The European deep-tech scene came together at VENTURE SPRIND in Leipzig. In pitch sessions, speed dating, and deep dives, investors got the ins and outs about potential breakthrough innovations. Focus at VENTURE SPRIND was on startups from the SPRIND portfolio in the areas of climate and green tech, computing, and software.

“VENTURE SPRIND was a blast, a very successful introduction to the SPRIND portfolio – early-stage, deep-tech teams that, with SPRIND’s unbureaucratic support, are overcoming initial hurdles to prepare for venture capital funding.” Nick de la Forge, Planet A Ventures

“While still in SPRIND’s Challenge and immediately after EcoLogic Computing was initiated, VENTURE SPRIND was a brilliant platform to present the future of computing to a broad field of investors.” Holger Boche, EcoLogic Computing

“Great organization, great startups, great vibes! One of the best, if not the best, deep-tech event we have attended so far.” Lukas Leitner, Lakestar

A total of 25, SPRIND-supported teams presented throughout the day. Among the participants were startups from the SPRIND Challenges on Long-Duration Energy Storage, Carbon-to-Value, and New Computing Concepts. Plus, teams from various sectors attended, including Yellow SiC, which uses photocatalysis to produce hydrogen, Illutherm, which hones light to sinter ceramics, and Quantum Diamonds, which is developing breakthrough innovative, quantum sensor technology.

Participating investors were also able to present themselves to the teams in reverse pitches and provide an overview of their investment focus, ticket size, and value-add.

“I have rarely met so many topnotch deep-tech startups in one day that are tackling the huge challenges of our time.” Dörte Hirschberg, Climentum Capital

“It was an exceptional opportunity to pitch to over 50 deep-tech investors and engage in more in-depth conversations with many of them afterwards. VENTURE SPRIND was the perfect kick-off for our fundraising going forward.” Milto Vlachos, Illutherm

“Overall, we need to scale up more breakthrough innovations as quickly as possible so we can realize our prospects on a sustainable climate-neutral economy in the medium to long term. At VENTURE SPRIND, I saw several startups advancing promising solutions in this very area.” Torben Schreiter, Extantia

Prizes for pitches and visions were awarded to Mar Fernández-Méndez from MacroCarbon and Stephan Hermann from Reverion. Rounding out the VENTURE SPRIND event was the announcement of the new SPRIND Challenge Circular Biomanufacturing.

“I’ve been to a lot of pitch days, and only a few were visited by so many deep-tech investors.” Stephan Herrmann, Reverion

"Across different verticals, we have seen very exciting teams and technologies that show the potential of the European DeepTech sector." Dirk Seewald, eCAPITAL

“With MacroCarbon, we are striving to decarbonize the chemical industry by growing and processing algae. At VENTURE SPRIND, we were able to speak with a lot of VCs who share this vision.” Mar Fernández-Méndez, MacroCarbon