Hello there,

Welcome to another edition of 🔍 Startup Researcher - Europe, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region 🌍

If you haven't subscribed yet, now's the perfect time. Don't miss the opportunity to supercharge your understanding and stay ahead in this dynamic world.

Ready? Let’s get right into it.

📰 Important News

• The UK government announced plans to invest $517.5 million in defence tech, allocating 10% of its defence budget to emerging technologies.

• Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave settled a multi-million euro legal dispute with two shareholders after years of conflict.

• Stegra criticized the Swedish government for denying $164.46 million in funding despite EU approval, warning it harms investor confidence.

• Builder.ai is facing scrutiny for using an auditor with ties to its founder, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

• German AI startups are supporting the new government’s push to relax the EU AI Act, arguing strict regulations hinder innovation.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Germany’s AMBOSS secured $259.67 million in funding to expand its medical education and clinical decision-making platform globally.

• Leuven-based Augustine Therapeutics raised $84.07 million in Series A funding to advance the clinical development of its drug programs.

• Sateliot closed a $75.74 million Series B round to expand its 5G-IoT satellite constellation, aiming for global connectivity.

• GravitHy has raised $64.92 million to advance low-carbon iron production and steel decarbonisation, aiming to reduce emissions in the industry.

• n8n secured $59.51 million in Series B funding to accelerate product development, expand its enterprise reach, and enhance its AI-powered tools.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Willow has acquired UK-based Elvie, once Europe’s best-funded femtech startup, after legal disputes and financial struggles.

• 9fin acquired Bond Radar to expand its global debt market coverage, adding historical data and market reach to enhance its AI-powered platform.

• Tallinn-based Bolt acquired Danish taxi startup Viggo to enter Denmark's heavily regulated ride-hailing market.

• Slovak ksebe acquired Terap.io to create Terapio by ksebe, a new mental health platform offering affordable psychological care in the Czech Republic.

• Wellhub, formerly Gympass, acquired Berlin-based Urban Sports Club to expand its European presence and enhance corporate wellbeing solutions.

🏦 About Investors

• Daphni VC has launched a $270.5 million climate tech fund to invest in science-based startups across Europe focusing on climate transition.

• EA Ventures announced a $21.64 million fund to support early-stage European startups focused on AI, fintech, mobility, and sustainability.

• THENA Capital launched its $64.92 million Fund I to back early-stage UK medtech startups, focusing on digital healthcare and fast-track medical devices.

• Stockholm-based Incore Invest launched a $27.05 million fund to accelerate growth in SaaS, embedded finance, and fintech across Europe.

• Founders Future sold a 25% stake in its holding company to fuel expansion to the U.S. and launch a growth fund for American investments.

🚀 Startup of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

AMBOSS

Berlin-based medical technology company AMBOSS, founded in 2012 by physicians Dr. Madjid Salimi and Benedikt Hochkirchen, has secured a $259.67 million financing round to expand its global presence. The investment, backed by new long-term investors, will support the company’s international growth and the extension of its platform to nurses and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, AMBOSS aims to enhance its medical education and clinical decision-making offerings while exploring acquisitions to drive further expansion.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Daphni VC

Paris-based venture capital firm Daphni, founded in 2015, has launched a $270.5 million climate tech fund to invest in early-stage science-based startups across Europe, focusing on climate transition and sustainability. With an initial $216.39 million raised from investors including Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, Bpifrance, and the European Investment Fund, the firm plans to close the fund at $270.5 million by year-end, backing up to 40 startups in fields like life sciences, physics, and chemistry. Daphni, known for its collaborative “VC as a platform” approach, aims to source deals from top European research institutes and universities, leveraging geopolitical shifts and increasing interest in entrepreneurship among scientists to drive climate innovation.

 🤑 Opportunity Radar

Call for Applications: Y Combinator’s Summer 2025 Batch

Apply to Y Combinator’s Summer 2025 Batch by May 13, 2025, to accelerate your startup journey with one of the world’s most prestigious accelerators. The program runs from June to September in San Francisco, featuring in-person meetups, mentorship from experienced YC partners, and access to YC’s powerful alumni network. Selected startups receive $500,000 in funding immediately upon acceptance and benefit from exclusive investor connections. Don’t miss this chance to join a thriving community of founders—apply today!