HomeAcquisitionsAn overview of European M&A deals this January

An overview of European M&A deals this January

2023 is now well and truly underway. As January closes and we move into February, we’re taking a look back at what happened this month across Europe’s startup ecosystem. 

The term mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is pretty common in the business and entrepreneurial world. It refers to the consolidation of business and business assets through financial transactions and deals between companies. M&A agreements might involve one company purchasing and absorbing another company outright, it could be a merger to create a whole new company, the takeover of some assets or stock, or, it can even involve a hostile takeover. 

Acquisitions and exits are often seen as a solution, and sometimes as a last resort, to smaller startups struggling to raise funding and facing valuation cuts. At the same time, more mature players have seen it as a consolidative way to expand their presence, create new revenue streams and access new tech and talent. 

Here, we take an in-depth look at what happened in January outlining all the M&A deals that we tracked and highlighting the 5 most impactful exits. 

The 5 biggest exits

  1. London-based AI-powered decision-making systems for the Enterprise InstaDeep, founded in 2015, was acquired by the German biopharmaceutical company BioNTech for €639 million.
  2. Berlin-based builder of a fully managed Apache Flink cloud service for real-time stream processing applications at scale Immerok, founded in 2022, was acquired by the US-based streaming platform that enables companies to easily access data, Confluent. The acquisition was valued at €92 million. 
  3. Belgrade-based self-sustaining provider of mmWave radar sensors and perception solutions NOVELIC, founded in 2013, was acquired by the Indian automotive technology company Sona BLW Precision Forgings. The acquisition was valued at €40.5 million. 
  4. London-based B2B geopolitical and security intelligence provider Dragonfly, founded in 2021, was acquired by the US-based AI analytics provider on government information FiscalNote. The acquisition was valued at €30 million.
  5. Cork-based AI data compliance platform Altada, founded in 2017, was acquired by the Eoin Goulding controlled company Cometgaze for €2.5 million.

January M&A overview

  • London-based AI-powered decision-making systems for the Enterprise InstaDeep, founded in 2015, was acquired by the German biopharmaceutical company BioNTech for €639 million.
  • Berlin-based builder of a fully managed Apache Flink cloud service for real-time stream processing applications Immerok, founded in 2022, was acquired by the US-based streaming platform that enables companies to easily access data, Confluent. The acquisition was valued at €92 million. 
  • Belgrade-based self-sustaining provider of mmWave radar sensors and perception solutions NOVELIC, founded in 2013, was acquired by the Indian automotive technology company Sona BLW Precision Forgings. The acquisition was valued at €40.5 million. 
  • Cork-based AI data compliance platform Altada, founded in 2017, was acquired by the Eoin Goulding controlled company Cometgaze for €2.5 million.
  • Guernsey-based content writing agency for SaaS and SME’s Contentellect, founded in 2016, was acquired by the Taiwanese helper of investors OnFolio Holdings. The acquisition was valued at €783 k. 
  • Zürich-based cloud-based payments integration platform Imburse, founded in 2018, was acquired by the US-based software company Duck Creek Technologies. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • London-based leading platform to discover and shop the best independent boutiques and brands Trouva, founded in 2015, was acquired by the US-based co-working and retail space Re:Store. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • London-based producer of smart technology products that predict customer behavior Yieldify, founded in 2013, was acquired by the US-based global marketing company Epsilon. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Berlin-based combiner of traditional rental and innovative software solutions Flexcavo, founded in 2020, was acquired by the Danish Saas-based loT solution Trackunit. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • London-based chat app for retail and hospitality teams Yapster, founded in 2015, was acquired by London-based employee app Sona. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • Berlin-based Sustainable delivery Dropp, founded in 2021, was acquired by the German delivery webshop ARIVE. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Düsseldorf-based full-service provider for SME financing COMPEON, founded in 2012, was acquired by the Group product officer Dock Financial. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Istanbul-based business messaging platform MindBehind, founded in 2016, was acquired by the Singapore-based consumer data connector Insider. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Barcelona-based Artificial Intelligence software developer Gestoos, founded in 2015, was acquired by the US-based technology company PreAct. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Copenhagen-based diagnostic technology developer Twelve Bio, founded in 2019, was acquired by the US-based genomic medicine company Ensoma. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Zurich-based cloud computing company Avrios, founded in 2015, was acquired by the US-based investments firm Battery Ventures. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Amsterdam-based online search engine for lawyers Bluetick, founded in 2019, was acquired by the Danish secure document provider Sdu-Identification. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Elstree-based online games developer Digital Gaming, founded in 2014, was acquired by the Guernsey-based Holding company Super Group. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Le Bouscat-based producer of solution for the treatment of spinal pathologies BackBone, founded in 2012, was acquired by the US-based spine surgery provider Companion Spine. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • London-based platform that provides healthcare Ryalto, founded in 2015, was acquired by the UK-based HR firm nGAGE Talent. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Oxford-based precision therapeutics company Argonaut Therapeutics, founded in 2016, was acquired by the UK-based oncology company IngenOX Therapeutics. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Roma-based concierge app for Vacation Rental Edgar Smart Concierge, founded in 2017, was acquired by the Rome-based guest engagement driver Manet. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Boulogne-billancourt-based specializer in the latest news Smart Traffik, founded in 2012 was acquired by France-based cross-channel data marketing expert Dekuple. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Cagliari-based online marketplace of touristic experiences and services Guide Me Right, founded in 2014, was acquired by the Rome-based guest engagement driver Manet. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Hamburg-based gourmet products supplier Foodist, founded in 2012, was acquired by the German consulting company The Quality group. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Istanbul-based Fitty, founded in 2021, allows users to go to the gym of their choice and pay for the minutes they use, it was acquired by the Saudi-Arabia-based consumer goods company Tamer Group. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Münster-based innovation consultancy company Finstreet, founded in 2014, was acquired by the German enterprise software provider Fintus. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Dublin-based display ad revenue growth deliverer Snigel, founded in 2012, was acquired by the London-based CBPE Capital. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Göteborg-based intelligent mobility maker Zenseact, founded in 2020, was acquired by the Swedish automotive manufacturer Volvo Cars. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Berlin-based student messaging home Clay, founded in 2021, was acquired by the Italian feedback loop platform Wyblo. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Helsinki-based cooking skills platform for kids on mobile Carrot Kitchen, founded in 2017, was acquired by the Oslo-based kids entertainment platform Chew. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Munich-based Venture Client solutions 27pilots, founded in 2018, was acquired by the US-based consulting firm Deloitte. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Cambridge-based developer of environmentally sealed parts Bulgin, founded in 2016, was acquired by the US-based supplier of electronics component Infinite Electronics. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • London-based royalty processing company Curve Royalty Systems, founded in 2019, was acquired by the US-based music company Downtown Music Holdings. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • London-based digital and AI solutions provider for the financial services industry Meet Parker, founded in 2020, was acquired for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Turin-based self-ordering app Onyon, founded in 2020, was acquired by the Italian fintech company Satispay. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Uppsala-based increase profitability software Caspeco Air AB, founded in 2014, was acquired by the Swedish growth investor Monterro for an undisclosed amount. 
  • Lübben-based accounting software Buchhaltungs Butler, founded in 2015, was acquired by the Oslo-based business software Visma for an undisclosed amount.
  • Leeds-based speaking radio news provider Radio News Hub, founded in 2014, was acquired by the London-based media company Markettiers4DC for an undisclosed amount. 
  • London-based consultancy company Source Health Economics, founded in 2016, was acquired by the London-based consulting company SCIRIS for an undisclosed amount. 
  • Walldorf-based innovative software company Metaphacts, founded in 2014, was acquired by the London-based scientific research software company Digital Science for an undisclosed amount. 
  • Saint Ives-based software company that brings Microsoft 365 governance to life for all customers ProvisionPoint, founded in 2015, was acquired by the Canadian private equity firm Capficiency. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Oss-based precision medicine services company Oncolines, founded in 2021, was acquired by the Dutch small molecule contact research company Symeres. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Leeds-based cloud-based sensor platform Hark Systems, founded in 2015, was acquired by the Israel-based solar power electronics provider SolarEdge Technologies. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Lisbon-based team support partner Lisbon Tech Guide, founded in 2019, was acquired by the Lisbon-based job marketplace Landing.jobs. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Cham-based developer of software and algorithms to trade in financial markets Tensor Technologies, founded in 2018, was acquired by the Dutch financial market firm IMC Trading. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • London-based solution-focused production company Golden Wolf, founded in 2013, was acquired by the Canadian Web3 NFT Doodles. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Tórtola-based iGaming development and software firm 1Click Games, founded in 2013, was acquired by the Canadian Lion Gamic Group. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Plympton-based provider of artificial intelligence-backed technology MBI Healthcare Technologies, founded in 2012, was acquired by the US-based energy transition company DNV. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Søborg-based Danish e-learning platform GoLearn, founded in 2017, was acquired by the Helsinki-based educational organization Eduhouse. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Leeds-based platform that enables mortgage brokers to conduct on-demand affordability checks BrokerSense, founded in 2017, was acquired by the UK-based exceptional technology creator Twenty7Tec. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Ruggell-based provider of dependable messaging solutions for global aggregators DIMOCO Messaging, founded in 2015, was acquired by the US-based communication solution iBasis. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Bolzano-based designer of embroidery on cotton and other materials Ricamificio Elleci, founded in 2017, was acquired by the Italian leather producer Gruppo Florence. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Watford-based New Space company that brings high-performance smallsat communications TXMission, founded in 2018, was acquired by the US-based space and airborne platform producer CesiumAstro. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • Groningen-based IT company that helps with Dapas Compliance and Process Manager solutions Dapas Software, founded in 2015, was acquired by the Danish fintech company Hyarchis. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • London-based independent production company Interstellar TV, founded in 2020, was acquired by the UK-based production company Tuesday’s Child. The acquisition was undisclosed.
  • London-based B2B geopolitical and security intelligence provider Dragonfly, founded in 2021, was acquired by the US-based AI analytics provider on government information FiscalNote. The acquisition was valued at €30 million.
  • London-based outdoor adventure platform FATMAP, founded in 2013, was acquired by the US-based sportist online network Strava. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • London-based cheaper issuance and administration maker of financial instruments Nivaura, founded in 2016, was acquired by the Luxembourg-based cloud-native integrated transaction platform NowCM.The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • Amsterdam-based restaurant online reservation solution Formitable, founded in 2017. Was acquired by the France-based all-in-one marketing SaaS that helps restaurants attract customers ZenChef. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • London-based independent insurance adviser Anorak, founded in 2017, was acquired by the German-based insurance platform Clark. The transaction was undisclosed. 
  • Berlin-based acquisition and divestment platform Carl, founded in 2016, was acquired by the German growth capital DoubleDigit Group. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • London-based idea management software Idea Drop, founded in 2014, was acquired by the London-based Enterprise Innovation Platform comprising Wazoku. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • London-based home rending and letting platform Halo, founded in 2019, was acquired by the London-based estate agents helper software Goodlord. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • Stuttgart-based car subscription ViveLaCar, founded in 2019, was acquired by the German retail software solution The Platform Group. The transaction was undisclosed. 
  • Helsinki-based computational analytics solutions software SimAnalytics, founded in 2013, was acquired by the Finnish Kemira Chemicals. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • Hamburg-based food delivery Eatclever, founded in 2015, was acquired by the London-based delivery franchise provider Peckwater Brands. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • Hamburg-based flexible automation platform Locoia, founded in 2019, was acquired by the German consultancy provider Aeron. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • Barcelon-based workspace app YADO, founded in 2019, was acquired by the Dubai-based Online Platform that connects Coworking Spaces and Office Owners Hotdesk. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
  • Madrid-based businesses AI incorporator BeDataScience, founded in 2017, was acquired by the spanish creative software Panel Sistemas. The transaction was undisclosed.
  • Sofia-based automating e-commerce logistics SaaS Trackerbot, founded in 2016, was acquired by the venture capital Quadra Group. The transaction was undisclosed. 
  • Matlock-based distance-learning company ProDental CPD, founded in 2012, was acquired by the UK-based dental and primary care provider Agilio Software. The acquisition was undisclosed. 
- Advertisement -
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