Author: Berta Schulz

From 0.1% Growth Forecasts to Industrial Overhauls, Here’s What’s Shaping Europe’s Largest Economy Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is grappling with stagnation in 2025 after two consecutive years of contraction. Leading economic institutes have slashed growth forecasts to a mere 0.1%—down from 0.8% predicted in September—citing U.S. tariffs and political uncertainty as critical drags. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments shaping the nation’s economic landscape. 1. Growth Forecasts: A Bleak Outlook Five prominent economic research institutes revised Germany’s 2025 GDP growth projection to 0.1%, warning that President Donald Trump’s tariffs on aluminum, steel, and automotive imports could shave 0.1 percentage points off growth this…

London-based VC Firm Aims to Bridge the Gap Between Technical Excellence and Commercial Success in Europe DIG Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in London, has announced the successful closing of its first institutional fund, totaling €90 million. The fund will focus on backing European B2B Software as a Service (SaaS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud infrastructure startups, aiming to bridge the gap between technical innovation and commercial success. A Founder-Focused Approach DIG Ventures was established in 2018 by Ross Mason, the founder of MuleSoft, an integration software giant acquired by Salesforce for €5.9 billion. Initially operating as Mason’s…

Breaking Barriers in Private Equity: A Digital Transformation London-based fintech company Treble Peak has raised £5 million to expand its innovative platform, which aims to democratize access to private equity markets. This funding round, supported by prominent European investors such as René Beltjens, Tor Erland Fyksen, and Just Arne Storvik, underscores the growing demand for streamlined private market solutions. In a sector traditionally dominated by institutional investors, Treble Peak is paving the way for wealth managers, family offices, and private individuals to participate in high-quality private equity investments with lower entry barriers. The Growing Appeal of Private Markets Private markets have experienced…

How the Czech Startup Ecosystem is Shaping Central Europe’s Innovation Landscape The Czech Republic has emerged as a dynamic force in the global tech ecosystem, blending its engineering heritage with innovative advancements. In 2025, this Central European nation stands as a beacon of growth and opportunity for startups and tech professionals alike. With Prague leading the charge as a major tech hub and cities like Brno and Ostrava making significant strides, the country is redefining its role in the global technology landscape. A Snapshot of the Czech Tech Ecosystem in 2025 Statistics That Speak Volumes This growth is fueled by…

Despite AI’s promise, German SMEs struggle to integrate the technology, risking future competitiveness Hannover, Germany – Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, but Germany’s industrial sector, the backbone of its economy, is finding it challenging to keep pace. At the recent Hannover Messe, a leading industrial trade fair, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expressed uncertainty about integrating AI into their operations. While the trade fair showcased impressive AI applications, such as the Rolls-Royce aircraft engine optimized by AI from Microsoft and Siemens, many German companies, particularly those in the “Mittelstand,” are struggling to find practical uses for…

Accessing European Union (EU) Funding European Union funding programs represent a critical yet underutilized resource for startups. A landmark 2025 report by Dealroom, in collaboration with Dealflow.eu and EU-Startups, reveals that while €225 billion has been allocated through EU research and innovation initiatives, only €12 billion (5%) has reached startups. Despite this small share, the impact is profound: These figures highlight how strategic public funding de-risks early-stage innovation, paving the way for private investment. For example, EU grants helped companies like BioNTech (pioneer of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) and semiconductor giant ARM achieve global prominence. Key EU Funding Programs: Grants and…

71 Cutting-Edge Companies Secure Unprecedented Support in the Most Competitive EIC Selection Yet The European Innovation Council (EIC) has set a new benchmark for startup funding in Europe with its latest EIC Accelerator round. In a groundbreaking move, the EIC has selected 71 cutting-edge companies for funding, offering a combined grant and equity investment of up to €387 million. This record-breaking funding round, the most competitive to date, is poised to reshape the landscape of innovation across the continent. A Landmark Achievement in European Innovation The October 2024 EIC Accelerator cut-off has proven to be the most fiercely contested since…

The Rise of AI in European Startups Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, and European startups are at the forefront of this revolution. From fintech and healthcare to manufacturing and logistics, AI is reshaping traditional business models, increasing efficiency, and driving innovation. With tech hubs in Munich, Paris, London, and Stockholm leading the way, European startups are closing the innovation gap with the U.S. and China. The Growth of AI Startups in Europe According to a report by Statista, the European AI market was valued at $10.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $50 billion by…

Digital Sovereignty: European Tech Leaders Push for ‘Euro Stack’ Initiative A broad coalition of European tech industry leaders is calling for radical action to secure the continent’s digital independence. In March 2025, this coalition unveiled the ‘Euro Stack’ initiative, a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing reliance on non-EU digital infrastructure. With increasing concerns over data security, economic resilience, and geopolitical risks, the initiative seeks to establish a fully European-controlled cloud, software, and hardware ecosystem. Why Digital Sovereignty Matters Digital sovereignty refers to a nation’s ability to control its own digital infrastructure, data, and technology. Currently, much of Europe’s digital economy…

Exploring the Impact of Quantum Technology on Finance, Healthcare, and Cybersecurity Quantum computing is set to transform industries by solving complex problems exponentially faster than traditional computers. As research and investment in quantum technology surge, industries such as finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity are preparing for a revolution. This article explores the latest advancements, potential applications, and the challenges of quantum computing in the coming years. What Is Quantum Computing? Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. Unlike classical computers that use bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously…