APEX Ventures January Newsletter | Staying Ahead of the Curve
Discover the latest milestones from APEX Ventures as we kick off an exciting 2025!
🗓️ Welcome to the January 2025 edition of the APEX Ventures newsletter! With a fresh start to the year, we’re excited to share the latest updates from our ecosystem.
This month’s highlights include funding milestones from Lyfegen and Robeauté, transformative developments in AI and space technologies from ATMOS Space Cargo, OKAPI:Orbits, and Yuri, and advancements from our portfolio companies in life sciences (Upfront Diagnostics and Mindpeak) and sustainability (OroraTech).
Don’t miss our Ask the Expert interview on Waste-to-X technologies with Vertus Energy, one of the newest companies in our Amadeus APEX Technology Fund.
Last month, we celebrated our annual Christmas party in Vienna and engaged in impactful events like RESI London, where the team has been busy fostering innovation and collaboration.
Looking ahead, don’t miss us at the Life Science Factory Online Event this February! Dive into the newsletter for inspiring stories of growth, innovation, and the exceptional impact of our community.
Meet the APEX Ventures team at the following events in the upcoming months:
▶️ ETH DeepTech Investor Summit / 27-28 January / Zurich, Switzerland / Ion Hauer
▶️ 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.
Here’s what the APEX Ventures team has been up to in December:
The APEX Ventures Christmas Party
🇦🇹 The APEX Ventures team gathered in Vienna this December for the annual Christmas party and to set the stage for an exciting year ahead. Surrounded by the festive atmosphere of the season, the team celebrated a year of growth and collaboration while aligning on strategies and goals to continue driving innovation and success in the venture capital space in 2025. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, reflect on 2024’s accomplishments, and chart our course for the future.
Left to right: Emanuel Schamp, Ion Hauer, Wolfgang Neubert, Diana Röttger, Vera Kunz, Hannah Stein, Andreas Riegler, Tim Hos, Stefan Haubner.
Resi London 2024
Principal Diana Röttger recently had the privilege of serving as a startup judge at the RESI London conference, where innovation and collaboration were at the forefront. This prestigious event, co-hosted by One Nucleus and Life Science Nation, brought together the brightest minds in life sciences under the theme of "Maximizing Returns from Life Science Innovation." Diana was particularly impressed by Active Medical B.V.’s innovative solution for imaging microvessels in critical care. This experience was key for supporting and nurturing the next generation of life science entrepreneurs.
APEX Ventures’ Principal Diana Röttger at Resi London 2024
Lyfegen
Lyfegen secured an additional CHF 5 million in Series A funding to scale its drug rebate management platform globally. TX Ventures, a leading European fintech investor, led the round, with additional participation from aMoon, a global health-tech investor.
Lyfegen’s automated rebate management platform enables healthcare organizations to simplify complex agreements, save time, reduce errors, and enhance financial performance.
Using this funding, the company will accelerate its global expansion and innovation efforts, targeting markets beyond Europe.
Read more in FinSMEs.
Robeauté
Robeauté has raised $28 million to develop neurosurgical microrobots. Plural, Cherry Ventures, and Kindred Ventures led the round. We were delighted to have also participated in this round alongside LocalGlobe, Think.Health, and Brainlab.
Robeauté is developing neurosurgical microbots to diagnose, treat, and monitor the brain. The size of a grain of rice, Robeauté’s microrobots can move along curved routes through the extracellular matrix of the brain to diagnose, treat, and monitor neuropathologies, radically changing the way we understand and interact with the brain.
The new funding will be used to continue developing the technology, starting human trials in 2026 and setting up US operations ahead of FDA approval and full go-to-market.
Learn more from Fortune.
Robeauté’s microrobot being held by a surgeon - Photo Credit: Robeauté.
December’s "Ask the Expert" interview explores the exciting world of Waste-to-X technologies with Vertus Energy, one of the newest companies in our Amadeus APEX Technology Fund.
Vertus Energy is revolutionizing waste management by using its BRIO technology to transform organic waste into valuable resources such as renewable energy and fuels.
This innovative technology enhances anaerobic digestion, significantly boosting energy production and reducing environmental impact. In the full interview (link below), you'll learn about:
The potential of Waste-to-X solutions in tackling global sustainability challenges.
The science behind anaerobic digestion and why BRIO technology is crucial for alternative energy.
How government policies can play a key role in supporting the development of sustainable waste management solutions.
🔎 Discover the power of Waste-to-X technologies in the full interview with Vertus Energy.
Amadeus APEX Technology Fund
ATMOS Space Cargo
ATMOS Space Cargo strengthens its leadership team with the appointment of Lori Garver, former NASA Deputy Administrator, to its advisory board. A key figure in the rise of the commercial space industry, Garver brings unparalleled expertise to ATMOS as it prepares to launch its first commercial return missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in Q4 2025. Garver's extensive experience in advancing public-private partnerships in space exploration will be invaluable as ATMOS continues to develop innovative solutions for space logistics and research.
OKAPI:Orbits
OKAPI:Orbits signed a service agreement with 4iG Space and Defence Technologies to support planning Hungary's first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, part of the HUSAT program. OKAPI:Soteria, their space data analysis service, will be used to minimize mission risks and optimize performance. Additionally, OKAPI's CEO, Kristina Nikolaus, was featured in the December issue of Satellite Mobility World, discussing the future of space traffic management. The interview explores the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in monitoring and predicting space objects, contributing to a more sustainable space environment. Read the full interview.
planqc
In a recent interview with EE Times Europe, planqc, co-founder Sebastian Blatt discussed the company’s vision to commercialize the groundbreaking research emerging from the Munich Quantum Valley. Learn more.
Laser light and mirrors are used to deflect light in the vacuum chamber of the planqc's laboratory. Source: Axel Griesch / planqc
GEMESYS
GEMESYS welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to its headquarters. During this visit, the company’s leadership team presented its cutting-edge AI chip technology, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize computing. Chancellor Scholz was particularly impressed by the company’s successful pre-seed funding round, recognizing the significance of this milestone for both GEMESYS and the German technology ecosystem.
Dr. Dennis Michaelis also gave a CEO interview with SemiWiki, in which he discussed the innovative strategies driving GEMESYS’ advancements in semiconductor technology, the unique challenges they’re tackling, and the future Dr. Michaelis envisions for the industry.
GEMESYS CTO Daniel Krüger (left) and CEO Dr.-Ing. Dennis Michaelis (right), meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (middle).
APEX Medical
MindPeak
ZEISS and Mindpeak have partnered to develop an integrated Multiplex Immunofluorescence (mIF) solution for pathology, combining ZEISS's imaging technology with Mindpeak's AI-driven tissue analysis. This collaboration aims to enhance workflows in research, diagnostics, and clinical applications by providing advanced mIF tools, supporting personalized medicine, and offering reliable AI-powered assessments for pathologists. The joint solution was showcased at the Berlin European Society for Molecular Biomarkers Conference in December 2024.
Upfront Diagnostics
Upfront Diagnostics shared the exciting results of its RADAR study at the UK Stroke Forum in December. This study, funded by SBRI Healthcare, investigated the potential of the company’s innovative LVONE test for diagnosing large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. The findings demonstrated that LVONE surpasses current diagnostic methods in accuracy and effectively rules out strokes in patients who do not have the condition. Upfront Diagnostics is also moving forward with pilot studies within the NHS to further validate LVONE and bring this life-saving technology to patients in need.🩸
Upfront Diagnostics presents the results of the RADAR study at the UK Stroke Forum 2024
Yuri
Yuri is advancing microgravity research through initiatives like ScienceTaxi and a 3D bio-printer for medical applications. Its recent collaboration with Vast on the commercial space station Haven-1, set to launch in 2026, marks a significant milestone as the first commercial station to operate post-ISS. Additionally, Yuri is developing Europe's first 3D bio-printer designed for low Earth orbit, aiming to print organoids and tissue repair patches, with the long-term goal of printing entire organs, potentially revolutionizing personalized medicine. Forbes shares more about the project. The company has also secured a contract for two Cellbox missions with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) under the prestigious German Space LifeScience Program.
Yuri’s 3D bioprinter. Photo credit: Forbes Luxembourg
Zetta Genomics
Exciting news! Zetta Genomics has been shortlisted for three categories in the Seed Legal Awards. This recognition highlights the impact of the company’s innovative approach to genomic data analysis.
APEX One
contextflow
Good news for lung disease diagnostics in Europe! contextflow has partnered with Calantic to expand access to their AI-powered lung cancer and lung disease diagnostics for physicians across the EMEA region. This collaboration will empower doctors with advanced tools for more accurate diagnoses. Additionally, contextflow's CEO, Markus Holzer, was recently featured in Startup Valley Magazine, discussing the transformative role of AI in radiology, the changing needs of users, and upcoming trends in the field.
Elucidate
Elucidate continues its winning streak with recognition as one of the world's most innovative companies on the prestigious 2025 RegTech100 list, a testament to its cutting-edge risk management platform that empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of financial crime effectively. In December, Elucidate's founder, Shane Riedel, shared his insights on combating financial crime through modular compliance solutions with Trade Finance Global (TFG).
HAAWK
Huge congratulations to the entire HAAWK team! The company has been recognized as one of Deloitte's 2024 Technology Fast 500™, achieving 266% growth!
ImageBiopsyLab
ImageBiopsy Lab is also making significant strides in AI-powered medical imaging analysis. Its latest research published in The Bone & Joint Journal demonstrates the promise of AI for improved wrist X-ray analysis, with increased sensitivity and specificity in detecting fractures. This builds upon the recent validation of its IB Lab HIPPO software by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). This AI-driven solution automates the assessment of hip radiographs for developmental hip dysplasia (HD), offering valuable support to medical professionals.
ImageBiospy Lab’s HIPPO Artificial Intelligence
kiutra
kiutra recently completed its 2023 corporate carbon footprint assessment, validating its carbon accounting methodology and tool in collaboration with the ROSE ESG Framework. This commitment to environmental responsibility goes hand-in-hand with its advancements in quantum computing. kiutra, alongside Delft Circuits, achieved a milestone in the SPROUT project. This project successfully built a cryogenic platform that reaches 50 mK, a crucial temperature for quantum devices, without relying on expensive and limited helium-3 for cooling.
kiutra’s cryostat was integrated into a compact, 19" rack-sized format to demonstrate how the technology could be easily brought to a data center environment. Photo credit: kiutra
OroraTech
🌿 OroraTech is making a big splash in the fight against climate change! The company recently joined forces with the German Space Agency to leverage its thermal data platform. This collaboration will empower researchers, scientists, and public authorities across Germany to utilize this valuable data to tackle climate challenges. Further solidifying its position as a leader in environmental solutions, OroraTech was also recognized by NVIDIA's CEO, Jensen Huang, during his CES 2025 keynote address. Huang specifically mentioned OroraTech's work in wildfire detection, highlighting their contribution to the broader ecosystem of NVIDIA's AI-powered environmental solutions.
OroraTech’s wildfire solution as part of the NVIDIA presentation. Photo credit: NVIDIA
Spleenlab
Spleenlab has partnered with Blueflite, a U.S.-based advanced logistics drone manufacturer, to integrate Spleenlab's VISIONAIRY® perception software into Blueflite's hardware platform. This collaboration aims to introduce a fully autonomous delivery drone solution, setting a new standard in the logistics industry. The integration began with the AI-powered precision landing module and plans to include additional modules for GPS-denied navigation and advanced collision avoidance. These enhancements are expected to transform transport logistics and last-mile delivery by reducing preparation and delivery times while improving operational efficiency and sustainability.
