Learn how to validate your startup idea by pre-selling it, for only $80 (includes a free 1-hour consultancy call).
Download Our List of The Top 100 Accelerators & Incubators

This free sheet contains 100 accelerators and incubators you can apply to today, along with information about the industries and stages they generally invest in.

100 Accelerators & Incubators
Download The List of the 100 Highest-Valued Unicorns

This free sheet contains all the information about the top 100 unicorns, including their valuation, HQ's location, founded year, name of founders, funding amount and number of employees.

100 Top Unicorns
Download The List of the 100 Highest-Valued Unicorns

This free sheet contains all the information about the top 100 unicorns, including their valuation, HQ's location, founded year, name of founders, funding amount and number of employees.

100 Top Unicorns
Get Free Access to The Founder's Handbook

This free Notion document contains the best 100+ resources you need for building a successful startup, divided in 4 categories: Fundraising, People, Product, and Growth.

The Founder's Handbook

The 74 Most Well-Known Startups from Cologne

Successful brands value customer experience and smart founders use PartnerHero to up-level their CX without breaking the bank. Invest in flexible, affordable outsourced customer ops to grow your startup.

Book a Free Consultation Call →

Countless startups in Cologne are being launched every day.

Many fail because they did not learn from the success of other companies who've managed to rise above.

We just published this list of 74 well-known and fast-growing companies in Cologne that impressed investors.


74 Startups in Cologne

Accelerators & Incubators List
Sheet
2,658 Accelerators & Incubators

Information about the industries, stages and countries they generally invest in.

Get the Sheet for $50
Complete Unicorns List
Sheet
1,016 Unicorns

Information about their valuation, HQ's location, founded year, name of founders, funding amount and number of employees.

Get the Sheet for $50
Complete Unicorns List
Sheet
1,016 Unicorns

Information about their valuation, HQ's location, founded year, name of founders, funding amount and number of employees.

Get the Sheet for $50

1) Silexica

1) Silexica

Silexica offers software development services that help intelligent products, such as self-driving cars, move from concept to reality.

Details of the startup:

  • Started in: 2014
  • Founders: Johannes Emigholz, Maximilian Odendahl, Weihua Sheng
  • Industries: Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Developer Tools, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Enterprise Software, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Software
  • Number of employees: 51-100
  • Funding amount: $29,360,037
  • Number of funding rounds: 4
  • Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

2) CHRONEXT

2) CHRONEXT

Clients can buy and sell luxury watches on Chronext's full-service platform for luxury watch trading.

Details of the startup:

  • Started in: 2013
  • Founders: Ludwig Wurlitzer, Philipp Man
  • Industries: Collectibles, E-Commerce, Fashion, Lifestyle, Retail
  • Number of employees: 101-250
  • Funding amount: $116,629,212
  • Number of funding rounds: 5
  • Number of investors: 17

You can find their website here.

3) ESL

3) ESL

Professional gaming, commonly known as e-sports, is the emphasis of ESL, a gaming news and information network.

Details of the startup:

  • Started in: 1996
  • Founders: William Perry
  • Industries: Electronics, eSports, Sports
  • Number of employees: 251-500
  • Funding amount: $30,000,000
  • Number of funding rounds: 1

You can find their website here.

4) nextmarkets

4) nextmarkets

nextmarkets is a commission-free internet broker in Europe.

Details of the startup:

  • Started in: 2014
  • Founders: Dominic Heyden, Manuel Heyden
  • Industries: Financial Services, FinTech, Stock Exchanges, Trading Platform
  • Number of employees: 11-50
  • Funding amount: $43,318,971
  • Number of funding rounds: 4
  • Number of investors: 9

You can find their website here.

5) Studitemps

5) Studitemps

Experts in Digital Work

Details of the startup:

  • Started in: 2008
  • Founders: Andreas Wels, Benjamin Roos
  • Industries: Career Planning, Education, Recruiting, Staffing Agency
  • Number of employees: 251-500
  • Funding amount: € 24,200,000
  • Number of funding rounds: 11
  • Number of investors: 7

You can find their website here.

6) GreenPocket

6) GreenPocket

GreenPocket is a recognized expert in energy management and consumption visualization.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50
  • Funding amount: $11,621,451

You can find their website here.

7) Giant Swarm

7) Giant Swarm

The goal of Giant Swarm is to empower and liberate everyone to create modern software that runs their lives.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100
  • Funding amount: $3,325,000

You can find their website here.

8) gridscale

8) gridscale

Gridscale is a cutting-edge technology that lays the groundwork for complex cloud solutions.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50
  • Funding amount: $8,114,355

You can find their website here.

9) 4stop

9) 4stop

4Stop is a global provider of KYC, compliance, and anti-fraud services.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50
  • Funding amount: $2,801,820

You can find their website here.

10) itravel

10) itravel

itravel offers personalized mobile leisure bookings via the internet.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50
  • Funding amount: $16,516,400

You can find their website here.

11) Sugartrends

11) Sugartrends

Sugartrends is a global online marketplace for all types of retailers.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50
  • Funding amount: $2,421,553

You can find their website here.

12) InfanDx

12) InfanDx

InfanDx is working on a new generation of diagnostic tests for neonatal care.

Details of the startup:

  • Funding amount: $5,911,352

You can find their website here.

13) ShareACamper

13) ShareACamper

ShareACamper is a peer-to-peer motorhome and caravan rental platform.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50
  • Funding amount: $2,244,291

You can find their website here.

14) METALSALE

14) METALSALE

METALSALE is a business-to-business marketplace for metal scrap traders.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10
  • Funding amount: $944,706

You can find their website here.

15) DeepL

15) DeepL

DeepL is a well-known deep learning firm that specializes on language translation.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

16) Banking One

16) Banking One

Banks use predictive analytics to estimate which customers will be interested in specific financial products.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10
  • Funding amount: $110,401

You can find their website here.

17) Fasciotens

17) Fasciotens

Fasciotens aids in the healing of an open abdomen by increasing the chances and lowering the hazards.

Details of the startup:

  • Funding amount: $3,062,931

You can find their website here.

18) LANXESS

18) LANXESS

LANXESS is a manufacturer of speciality chemicals.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 10001

You can find their website here.

19) cleverbridge

19) cleverbridge

Cleverbridge is a software, SaaS, and digital goods monetization and subscription billing system.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 251-500

You can find their website here.

20) Rewe Group

20) Rewe Group

The Rewe Group is a business that specializes in commerce, travel, and tourism.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 10001

You can find their website here.

21) eyeo

21) eyeo

eyeo is an open source software company that creates tools that millions of people use every day to improve their internet experience.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100

You can find their website here.

22) FoodLoop

22) FoodLoop

FoodLoop helps the food retail industry to sell food products with a limited shelf life by offering discounts on them.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10
  • Funding amount: $54,634

You can find their website here.

23) QSC AG

23) QSC AG

QSC AG provides comprehensive ICT services to medium-sized organizations from a single supplier.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 501-1000

You can find their website here.

24) Ströer Media

24) Ströer Media

Advertisers can choose from a variety of out-of-home and online communication options provided by the Ströer Group.

You can find their website here.

Ad

On Deck's Logo

On Deck is where top talent comes to accelerate their ideas and build companies, surrounded by a world-class community.

25) Social Sweethearts

25) Social Sweethearts

Social Sweethearts is the world's largest publisher of personalized, family-friendly games and content.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100

You can find their website here.

26) CheMondis

26) CheMondis

CheMondis is a chemical marketplace on the internet.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

27) InfluencerDB

27) InfluencerDB

InfluencerDB is a data-driven influencer marketing and relationship management platform.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

28) e·pilot

28) e·pilot

e.pilot facilitates energy suppliers' entry into the digital world and assists them in assuming a leadership role as a provider of energy services.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100

You can find their website here.

29) Studydrive

29) Studydrive

StudyDrive is a student-centric sharing and discussion platform.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

30) Saloodo

30) Saloodo

Saloodo! is a platform that assists shippers in locating road freight carriers and carriers in locating loads that maximize truck capacity.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100

You can find their website here.

31) Userlike

31) Userlike

Userlike is a website live chat software that is both professional and lightweight.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

32) quintly

32) quintly

quintly is a company established in Germany that provides online social media analytics solutions to its subscribers in order to help them improve their performance.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

33) Hitmeister

33) Hitmeister

Hitmeister is a German online marketplace that sells new and used items in a variety of categories.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100

You can find their website here.

34) SQS Software Quality Systems

34) SQS Software Quality Systems

The SQS Group (SQS) is the world's foremost software quality specialist. Solutions, training, consulting, and resources are all available through SQS.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1001-5000

You can find their website here.

35) Armedangels

35) Armedangels

Armedangels is a men's and women's apparel retailer that specializes on classic and timeless styles.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

36) Adblock Plus

36) Adblock Plus

In all major browsers, Adblock Plus is a free addon that allows you to block irritating adverts and prevent tracking.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

37) MeinAuto

37) MeinAuto

MeinAuto is an automobile sales and service consulting firm.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100

You can find their website here.

38) BetterDoc

38) BetterDoc

BetterDoc assists patients in receiving the BEST medical care for their specific health issue from the BEST doctor.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

39) Famobi

39) Famobi

Famobi generates money for developers and publishers by delivering HTML5 gaming content to mobile and web browsers.

You can find their website here.

40) Flowtify

40) Flowtify

For the food service business, Flowtify develops and manages a hygiene and quality management platform and application.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

41) entrafin

41) entrafin

In Germany, entrafin provides purchasing and sales financing services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and banks.

You can find their website here.

42) PlusServer

42) PlusServer

PlusServer delivers data centers with managed hosting options.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 251-500

You can find their website here.

43) Lumoview Building Analytics

43) Lumoview Building Analytics

Lumoview provides automatic building analysis using a two-second measurement per room.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

44) Unitymedia

44) Unitymedia

In Germany, Unity Media provides basic cable television and radio services.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 5001-10000

You can find their website here.

45) HRS The Hotel Portal

45) HRS The Hotel Portal

HRS has a huge selection of hotels for both business and leisure tourists across the world.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1001-5000

You can find their website here.

46) fitogram

46) fitogram

Fitogram is an online marketplace for activities related to fitness and health.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

47) Tunnelware

47) Tunnelware

Tunnelware is a virtualization as a service (VaaS) solution for the tunneling sector.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

48) KERNWERK

48) KERNWERK

Every Day, Athletes Get a Perfect Workout: Athletes get properly scaled, adaptable exercises with and without equipment every day.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

49) Koelnmesse

49) Koelnmesse

International trade fairs and conferences are held in Koelnmesse.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 501-1000

You can find their website here.

50) PlagScan

50) PlagScan

PlagScan analyzes your paper to billions of others, highlighting any significant correlations.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

51) Startup SAFARI

51) Startup SAFARI

Startup SAFARIA is a global community that connects local startup ecosystems.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

52) DocCheck Guano

52) DocCheck Guano

Guano is the perfect fertilizer for new businesses: it gives finance, know-how, market access, and a network.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 51-100

You can find their website here.

53) Legalbird

53) Legalbird

Legalbird is a service that assists consumers in resolving legal difficulties in a matter of minutes.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

54) hijob

54) hijob

hijob is a mobile job search engine for professionals, managers, and recent graduates.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

55) Bendesk

55) Bendesk

Bendesk is a B2B digital system for handling employee and corporate benefits.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

56) DepotCity

56) DepotCity

DepotCity is a company that digitizes the warehousing and fulfillment industry. Simply reserve your warehouse or fulfillment center online, and we'll take care of the rest!

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

57) Quiply

57) Quiply

Quiply Employee Software is a new SaaS firm that provides a mobile-first communication app platform for mobile, remote, and shift workers.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

58) Flossbach von Storch

58) Flossbach von Storch

Flossbach von Storch is an asset management firm that manages stock, bond, and multi-asset funds and is not affiliated with any banks.

You can find their website here.

59) ITyX Solutions

59) ITyX Solutions

Customer service and corporate procedures are automated with ITyX software solutions. All font-based procedures are managed by a central platform.

You can find their website here.

60) CryptoTec

60) CryptoTec

CryptoTec connects decentralized computer systems with high-security solutions.

You can find their website here.

61) Qvest Media

61) Qvest Media

In the domains of broadcasting and media technology, Qvest Media is a world-leading systems architect and ICT integrator.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

62) NEO New Oncology

62) NEO New Oncology

NEO New Oncology is a diagnostic platform that is designed and developed by NEO New Oncology.

You can find their website here.

63) PLEV Technologies

63) PLEV Technologies

STEEREON is an E-Scooter developed by PLEV Technologies that blends lifestyle, driving enjoyment, and functionality in a unique way.

You can find their website here.

64) Qimia AI

64) Qimia AI

We're creating the most powerful platform for industrialized, massively scalable, distributed AI solutions in the world.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

65) Freightly

65) Freightly

Freightly is a real-time transportation and logistics management solution.

You can find their website here.

66) TRINKKOST

66) TRINKKOST

We developed the world's first organic certified dietary shake to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

67) COUPIES

67) COUPIES

COUPIES is Germany's most rapidly rising mobile cashback couponing company.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

68) Mealmatch

68) Mealmatch

Mealmatch brings individuals together for a shared meal in restaurants and private settings.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

69) tradingtwins

69) tradingtwins

Professional equipment for offices, enterprises, restaurants, and hotels can be purchased in a simple B2B format.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

70) VulcanoSec

70) VulcanoSec

VulcanoSec's Compliance Scanner and Security Automation Framework are both quite strong.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 1-10

You can find their website here.

71) netSTART

71) netSTART

On the areas of digital economy and digital transformation, netSTART delivers lectures, keynotes, seminars, and workshops.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

72) sicherbezahlen.de

72) sicherbezahlen.de

Sicherbezahlen.de is a website that offers a step-by-step payment option.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

73) XOVI

73) XOVI

To enhance traffic, XOVI creates all-in-one internet marketing suites.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 11-50

You can find their website here.

74) MEDIA BROADCAST

74) MEDIA BROADCAST

The premier full-service provider in the broadcasting and media industries is MEDIA BROADCAST.

Details of the startup:

  • Number of employees: 501-1000

You can find their website here.

Successful brands value customer experience and smart founders use PartnerHero to up-level their CX without breaking the bank. Invest in flexible, affordable outsourced customer ops to grow your startup.

Book a Free Consultation Call →
The All-In-One Newsletter for Startup Founders

Every week, I’ll send you Failory’s latest interviews and articles and 3 curated resources for founders. Join +25,000 other startup founders!