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Cologne's startup scene is defined by a strong presence in software and artificial intelligence. The city is home to a mix of new ventures and established technology companies.
AI translation company DeepL leads the local ecosystem with $400M in total funding. The city also hosts startups in diverse fields like sustainability and space technology.
Below is our list of 53 Cologne startups worth keeping an eye on.
Everything you need to raise funding for your startup, including 3,500+ investors, 7 tools, 18 templates and 3 learning resources.
Buy It For $97 $297 →Information about the industries, countries, and cities they generally invest in.
Get the Sheet for $50Information about their valuation, HQ's location, founded year, name of founders, funding amount and number of employees.
Get the Sheet for $50List of startup investors in the BioTech, Health, and Medicine industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
Get the Sheet for $50List of 250 startup investors in the AI and Machine Learning industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
Get the Sheet for $50List of 250 startup investors in the FinTech and Finance industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.
Get the Sheet for $50DeepL builds an AI communication platform that delivers highly accurate and natural-sounding translations. The company's technology also powers writing and editing tools designed to help users communicate clearly and effectively.
Sunhat builds a sustainability operating system designed for businesses managing complex supply chains. The platform automates the entire process from data collection to final reporting, helping companies track and manage their environmental impact.
Buynomics builds a revenue optimization platform that uses AI to create virtual customers and predict their purchasing behavior. The SaaS solution enables companies to test and optimize their pricing, promotions, and product portfolio to maximize revenue.
AMD GmbH delivers technical installation and repair services for telecommunications and automotive clients. Their expertise covers mobile, radio, and internet connections as well as in-car navigation and audio systems.
Ordio provides a workforce management platform designed for deskless teams in sectors like hospitality and logistics. Their software streamlines daily operations, including employee scheduling and internal communication, for businesses with staff on the move.
Vytal provides a software-enabled reusable packaging solution that helps eliminate single-use waste from the food service industry. Their system offers a network of returnable containers that customers can borrow and return from partner restaurants and shops.
Neutron Star Systems develops electric propulsion systems for spacecraft based on high-temperature superconductor technology. Their SUPREME thruster enables scalable and efficient mobility for spacecraft with performance levels significantly higher than current systems.
aedifion builds an AI-powered cloud platform that optimizes the operational efficiency of buildings. Their software helps property managers reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions while lowering operating costs.
Jupus created an AI-powered legal secretary to automate administrative workflows for law firms. Their platform manages client intake, communication, and document preparation, freeing up lawyers to concentrate on their core legal practice.
ESL organizes and broadcasts some of the world's largest esports tournaments and video game competitions. They create professional leagues and events that connect gaming communities and showcase top-tier talent.
The top 10 offer a glimpse into the city's energy, but there's much more happening. Founders are tackling everything from AI to retail, raising more than half a billion euros combined.
Some are just getting started, and others are well on their way. Here’s a look at the rest of the startups shaping the Cologne startup ecosystem.
| Startup | Industry | Year Founded | Amount Raised | Last Funding Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fintech | 2022 | €9.4M | Seed | |
| Fintech | 2018 | €61M | Series C | |
| Enterprise | 2022 | €20.3M | Series A | |
| Retail | 2013 | €116.6M | Series E | |
| AI | 2021 | €7.7M | Seed | |
| Enterprise | 2017 | €10M | Venture Round | |
| Food | 2021 | €6M | Seed | |
| Infrastructure | 2020 | €3.9M | Seed | |
| Fintech | 2014 | €54.3M | Venture Round | |
| Logistics | 2015 | €92.8M | Series E | |
| AI | 2018 | €3.5M | Seed | |
| Retail | 2021 | €20M | Series A | |
| AI | 2022 | €2M | Pre-Seed | |
| Analytics | 2019 | €5.5M | Seed | |
| Manufacturing | 2022 | €20M | Seed | |
| Enterprise | 2020 | €17M | Corporate Round | |
| Cloud | 2021 | €3M | Seed | |
| AI | 2023 | €1.7M | Grant | |
| Fintech | 2017 | $6.5M | Venture Round | |
| Healthcare | 2022 | €1M | Pre-Seed | |
| AI | 2024 | €100k | Pre-Seed | |
| Cloud | 2014 | €7.1M | Series A | |
| Other | 2022 | €2.3M | Pre-Seed | |
| Logistics | 2021 | €6M | Seed | |
| Travel | 2011 | €26.3M | Convertible Note | |
| Biotech | 2020 | €2.5M | Seed | |
| Retail | 2019 | €1.8M | Seed | |
| Marketing | 2022 | €1.3M | Seed | |
| Energy | 2023 | €1M | Seed | |
| AI | 2009 | €11.6M | Series D | |
| Crypto | 2022 | €800k | Seed | |
| Security | 2012 | €2.5M | Series A | |
| Retail | 2014 | €4.5M | Series A | |
| Retail | 2017 | €1M | Series A | |
| Environment | 2022 | €1.5M | Grant | |
| Food | 2018 | €1.8M | Seed | |
| Enterprise | 2016 | €600k | Angel | |
| Other | 2022 | €8.9M | Corporate Round | |
| Crypto | 2020 | €1.6M | Seed | |
| Gaming | 2014 | €1.2M | Grant | |
| Enterprise | 2018 | €1M | Seed | |
| Logistics | 2020 | €55.2M | Series B | |
| Food | 2022 | €370k | Pre-Seed |
