HomeAcquisitionsLaunches, Partnerships & Expansions: Interesting startup milestones this week

Launches, Partnerships & Expansions: Interesting startup milestones this week

The European startup ecosystem is full of interesting and exciting news, twists and turns. At EU-Startups, our aim is to keep you informed on everything that’s going on and share the inspiring entrepreneurial spirit this continent has to offer. From big funding announcements, soonicorns picking up pace, to new partnerships and launches – it’s never a dull day!

So, here is your weekly round-up of interesting startup news from across the continent – everything that we tracked and wanted to share with you.

Launches 

  • Mobility super-app Bolt launched its ride-hailing service in Finland with the e-scooters to follow later this year. Bolt is already present in 45 countries around the world making it a true titan in the mobility space. 
  • Stockholm-based Brite Payments launched a new approach to subscription services with a recurring payments product. Say goodbye to having to update card details!
  • Customer intelligence platform Talkwalker has launched a new predictive analytics intelligence hub – allowing companies to foresee changes and identify trends before they even happen. Marketing magic. 
  • In the UK, innovators in the defence and security sectors can now access new funding opportunities and expert knowledge as the government launches a new Ideas Marketplace as part of plans to drive data-driven innovation and digital transformation
  • Central and Eastern Europe got it’s first-ever solo GP fund this week as Bogdan Iordache launched Underline Ventures. The fund is targeting early-stage high-growth Eastern European startups with global ambitions. Based in Romania, it’s already made its first close of €10 million
  • ​​Skin care is going plant-based. UK-based skinChemists has launched a new range of products that are placing plant-based values at the forefront. 
  • Ukrainian SET University, in partnership with European accelerator Startup Wise Guys and global digital hub tech2impact, is launching an intensive 3-week educational project for CEE startups with a focus on the recovery of Ukraine.
  • Swedish startup IQoro has launched a new way to treat reflux – it’s based on nerve stimulation and can be done from home and is aiming to make a massive improvement to the quality of life for thousands around the world. 
  • AR social network XONE lets users build and share 3D worlds – it’s just launched Cloud XONE, which is being described as the Web3 version of the ever-popular TikTok 
  •  AQRU plc, an incubator specialising in decentralised finance (DeFi), announces the launch of AQRU Trend. The aim is  to enable retail investors to diversify, gain more insights and access competitive returns available in the crypto market
  • Zipforce, a Stockholm-based startup that has developed an electric motor that turns any bike into an e-bike, and it’s ready for a European launch

Partnerships

  • London-based  AI company eSwapp joined forces with St. James’s Place, a UK-based wealth management company, to launch a brand-new skill swapping platform as part of its Digital Learning strategy.
  • Norwegian company Kongsberg acquired a  majority stake in Lithuanian smallsat manufacturer NanoAvionics. It represents a big move for Kongsberg’s space ambitions, enabling the company to expand its portfolio on a global scale. The parties have agreed on an enterprise value of €65 million for the deal. 
  • Tiqets, which provides instant last-minute tickets to top museums and attractions worldwide, expanded its network through an integration with Trip.com Group. Now, travellers using Trip.com’s brands – including Ctrip and Skyscanner – can book entry directly to top experiences at more than 4000 museums and attractions globally. 
  • London’s Elite Partners Capital acquired an additional distribution facility in the UK to expand its ability to serve the logistics sector during the continuing ecommerce boom
  • Polish startup LiveKid, a leading European parent-kindergarten contact app and platform
    acquired Dinantia, its largest competitor in Spain. LiveKid was founded by Jakub Pawelski and Mateusz Kulesza to fill the technology gap in the early childhood care and education on the global market.

Other

  • Lisbon’s Goparity announced that it invested €1 million into sustainability in June allow, reaching a total of €15 million since its launch. The firm now has over 180 projects in its portfolio, from clean energy to sustainable agriculture, or slow fashion, among others, encouraging a real and transparent economy
  • NFT startup collectID passed its target of 300k tags in 6 months reinforcing its position as the main Web3 gateway for fashion, sports merchandise and wine
  • Blackfinch Energy bolstered its UK-based renewable energy portfolio with the extension of a subsidy-free wind farm. It increases the annual renewable energy capacity of the firm to 118 GWh
  • Tallinn-based Veriff has expanded its services to be available in 45 languages. The company is a global leader in identity verification with the ability to analyze thousands of technological and behavioural variables in seconds.
  • Chapter54, the first accelerator dedicated to European startups wishing to expand into African markets has selected the first batch of startups to back – including Be Energy, Kawarizmi, Cellcube, CoachHub and SumUp
  • According to THRYVE, German tech businesses waste almost €30k per hire due to poor recruitment processes. Amidst a talent shortage and recruitment crisis across Europe, this just highlights that we need continued innovation in this sector to improve processes
Patricia Allen
Patricia Allen
is the Head of Content at EU-Startups. With a background in politics, Patricia has a real passion for how shared ideas across communities and cultures can bring new initiatives and innovations for the future. She spends her time bringing you the latest news and updates of startups across Europe, and curating our social media.
RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular