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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.

Let's delve into the core sections of our weekly newsletter:

• 📰 Important News

• 💸 Top Funding Rounds

• 💰️ Notable Exits

• 🏦 About Investors

• 📈 Deep Dive Bites

• 🚀 Startup of the Week

• 💼 Investor of the Week

• 🤑 Opportunity Radar

📰 Important News

• Northvolt has announced layoffs of 1,600 employees amid financing challenges and union negotiations.

• H2 Green Steel has rebranded as Stegra and secured nearly €100 million ($111.7M) in state aid to build a near-zero emission steel production facility.

• French neobank Qonto is expanding its services to Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal, aiming to double its market presence.

• Bunq is set to launch a stock trading feature called Stocks allowing fee-free trades for three months before charging a 0.99% fee per trade.

• Bruntwood SciTech has launched West Village in Leeds, a new £20 million startup hub ($26.77M) with 230,000 sq ft of flexible workspaces.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Munich-based EGYM raised $200 million at a $1.2 billion valuation to expand into new markets.

• Quantum Systems secured over €100 million ($111.73M) in a Series B round to accelerate its expansion and enhance its AI-driven aerial solutions.

• Mews has secured $100 million in financing from Vista Credit Partners to enhance its M&A strategy and accelerate growth.

• Berlin-based Distribusion has raised $80.11 million in a Series C round led by TQ Ventures to enhance its B2B ground transportation marketplace.

• Apron raised $30 million in Series B funding to develop a financial super app for small businesses, focusing on growth and new product offerings.

💰️ Notable Exits

• The Sharing Group has acquired a majority stake in Drop Mobility aiming to enhance sustainable transportation options through electric bicycles.

• Summa Equity has acquired Swiss FinTech NetGuardians, a leader in AI-driven fraud prevention and AML solutions.

• Visma has acquired November First, a Copenhagen-based fintech company focused on payment solutions for SMEs.

• hlpy acquired German digital roadside assistance leader HESA Solutions GmbH strengthening its position across multiple countries in mobility services.

• The Access Group has announced the acquisition of QikServe, the digital commerce platform for the hospitality sector.

🏦 About Investors

• Miura Partners has closed its fourth flagship fund at €475 million ($530.7M), alongside an impact fund of €135 million ($150.83M) and a €200 million continuation fund ($223.45M).

• Barcelona-headquartered VC investor Asabys Partners has closed its second fund SAHII, with total commitments of €180 million ($201.11M).

• Bilbao-based VC firm All Iron Ventures rebranded to Acurio Ventures, closing its third fund at €150 million ($167.59M). 

• The EIF and the Hungarian National Capital Holding have launched a €40 million ($44.69M) VC fund to support startups in Hungary and CEE.

• Rouven Dresselhaus, founding partner of Cavalry Ventures, is stepping down, marking the third partner exit from the firm this year.

📈 Deep Dive Bites

Explore the dynamic venture capital landscape of Ireland, where firms like ACT Venture Capital, Delta Partners, and Frontline are fueling innovation across key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability. These leading VCs are not only backing early-stage startups but also driving growth in scale-ups, contributing significantly to Ireland's booming startup ecosystem. Check out the full list and discover the key players shaping Ireland’s investment future.

🚀 Startup Of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

EGYM

EGYM, founded by Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer in Munich, is transforming the fitness industry with its connected fitness equipment and personalized training technology. By combining innovative hardware and intelligent software, EGYM offers smart gym machines that automatically adjust resistance and provide real-time feedback, creating a tailored experience for users. Catering to fitness centers and corporate wellness programs, EGYM has positioned itself as a leader in the global fitness tech market. With a recent $200 million funding round, the company is set to accelerate its international expansion and enhance its mission of revolutionizing fitness engagement.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Acurio Ventures

Acurio Ventures, formerly known as All Iron Ventures, has rebranded and successfully closed its third fund, Acurio Ventures III, at €150 million ($167.59M). Established in 2018 and based in Bilbao, the venture capital firm has now amassed nearly €300 million in AUM. Co-founded by Ander Michelena, who previously sold his startup Ticketbis to eBay, Acurio Ventures focuses on early-stage European startups. With its new fund, the firm aims to leverage its entrepreneurial expertise and extensive network to drive innovation across Europe, marking a significant milestone in its evolution and international outlook.

 🤑 Opportunity Radar

Techstars London Accelerator

Apply to the Techstars London Accelerator by November 20th, 2024, to propel your startup into the thriving global ecosystem of London. This in-person program is ideal for emerging startups from various verticals seeking to leverage the city's diverse talent and international outlook. Each selected company will receive up to $120,000 in funding, hands-on mentorship, and access to a vast network of investors and resources, culminating in a Demo Day on June 5th, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your business strategies and connect with industry leaders—start your application today for an exciting journey that begins in March 2025.