Join Startuprad.io, the authority on the DACH region’s vibrant startup ecosystem, for an exclusive interview with Karl Stoklosa, CEO of PRECISIS, a healthcare startup revolutionizing epilepsy treatment through cutting-edge technology. In this episode, we explore how PRECISIS is leveraging its groundbreaking EASI System—the world’s first minimally invasive brain pacemaker—to improve the lives of epilepsy patients worldwide.

1. Karl Stoklosa’s Leadership Journey: From an Executive MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School to leading a disruptive healthcare startup, Karl shares insights into his 20+ years of experience in the medical device industry, spanning roles in neuromodulation, cardiac rhythm management, and global healthcare marketing.

2. The Global Epilepsy Challenge: With 50 million epilepsy patients worldwide and 30% classified as drug-resistant, the need for innovative solutions is critical. Discover how PRECISIS is addressing this gap with the EASI System, providing safer, more effective alternatives to invasive surgeries and medications.

3. The EASI System’s Impact: Learn about this state-of-the-art neuromodulation device, its minimally invasive design, and its ability to reduce seizures by 50% or more for most patients. With features like manual stimulation for oncoming seizures and MRI compatibility, the EASI System sets a new standard in epilepsy care.

4. PRECISIS’ European Success: PRECISIS has achieved market approval in key European countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, and Portugal, and is scaling its commercial operations.

5. Expansion into the U.S. Market: With FDA breakthrough designation, PRECISIS is preparing for clinical trials in the U.S., showcasing its ambition to become a global leader in medical device innovation.

Love what you hear? Share this episode, leave us a review, and subscribe to Startuprad.io to stay updated on the latest from the startup ecosystem in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond!

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In this episode of Startuprad.io, we delve into the AI Act, the European Union’s pioneering legislation aimed at setting clear and ethical standards for artificial intelligence across all sectors. With compliance deadlines approaching in 2026, the AI Act introduces a structured framework to assess and mitigate the risks posed by AI systems, impacting both established companies and emerging startups.

Join our host, Joe Menninger, as he welcomes Andrew Gamino-Cheong, CTO of Trustable, a leading AI governance software company.

1. Understanding the AI Act’s Risk-Based Framework
   The AI Act categorizes AI systems by risk levels—Unacceptable, High, Limited, and Minimal or No Risk. Joe and Andrew break down what these classifications mean for businesses and discuss why certain applications, like real-time biometric surveillance, are banned while others are simply regulated.

2. Transparency and Accountability Requirements
   Discover why transparency is crucial under the AI Act. From documenting data sources to maintaining thorough audit trails, companies need to be upfront about how AI models are built and used. This episode discusses the new standards of accountability and how businesses can adapt to this framework without stifling innovation.

3. Challenges of AI Compliance and Shared Responsibilities
   The AI Act’s structure requires both AI developers and deployers to uphold compliance standards. Andrew explains what companies must do to ensure they meet these obligations, including the need for frequent testing and updates to AI models to mitigate risks.

4. What the AI Act Means for Entrepreneurs and Startups
   Smaller organizations may face significant hurdles in meeting the Act’s requirements, but Andrew shares insights on how startups can turn compliance into a competitive advantage. This episode is packed with tips on implementing AI responsibly, with compliance not only as a requirement but also as a selling point to potential customers and investors.

5. The Global Implications of AI Regulation
   As the EU takes the lead, other regions are watching closely. The AI Act may serve as a blueprint for future AI laws worldwide, potentially setting a global standard. Joe and Andrew discuss the similarities and differences between the EU’s AI Act and U.S. initiatives, like recent executive orders, and what this means for companies with international operations.

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Welcome to the October 2024 edition of "This Month in German, Swiss, and Austrian Startups," where we bring you essential insights into the GSA startup ecosystem. Join hosts Jörn “Joe” Menninger and Chris Fahrenbach as they unpack the month’s top stories, from groundbreaking funding rounds to unicorn achievements and major pivots in tech and innovation.

Episode Highlights:

1. Lilium’s Financial Struggles and eVTOL Innovation Setbacks
This month, the NASDAQ-listed eVTOL pioneer Lilium, based in Germany, navigates financial challenges, pursuing self-administered bankruptcy due to funding constraints. Although recent setbacks impacted its market valuation, Lilium’s story represents the high-stakes reality of aerospace tech, where R&D costs often create financial risk. Discover the unique challenges that innovators in sustainable aviation face and Lilium’s hopes for a future in clean transportation.

2. Egym and Orderfox Join the Unicorn Club
In major achievements for the healthtech and AI sectors, German fitness tech company Egym and Swiss AI-driven industrial procurement firm Orderfox each attained unicorn status this October. Egym’s valuation now exceeds $1 billion, fueled by tech advances that position it toward IPO readiness. Orderfox, leveraging AI to optimize industrial processes, underscores the GSA region’s strength in practical, data-driven solutions. Learn how these companies reached new heights and the impact of their technologies on health and industrial sectors.

3. Austria’s Gropyus Secures €100 Million for Sustainable Housing
Austrian startup Gropyus made waves with a €100 million investment to expand its modular, timber-hybrid housing production. With a mission to address Europe’s housing crisis through sustainable materials and design, Gropyus embodies the shift toward green construction tech. This investment supports their scalable model of eco-friendly housing solutions, meeting the demands of an evolving market.

4. EU’s Deep Tech Initiative with Trusted Investors Network
In a strategic move to elevate Europe’s role in global tech, the European Union launched a deep tech support network, collaborating with over 70 venture capital firms in the Trusted Investors Network. Aiming to close the technology gap with global leaders like the U.S. and China, the EU’s partnership initiative highlights Europe’s vision for advancing fields like AI, biotech, and sustainable energy.

5. SolarisBank’s €178M Loss and Restructuring Efforts
German fintech SolarisBank reported a €178 million loss, announcing job cuts and a restructuring to regain profitability. The company’s experience is indicative of the broader European fintech scene, where scaling comes with financial pressures. Discover how Solaris is adapting its strategy in the competitive fintech landscape, aiming to enhance operational efficiency.

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In this episode of Startuprad.io, we dive deep into the future of SEO content creation with Stefan Fehr, the innovative founder of ModernIQs.com. If you're looking to improve your website's SEO performance and Google rankings using cutting-edge AI technology, this episode is a must-listen.

ModernIQs is a revolutionary platform designed to automate SEO content creation, taking the hard work out of building high-quality, search-optimized blog posts. Stefan shares his journey in developing this AI-powered tool, how it simplifies the process of creating SEO-friendly articles, and why it’s a game-changer for businesses looking to increase website traffic and online visibility.

• Why SEO matters: Understand the critical role SEO plays in driving organic traffic to your website. Stefan breaks down why having consistent, structured, and optimized content is the key to ranking higher on Google.

• How ModernIQs works: Learn how ModernIQs automates over 200 critical SEO ranking factors, from headline structuring to internal linking, and image optimization to plagiarism checks. Stefan walks us through how businesses can save time and improve their rankings effortlessly using this tool.

• Real-world success stories: Stefan shares how companies like AppColumbus achieved massive traffic growth (a 130x increase in Google reach!) using AI-generated content from ModernIQs.

• The future of SEO: Stefan provides insights into upcoming features for ModernIQs, including enhanced internal linking automation and more tools to help businesses scale their content efficiently. Plus, we discuss how AI will continue to shape the future of digital marketing and SEO strategies.

If you're tired of spending hours manually crafting SEO-friendly blog posts or struggling to keep up with the latest Google algorithms, this episode will show you how to optimize your workflow, save time, and improve your content’s effectiveness.

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In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn "Joe" Menninger explores the essential findings from the 2024 Deutscher Startup Monitor (DSM), offering a comprehensive analysis of the latest trends shaping the German startup ecosystem.

Joe highlights the B2B dominance now evident in nearly 75% of startups, showcasing how the shift towards business-focused models is becoming a key strategy for sustainable growth. This trend is led by companies like Celonis and Personio, which are proving that long-term business relationships are more critical than ever in the startup world.

Another major theme discussed in this episode is the growing focus on sustainability. Nearly 50% of startups in Germany now identify as part of the green economy, with their eco-friendly solutions attracting a wave of ESG-focused investors. Joe explores the challenges and opportunities that come with building a sustainable business model in today’s climate.

Funding challenges are also a hot topic in 2024. With rising interest rates and more cautious VC investments, many startups are struggling to secure capital. According to the DSM, 74% of startups are planning to raise external funding in the next 12 months. Joe offers valuable insights into alternative funding sources, such as government programs, business angels, and venture debt, helping founders navigate this tight funding landscape.

The episode further delves into the exciting rise of deep tech and AI as innovation drivers in Germany. With 11.4% of startups focusing on disruptive technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

Joe also discusses the geographic distribution of startups across Germany, revealing how startup hubs like Berlin, Munich, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse are emerging as key regions for innovation and growth.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• B2B Focus: Why 74.7% of startups are focusing on B2B customers and what this shift means for the ecosystem.

• Sustainability & Green Economy: Nearly half of all startups are eco-friendly—what does this mean for investors and founders?

• Funding Challenges: How startups are adapting to the tighter funding environment, and which sources of capital are most accessible.

• Deep Tech & AI: The rise of quantum computing and AI in Germany and their role in driving innovation.

• Regional Startup Trends: A look at Germany’s top startup hubs and why some regions are better for growth than others.

Resources:

• Full DSM Report: Deutscher Startup Monitor 2024 Report

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• Find Investors & Partners: Startup Raven

In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn "Joe" Menninger speaks with Rafael Fietzek, Co-Founder and Managing Director at COMPREDICT, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in automotive technology. COMPREDICT is leading the charge with its revolutionary virtual sensor technology, powered by AI, that is set to transform the way vehicles operate.

• Virtual Sensors & AI Integration: Learn how COMPREDICT’s AI-driven virtual sensors are designed to replace traditional hardware sensors in vehicles, enabling more efficient and predictive vehicle maintenance. These virtual sensors enhance operational performance by monitoring critical aspects such as tire and brake wear, as well as vehicle dynamics, all through AI.

• Series B Funding Success: Rafael discusses COMPREDICT’s impressive $15 million Series B funding round, backed by high-profile investors like Michelin, BlackBerry, and Toyota's investment arm, Woven Capital. This investment boosts COMPREDICT’s credibility and positions them for further growth.

• Strategic Partnerships: Find out how COMPREDICT is collaborating with leading automotive manufacturers, such as Renault, Alpine, and Toyota, to integrate their virtual sensors into mass production vehicles, making a significant impact on the industry.

• Recruitment Challenges: The episode highlights the difficulties COMPREDICT faces in recruiting top international tech talent, as well as the hurdles associated with international visa processes, which slow down the hiring of skilled workers from outside Europe.

• Networking and B2B Sales: Discover the importance of networking at industry conferences and how building relationships with key decision-makers in the automotive sector is vital to securing large B2B deals.

• Future Roadmap: Rafael outlines COMPREDICT’s growth strategy, including plans to secure more production deals, continue expanding into global markets like Japan and the U.S., and prepare for a future Series C funding round.

If you are a tech startup enthusiast, automotive engineer, AI expert, or investor, this episode offers valuable insights into how COMPREDICT is shaping the future of the automotive industry with cutting-edge AI solutions. You’ll also gain an inside look at the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a deep tech startup in a highly competitive industry.

Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation that covers innovation, AI, automotive partnerships, and the future of virtual sensors. Whether you're interested in automotive technology, AI applications, or startup growth strategies, this episode has something for you.

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Welcome to the September 2024 Startup News from Startuprad.io! This episode covers the most impactful developments in the startup scenes of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Stay informed about key trends, funding rounds, and industry shifts that could influence your business or investment decisions.

Key Highlights:

1. Intel Pauses €30B Chip Factory in Germany

   Intel has halted its €30 billion chip manufacturing project in Magdeburg due to cost-cutting measures and financial challenges, despite a €10 billion investment from the German government. We discuss the implications for Europe's tech industry and startups.

2. Magic AI Secures $320M Led by Eric Schmidt

   Vienna-based Magic AI has raised $320 million, led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, elevating its valuation to $1.5 billion. Magic aims to revolutionize coding with its AI-powered developer assistance software. Learn how this could impact the European AI landscape.

3. Flink Raises $150M for Quick Commerce Expansion

   Berlin's Flink secured $150 million to expand its quick-commerce services in Germany and the Netherlands. Despite a volatile market and a valuation just below $1 billion, Flink aims for profitability and growth. We explore their strategy.

4. Northvolt Faces Financial Challenges

   Swedish battery maker Northvolt is experiencing financial difficulties linked to troubled partnerships with automotive giants like Volkswagen. We examine how this affects Europe's green energy goals and the startup ecosystem.

5. Germany's WIN Initiative Unveiled

   Germany introduces the WIN Initiative to inject €12 billion into its startup ecosystem by 2030. Backed by major players like Deutsche Bank and Allianz, the initiative aims to improve access to capital and foster innovation.

6. DePoly Tops Swiss Startup Awards

   Swiss startup DePoly wins the 2024 Top 100 Swiss Startup Awards for its innovative plastic recycling technology. We highlight what sets DePoly apart in the Swiss innovation scene.

Additional Insights:

• Austria's Hydrogen Valley: Austria plans to invest €578 million to build Europe's first Hydrogen Valley, aiming to produce over 10,000 tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

• Berlin's Startup Revival: Mayor Kai Wegner outlines plans to rejuvenate Berlin's startup scene, targeting a top-three position in Europe.

• Major VC Fundraisings:

  • Insight Partners nears a $10 billion fund closure.

  • Atomico raises €1.12 billion to invest in Europe's top founders.

  • Headline secures an $865 million growth fund focused on European startups.

  • Redalpine launches its largest fund yet at $200 million.

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Boost Your Startup with Analyst Relations: Expert Tips from Chris Holscher

Welcome to another insightful episode of Startuprad.io, the go-to podcast for insights on German, Swiss, and Austrian startups. In this episode, host Joe Menninger sits down with Chris Holscher, an Industry Analyst Relations Specialist, to uncover the often-missed opportunities that industry analysts offer to startups. If you’re a founder, investor, or anyone involved in the startup ecosystem, this episode will reveal why engaging with analysts early in your journey can be a game-changer.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🎯 The Importance of Analyst Relations for Startups
Chris dives into the critical role that industry analysts play in the success of startups, especially in the B2B tech sector. Discover why analyst relations are more than just a marketing tool—they are a strategic asset that can help sharpen your product-market fit, accelerate your growth, and build your credibility in the market.

🕒 When and How to Engage Analysts
Many startups assume they need to wait until they have traction or revenue to engage with analysts. Chris dispels this myth and explains why engaging analysts early—during beta or even at the MVP stage—can offer significant benefits, from valuable feedback to strategic insights that guide your development.

💡 Strategic Benefits of Early Analyst Engagement
Learn how early engagement with analysts can boost your startup’s visibility, attract investors, and even help you make better product and market decisions. Chris shares real-life examples of startups that successfully leveraged analyst relations to drive exponential growth and secure funding.

👥 Why You Need a Specialist for Analyst Relations
Chris explains the role of specialist Analyst Relations (AR) professionals in effectively managing these interactions. He highlights why AR specialists outperform PR or marketing agencies in navigating the complexities of analyst engagement, helping your startup make a lasting impression.

Links to Connect and Engage:

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