DeepTech, or Deep Technology, refers to startups and companies that focus on creating groundbreaking innovations through significant scientific or engineering advancements. Unlike traditional tech startups focusing on software or digital platforms, DeepTech ventures engage in complex R&D to create innovations in fields like biotechnology, AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials. These startups tackle fundamental scientific challenges and often have longer development cycles, but their solutions address major societal issues such as climate change, health crises, and energy shortages. DeepTech typically integrates multiple scientific disciplines, blending fields like biology with computer science. 

The 15th HHL SpinLab Investors Day started with the keynote "CEE from a VC perspective" by Alexandru Agatinei from How to Web. Events such as the Wolves Summit or the Latitude59 have made a lasting impact on us over the years. According to a recent report by Dealroom, CEE startups are now worth €213 billion, with Poland, Ukraine, and Estonia contributing 50% of the region's enterprise value. 

At this year’s HHL SpinLab Investors Day #15, more than 200 guests, including venture capital funds, business angels, and corporates from all over Europe – France, Belgium, Tallinn, Poland, and Italy – came to Leipzig. One of this year's topics was shifting from software to hardware startups. 

At this year's HHL SpinLab Investor Days, Bjorn Tremmerie, Head of Venture Capital and Impact Investing at the European Investment Fund (EIF), took the stage to deliver the opening keynote. He discussed the future of Funds of Funds and why Europe has become THE center for entrepreneurship. In this article, we explore the key takeaways from Tremmerie's speech and its implications for European ventures.

This year's HHL SpinLab Investors day edition was an incredible showcase of innovative startups and visionary venture capitalists, all under one roof! This time, it wasn't just the startups that pitched, but also the venture capitalists who took the stage. Each fund brings its unique approach, expertise, and financial backing to the table, ensuring that promising early-stage companies receive the support they need to thrive. With a focus on sectors such as clean energy, mobility, and health, these venture capital firms are reshaping the European startup ecosystem and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here are six European venture capital funds that you need to check out.

Never before has so much venture capital flowed into startups as in the past year. 2021 was a record year with mega deals and new unicorns. For the first time ever, European startups raised over $100 billion. This represented a 115% increase in the funding amount from 2020. Currently, VC funding receives the most attention in the media. For young startups, it seems to be the best way of funding. However, there are more alternatives to the classic VC money. As part of the 13th edition of the HHL SpinLab Investors Day, Damian Polok (Silicon Valley Bank), Isabella Hermann-Schön (Round2 Capital), Paul Becker (re:cap) and Patrick Walsh (uncapped) came together in Leipzig to discuss venture capital alternatives. This panel dives into the questions whether the alternatives are in conflict with the VC world, what factors to be aware of when it comes to financing and how the diffrent options work.