APEX Ventures February Newsletter | Space Tech Breakthrough and TechBio Innovation
A month of major milestones, from satellite launches to medical imaging breakthroughs, plus key insights from our team at leading industry events.
Last month marked significant achievements across APEX Ventures' portfolio, with notable developments in both space technology and healthcare innovation. ATMOS Space Cargo secured funding from the EIC Accelerator for their PHOENIX 2 capsule development, while Quibim raised an impressive $50M Series A to advance their AI-powered medical imaging solutions.
In the space sector, OroraTech successfully launched FOREST-3, its first internally developed satellite, while OKAPI:Orbits strengthened its position in space safety through a new ESA partnership.
On the thought leadership front, APEX Ventures made notable contributions at the ETH Zurich Deeptech Investor Summit, where Principal Ion Hauer shared insights on the convergence of AI, quantum computing, and edge computing.
The month also saw important developments in healthcare technology, with several portfolio companies achieving significant milestones: Mindpeak expanded its AI pathology solutions through a new partnership with Lumea, ImageBiopsy Lab validated its AI technology for post-surgery knee alignment analysis, and Swaza has been selected as one of 13 companies worldwide for NATO's Defense Innovation Accelerator.
Read on to learn about "The Deep Tech Fellowship" program, which offers PhD candidates the opportunity to bridge academia and venture capital and work with one of the nine leading VCs in the DACH region. If you are a PhD student in Munich, consider applying today! If you are not, please forward it to PhD students in your network.
Meet the APEX Ventures team at the following events in the upcoming months:
▶️ Life Science Factory Online Event / 27 February / Online / Diana Röttger
Join us for an engaging deep dive session where founders will have the unique opportunity to participate in an investor Q&A. This session will address key challenges and educational needs in the start-up journey, providing valuable insights from an investor's perspective. Register here.
▶️ Hello Tomorrow / 13-15 March / Paris, France / Andreas Riegler, Wolfgang Neubert, Ion Hauer, Vera Kunz
▶️ Venture Sprind / 9 April / Berlin, Germany / Tim Hos, Vera Kunz
Here’s what the APEX Ventures team has been up to in January:
ETH Zurich Deep Tech Investor Summit
At the recent ETH Zurich Deeptech Investor Summit, Principal Ion Hauer shared compelling insights on the convergence of AI, quantum computing, and edge computing technologies on stage.
His presentation highlighted how our portfolio companies are driving innovation with AI: Mobius Labs is pushing AI beyond mere optimization to enhance efficiency and accessibility, while planqc is advancing quantum computing through scalable neutral atom-based qubit implementation. Additionally, as AI workloads increasingly strain traditional data center capabilities, semiconductor companies like GEMESYS are developing cutting-edge solutions through neuromorphic chip architectures, signaling a significant shift in how we approach advanced computing infrastructure.
APEX Ventures’ Principal Ion Hauer at the ETH Zurich Deeptech Investor Summit
London’s TechBio Revolution
APEX Ventures Principal Diana Rottger's perspective at this year’s London's TechBio Revolution conference is that the convergence of biotech and technology is fundamentally transforming healthcare beyond traditional biotech approaches. Reflecting on insights from Johnson & Johnson's Head of Innovation, Nerida Scott, she emphasizes that TechBio is revolutionizing the entire pharmaceutical value chain, from patient identification to drug development, with machines poised to potentially eliminate conventional steps like animal testing.
While London shows promise as a potential rival to Kendall Square, given its tech talent pool, pharma presence, and favorable policies, Diana notes that increased capital investment and risk appetite are crucial for the city's evolution into a major TechBio hub. APEX Ventures Medical is actively participating in this transformation through portfolio companies like CardiaTec Bio, Quibim, and Mindpeak, as the industry moves toward more efficient, patient-centric precision medicine approaches.
The panel of Code to Cure: London's TechBio Revolution
ATMOS Space Cargo
ATMOS Space Cargo secured a grant of €2.5 million from the European Innovation Council's EIC Accelerator program alongside €5.3 million in equity from the EIC fund and €5.3 million in private equity.
This investment will support the development of its next-generation PHOENIX 2 capsule, designed to transport payloads from space, advancing from an initial 100 kg capacity to several tonnes in future iterations.
ATMOS Space Cargo designs and manufactures space capsules to return any cargo from space. Its technology offers on-demand microgravity, ranging from only 3 hours to 3 months in orbit.
Its PHOENIX capsule is designed to transport payloads from 100 kg in the first iteration to several tonnes planned for future versions.
The EIC Accelerator strategically targets companies developing high-impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. This funding follows ATMOS’ recent public announcement of its PHOENIX 1 capsule’s first test flight on the upcoming Bandwagon-3 mission by SpaceX, no earlier than April 2025.
Learn more from Silicon Canals.
ATMOS Space Cargo’s PHOENIX 1 capsule
Quibim
Quibim raised a $50 million Series A funding round led by Asabys, Buenavista Partners, UI Investissement, and Go Hub. We were delighted also to be able to participate alongside Amadeus Capital.
The company's advanced imaging algorithms extract actionable insights from MRI, CT, and PET scans, enabling early detection and monitoring of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and liver disorders, along with helping pharmaceutical companies optimize drug development with its AI-powered imaging solutions.
The investment will fuel Quibim's expansion into the U.S. market, strengthen pharmaceutical partnerships, and accelerate the development of new medical imaging products. The company aims to integrate its AI-powered tools more broadly into clinical workflows, accelerating the adoption of precision medicine.
Read more in TechCrunch.
Quibim’s founding team
Nine leading Deep Tech VCs, including APEX Ventures, are launching "The Deep Tech Fellowship" in Munich - a unique opportunity for PhD candidates to bridge academia and venture capital. The three-month program, running from May to July 2025, offers fellows a €3,000 stipend while working 8-10 hours per week with top investment teams from APEX Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, First Momentum, Possible Ventures, Worldfund, Visionairies, Blueyard, Leitmotif and Spacewalk VC.
Selected fellows will conduct independent research projects while gaining hands-on VC experience through expert-led sessions, startup visits, and exclusive mentorship. The hybrid program, centered in Munich with virtual and in-person components, aims to cultivate entrepreneurial expertise in deep tech.
Applications are open until March 15, 2025, with the program kicking off in May 2025. Interested PhD candidates can apply to join this exclusive cohort of nine fellows working alongside Europe's leading deep tech investors.
Amadeus APEX Technology Fund
OKAPI:Orbits
Last month, OKAPI:Orbits signed a significant contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) and TU Braunschweig to enhance ESA's Space Debris Modelling Environment tool, developing the next generation of the agency's reference model for tracking and assessing space debris. As explained by Head of Projects Jonas Radtke, this collaboration aligns with OKAPI:Orbits’ Zero Debris Charter commitment and will advance collision risk assessment capabilities for safer space operations. The company will also be present at Satellite 2025 in Washington (March 11-13, Booth 2061), where CEO Kristina Nikolaus, CCO Guillermo Bosch, and Product Manager Daniel Lubián Arenillas will discuss their vision for sustainable space operations.
Modeling of all objects in low earth orbit larger than 1cm. Photo credit: OKAPI:Orbits
planqc
The Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics is reporting on its spin-off planqc advancing quantum computing through its neutral atom technology at its Garching facility. The startup's approach leverages rubidium, lithium, and strontium atoms controlled by laser light and magnetic fields in optical lattices, with plans to integrate this quantum computing technology into the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre's (LRZ) supercomputers by 2027. This development represents a significant advancement in making quantum computing capabilities accessible within existing high-performance computing infrastructures.
When developing quantum computers, the plancq team uses laser light to capture and manipulate atoms. Photo credit: planqc
APEX Medical
DeepSpin
DeepSpin has bolstered its executive team with the appointment of Dr. Philipp Brunnbauer as Head of Product and Medical Director, leveraging his impressive track record at MedEngine where he secured $3M in funding, achieved CE Class I certification, and oversaw the production of 1,000 FDA wellness devices while conducting clinical trials for Parkinson's disease treatments. His addition brings valuable medtech innovation expertise to DeepSpin’s leadership as the company continues to advance its technology.
Lyfegen
Lyfegen, a leader in drug pricing and rebate management solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with EVERSANA to integrate their Public Drug Agreements Library into EVERSANA's NAVLIN platform. The collaboration offers real-time access to global pricing data across more than 100 countries and over 7,000 public drug agreements, enhanced by AI-powered pricing optimization tools. CEO Girisha Fernando frames this partnership as a significant step toward revolutionizing drug pricing accessibility and improving access to critical therapies.
Mindpeak
Mindpeak continues to strengthen its position in AI-powered pathology solutions, earning recognition from Dr. Marilyn Bui, President of the Florida Society of Pathologists, who highlighted the company during her keynote at the DP & AI Congress in London as a leading example of AI empowering pathologists. The company has also announced a strategic partnership with Lumea to integrate its AI applications into the BxLink platform, expanding access to advanced diagnostic tools and improving laboratory efficiency.
Swaza
Swaza has been selected as one of 13 companies worldwide for NATO's Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) 2025 Health and Human Performance Group, following an extensive evaluation by hundreds of experts from 30 countries. The program, which seeks dual-use technologies for defense and civilian applications, provides Swaza with access to advanced infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and development resources to advance its proprietary oxygen nanotherapeutics platform.
Yuri
In an exciting advancement for commercial space exploration, Yuri has successfully completed the handover of its groundbreaking RayPairNyx payload to The Exploration Company, following final science integration with the German Space Agency (DLR) in Cologne. Set for launch in June/July 2025, this milestone mission features the debut of Yuri's innovative fluid system and the YuriScope, bringing high-resolution microscopy capabilities to space. The cutting-edge life-science payload, developed in partnership with Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and supported by DLR, promises to revolutionize biotech research in space as part of TEC's Mission Possible.
Yuri’s RayPairNyx Payload is ready for launch
Zetta Genomics
Zetta Genomics has been honored with three nominations in the prestigious SeedLegals Startup Awards, recognizing both its innovative product development and the exceptional achievements of its team in advancing the UK startup ecosystem. This recognition highlights Zetta's growing impact in the genomics technology space and its contribution to Britain's thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
APEX One
contextflow
contextflow is making headlines across multiple publications: Chief Scientist and co-founder Prof. Georg Langs discussed AI's impact on early disease detection in Startups Valley, Dr Sebastian Röhrich shares insights on addressing satisfaction of search bias in medical imaging through the company’s new RADSPEAK blog series, and Just AI News highlights the company's successful implementation of AI lung cancer screening at IKK Südwest.
contextflow’s founding team. Photo credit: contextflow
ImageBiopsy Lab
ImageBiopsy Lab has released a significant study validating its AI technology's ability to accurately assess knee alignment following corrective osteotomies on long leg radiographs, even in the presence of metalwork. The research demonstrates that AI algorithms can deliver standardized and reliable post-operative radiological assessments, marking an important advancement in automated orthopedic imaging analysis.
OroraTech
OroraTech has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of FOREST-3, their first fully internally developed satellite, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission, marking a crucial step in their wildfire monitoring constellation. Building on this momentum, the company has announced plans to launch eight additional OTC-P1 satellites with Rocket Lab in Q1 2025, enhancing their global wildfire detection capabilities and climate resilience efforts, supported by both the German Space Agency (DLR) and ESA's InCubed program.
OroraTech’s FOREST-3
TriLite
TriLite showcased its projection display technology at SPIE AR | VR | MR in San Francisco, demonstrating its Trixel® 3, the world's smallest projection display, in both AR smart glasses and innovative automotive applications. At the event, the company presented new free space projection capabilities for dynamic automotive features like turn signals and interior displays, while Principal Optical Architect Dr. Louahab Noui delivered a technical presentation on laser beam scanner displays for high-volume AR applications.
TriLite at SPIE
Our very own Diana Röttger has shared her insights into what investors seek in UK health and biotech startups. She emphasized that while impressive business metrics are crucial, investors are particularly drawn to founders who can articulate genuine personal motivation and real-world experiences that led to their venture's creation.
She notes that a well-crafted narrative demonstrating how founders overcame obstacles or developed solutions to personally encountered problems can be more memorable than statistics alone.
In the health and biotech sector specifically, Diana emphasizes that while scientific excellence is fundamental, early validation from key industry stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, insurers, and healthcare providers is crucial. She highlights that partnerships or endorsements from these players serve a dual purpose: validating the solution's potential and demonstrating its practical integration within the complex healthcare ecosystem, ultimately strengthening the case for investment.
Read more in TechRound.
APEX Ventures is setting the bar high with these game changing milestones. From satellite launches to Ai powered healthcare breakthroughs, it's exciting to see how deep tech is reshaping both space and medicine. What emerging deep tech sectors are you most excited about investing in next?