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Top 50 Karlsruhe Startups to Watch in 2026

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The startup scene in Karlsruhe, Germany is defined by its strength in deep tech and energy. Companies here are tackling complex challenges in areas from enterprise software to quantum computing.

This includes highly funded ventures like renewable energy producer ILOS Projects, which has raised $351.4M. Synthetic fuel company INERATEC has also attracted significant capital with €208M in funding.

Below is our list of 50 Karlsruhe startups worth keeping an eye on.

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Kipu Quantum develops quantum software solutions designed for specific industrial applications and hardware platforms. Their technology uses a unique algorithm compression method to solve complex problems on today's quantum computers.

Year Founded2021
FoundersDaniel Volz, Enrique Solano, Tobias Grab
Funding Amount€13.5M
Startup SizeLean Team (11-50)
Last Funding StatusSeed
Top InvestorsHV Capital, Quantonation, First Momentum Ventures, Entrada Ventures, DeepTech & Climate Fonds

INERATEC builds modular chemical plants that produce carbon-neutral e-fuels and other synthetic materials. Their technology provides a scalable way for industries like aviation and shipping to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives.

Year Founded2014
FoundersPaolo Piermartini, Philipp Engelkamp, Tim Böltken
Funding Amount€208M
Startup SizeMid-Size Team (51-250)
Last Funding StatusGrant
Top InvestorsEuropean Investment Bank, HTGF (High-Tech Gruenderfonds), TDK Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Piva Capital

Dealfront builds a go-to-market platform that provides data, applications, and insights for sales and marketing teams. Their software helps B2B companies identify target customers and generate more qualified leads.

Year Founded2011
FoundersBastian Karweg
Funding Amount€30M
Startup SizeMid-Size Team (51-250)
Last Funding StatusDebt Financing
Top InvestorsAshGrove Capital

Workwise builds a digital recruiting platform that helps companies find and hire suitable candidates. Their tools are designed to boost an employer's brand and streamline the entire hiring process.

Year Founded2013
FoundersJannik Keller, Martin Trenkle
Funding Amount€12M
Startup SizeMid-Size Team (51-250)
Last Funding StatusSeries A
Top InvestorsArmira, LEA Partners

Octomind is building a developer tool that uses AI to automate end-to-end testing. Their platform generates and maintains tests automatically, helping engineering teams release more stable software at a faster pace.

Year Founded2023
FoundersDaniel Roedler, Marc Mengler
Funding Amount€4.5M
Startup SizeFounding Team (1-10)
Last Funding StatusSeed
Top InvestorsCherry Ventures, Charlie Songhurst, Lutz Finger, Sean Mullaney

ILOS Projects develops, builds, and operates large-scale solar projects across Europe and Latin America. As an Independent Power Producer, the company manages the entire value chain from initial development to the long-term operation of its solar parks.

Year Founded2018
Founders
Funding Amount$351.4M
Startup SizeMid-Size Team (51-250)
Last Funding StatusDebt Financing
Top InvestorsEIG Global Energy Partners(EIG), Bayern LB

askui develops a test automation platform that understands user interfaces on a human level, allowing it to control any application on any operating system. Their human-like approach to automation enables developers and QA teams to test any application, regardless of the underlying technology.

Year Founded2021
FoundersDominik Klotz, Jonas Menesklou
Funding Amount€6.1M
Startup SizeLean Team (11-50)
Last Funding StatusSeed
Top Investors468 Capital, Seedcamp, APX, Eurazeo, LEA Partners

Gixel develops breakthrough microLED display technology for AI glasses and spatial computing. This advanced hardware provides the ultra-high brightness and efficiency needed to build lightweight AR devices for all-day use.

Year Founded2019
Founders
Funding Amount€5M
Startup SizeLean Team (11-50)
Last Funding StatusSeed
Top InvestorsLEA Partners, SPRIN-D, Daniel Krauss, Jochen Engert, Andre Schwammlein

Enabl creates retrofit kits that transform standard industrial trucks into autonomous vehicles. This technology helps logistics and manufacturing companies automate their existing forklift fleets simply and flexibly.

Year Founded2021
Founders
Funding Amount€3.2M
Startup SizeLean Team (11-50)
Last Funding StatusPre-Seed
Top InvestorsRethink Ventures, LEA Partners, another.vc

Chrono24 operates the world's leading online marketplace for luxury watches. Their platform connects watch enthusiasts with thousands of professional dealers and private sellers from over 100 countries.

Year Founded2003
FoundersDirk Schwartz, Michael Krkoska, Tim Stracke
Funding Amount€180M
Startup SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusUndisclosed
Top InvestorsGeneral Atlantic, Insight Partners, FJ Labs, Global Founders Capital, Sprints

40 Additional Karlsruhe Startups Worth Following

Those top 10 companies are just a small part of the story in Karlsruhe. Founders are working on everything from AI to advanced manufacturing, and together they have raised well over €150 million.

Some are early in their journey and others are scaling fast. Below is a look at the other startups shaping the city's tech ecosystem.

StartupIndustryYear FoundedAmount RaisedLast Funding Round
HQS Quantum Simulations logo HQS Quantum SimulationsManufacturing2017€14.3MSeed
understand.ai logo understand.aiAI2017$2.8MSeed
thingsTHINKING logo thingsTHINKINGAI2016€4.5MSeed
ValueWorks.ai logo ValueWorks.aiAnalytics2020€700kAngel
Kompass Group AG logo Kompass Group AGFintech2020€5MSeed
Zana Technologies GmbH logo Zana Technologies GmbHAI2017€400.6kSeed
Daedalus logo DaedalusAI2019$41MSeries A
Freshtaste logo FreshtasteFood2019€1.2MSeed
LightnTec logo LightnTecEnergy2016€1.7MSeed
2k logo 2kMarketing1979
MARA logo MARAAnalytics2020€147kPre-Seed
EcoPhi Renewables Engineering GmbH logo EcoPhi Renewables Engineering GmbHFintech2020€200kPre-Seed
Traggert logo TraggertHardware2021€400kPre-Seed
Lumobiotics logo LumobioticsBiotech2017€168kGrant
heyvie logo heyvieAI2021€435kPre-Seed
HealthMe logo HealthMeMedia2019€250kAngel
SciMo logo SciMoHardware2016€1.9MGrant
Restube logo RestubeSports2012€600kEquity Crowdfunding
memetis logo memetisManufacturing2016€71.4kCorporate Round
Nitrado logo NitradoMedia2001
Steeped App logo Steeped AppMedia2020€125kAngel
Qymatix - AI in Wholesale logo Qymatix - AI in WholesaleAI2018€53kConvertible Note
Emmtrix Technologies GmbH logo Emmtrix Technologies GmbHData2016€50kGrant
ONINO logo ONINOCrypto2021Pre-Seed
Aimino logo AiminoInfrastructure2021
alfaview logo alfaviewSaaS2016
Cinemo logo CinemoMobility2008
Gameforge logo GameforgeMedia2003Series A
Blue Yonder logo Blue YonderAnalytics2008$75MPrivate Equity
inovex logo inovexMedia1999
Formic logo FormicManufacturing
Folkd logo FolkdMedia2006
ACTIEF Personnel Management logo ACTIEF Personnel ManagementEnterprise1989
InStaff logo InStaffMarketplace2014€51kSeed
PTV Group logo PTV GroupLogistics1979
finanzen.net logo finanzen.netFintech2011
STARFACE logo STARFACECloud2005€2MSeries A
netcup logo netcupData2008
Validaitor logo ValidaitorAI2022Seed
RTE logo RTEManufacturing1986

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