Hamburg, Germany · Startup 1KOMMA5° (named for the 1.5°C climate target) is one of Europe’s fastest-scaling energy transition companies, reaching unicorn status in roughly 21 months. Based in Hamburg, the firm tackles the “last mile” of decarbonization by combining a roll-up acquisition strategy with a software-defined energy platform. Instead of only selling solar panels, 1KOMMA5° acquires local installer businesses across Europe and digitizes them to deliver end-to-end home electrification — solar, batteries, heat pumps, and EV chargers — with consistent quality and financing. The company’s differentiator is Heartbeat, a proprietary energy management system that turns these assets into a virtual power plant. Heartbeat orchestrates when batteries charge or discharge based on real-time spot prices and grid conditions, allowing households to capture savings from dynamic tariffs and to export power during peak demand. In 2025, the system expanded to automated trading of household energy, making “free” electricity periods during windy or sunny hours a tangible consumer benefit. This blending of hardware deployment and energy-software automation allows 1KOMMA5° to capture margin both on installation and on recurring software and energy services. Founder Philipp Schroder (former Tesla country director and Sonnen executive) used his industry network to skip early accelerators, and the company instead embedded itself in the Hamburg Startup City ecosystem. Its acquisition engine is relentless: by buying regional market leaders, it locks in the most scarce resource in the sector — skilled installers — while rapidly expanding geographic reach. By early 2026, 1KOMMA5° had expanded beyond DACH into the Nordics, Spain, and Australia, positioning itself for a cross-continental footprint ahead of a public listing. The company has signaled an IPO-readiness push, backed by record turnover reported for 2024 and an expansion into branded hardware components to increase margin and supply-chain resilience. Its investor base blends strategic and growth capital: Porsche Ventures provided early backing, G2VP brought Silicon Valley cleantech expertise, Eurazeo and eCapital added European growth capital, and Norrsken VC underscored the impact thesis. In 2026, 1KOMMA5° is a case study in how Europe can scale climate tech through operational execution rather than pure technology — a disciplined roll-up with a software heart that turns millions of households into coordinated energy assets.
Barcelona, Spain · Event Global startup platform co-located with MWC at Fira Gran Via, featuring broad investor and corporate access. Includes the 4YFN Awards 2026 live pitch sequence: top startups pitch on March 2, 2026 with finalists advancing to the March 4, 2026 final during MWC week.
Zagreb, Croatia · Event Southeast Europe's leading security industry event at Zagreb Fair bringing together 3,000+ professionals and 150+ exhibitors across physical security, cybersecurity, IoT and smart technologies.
Tbilisi, Georgia · Startup Agrolabs is an AgTech company from Tbilisi focused on digitizing greenhouse operations through IoT sensing and analytics. The platform combines hardware sensors with cloud-based monitoring to detect crop and climate anomalies early and provide daily recommendations for yield optimization. It grew from the 500 Georgia/Eurasia ecosystem and is positioned for cross-border agriculture markets.
Sofia, Bulgaria · Event A one-day, three-track in-person summit at Sofia Tech Park focused on applied AI for industry — automation, IoT, and manufacturing. Useful for founders building vertical AI and automation products targeting Bulgarian and Southeast European industrial buyers.
Kyiv, Ukraine · Startup Overview: Ajax Systems is a leading security technology startup and is now the largest manufacturer of professional security systems in Europe. The company develops and produces a range of smart security devices for homes and businesses - including wireless motion detectors, door/window opening sensors, glass break sensors, fire alarms, flood detectors, and control panels - all connected via Ajax's proprietary radio communication technology. An Ajax security system typically centers around a smart hub and can integrate over 50 different sensors and sirens to provide comprehensive intrusion detection, fire safety, and even smart home automation. The devices are known for their sleek design (winning multiple Red Dot design awards) and reliable performance (long battery life, extended wireless range, resistant to jamming). Users manage the system through Ajax's mobile app, receiving instant alerts and being able to arm/disarm or monitor their property from anywhere. Unlike traditional wired security systems, Ajax's wireless approach allows easy installation and scalability. With its combination of hardware and software, Ajax Systems has effectively become a security platform protecting over 1 million premises in more than 120 countries. Founding Story (2011): Ajax Systems was founded in 2011 in Kyiv, Ukraine by Oleksandr (Alexander) Konotopskyi. Konotopskyi started Ajax in his mid-20s, with a vision to build a security system that was both high-quality and affordable, targeting a gap in the market between cheap unreliable alarms and overly expensive Western systems. In the early days, Ajax was literally a garage startup - the team of engineers hand-soldered the first devices themselves. They focused initially on creating a car alarm and simple motion detectors, but soon pivoted fully to smart home security. The name "Ajax" was chosen to signify agility and strength (after the Greek hero). The company struggled to find capital at first, as Ukraine in 2011 had limited VC presence. In 2015, Ajax got its first external investment of $1M from SMRK, a local fund run by MacPaw's CEO, which allowed scaling production. A major milestone was around 2016 when Ajax launched its second-generation system with the Jeweller radio technology and a polished mobile app - this got attention in European markets. By 2017, Ajax started exporting its devices beyond Ukraine, and a turning point came when it won a prestigious security industry award in the UK, helping build global credibility. The founding story is one of persistence: Konotopskyi has often recounted how many advised him that manufacturing electronics in Ukraine was impractical, but he proved it possible with a highly motivated local team. Product and Innovation: Ajax's product line today includes about 180 products covering intrusion detection (motion, opening, glass break sensors), fire safety (smoke and CO detectors, fire alarm), flood prevention (leak detectors), plus sirens, keypads, panic buttons, and relay modules to control third-party devices. The system connects via radio frequencies (868 MHz band in Europe, etc.) with range up to 2000 meters and has advanced encryption. One of Ajax's innovation points is its proprietary OS Malevich that runs the hubs, enabling over-the-air updates and new features. The Ajax mobile app provides a modern UX that was missing in older alarm systems. Another innovative aspect is battery life - sensors can work 5-7 years on one battery, addressing a pain point of wireless security. Ajax also built a technology called Wings for photo verification - some motion detectors have cameras that can send photos when triggered, so users and alarm companies see if an intruder is present. The target market for Ajax includes both residential customers and small businesses/shops, as well as larger commercial clients (they have a heavier-duty hub for enterprise). The systems are typically sold and installed via a network of 1,100+ authorized security providers/installers globally, rather than direct to consumer only. This channel strategy helped Ajax penetrate traditional security markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Traction and Scale: The growth of Ajax Systems has been remarkable, especially post-2015. As of late 2023, Ajax serves over 4 million end users worldwide who rely on its security systems. It has become the top alarm system brand in Europe by units sold - a feat for a Ukrainian company competing with legacy giants. The company's revenue reflects this: in 2023, Ajax's revenue was around UAH 7.5-8.5 billion (Ukrainian hryvnia), roughly $200+ million USD, showing rapid growth from just a few million USD a decade prior. It's been profitable and reinvesting in expansion, now running multiple manufacturing plants. Ajax exports to over 120 countries, with key markets including Italy, Spain, France, the UK, and also growth in the Middle East and Latin America. In Ukraine, Ajax became a market leader, protecting many homes even amid the war. The company's workforce grew to around 2,500 employees (by 2025) spread across R&D centers in Kyiv, hardware development in Kharkiv, and manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and a new plant in Turkey (opened 2022) and recently in Vietnam (opened 2025 to diversify production). These expansions are partly in response to risk management due to regional instability, but also to meet surging global demand. Ajax's products have received numerous awards in the security industry and technology circles for innovation. Funding and Investors: Ajax's funding journey started with local investors. The initial $1M from SMRK in 2015 and early revenues got the company off the ground. A significant boost came in 2019 when Horizon Capital, a U.S.-Ukrainian private equity firm, invested $10 million for a minority stake. This effectively was Ajax's Series A, and it valued the company north of $70M reportedly. Horizon's investment provided growth capital to scale production and international sales. Interestingly, Ajax never took traditional Silicon Valley VC funding; by the time it was on VC radar, it was already profitable and scaling via PE style funding. EBRD also extended some debt financing to Ajax as it expanded manufacturing. Total external funding is relatively modest (about $11M equity and some debt), as the company's strong revenue allowed it to fuel growth internally. PitchBook data shows Ajax's valuation surpassed $100M by 2020, and given the revenue growth, some speculated it could approach unicorn status if valued on a typical tech multiple (though security hardware might have lower multiples). Achievements and Impact: Ajax Systems stands out as one of the most successful hardware startups from Eastern Europe. Achievements include becoming the number 1 security system brand in Europe within 10 years, something even the founder calls "building the Apple of security in Ukraine." The products have achieved a level of reliability that professional security companies trust - over 1,200 security companies (alarm response centers) around the world integrate with Ajax's system to provide monitoring services. Ajax's impact in Ukraine is also profound: it built local manufacturing when many said it was impossible, created thousands of jobs, and became one of Ukraine's top tech exporters. Even during the 2022 Russian invasion, Ajax kept its factories in Ukraine running (with precautions and relocating some lines to safer regions) and supported the war effort by developing an "Air Alarm" app for Ukrainians (in partnership with the government) to warn of missile attacks. This app uses Ajax's expertise in instant mass notification and became a widely used tool, saving lives. Ajax's success has been a beacon for Ukraine's tech industry, proving that a hardware company can scale globally from Ukraine. In recognition, founder Konotopskyi received national awards and is often cited among top Ukrainian entrepreneurs. The company's plans include possibly an IPO in the future once global expansion stabilizes. It continues to innovate - recent new products include automation devices (to control lights, thermostats, etc., moving Ajax towards smart home, not just security). By coupling security with convenience, Ajax is carving out a role in the broader IoT and smart home market. In summary, Ajax Systems transformed from a Kyiv startup into a global security powerhouse, all while keeping its R&D and much of its production in Ukraine, which is a testament to the talent and resilience of Ukrainian engineers and business leaders. Sources: inventure.com.ua, euristiq.com, techukraine.org, ajax.systems.
Sophia Antipolis, France · Support Organization Aktantis is a world-class European deeptech competitiveness cluster founded in 2005 and based in Sophia Antipolis, France, federating an innovation ecosystem focused on digital transition across microelectronics, IoT, cybersecurity, AI, and photonics. With over 300 member organizations, Aktantis supports companies through project financing, growth acceleration, international expansion, and cybersecurity protection, with member startups collectively raising over 500 million euros in funding and investing 1.5 billion euros in R&D. The cluster participates as a partner in SIDO Lyon as part of its European deeptech ecosystem development mission.
Sofia, Bulgaria · Startup Allterco Robotics, better known through its flagship Shelly brand, is a Sofia-based smart-home hardware company that designs, manufactures, and sells Wi-Fi-connected relays, sensors, and smart-plug devices that have become one of the most popular prosumer home-automation product lines in Europe. Unlike cloud-locked consumer smart-home brands, Shelly devices are designed around local control, open protocols (MQTT, REST, Matter), and compatibility with open-source home-automation stacks like Home Assistant, which has earned the company a strong following among technical users and installers who do not want their lights and shutters depending on a third-party cloud. Allterco is publicly listed on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange and has expanded significantly into European and North American retail channels. It is one of the most interesting examples of European consumer hardware being built out of CEE and a useful counterpoint to the region's software-heavy tech narrative.
Dublin, Ireland · Accelerator Amena Ventures is a Dublin-based early-stage venture and venture-partner firm incorporated in 2021, co-led by Managing Directors José Sousa and Sukhdev Hansra, whose backgrounds span investment banking, corporate finance and business transformation across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. It focuses on seed and pre-seed investments in hardware-intensive sectors — robotics, autonomous systems, IoT and space-tech connectivity — primarily across the EMEA region.
Beyond capital, Amena positions itself as a hands-on operating partner, supporting founders on business development, fundraising, governance and talent. Its portfolio — concentrated in Portugal — includes Connect Robotics (autonomous drone delivery), Ethiack (AI-powered ethical hacking, €4M seed 2024), Xpectraltek (multispectral imaging) and Connected (NB-IoT satellite connectivity, acquired by Open Cosmos in 2025).
Warsaw, Poland · Angel Investor A serial entrepreneur and community builder, Andrzej founded the PROIDEA foundation which runs major tech conferences. He has been investing as an angel in Polish startups for years and was an early backer of Estimote (IoT beacons), Intelclinic (wearables), and JIVR (e-bikes). Andrzej’s broad network and experience organizing startup events make him a valued mentor-investor. Associated startups: Estimote, Intelclinic, JIVR, Znika (eco-packaging), among others.
Warsaw, Poland · Support Organization A deep-tech and hardware focused co-investment network founded in 2014 under the APER Ventures fund. APER Angels connects private angel investors with VC funds to pool capital for high-tech startups. They typically invest PLN 250k–5M in early-stage companies, and have backed over 24 startups with ~PLN 50M total. Notable focus: hardware, IoT, and deep-tech startups (often syndicating with APER Ventures).
Riga, Latvia · Startup Atlas Aerospace is a Riga-based UAV manufacturer founded in 2015 by Ivan Tolchinsky that produces lightweight reconnaissance drones for military and civilian use. Its flagship drone weighs under 2 kg, is man-portable, and carries a camera for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Atlas is a NATO supplier and has delivered over 200 drones to Ukrainian armed forces for battlefield reconnaissance. Beyond defence, the company's systems are used by Norwegian mountain-rescue teams and firefighting services worldwide. Atlas is a member of MilTech Latvia, the national defence industry cluster.
Kyiv, Ukraine · Venture Capital AVentures Capital is a Kyiv-based early-stage venture fund with $109M in assets under management, investing in software technology companies founded by Eastern European entrepreneurs building global businesses. Founded by Andriy Kolodyuk and Yevgen Sysoyev, the fund publishes the annual Dealbook of Ukraine, the definitive market study of the Ukrainian tech and venture ecosystem. The 2026 edition documented $498M raised by Ukrainian tech companies in 2025, an 8% year-on-year increase, with defense tech emerging as the fastest-growing sector. The fund remains operationally active in Kyiv and continues to back early-stage founders through the wartime period.
Riga, Latvia · Venture Capital Buildit is a Riga-based hardware and IoT accelerator-VC hybrid founded in 2014, operating as the first accelerator in the Baltics and Nordics focused on physical-device startups. It runs cohort programmes and provides pre-seed funding up to €250k for Latvia-incorporated startups, with seed follow-on up to €1.5M for Baltic and Nordic companies. The firm has made over 120 investments and manages the Buildit Latvia Pre-Seed Fund (2022 vintage). Portfolio companies span energy, health tech, smart living, and robotics, including Aerones.
Sofia, Bulgaria · Event Inaugural Southeast European security industry summit at Inter Expo Center, co-organized by a&s Adria and NAFTSO. Combines exhibition and conference on smart-city security, IoT, and AI, with 30+ regional experts and a B2B matchmaking platform.
Reykjavik, Iceland · Startup Controlant is a Reykjavik-born supply-chain visibility company that combines reusable IoT data loggers, cellular-connected gateways, and a cloud analytics platform to give pharma manufacturers, 3PLs, and retailers real-time temperature, humidity, and location data on every shipment in a cold chain. The company became internationally recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of Pfizer's primary visibility partners for global vaccine distribution, where its devices were used to monitor ultra-cold shipments through long intercontinental routes. Beyond pharma, Controlant's platform is used for food, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive goods, with a commercial model that charges per shipment rather than per device so customers avoid the usual capex headaches of traditional loggers. It is the clearest example of Iceland producing a deep-tech, globally relevant supply-chain platform rather than a pure consumer or gaming play.
Barcelona, Spain · Startup Cooltra is Europe's leading sustainable two-wheel mobility platform, operating fleets of 30,000+ electric mopeds and e-bikes for rental and B2B fleet management across 9 cities in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal. Founded in Barcelona in 2006 by Timo Buetefisch, Holger Sprengel, and Henrik Sprengel, it has scaled to €60M+ in annual revenue with positive EBITDA and 3M+ registered users. In October 2025 Cooltra acquired rival Kleta after its insolvency, consolidating Spain's e-moped market. The company partners with BMW Motorrad for fleet supply and operates its own charging & maintenance infrastructure.
Porto, Portugal · Startup IoT data-pipeline platform built on MQTT, offering a managed broker, browser-based control hub, multi-protocol routing and the Language of Things scripting layer for real-time device integration.
Warsaw, Poland · Startup Cropler, founded in 2023 and headquartered in Warsaw, develops a portable digital agronomy system that delivers real-time field insights through smart agri-cameras and soil sensors. It pairs on-field hardware with a web-based analytics platform to monitor plant health and soil conditions, helping farmers track phenophases, detect diseases early and act on AI-based recommendations. Cropler reports its devices are used in 25 countries.
Dublin, Ireland · Startup Cubic Telecom, which rebranded to Cubic³ in April 2025, is a Dublin-based provider of software-defined vehicle connectivity. It supplies internet-connected software and a global connectivity platform that gives vehicles and other IoT assets compliant, built-in cellular connectivity across many markets, using agreements with mobile network operators worldwide. It serves automotive, agriculture and transportation OEMs, with named customers including Volkswagen, Audi and General Motors. In December 2023 SoftBank Corp. agreed to acquire a 51 percent majority stake for €473 million, valuing the company above €900 million.
Prague, Czech Republic · Startup Data, IoT and AI company building custom and pre-made machine-learning solutions for industrial clients in agriculture, manufacturing, biotech and foodtech, with a team of 80+ across Prague and Brno.
Cologne, Germany · Event Deutsche Telekom's flagship digitalization event transforming downtown Cologne into a tech campus, featuring 300+ partners and 50,000+ attendees. Strong for B2B SaaS, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud startups targeting SME digital transformation.
Trondheim, Norway · Startup Eelume is a Trondheim-based deep-tech company spun off from NTNU and SINTEF that develops snake-like autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for subsea inspection, maintenance and repair. Its flexible, modular robots can be permanently stationed at seabed docking facilities at depths up to 500 metres, performing tasks without surface support vessels. In July 2025 the company launched its M-Series AUVs for deep-sea operations, and in September 2025 Equinor acquired the Eelume S vehicle following successful field demonstrations. Eelume also formed a strategic partnership with Maritime Robotics in October 2025 to advance ocean exploration.
Kraków, Poland · Startup Estimote is a Kraków-founded IoT company that pioneered the Bluetooth-beacon category for indoor proximity, micro-location, and workplace safety. Co-founded by Jakub Krzych and Łukasz Kostka, with early backing from Polish operator-angels including Andrzej Targosz and the Netguru founders (Schmidt, Filipowski), Estimote went on to raise from US investors and pivoted toward workplace and wearable safety devices used by major enterprises.
Málaga, Spain · Event European Commission-backed flagship telecoms conference at FYCMA Málaga combining EuCNC's 35th edition and 6G Summit's 8th edition, drawing close to 1,000 delegates from 40+ countries to discuss Beyond 5G and 6G networks, with a 50+ exhibitor floor.
Rome, Italy · Startup Exein is an embedded IoT cybersecurity company headquartered in Rome, Italy, founded in 2018 by Gianni Cuozzo. The company develops solutions that integrate security directly into device software (firmware), using edge AI to detect and respond to threats in real time on the device itself. Its technology is used to protect connected devices across sectors including industrial, automotive, aerospace, and critical infrastructure. The company has expanded internationally with operations beyond Italy as part of a global growth strategy.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg · Venture Capital Expon Capital is a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm founded in 2015 by Alain Rodermann, Jérôme Wittamer, Lily Wang, and Marc Gendebien. The firm has deployed over €90 million across 33 companies in 14 countries through successive Digital Tech Funds, with Fund IV planned for 2026. It backs seed and early-stage tech startups across cybersecurity, fintech, regtech, digital health, and edtech, with a particular focus on Luxembourg-origin companies. Notable portfolio successes include Salonkee, which grew to 250+ employees and raised a €28 million Series B led by PeakSpan Capital after Expon's initial investment.
Yerevan, Armenia · Venture Capital Founded in 2021 by Grigor Hovhannisyan and Karen Vardanyan, Formula VC is a Yerevan-based early-stage fund focused on SaaS, IoT, and AI startups with Armenian roots. Fund I ($7M) was fully deployed into 22 companies including CoinStats, EasyDMARC, BlueQubit, Expper Technologies, and Zoomerang. In February 2025 Formula VC launched Fund II with a $30M target, aiming to back 40 Armenian-founded startups globally at pre-seed and seed. The fund invests $500K–$1M per company and is backed by C-QUADRAT AAM Armenia among other LPs.
Reykjavik, Iceland · Startup Genki Instruments is a Reykjavik music technology hardware company that creates expressive wearable controllers for musicians and producers. Its flagship product, the Wave MIDI ring, lets performers control sound, effects and DAW parameters using natural hand gestures including tilt, pan, roll, vibrato, tap and click — compatible with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools and more. Founded in 2015 by Daniel Gretarsson, Haukur Ragnarsson Isfeld and Jón Helgi Holmgeirsson, the company won the Icelandic Design Prize in 2019. In 2026 Genki shipped the Katla, a new hybrid polyphonic synthesizer, confirming the studio's ongoing hardware output.
Nicosia, Cyprus · Incubator Gravity Ventures is a deep-tech startup incubator and venture builder based in Nicosia, operated by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Centre (CyRIC). Founded in 2016, it is described as the only deep-tech incubator in Cyprus, supporting startups in robotics, AI, IoT, photonics, advanced manufacturing, and MedTech. The programme covers idea validation, product design, prototyping, mentoring, commercialisation, IP protection, and funding access. Gravity Ventures has incubated 18 startups and invested over €10 million across its portfolio.
Malaga, Spain · Event FYCMA's smart-city and sustainable-mobility forum, co-organised with Málaga City Council and AMETIC, running an open call for startups. A good fit for greentech, urban-mobility, and IoT founders targeting municipal and public-sector buyers in southern Spain.
Landshut, Germany · Startup Industrial IoT data platform (formerly dc-square) founded in 2012 in Landshut, providing an MQTT broker, edge gateway and stream governance to connect operational data for clients like BMW and Ford.
Berlin & Krakow, Germany · Incubator Founded 2012. Deutsche Telekom's tech incubator focused on 5G, IoT, and AI with campuses in Berlin and Krakow. Support: corporate seed funding, infrastructure access, expert mentoring, and co-creation pilots with Telekom. Notable alumni include IoT ventures integrated into Deutsche Telekom. Scope: International.
Berlin, Germany · Event Flagship global consumer electronics trade show at Messe Berlin and a major launch platform for hardware and smart-home products. Startup-focused programs such as IFA NEXT help early-stage teams access media, distribution, and manufacturing partners.
Turin & Milan, Italy · Accelerator Founded in 2007, Innogest Capital is a Turin and Milan-based early-stage VC managing over EUR 150M across funds focused on technology and life sciences. The firm invests EUR 0.5-5M at Series A in digital platforms, IoT, healthcare, and industrial tech. Notable portfolio companies include Genenta Science (IPO on Nasdaq), Musement (acquired by TUI), and Pharmacell. Innogest is one of Italy's pioneer independent VC firms with deep networks in the Piedmont and Lombardy tech ecosystems.
London, United Kingdom · Event Massive IoT event co-located with AI & Big Data and Blockchain expos. Price: free Expo Pass; paid passes about GBP 499-1099. Strong for edge computing, industrial IoT, smart cities, and applied IoT across transport and healthcare.
Rome, Italy · Event 14th edition of Europe's largest open-innovation faire, held at the Gazometro Ostiense. Schools, university labs, early-stage startups and independent makers exhibit side by side across robotics, AI, IoT, digital fabrication, agritech, sustainability and space.
Krakow, Poland · Angel Investor Co-founder and partner at Innovation Nest and former VP of Onet.pl, Marek is a veteran of the Polish internet and a key figure in the Krakow tech scene. He is known for product-led support rooted in Lean Launchpad principles and for backing B2B software, AI/ML, and Industry 4.0 companies. Notable portfolio examples include Autenti, Estimote, and Silvair.
Grenoble, France · Support Organization Minalogic is a French competitiveness cluster dedicated to digital transformation in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, microelectronics, IoT, and photonics. With approximately 450 member organizations spanning startups, SMEs, large corporations, and research institutions, Minalogic has facilitated more than 1,040 labeled and funded innovation projects since 2005 and generated over 16,300 B2B meetings since 2012. The cluster is an ecosystem partner of SIDO Lyon and a connector between industry and innovation communities in the region.
Antwerp, Belgium · Startup Nobi makes AI-powered smart ceiling lamps for senior living facilities that detect falls within seconds, alert caregivers instantly and monitor sleep, activity and circadian patterns to prevent incidents. Its model was trained on 250,000+ real-life fall scenarios; in clinical studies across five care homes, Nobi reduced average caregiver response time from over one hour to four minutes and cut falls by 51%. Founded in 2018 in Antwerp by Roeland Pelgrims, Bert De Haes and Stijn Verrept, it closed a €35 M Series B (co-led by Angelini Ventures and Nexus NeuroTech) in January 2025. Nobi is deployed in 22 countries with offices in Belgium, the US and the UK.
Graz, Austria · Startup Nuki is a Graz-based Austrian startup, founded in 2014 by brothers Martin Pansy (CEO) and Jürgen Pansy, that makes retrofit smart locks and access hardware requiring no drilling and fitting most existing European door cylinders in minutes. Its line spans the flagship Smart Lock Ultra — with a brushless motor that unlocks in under a second and a 2025 CES Innovation Award — alongside the Keypad 2 (PIN, fingerprint and NFC), Opener (intercom bridge), Fob and Door Sensor, with compatibility across Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings. Nuki was the first electronic lock with native Matter support and an early adopter of the Aliro NFC access standard, and is privacy-first, requiring no mandatory user account.
By early 2026 Nuki had over 600,000 smart locks deployed, more than one million active users and over two billion locking operations a year, positioning it as Europe's leading smart-lock brand after 50%+ annual sales growth in 2022 and 2023. The company entered the US market in July 2025 and is preparing a door-integrated Smart Module for late 2026. Nuki has raised roughly €22M, led by German growth investor Cipio Partners in a €20M+ 2021 round with Austrian backers Up to Eleven, Fortuna and Venta, and was an earlier strategic partner of Allegion.
Vilnius, Lithuania · Venture Capital Open Circle Capital is a Vilnius-based early-stage fund founded in 2017, backed two-thirds by the Lithuanian public institution INVEGA and one-third by private investors, with a mandate to invest up to €20 million in the commercialisation of Baltic technology. The fund targets ICT, robotics, high-tech, AI, and IoT companies primarily in Lithuania and Northern Europe, writing seed-stage cheques. Its 17-company portfolio has recorded three acquisitions — Frontu, Eddy Travels, and Paysolut — and the partners collectively bring experience spanning more than 80 technology-transfer transactions and seven previous funds. The team has prior exit history with global acquirers including Facebook, Saab, and Eli Lilly.
Warsaw, Poland · Accelerator Corporate accelerator by Orange Polska (est. 2015) focused on 5G, IoT, AI, and customer experience. Provides proof-of-concept projects, telecom mentorship, and access to Orange's global Fab network in 18 countries. Scope: National with global reach.
Berlin, Germany · Startup Berlin-based healthtech company offering an emergency smartwatch paired with a companion app for elderly people living independently. The SIM-enabled device connects to a 24/7 emergency call centre at the press of a button and keeps family members informed. Serves 25,000 users and has handled over 500,000 emergency calls.
Kyiv, Ukraine · Startup Pet-tech company founded in Kyiv in 2012 making interactive pet cameras with treat dispensers, GPS trackers and AI safety alerts, plus a Petcube Care subscription and online vet service.
Budapest, Hungary · Venture Capital PortfoLion is the venture capital and growth equity arm of OTP Bank, Hungary's largest bank, managing approximately €440 million in AUM across three distinct funds targeting seed, growth, and turnaround stages. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Budapest, it is the most prominent institutional VC in the CEE region by assets under management, with 64 portfolio companies across Hungary and wider Central and Eastern Europe. Its seed fund deploys €500k–€3 million per ticket and the growth fund €5–30 million, with notable investments including SEON (which went on to raise $150 million from Creandum and IVP) and Tresorit (acquired by Swiss Post). The firm has a team of 33 professionals including five partners.
Rijswijk, Netherlands · Startup Rijswijk-based robotics startup that automates EV charging for commercial fleets with a soft robotic arm guided by AI computer vision. Its M1 system serves up to ten robotaxi bays from a single overhead unit, eliminating the need for human cable connection in depot and industrial port operations. Raised $56M total, latest $13M from Capricorn Partners.
Bergen, Norway · Startup ScanReach is a Bergen-based maritime IoT company founded in 2015 that provides wireless connectivity inside vessels and offshore installations. Its platform overcomes the challenge of wireless data transmission through complex steel environments, enabling real-time Personnel On-Board tracking for search and rescue, plus asset monitoring, fuel consumption analytics and equipment health data. The company raised NOK 40 million from Norwegian investor Sigurd Steen Aase and secured NOK 18.5 million from Innovation Norway for development milestones. ScanReach partnered with NAVTOR in 2024 to integrate onboard IoT data into the NavFleet ship operations platform.
Bratislava, Slovakia · Startup Sensoneo provides enterprise-grade smart waste management systems that digitize collection workflows for cities and waste operators. Using ultrasonic sensors in bins and route-optimization software, it helps cities like Madrid and Prague reduce costs and emissions. The company is expanding into deposit return systems (DRS) software and broader circular-economy infrastructure. By 2026, Sensoneo is a recognized European leader in smart waste.
Brno, Czech Republic · Startup Sewio is a Brno-based company specializing in ultra-wideband (UWB) real-time location systems (RTLS) for indoor tracking of assets, vehicles, and people in industrial environments. Its platform delivers centimeter-level positioning accuracy inside warehouses, factories, and logistics centers where GPS signals cannot reach. Sewio's technology is used for workflow optimization, safety zone enforcement, and forklift fleet management by manufacturers and logistics operators worldwide. The company is a recognized leader in the European RTLS market and was acquired by Siemens subsidiary Enlighted in 2022.
Lyon, France · Event SIDO Lyon is Europe's leading B2B show for IoT, AI, robotics, and XR, organised by Infopro Digital Trade Shows at the Cité Internationale de Lyon on 16–17 September 2026. The 2026 edition gathers 300+ exhibitors and around 210 speakers across some 70 conference sessions, with dedicated zones for sustainable tech (Impact by SIDO) and collaborative robotics (Innorobo by SIDO).
Graz, Austria · Startup smaXtec builds ingestible sensor and AI monitoring systems for dairy cows to detect health issues early and improve herd management decisions, competing with precision livestock platforms such as Allflex, CowManager, and Nedap.
Prague, Czech Republic · Startup PropTech platform unifying workplace apps and building systems (BMS, HVAC, lighting, access, IoT) into one AI-driven layer for space utilization, booking, digital twins and ESG tracking across real estate portfolios.
Malmo, Sweden · Accelerator Founded in 2009 in Malmo, Spintop Ventures is a Nordic early-stage VC investing EUR 0.5-3M at seed and Series A in enterprise software, digital consumer platforms, and IoT. The firm manages over EUR 150M across multiple funds and focuses on B2B SaaS and data-driven businesses in Sweden and the broader Nordics. Portfolio companies include Bambuser (live video shopping), Doktor.se (digital health), and Ingrid (e-commerce delivery). Spintop provides hands-on operational support in sales, recruitment, and go-to-market strategy.
Parma, Italy · Event SPS Italia 2026 was the 14th edition of Italy's leading trade fair for industrial automation and digital manufacturing, held 26-28 May 2026 at Fiere di Parma and organised by Messe Frankfurt Italia. The edition drew 37,528 attendees and 720 exhibitors across six pavilions, built around five core themes — cyber security, AI agents, software-defined manufacturing, robotics & Physical AI, and ESG. A Digital District (Industrial IT, Focus AI, Start-Ups, Academy), 50+ conferences across three arenas, and the SPS Italia UP Challenge for startups make it a key selling and partnership venue for industrial-tech founders.
Amsterdam, Netherlands · Accelerator Amsterdam hub of Startupbootcamp (est. 2010) running 3-month accelerators in fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, IoT, and commerce. Provides EUR 15K seed funding, 6% equity, mentorship, and partner deals; alumni include early Adyen mentoring. Scope: International.
Stockholm, Sweden · Event Nordic region's leading digital-transformation expo at Kistamässan, with six co-located shows on AI & Big Data, Cloud, Cyber Security, DevOps, Data Centre, and Mobile. Free entry, 5,000+ visitors, 250+ exhibitors.
Belgrade, Serbia · Startup Strawberry Energy is a Belgrade-founded smart-city and clean-tech startup best known for Strawberry Tree, a solar-powered public charging and urban-data station that became one of the first widely deployed pieces of street furniture combining renewable energy, IoT sensing, and free phone charging for cities. Founded in 2011 by Miloš Milisavljević while he was still a university student, the company has placed its units across the Balkans, the UK, and the Middle East, and expanded into smart-city data platforms that feed environmental, footfall, and air-quality metrics back to municipalities. Strawberry was recognized early as a European clean-tech pioneer, winning the European Commission's 'European Champion' award and being featured in MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35. For the directory it is a strong example of physical-product clean-tech built from Serbia, a counterpoint to the region's dominant gaming and SaaS stories.
Paris, France · Event First edition of an Industry 4.0 trade show at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, with 100+ exhibitors, 4,000+ visitors and 40+ conferences on industrial software, IT/OT convergence, AI, connected robotics and supply chain 4.0.
Amsterdam, Netherlands · Event A large enterprise-technology event of eight co-located shows under one roof at RAI Amsterdam, spanning AI and Big Data, Cyber Security and Cloud, IoT, Digital Transformation, Intelligent Automation, Edge Computing and Data Centres. It draws thousands of attendees, 200-plus speakers and exhibitors, targeting CTOs, data and AI leaders and digital transformation executives.
Pasching, Austria · Startup Tractive builds GPS tracking and health-monitoring products for dogs and cats. Tractive is a startup based in Pasching, Austria at the growth stage. The company operates in the Pet Tech, IoT, Wearables space. Founded in 2012. Learn more at their website.
Athens, Greece · Venture Capital Uni.Fund was founded in 2018 in Athens by Katerina Pramatari (Professor at Athens University of Economics and Business), Panos Lioulias, Sotiris Papantonopoulos, and Stelios Eliakis, with backing from the EquiFund programme. Fund I deployed €30M into 23 pre-seed and seed companies commercialising research from universities and research institutions across Greece and Europe. Uni.Fund II launched in 2023 with a €50M target, extending the same thesis to spin-offs and deep-tech startups at pre-seed through early Series A. Focus sectors include IoT, fintech, healthcare, robotics, and SaaS.
Milan, Italy · Venture Capital Founded in 2013 by Massimiliano Magrini (former Google Italy MD) and Paolo Gesess, United Ventures is one of Italy's leading independent technology-focused VC firms, with cumulative AUM approaching €500 million across three funds including a €150 million early-stage Fund III (launched 2023) and a dedicated growth vehicle, UV T-Growth. The firm targets software, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, and marketplace companies predominantly at Series A, co-investing across Italy and Europe. Its portfolio of 51 companies has generated 10 acquisitions and 2 IPOs; landmark investments include Musixmatch (10x+ return on exit to TPG), Everli (Series C lead, €22 million), and Cleafy (Series B, 2026).
Sofia, Bulgaria · Venture Capital Founded in 2020 and based in Sofia, Vitosha Venture Partners is a €26M micro-VC co-financed by the European Structural and Investment Funds via the Bulgarian Fund of Funds. Led by a six-partner team including Erik Anderson, Max Gurvits, and Marin Iliev, the fund targets Bulgarian and Bulgaria-related early-stage tech startups with tickets ranging from €25K to €1M across seed and pre-seed rounds. The fund has invested in over 100 companies across enterprise applications, fintech, consumer tech, and vertical SaaS, with recent deals including Krik.bg (media-tech) and AIoTcloud. A second fund expanding to the wider SEE region was publicly signalled in 2024.
Barcelona, Spain · Startup Wallbox designs and manufactures smart EV charging hardware and energy management software, selling chargers in 100+ countries. Co-founded in 2015 by ex-Tesla engineer Enric Asunción and Eduard Castañeda, the company listed on the NYSE in 2021. Its Barcelona factory produces up to 1 million chargers annually. Q1 2026 revenue reached €29.7M with a 37.3% gross margin. A major Iberdrola contract for 10,000 Hypernova ultrafast public chargers is set to double ultrafast public charging in Spain, cementing Wallbox as the European leader in home and commercial EV charging.
Madrid, Spain · Accelerator Founded 2011. Telefonica's open innovation hub connecting startups to telecom, IoT, and cybersecurity opportunities; typically invests around EUR 150K for equity and provides partnerships. Supports 500+ startups across 10 countries; notable alum Carto. Scope: International.
Dublin, Ireland · Startup Wia is a Dublin-based IoT cloud platform that helps businesses monitor occupancy, air quality, and energy consumption in real time to create smarter and more sustainable environments. Founded in 2015 by Conall Laverty, the platform is used by over 10,000 clients across 100 countries. Backed by Suir Valley Ventures and Enterprise Ireland, Wia has raised approximately €1 million in venture capital and its founder was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe. The company positions itself as an accessible developer-friendly IoT infrastructure layer.
Warsaw, Poland · Event CEE-focused networking summit in Warsaw with 2,000+ in-person attendees, 500+ investors, and hybrid participation from across Central and Eastern Europe. Founder tickets typically EUR 300-700. Core value is high-volume matchmaking through pre-scheduled 15-minute investor-founder meetings across SaaS, IoT, PropTech, and deep tech, a top CEE deal-flow event.
Zagreb, Croatia · Innovation Hub Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER) is a publicly supported hub offering incubation, acceleration, and coworking services for tech startups. It runs four acceleration tracks (Startup Factory, Growth, Global, Deep Tech) backed by a EUR 300,000 investment fund, and provides access to ZICERLab for hardware and product development. The centre houses roughly 80 companies across sectors including AI, IoT, greentech, and electronics.