Upcoming Start-Ups to Watch Out for in Cologne That Have Gained Notability
Cologne, Germany, is home to a vibrant startup scene that continues to grow and thrive. This bustling city is the birthplace of numerous innovative companies, each striving to make their mark in their respective industries. In this article, we delve into the dynamic startup ecosystem of Cologne, exploring the favourable conditions for founders, the investments flowing into groundbreaking ideas, and the startups setting new impulses.
Jupus: AI Platform for the Legal Sector
One of the standout Cologne-based startups is Jupus, an AI platform for the legal sector. Founded in 2022 by Rene Fergen, Jupus has raised $8.7 million in funding [1]. The platform aims to automate the intake of cases for lawyers without replacing personal care by the lawyer, thus increasing efficiency and productivity.
Other Notable Cologne Startups
While specific details about the business models and current funding for many startups mentioned in this article may not be readily available, we can highlight some of the promising companies that call Cologne home.
- NaroIQ: NaroIQ offers a white-label fund infrastructure, enabling companies to set up and manage their own ETFs and funds. The company recently received an investment of 5.85 million euros from Magnetic, Redstone, General Catalyst, and other investors [1].
- Lumoview: Lumoview specializes in the digital capture, processing, and provision of building data. The PropTech startup recently received an investment of 3 million euros from Greencode Ventures, IBB Ventures, WakeUp Capital, and other investors.
- Specter Automation: Specter Automation focuses on digitizing construction execution through 3D model-based management. The ConTech startup recently received an investment of 5 million euros from Shilling, Almaz Capital, Pawao, superangels, and other investors.
- Octonomy: Octonomy develops AI agents to automate corporate processes. The AI startup recently received an investment of 5 million euros from Capnamic Ventures.
- Planted: Initially focused on mixed forests for CO2 compensation, Planted has grown into a solution for CO2 management and reporting. The company recently received an investment of 5 million euros from TechVision Fonds, WENVEST Capital, neoteq ventures, AWS Gründungsfonds, Smart Infrastructure Ventures, and other investors.
- Scalara: Scalara focuses on digital real estate management. The PropTech startup recently received an investment of 3 million euros from the BfW Bank.
- Experial: Experial aims to help companies perform market tests, campaign analyses, and product feedback in real-time without using personal data. The startup recently received an investment of 2 million euros from Capnamic Ventures, xdeck, and other business angels.
- Alteva: Alteva develops ultra-lightweight and high-performance battery cells for the decarbonization of the global transport sector. The startup, founded in 2023, received an investment of 1.7 million euros from the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators, NRW.BANK, and business angels.
- Mogenius: Mogenius offers easy setup and management of cloud infrastructure. The startup, founded in 2021, received an investment of 500,000 euros from D11Z.Ventures.
- CannaZen: CannaZen aims to establish itself as a medical cannabis delivery service. The startup recently received an investment of 500,000 euros from investors from the cannabis industry.
- Hellgrün: Hellgrün is a FinTech startup focusing on investments in solar energy. The company recently received an investment of 500,000 euros from the Berlin-based investment company Saxovent.
- Sushel Bijganath and Oliver Trabert founded octonomy, an AI startup based in Cologne.
The Wider German Startup Scene
The broader German startup scene also saw significant funding in June 2025, with notable investments in companies like Helsing and Scalable Capital [2]. Cologne is just one example of the thriving startup ecosystems found across Germany.
Job Opportunities in Cologne
For those looking for a new challenge, the job board on the CologneBusiness website offers listings from startups and companies in various sectors.
Supporting the Cologne Startup Ecosystem
CologneBusiness plays a crucial role in promoting the framework conditions for founders, connecting them with investors, and offering targeted support as the central point of contact for the startup and innovation scene in Cologne.
This article is supported by CologneBusiness and can be found on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram under the hashtag #CologneBusiness.
[1] Funding information is based on the search results available at the time of writing and may not be up-to-date. For detailed information on specific business models and funding rounds for the other startups, it might be necessary to consult more specialized startup databases or reach out directly to the companies.
- The AI startup Octonomy, based in Cologne, developed AI agents to automate corporate processes and recently received an investment of 5 million euros from Capnamic Ventures.
- In the cybersecurity sector, NaroIQ is a white-label fund infrastructure startup from Cologne that recently secured an investment of 5.85 million euros from Magnetic, Redstone, General Catalyst, and others.
