APEX Ventures September Newsletter | Harvesting Deep Tech Innovations
Discover the latest innovations in AI, healthcare, space, and more from our portfolio companies. From groundbreaking research to exciting partnerships, there's plenty to explore.
Autumn is here, and so is a harvest of exciting updates from APEX Ventures! This summer has been packed with events, innovations, and breakthroughs in healthcare, space, and wildfire management. From groundbreaking AI research to cutting-edge technology partnerships, we have much to share. Let's dive in! 🍂
This summer, we hosted a Deep Tech Meetup in Munich and celebrated our portfolio founders at our annual Founders Day. Read on for updates on AI applications and European tech sovereignty.
Learn about AI's potential within large language models (LLMs) in our latest "Ask the Expert" article with Appu Shaji, CEO and Chief Scientist at Mobius Labs.
Exciting news from the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund portfolio! ATMOS Space Cargo is teaming up with Altair to develop its innovative PHOENIX platform, while OKAPI:Orbits has successfully demonstrated its satellite tracking capabilities. And don't miss our latest "Startup Spotlight" featuring planqc, a quantum computing pioneer.
Our portfolio companies are making strides in healthcare: ImageBiopsy Lab is advancing AI in radiology, and Lyfegen is expanding its drug pricing solutions globally. Quibim's QP-Prostate is gaining traction in Australia, and Yuri is bringing the ScienceTaxi microgravity research platform to Haven-1 Lab. Plus, Upfront Diagnostics has secured a new patent for its stroke detection technology.
The APEX One portfolio has made the headlines - contextflow's Co-Founder was featured in a recent podcast discussing AI in medicine. HAAWK was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list, and kiutra secured an EIC Accelerator grant.
👓 Read on for updates on AI, healthcare, space, and more!
Meet the APEX Ventures team at the following events in the upcoming months:
▶️ TechBBQ / 11-12 September / Copenhagen, Denmark / Andreas Riegler, Wolfgang Neubert, Ion Hauer
▶️ Nordic Life Science Days / 18-19 September / Malmo, Sweden / Diana Röttger
▶️ Bits & Pretzels / 29 September - 1 October / Munich, Germany / Andreas Riegler, Ion Hauer
▶️ Hightech Venture Days / 8-9 October / Dresden, Germany / Andreas Riegler, Wolfgang Neubert, Ion Hauer
Here are some of our event highlights from this Summer:
Deep Tech Meetup
In July, we co-hosted a Deep Tech Meetup with ALPHAZIRKEL at the sewts office in Munich, Germany. Our Deep Tech Meetup explored real-world AI applications in robotics & wildfire detection, as well as best practices on how to invest in AI. Thomas Grübler introduced us to using AI for wildfire detection at OroraTech, while Stephan Theis from Slalom showed us how their clients think about GenAI today and where the potential lies in the future along three horizons. APEX Ventures’ Principal Ion Hauer shared APEX Ventures’ Deep Tech VC perspective on investing in AI at an early stage in Europe. It is not a simple endeavor in times where hardly any pitch deck is sent around that does not mention "AI," and we as investors have to be especially prudent to not fall for the next hype ✨
APEX Ventures’ Founders Day
Last week, we celebrated our portfolio founders by bringing them together to exchange information in a trusted and inspiring setting. Our IC member Hermann Hauser gave an impulse about what it takes to achieve true European Technology Sovereignty, and Andrea Traversone, Managing Partner at the NATO Innovation Fund, discussed how to build a deep tech venture in a fireside chat with our own Wolfgang Neubert. We then gave our founders ample time to discuss amongst peers and meanwhile enjoyed catching up with every one of them. Everybody was astonished by the fabulous scenery at Lansersee, and not a few of us considered jumping in for a quick refreshment.
The I.E.C.T. Summer School
The 10th anniversary edition of the IECT Summer School: bridging the gap between science and entrepreneurship in Austria, inspired by the Cambridge ecosystem. (Photo source)
The I.E.C.T. (The Institute for Entrepreneurship Cambridge-Tirol) Summer School, established to support Europe's entrepreneurial landscape based on learnings and successes from the Cambridge ecosystem, celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year. We were glad to give something to the community and support as part of the jury and through various workshops in preparation for the big demo day. The grand finale was a celebration dinner at Villa Blanka in Innsbruck, where we revisited 10 years of supporting deep tech founders in raising over €300 million and creating numerous jobs in technology.
Are you curious about AI's potential? In our latest "Ask the Expert" article, we explore the world of large language models (LLMs) with Appu Shaji, CEO and Chief Scientist at Mobius Labs. Discover LLMs' exciting possibilities and challenges as Appu discusses their ethical implications, quantization techniques, and future advancements.
📖 Read the full article for a deep dive into LLMs.📖
Amadeus APEX Technology Fund
ATMOS Space Cargo
ATMOS Space Cargo has joined forces with Altair, a leading global provider of simulation technology. As part of Altair's Ad Astra Aerospace and Defense accelerator program, ATMOS is leveraging Altair's expertise and cutting-edge tools like HyperMesh®, Optistruct®, and Simsolid® to develop PHOENIX, their innovative orbital microgravity and reentry platform. This strategic partnership will undoubtedly drive significant advancements in ATMOS' space exploration capabilities.
OKAPI:Orbits
Attention, satellite operators! A new case study with TU Berlin showcases the power of OKAPI:Orbits' LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase) support capabilities. During the first Ariane6 mission, Rapid Cubes GmbH's satellite, OOV-Cube, went missing due to complexities in early operation. However, OKAPI:Orbits' LEOP Support team, leveraging their data fusion technology, was able to locate the satellite significantly faster than publicly available information. Learn more about their success story and how OKAPI:Orbits can help you track your satellites in this article.
planqc
Curious about the future of quantum computing? 🚀 In the latest "Startup Spotlight" podcast, Alexander Glätzle, CEO and co-founder of planqc discussed harnessing the power of quantum computing to tackle complex problems and revolutionize industries.
APEX Medical
CardiaTech
CardiaTech is on the hunt for a passionate multi-omics data expert to join its dynamic team and contribute to its work in TechBio. 👉 Apply here. The team has kept busy over the summer with CTO Namshik Han's recent participation in a pivotal workshop with AstraZeneca and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. The focus? Exploring the integration of AI into drug discovery frameworks – a concept brimming with transformative potential for the future of TechBio!
The workshop focused on innovative AI applications in pharma research and how AI fits into the DMTA (Design-Make-Test-Analyze) cycle.
ImageBiopsyLab
ImageBiopsy Lab recently collaborated on a forward-thinking article exploring AI applications in musculoskeletal radiology. The scientific article explores how AI can assist in tasks like measuring scoliosis, evaluating hips, and analyzing limb length. As AI continues to advance, its potential to revolutionize MSK radiology becomes increasingly apparent. Read the full article. In July, the company also published scientific articles showcasing IB Lab SQUIRREL's performance in measuring scoliosis-crucial Cobb angles and IB Lab LAMA performance study’s results in delivering long-leg measurements with outstanding accuracy.
ImageBiopsy Lab also contributed to one of the most cited articles from 2023 in the prestigious Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (KSSTA) journal.
Lyfegen
Lyfegen continues to push boundaries. Its library now boasts over 5,500 agreements across new regions like South Korea and LATAM, demonstrating its commitment to global healthcare solutions. Additionally, CXO and founder Nico Mros' recent participation at AMPAA 2024 highlights their focus on improved communication and responsible management within Medicaid programs. Additionally, Lyfegen received the Swiss Economic Forum SEF.Growth High Potential Label. This recognition highlights their commitment to improving patient care by streamlining processes for health insurers.
Lyfegen’s Nico Mros at AMPAA 2024
Mindpeak
Mindpeak has strengthened its digital pathology team with a new project management hire, Maria Holm. Maria brings over five years of experience in project coordination and strategic management at Airbus. Maria's expertise will be instrumental in propelling Mindpeak's mission to revolutionize digital pathology with innovative solutions.
Quibim
Quibim's QP-Prostate is making waves in healthcare! 🇦🇺 The AI tool is now approved and available for use in Australia. Additionally, the Servicio de Radiología Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal from Madrid, Spain, has adopted QP-Prostate to improve prostate cancer diagnosis.
Upfront Diagnostics
Exciting news for Upfront Diagnostics! Its patent No. 2600844 has been granted in the United Kingdom. This significant milestone protects the use of the company’s innovative biomarkers, paving the way for further advancements in stroke detection. The patent was officially announced in the UK Patents Journal on July 17, 2024.
Upfront Diagnostics’ LVOne stroke detection test
Yuri
Yuri and VAST announce a partnership to bring the ScienceTaxi microgravity research platform to Haven-1 Lab. Yuri's ‘ScienceTaxi’ microgravity platform will be installed on Haven-1, the world's first commercial space station, launching in 2025. Haven-1 will be a hub for companies, governments, and other institutions to collaborate on science, research, and manufacturing in space. Learn more.
Vast Haven-1 Space Station Credit: Vast
APEX One
contextflow
contextflow is in the spotlight as KURIER Medienhaus featured its Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Georg Langs, in their recent "Spontan gefragt" episode. The discussion focused on the exciting potential and challenges of AI in medicine. Langs explored how AI can revolutionize medical interventions by helping determine how specific therapies might impact patients. Earlier this summer, the company also welcomed Professor Hans-Ulrich Kauczor, to its medical advisory board and Dr. Christoph Labisch to its radiologist advisory board. These strategic additions bolster contextflow's mission to revolutionize lung cancer screening with cutting-edge AI solutions.
contextflow’s Georg Langs features in the latest episode of KURIER Medienhaus
HAAWK
Congratulations to HAAWK on making the 2024 Inc. 5000 list! This prestigious ranking recognizes the fastest-growing US companies and HAAWK's impressive 266% growth over the past three years has earned them a well-deserved spot at #1957. This marks the third time HAAWK has been honored on this list, a testament to their continued success and innovation.
kiutra
kiutra secured a prestigious EIC Accelerator grant! This competitive program awarded funding to only 68 out of 969 applicants. Their CRYOFAST project will revolutionize access to ultra-low temperatures crucial for advancements in quantum technologies, making research and development easier for scientists.
Mobius Labs
Mobius Labs scores a double win! Their innovative HQQ Llama-3.1-70b model utilizes 4-bit quantization, achieving a remarkable 99% performance match to the base model while requiring significantly less GPU VRAM. This translates to major savings in computational power without sacrificing quality. Additionally, Mobius Labs has been recognized by Hype Sports Innovation as a rising star in sports technology with their AI solutions.
OroraTech
Join OroraTech for its annual International Wildfire Conference in Augsburg, Germany, October 1-2. This exclusive event will discuss the latest trends, technologies, and strategies for tackling wildfire challenges. Learn more about the conference here. The company recently partnered with Permian Global to strengthen tropical rainforest management.
OroraTech is monitoring over 296,200 hectares of conservation area in Indonesia and Brazil. The project aims to help protect local communities from forest fires and predict when they may occur.
Spleenlab
Spleenlab tested its VISIONAIRY™️ Monocular Metric AI! 🤯 This low-cost 3D depth estimation technology transforms standard RGB cameras into powerful 3D devices. With up to 100fps on Jetson and compatibility with various chips, VISIONAIRY™️ is a versatile solution for automotive and AI applications. See it in action.
T3K
T3K strengthened its fight against online content misuse with a partnership with Attura. This partnership will deliver a powerful data collection and processing capability that helps identify and curtail the distribution of illegal content in images and videos, leveraging premier AI-based classifiers online.
VitreaLab
VitreaLab’s CEO and Co-Founder, Jonas Zeuner, will be speaking at the prestigious SPIE Fireside Chat. This session, hosted by SPIE AR | VR | MR symposium chairs Bernard Kress and Grace Lee, will provide a platform to discuss key developments in light engine design for smart glasses. The online event will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 09:00 AM PDT | 06:00 PM CEST. Register here for free.
🎙️APEX Ventures General Partner Wolfgang Neubert, teamed up with SeedBlink for a webinar on exits in startup investing. Learn from Wolfgang and other experts about maximizing returns and navigating different exit strategies. Watch the webinar here: SeedBlink: Exits in Startup Investing
📚Check out Business Insider's compilation of VC summer reads! Our very own Andreas Riegler recommends "The Three Body Problem" by Cixin Liu, praising its focus on strategic planning, adaptability, and navigating complex situations - all crucial skills for the investment world.
⭐Calling all superstars!⭐ Join APEX Ventures for an unforgettable Deep Tech Internship. Master the world of venture capital, explore cutting-edge AI opportunities, and collaborate with industry experts. You'll tackle market research, contribute to shaping the future of AI, and gain invaluable experience.
Qualify if you:
Have a strong academic background in AI, Machine Learning, or similar fields.
Are nearing completion of your Masters or PhD.
Have experience in AI, ML, or private investment (projects, research, startups, VC).
Possess excellent communication skills and an independent work ethic.
Love technology and capital markets.
The Details:
Minimum 2 months, full-time commitment.
Vienna-based (hybrid/remote options available).
Competitive salary based on market standards.
Ready to make your mark? Apply now, and don't miss this chance to shape the future of AI with APEX Ventures!