reethaus), focused on AI-accelerated decarbonization across energy, sustainable buildings, green mobility, and deep tech. Startup Pitch tickets are typically around EUR 600 + VAT and include a guaranteed short on-stage founder pitch in front of active climate investors.
EventEventsClimate TechEnergyGreen MobilityDeep Tech
Elaia
Paris, France · Venture CapitalDeep tech and AI-focused VC with offices in Paris and Barcelona and strong ties to European research labs.
Venture CapitalSeed to Series ADeep TechAI
EuraTechnologies
Lille, France · IncubatorFounded 2009. One of Europe's largest incubators, hosting 200+ startups annually with multi-stage programs from incubation to acceleration, plus labs and funding access. Ranked a top French startup hub; alumni include fintech scaleups and AI firms. Scope: Regional (Hauts-de-France) with international reach.
IncubatorDigitalDeep TechAI
European Deeptech Week 2026
Paris, France · EventWeek-long deep-tech programming across Paris with major sessions at Station F and Bpifrance-linked venues, designed to connect science-based founders with industrial buyers and patient capital. Includes deep-tech summit programming across SpaceTech, quantum, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
EventEventsDeep TechSpaceTechQuantumAdvanced ManufacturingVenture Capital
French Tech Berlin
Berlin, Germany · AcceleratorCommunity hub bridging France and Germany with market-access programming and the Franco-German Tech Lab. Strong focus on deep tech and Industry 4.0 partnerships with German corporates.
AcceleratorDeep TechIndustry 4.0Market Access
French Tech Munich
Munich, Germany · AcceleratorSoft-landing support for French startups opening their first German office, with industrial matchmaking across Bavaria and deep-tech partnerships.
AcceleratorDeep TechMarket EntryIndustry
Furthr VC
Dublin, Ireland · IncubatorEarly-stage fund rebranded from DBIC Ventures in 2022, backing Irish software and deep tech startups.
IncubatorSeedSoftwareDeep TechSustainability
GITEX Europe 2026
Berlin, Germany · EventBerlin edition of the global GITEX brand focused on sovereign AI, cybersecurity, and digital finance, connecting European startups with international buyers and investors. The event uses tiered passes (from low-cost expo tickets to premium access) and features Supernova startup competitions, with reported equity-free funding prizes up to EUR 100,000.
EventEventsArtificial IntelligenceCybersecurityDigital FinanceDeep Tech
Global Deep Tech Battle @ CES 2026
Online, Austria · EventVirtual pitch competition for deep-tech startups aligned with the CES spotlight.
EventEventsDeep Tech
Hard2beat VC
Wroclaw, Poland · Venture CapitalOperator-led Polish deep-tech VC fund with a target size of EUR 20M (about PLN 80M), investing at pre-seed and seed. Founded by Maciej Zawadzinski, Maciej Frankowicz, and Konrad Trzyna, the fund focuses on robotics, photonics, cybersecurity, biotech, space tech, and hardware-enabled software. Typical initial checks are up to PLN 3M with follow-on capacity up to PLN 8M for top portfolio companies.
Venture CapitalPre-Seed to SeedDeep TechRoboticsCybersecurityBiotechSpace TechHardware
Hello Tomorrow
Amsterdam, Netherlands · Event OrganisatorAn event organisator focusing on deep tech innovation, known for its Global Summit and Deep Tech Pioneers program.
Event OrganisatorEventsDeep TechVenture CapitalStartup Ecosystem
Hello Tomorrow Deep Tech Pioneers 2026
Amsterdam, Netherlands · AcceleratorSelection process for deep-tech startups seeking curated access to Investor Day matchmaking during Amsterdam Deep Tech Days. Deadlines for Pioneer status typically close in early spring 2026 ahead of June programming.
AcceleratorDeep TechInvestor MatchmakingVenture CapitalAcceleration
Hello Tomorrow Global Summit & Deep Tech Days 2026
Amsterdam, Netherlands · EventAmsterdam deep-tech flagship structured across Investor Day (June 10) and Global Summit (June 11-12), with LP/GP and founder-investor tracks. Startups targeting curated Investor Day access typically apply via Deep Tech Pioneer selection, with deadlines usually in early spring 2026.
EventEventsDeep TechEnergy TransitionAdvanced ComputingVenture CapitalPitch Competition
High-Tech Gruenderfonds (HTGF)
Bonn, Germany · Event OrganisatorOrganizer of HTGF Family Day, one of Germany's key startup-investor-corporate networking events.
Event OrganisatorEventsVenture CapitalStartup EcosystemDeep Tech
HighTechXL
Eindhoven, Netherlands · AcceleratorDeep-tech venture builder at High Tech Campus Eindhoven (established 2015) turning advanced tech from sources like CERN or ESA into startups through a nine-month program. Support: co-founding teams around tech IP, seed funding, access to Eindhoven's R&D ecosystem. Scope: International.
AcceleratorDeep TechHardwareAI
HighTechXL
Eindhoven, Netherlands · Venture StudioDeep-tech venture builder at High Tech Campus Eindhoven (est. 2015). Runs a 9-month venture-building program turning advanced tech from CERN, ESA, and others into startups; exits include Accerion. Support: co-founding teams, seed funding, R&D ecosystem access. Scope: International.
Venture StudioDeep TechPhotonicsMedTechRobotics
HTGF Family Day 2026
Berlin, Germany · EventInvite-focused networking and portfolio event hosted by High-Tech Gruenderfonds at STATION Berlin under the 2026 theme 'Next European Tech Renaissance.' Known for high-efficiency 1:1 investor-corporate-startup meetings and strong syndication opportunities.
EventEventsVenture CapitalStartup EcosystemDeep Tech
IMT Starter
Paris-Saclay, France · IncubatorLaunched 1999 by Institut Mines-Telecom. Incubator for tech startups from students and researchers with programs like START@IMT and SCALE'Up; focuses on AI, big data, and VR with early-stage funding options. Scope: Regional (Ile-de-France).
IncubatorAIBig DataVRDeep Tech
Industrifonden
Stockholm, Sweden · AcceleratorEvergreen fund founded 1979 investing in Swedish deep tech and life science.
AcceleratorSeries A to Series BDeep TechLife SciencesDigital Health
INiTS
Vienna, Austria · IncubatorFounded 2002. Academic incubator supported by University of Vienna, TU Wien, and Vienna Business Agency. Helps research-driven startups commercialize IP via START:IP and SCALEup, with funding up to EUR 100K and lab access. Scope: Regional (Vienna).
IncubatorDeep TechResearchHealthTech
International Tech Talks (Munich) 2026
Munich, Germany · EventB2B matchmaking event focused on France–Bavaria innovation partnerships, connecting French deep tech startups with German industrials.
EventDeep TechIndustrialEvents
IST cube
Klosterneuburg, Austria · IncubatorFounded 2018 at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria to back university spin-offs and deep science startups.
IncubatorPre-Seed to SeedDeep TechLife SciencesAI
Jarosław Łukasiewicz
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorDebuting Business Angel of the Year 2024 and CEO of Luma Automation, Jarosław brings industrial operating experience into startup investing. He backs founders applying AI and automation to legacy sectors where measurable efficiency gains matter most. His focus spans deep tech, industrial IoT, and Industry 4.0 solutions for manufacturing and logistics.
Angel InvestorPre-Seed to SeedIndustrial IoTAutomationDeep Tech
Jens Lapinski
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorA German investor (ex-TechStars London) who launched Angel Invest (a micro-fund), Jens was awarded Poland’s 2022 “Best Foreign Investor” for actively investing in Polish startups. He has made quick, small angel investments in Polish SaaS and deep-tech companies, often as one of the first foreign checks in. Associated startups: Satellite imaging startup KP Labs, various B2B SaaS in Poland.
Angel InvestorPre-Seed to SeedSaaSDeep Tech
Latitude59 2026
Tallinn, Estonia · EventKultuurikatel-hosted summit with 3,500+ attendees and 600+ investors. The Latitude59 Pitch Competition can reach EUR 1M in syndicate investment and the program heavily features digital-state and defense-tech themes.
EventEventsDefense TechGovTechDeep TechCybersecurityWeb3
Laval Virtual 2026
Laval, France · EventOne of Europe's longest-running immersive technology events, focused on practical XR deployment across healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. Strong venue for spatial-computing founders building B2B hardware and software products.
EventEventsXRVRARMetaverseDeep Tech
Maciej Zawadzinski
Wroclaw, Poland · Angel InvestorFounding partner at Hard2beat VC and serial entrepreneur with multiple exits. Maciej is known for building Piwik PRO, a privacy-first analytics platform, and Clearcode, an AdTech/MarTech software company. His transition from founder to deep-tech investor was featured in Forbes Poland (March 2026) in the profile Mistrz exitow na inwestycyjnej sciezce by Krzysztof Domaradzki. Notable outcomes include the 2023 exit of Piwik PRO and the acquisition of Clearcode by ARICOMA Group.
Angel InvestorPre-Seed to SeedDeep TechPrivacy TechMarTech
Marcin Żukowski
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorCo-founder of Snowflake and one of the most successful Polish founders globally, Marcin is active as a deeptech angel focused on data infrastructure and enterprise AI. Following Snowflake’s landmark NYSE IPO, he expanded his investment activity into European high-growth technical startups. Notable investments include Respo.Vision, Nomagic, and Mirai.
Angel InvestorSeed to Series BData InfrastructureAIDeep Tech
Michał Kiciński
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorCo-founder of CD Projekt (the studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077), Michał is a tech millionaire who has diversified into angel investing. He tends to support deep-tech and science-driven ventures, including wellness startups, with patient capital. Associated startups: Early backer of Polski Bank Komórek Macierzystych and other science-driven projects; also funds meditation and sustainability initiatives.
Angel InvestorSeed to Series ADeep TechGamingWellness
NanoSci
Warsaw, Poland · StartupDeep-tech company founded in 2020 building photocatalytic air purification systems. Its titanium-dioxide-based approach targets gases, bacteria, and viruses without traditional replaceable filters, enabling deployments in transport, buildings, and food environments.
StartupEarly StageDeep TechCleanTechHealthTech
PhysicsX
London, United Kingdom · StartupPhysicsX applies machine learning and generative AI to advanced engineering simulation across aerospace, automotive, and energy systems. The platform accelerates design loops by reducing simulation time for fluid, thermal, and structural modeling, helping industrial teams move from concept to validation faster.
StartupGrowthAIEngineeringDeep TechManufacturing
Piotr Romanowski
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorBusiness Angel of the Year 2021 and former PwC partner, Piotr combines corporate finance expertise with deep-technology investing. He focuses on high-potential international projects, especially biotech and complex fintech products. His portfolio includes early-stage investments in biotechnology initiatives and specialized fintech tooling.
Angel InvestorSeed to Series ABiotechFintechDeep Tech
PreSeed Ventures
Lyngby, Denmark · Venture CapitalPreSeed Ventures is Denmark's most active pre seed fund, originally rooted in the DTU science park. It provides the first institutional capital for university spin outs and technical founders, typically investing at idea or prototype stage. The firm has backed early Danish successes including Unity and Trustpilot and continues to nurture deep tech and software startups across the Nordics. PreSeed is a crucial bridge from research to venture.
Venture CapitalPre-Seed to SeedDeep TechSoftwareEngineering
Proxima Fusion
Munich, Germany · StartupProxima Fusion is a deep-tech fusion energy company spun out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in 2023. It is developing quasi-isodynamic stellarator systems designed for stable, commercial fusion power generation and is targeting a demonstrator pathway toward net-energy performance in the next decade.
StartupGrowthDeep TechCleanTechEnergyClimate Tech
Respeecher
Kyiv, Ukraine · StartupOverview: Respeecher is a cutting-edge AI voice synthesis startup that enables one person's voice to be transformed into the voice of another specific person, with uncanny realism. In other words, it's known for its voice cloning technology. Respeecher's system takes in an actor or user's speech and outputs audio that sounds like a target voice - be it a famous actor, a historical figure, or anyone for whom it has trained a model. This technology has huge applications in entertainment: filmmakers can revive voices of actors from years past, game developers can have characters speak in iconic voices, and creators can produce content where, say, a celebrity appears to narrate (with permission). What makes Respeecher stand out is the high fidelity of the cloned voices - they are nearly indistinguishable from the real person, capturing emotion and intonation accurately. Respeecher provides its tech via a software interface; typically, a voice model is trained on recordings of the target voice, and then a voice actor provides performance which is converted. Importantly, Respeecher emphasizes ethical use: it requires consent from the voice owners and has gained a reputation for an "ethics-first" approach in the emerging synthetic media field. Founding Story (2018): Respeecher was founded in February 2018 in Kyiv, Ukraine by Alex Serdiuk, Dmytro Bielievtsov, and Grant Reaber. Serdiuk and Bielievtsov are Ukrainian, and Reaber is an American speech technologist - the trio met through mutual research interests in speech processing. They realized that recent advances in deep learning could make high-quality voice conversion possible, and they set out to create a system far beyond the rudimentary voice changers of the past. In 2018-2019, they went through the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator (powered by Techstars) in the US, which gave them industry connections. Early on, Respeecher got a lucky break: it was approached to work on a high-profile but secret project - which turned out to be Lucasfilm's The Mandalorian (Season 2 finale in 2020). The task was to recreate the voice of a young Luke Skywalker as he would have sounded in the 1980s, using Mark Hamill's old recordings. Respeecher delivered successfully, astonishing Hollywood sound engineers. This successful debut put Respeecher on the map in the film industry. In subsequent months, they also worked on a Super Bowl commercial voicing Vince Lombardi (AI-cloned from archival audio). The Ukrainian team, working under NDA, built these groundbreaking demos which then led to word-of-mouth referrals in Hollywood. Product and Use Cases: Respeecher's core product is delivered as a service to content creators. A client provides audio of the target voice (e.g., recordings of a person) and Respeecher trains a custom voice model. Then the client (often a voice actor or the person themselves) provides the new dialogue, which Respeecher's system converts into the target's voice. One notable use case was the documentary short film "In Event of Moon Disaster" - Respeecher recreated President Nixon's voice to simulate him reading a speech that was written in case Apollo 11 failed, and this project won an Emmy Award in 2021 for Outstanding Interactive Media (Respeecher's team was credited for the voice work). Another big use case: Darth Vader's voice in 2022's Obi-Wan Kenobi series - James Earl Jones, aged 91, could no longer perform with the same power, so Lucasfilm used Respeecher to generate Vader's lines using Jones' archival voice data. This was done with Jones's consent (he effectively authorized the AI recreation of his iconic voice). The result was so good that audiences thought Jones had recorded the lines himself. Outside of film/TV, Respeecher has been used in video games (e.g., to recreate voices of deceased voice actors so characters can return), and in music - in 2022, it enabled artist Aloe Blacc to perform a song where his voice was converted to sound like the late Avicii's voice, as a tribute. Researchers and archivists have also shown interest in using it to restore voices for people who lost theirs (like throat cancer patients), although that's still experimental. Traction and Achievements: Though a B2B company, Respeecher gained public fame because of the high-profile nature of its projects. By 2022, virtually every Star Wars fan and many industry professionals had heard of Respeecher due to media coverage of its involvement in resurrecting Luke Skywalker's youthful voice and Darth Vader's classic tones. The company has a relatively small number of clients (dozens of studios, game companies, etc.), but each project is high value. Its technology earned it an Engineering Emmy Award in 2021, and it won TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield (audience choice) at CES in 2020. In terms of funding, Respeecher raised about $1.5M in early 2020 (around the Techstars time), and as of 2021 it had raised over $3M in total from investors including Techstars, ff Venture Capital, and Acrobator Ventures. The team remained fairly lean (under 50 people) but comprised specialized AI researchers and sound engineers. Financially, Respeecher's revenue grew with each Hollywood contract; while not public, one can infer that by 2022 it was profitable or close, given the repeat work from Disney/Lucasfilm and others. One of Respeecher's achievements is also on the ethical front: in 2023 it was one of ten companies (alongside OpenAI and TikTok) to sign the Partnership on AI's framework for responsible media, committing to practices like obtaining consent, watermarking AI content, etc. This proactive stance has made them a trusted partner in an area often seen with suspicion (deepfakes). The war in Ukraine did pose a challenge - much of Respeecher's team was Kyiv-based, and during the Russian invasion in Feb 2022, the team amazingly continued working (the Obi-Wan Kenobi Vader voice project was completed in the spring of 2022 while Kyiv was under threat). This dedication further earned them respect in the industry. Key Partnerships: Respeecher's notable partnerships are with major studios like Disney/Lucasfilm, and with game studios such as CD Projekt Red (who used Respeecher in 2023 to voice a character in Cyberpunk 2077 in Polish, whose original actor had passed away). It also collaborated with the creative team of the documentary "Val" to recreate actor Val Kilmer's voice, which he lost due to cancer (Kilmer and his son provided the training data). Each successful partnership validates the tech and leads to more clients. On the academic side, Respeecher worked with medical research to explore giving people who lost their voice (e.g., ALS patients) a chance to speak in their own reconstructed voice - a heartwarming application of the tech. Future Outlook: Respeecher sits at the forefront of AI in media. The demand for voice cloning is likely to increase - whether to dubbing movies in a star's own voice across languages, bringing historical figures' voices to life for museums, or personal uses (with permission, someone might license their voice). The company's focus will be to maintain quality leadership as big players (like Microsoft or Google) also invest in voice AI. Respeecher's Ukrainian origin is a source of pride: it shows that despite adversity, Ukrainian tech can lead globally in innovation. The founders have expressed interest in eventually developing real-time voice conversion (currently it's not instant, it takes some processing time) and making the tech more accessible perhaps in creator tools. But they tread carefully to avoid misuse. In summary, Respeecher is a Ukrainian deep-tech startup that achieved what was once sci-fi - lending voices across time and space - and has done so responsibly. By powering some of Hollywood's most iconic moments with AI, it has cemented itself as a trailblazer in synthetic audio. As long as movies and games want to push creative boundaries, Respeecher's technology will likely be in the credits, helping the impossible become possible in voice. Sources: en.wikipedia.org, failory.com, techcrunch.com, youtube.com.
StartupGrowthAIMediaAudioDeep Tech
Sebastian Kulczyk
Warsaw, Poland · Angel InvestorOwner of Kulczyk Investments and founder of Manta Ray VC, Sebastian is a prominent growth and technology investor supporting globally scalable startups. Through both direct investment and ecosystem initiatives such as InCredibles, he has helped position Polish founders on international markets. His wider portfolio context includes involvement around major outcomes such as Base (acquired by Zendesk), and investments including Iceye and Brainly.
Angel InvestorSeed to GrowthDeep TechSpace TechEdTech
Speedinvest
Vienna, Austria · IncubatorFounded 2011. Seed fund with more than EUR 600M under management across sector-focused micro-funds and a pan-European footprint.
IncubatorPre-Seed to SeedFintechDeep TechMarketplacesIndustrial Tech
START Summit 2026
St. Gallen, Switzerland · EventStudent-run summit at Olma Messen with 7,000+ attendees, 1,000+ investors, and 1,500+ startups. Highlights include the START Summiteer pitch competition and high-volume investor-founder matchmaking.
EventEventsB2B SaaSArtificial IntelligenceFintechRoboticsDeep Tech
Startup Braga
Braga, Portugal · AcceleratorInnovation hub and accelerator supported by Microsoft, nurturing deep-tech startups in biotech, nanotech, and digital sectors. Provides acceleration, access to University of Minho labs, and corporate partners; backed 120+ companies. Scope: Regional (Northern Portugal).
AcceleratorDeep TechBiotechDigital
sTARTUp Day 2026
Tartu, Estonia · EventStartup festival at the University of Tartu Sports Hall with 3,500+ attendees, 350+ investors, and 400+ startups. Includes the sTARTUp Pitching competition (often with a EUR 300k+ syndication pool) and Brella-powered 1:1 matchmaking.
EventEventsDeep TechEdTechGovTechSmart CityWeb3
Sting
Stockholm, Sweden · AcceleratorSting (Stockholm Innovation & Growth) is Sweden’s leading startup accelerator and incubator, founded in 2002 and based in Stockholm. Over two decades, Sting has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most successful support programs for high-tech startups. Each year, ~25 startups participate in Sting’s programs, which are tailored to ICT, sustainability, and deep tech ventures. Sting offers two main tracks: the Accelerate program (a shorter, intensive accelerator with investment) and the Incubate program (a longer incubation with office space and coaching). Startups benefit from SEK 400,000 (≈€35,000) in pre-seed investment via Sting’s Propel Capital angel fund, as well as hands-on mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Sting is notable for its extensive network in the Nordics – participants get access to 80+ industry mentors and introductions to a broad investor pool in Sweden and internationally. The results speak volumes: Sting has supported 270+ startups since inception, with a survival rate over 70% and multiple high-profile alumni. Success stories include Yubico (security keys unicorn), Sellpy (fashion recommerce, acquired by H&M), and ClimateView (climate planning SaaS). In addition to funding and coaching, Sting offers free office space at A House in Stockholm, product development labs, and perks from partners. The program emphasizes key performance indicators (KPIs) and growth milestones – Sting aims to help companies reach first customers, significant revenues, or Series A readiness within 6–18 months. Beyond individual companies, Sting has played a crucial role in Stockholm’s ecosystem: it co-founded SUP46 (Start-Up People of Sweden) co-working space and hosts Sweden’s annual Startup Demo Day. Sting alumni have collectively raised over €600 million. With the Swedish ecosystem maturing, Sting remains a cornerstone – providing new founders with structured support, an entrepreneurial community, and that all-important first investment to turbocharge their growth.
AcceleratorICTSustainabilityDeep Tech
Tangent Line VC
Warsaw, Poland · Venture CapitalPolish VC focused on deep tech and science-based companies, including industrial technology, advanced materials, and biotech. The fund follows a long-horizon approach for R&D-heavy ventures moving from lab to market.
Venture CapitalSeed to Series ADeep TechIndustrial TechBiotechClimate Tech
TechChill 2026
Riga, Latvia · EventBaltic startup conference at Hanzas Perons with 2,300+ attendees and 250+ investors. Known for the Fifty Founders Battle (EUR 200k+ syndicate prizes) and strong Day 0 networking side events.
EventEventsB2B SoftwareFintechDeep TechDefense TechHardware
Techinnov 2026
Paris, France · EventFrance's flagship B2B innovation matchmaking day at Parc Floral de Paris, organized around pre-scheduled 20-minute meetings between startups and industrial buyers. Designed for high meeting density and fast enterprise business development in Industry 4.0 and industrial transformation.
EventEventsIndustry 4.0B2B MatchmakingIndustrial TransformationDeep Tech
Transfiere (European Forum for Science, Technology and Innovation) 2026
Malaga, Spain · EventDeep-tech transfer forum connecting research, startups, investors, and public sector partners. Price: about EUR 22 (visitor) to EUR 190 (full networking pass). Ideal for university spin-offs seeking tech transfer partners, grants, and R&D pilots.
EventEventsInnovationDeep Tech
Venture Catalysts
Porto, Portugal · AcceleratorProgram specializing in spinning up companies from technical and scientific projects, pairing scientists with business co-founders and providing lab access and early funding. Support: venture building, seed capital via grants or partnered funds, and corporate connections. Scope: Regional (Porto).
AcceleratorDeep TechHealthCleantech
Walerud Ventures
Stockholm, Sweden · AcceleratorEstablished 2002 by Jane Walerud. Family-run deep-tech angel fund and hands-on accelerator for planet-positive startups; invests up to EUR 1M and often provides interim operational support. 10+ exits including Volumental. Scope: National.
AcceleratorDeep TechClimateImpact
World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF) 2026
Cannes, France · EventLarge-scale AI conference at the Palais des Festivals with 10,000+ attendees, 320 speakers, and 220+ exhibitors expected for 2026. Program tracks include AI for Business, AI Governance, and Health AI, making it a high-value venue for founders seeking enterprise pilots and investor visibility.
EventEventsArtificial IntelligenceGenerative AIDeep TechHealthTechEnterprise Software
XAnge
Paris, France · Venture CapitalFrench VC with offices in Paris, Berlin, and Munich focused on deep tech and impact, active across the Franco-German corridor.
Venture CapitalSeed to Series ADeep TechImpact
YES!Delft
Delft, Netherlands · IncubatorYES!Delft is a renowned tech incubator in the Netherlands, focused on turning university research and technical inventions into successful startups. Founded in 2005 by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) – one of Europe’s top engineering schools – YES!Delft has grown into a deep-tech startup ecosystem supporting hardware and high-tech software ventures. The incubator offers a 3-4 month validation program for idea-stage teams, longer-term incubation for growth-stage startups, access to specialized labs and maker spaces, and connections to TU Delft’s extensive research facilities. Over the past 20 years, YES!Delft has incubated nearly 500 startups, collectively valued at over €1.2B. Notable alumni include Ampelmann (offshore access systems, now a global marine company) and E-nevia (electric mobility). The sectors span AI, robotics, medtech, aerospace, clean energy, and more – reflecting Delft’s engineering strengths. The incubator actively leverages partnerships: it works with corporates like KLM (aviation) and NS (railways) for pilot opportunities, and with government initiatives for grants. Startups at YES!Delft benefit from an entrepreneur-centric approach; the incubator was twice ranked a global top 5 university incubator by UBI Index. It offers an in-house venture fund (UNIIQ) that provides proof-of-concept funding (~€100k) to the most promising teams, bridging the gap to seed rounds. YES!Delft’s campus in Delft has co-working, an auditorium for events, and proximity to cutting-edge labs (e.g., quantum computing labs at QuTech). It has expanded with satellite branches in Rotterdam (focused on port and logistics tech) and The Hague (focused on AI and security) to tap regional industries. The name YES stands for “Young Entrepreneurs Society,” underscoring its community vibe: seasoned mentors, many of whom are TU Delft alumni entrepreneurs, guide newcomers. With continued support from TU Delft and the city, YES!Delft is a cornerstone of the Dutch innovation ecosystem – ensuring that inventions from classrooms and labs (like next-gen drones, solar cars, or medical devices) find their way to market via robust startups.
IncubatorDeep TechHardwareAIMedTech