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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 🌍

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📰 Important News

• Associations in Europe are urging the European Commission to boost institutional investor involvement in VC by creating initiatives like a fund of funds.

• Venture Kick partnered with Deep Tech Nation Switzerland to enhance support for Swiss deep tech startups, aiming to mobilize $5.61 billion annually.

• Monzo is planning to expand into Europe in 2025 with an Irish-based hub to serve as its gateway for EU markets.

• Cimeio Therapeutics has signed a $300 million collaboration with Kyowa Kirin to accelerate the development of its novel gene-edited cell therapies.

• Oxford Nanopore has filed a lawsuit against Chinese biotech giant BGI, claiming misuse of trade secrets.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• AI hyperscaler Nscale raised $155 million in Series A funding led by Sandton Capital Partners to expand its sustainable AI infrastructure.

• Swiss biotech Noema Pharma closed a $147 million Series B round led by EQT Life Sciences to advance Phase 2 trials targeting CNS disorders.

• Berlin-based fintech Upvest raised $105 million in Series C, doubling its valuation to over $440 million as it expands into the UK.

• Oss-based biotech company Citryll has raised $89.35 million in Series B funding co-led by Johnson & Johnson, Forbion, and Novartis Venture Fund.

• ANYbotics has raised $60 million to accelerate global scaling and expand its AI-driven robotic inspection solutions.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Zalando is set to acquire ABOUT YOU for $1.16 billion enhancing its European fashion e-commerce platform.

• TeamViewer acquired U.K.-based 1E for $720 million to expand into North America, enhancing its remote-work software with 1E’s tools.

• Mirakl acquired Adspert to enhance its Retail Media and AI-driven eCommerce solutions.

• Sympower acquired Flextools from Å Energi to expand its portfolio by 250 MW and enhance its flexibility solutions across Europe.

• Swiss companies VISENSE and Octotronic have merged to form Octotronic AG and launch the OctoCore platform.

🏦 About Investors

• Scientifica VC launched $210.13 million fund SF1 to support quantum computing, AI, and sustainable innovation globally.

• Buenavista Equity Partners and Columbus Venture Partners have launched the $105.07 million BV Healthcare Growth Innvierte I fund.

• Poland's PFR Ventures invested $66.19 million in five new VC funds to support innovative Polish startups.

• KHP Ventures has launched a $25.5 million fund, Innovations in Mental Health Fund, to accelerate early-stage mental health startups.

• Brussels-based Syndicate One closed its debut $6.83 million fund with support from four governmental funds and over 100 entrepreneurs.

🚀 Startup of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Nscale

Nscale, an AI hyperscaler founded in 2024 by Josh Payne, has secured $155 million in Series A funding, led by Sandton Capital Partners, to expand its sustainable AI infrastructure across Europe and North America. The investment will support the company’s growth, enabling the deployment of large-scale GPU superclusters and AI-ready data centers. Nscale’s full-stack AI platform offers tailored GPU clusters, Kubernetes-native services, and advanced serverless inferencing, positioning the company to meet the increasing demand for high-performance AI infrastructure. With a 1.3GW pipeline of greenfield data centers, Nscale is poised to deliver bespoke, cost-effective solutions for governments, AI scale-ups, and global enterprises.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Scientifica VC

Scientifica Venture Capital, based in L'Aquila, Italy, has launched Scientifica Fund 1, a $210.13 million fund to support innovation in quantum computing, smart materials, advanced industry, and environmental technologies. The fund, set to launch in 2025, aims to bridge scientific research with venture capital, supporting companies at all stages of development. Scientifica VC’s Zero CapEx model provides startups with access to proprietary laboratories and certified facilities at no initial cost, fostering faster R&D and scalability. With global hubs in Europe and Silicon Valley, Scientifica is expanding its international footprint and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable innovation. Its diverse portfolio includes investments in biotech, AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy startups, positioning Scientifica VC as a key player in global technological advancement.

 🤑 Opportunity Radar

Call for Applications: UNICEF Venture Fund

Apply to the UNICEF Venture Fund's AI and Blockchain for Data and Trust program by December 23rd, 2024, and secure up to $100,000 in equity-free funding for your innovative startup. If you're developing cutting-edge technologies addressing misinformation, data integrity, or digital trust for children, this is your opportunity. UNICEF is specifically seeking early-stage, for-profit technology startups registered in UNICEF program countries with working prototypes in AI, machine learning, or blockchain. Women-led and young founders are especially encouraged to apply, with a focus on creating Open Source solutions that can radically improve children's digital experiences and safety.