Speedinvest

AllFocal Optics (formerly Lark Optics) recreates human vision using nanophotonic lens technology for the ultimate virtual experience. The Cambridge-based deep tech’s cutting-edge thin nanophotonic lenses allow users to visually access virtual information in the real world without the nausea and discomfort typically associated with virtual, augmented, and mixed reality — marking a significant advancement in overcoming a critical obstacle to the mass adoption of XR hardware and applications. AllFocal’s optical technology also paves the way for using digital visuals in everyday life, including being built into cars to display sat-nav directions on windscreens, displaying vital medical information on smart glasses during procedures, and nausea-free interactions with virtual games in physical settings. The first trials of AllFocal Optics in-car settings will take place early next year in partnership with Jaguar LandRover, and lenses are set to be in augmented reality glasses and virtual reality headsets in the next two years. Rick (Jingchun) Hao, Partner with our Deep Tech investment team, says, “AllFocal has unique technologies that are fundamentally changing the way nanophotonics are designed. Their patented technology is the key enabler for a variety of industries, including smart glasses, heads-up display, and defense. We are thrilled to support Pawan Shrestha, Professor Daping Chu, Xin Chang, Dr Ash Saulsbury, and the team as they push the boundaries of visual technology. AllFocal is recreating human vision via its technology, which is critical to the future of any industry.” Sifted has more on the $5.3 million Seed round led by our Deep Tech team, which includes grants from Innovate UK. Link in the comments ⬇ #virtualreality #uktech #deeptech #venturecapital

Hiring diverse talent when building a climate hardware startup can be difficult, but we’re here to help 💪 Limited resources, the convenience of hiring from familiar networks, and niche technical requirements that limit the pool of applicants can all make hiring diverse teams more difficult. But the proven benefits of hiring diverse teams far outweigh the challenges! Countless studies have found that diverse teams enhance the long-term success of companies. McKinsey & Company, for example, found that the top quartile of companies for ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to outperform their less diverse peers financially. That’s why we’ve enhanced our exclusive Climate Hardware Playbook built in collaboration with Norrsken VC and Planet A Ventures to support you and your hiring teams. Dive in below to get practical tips and proven methods for attracting, hiring, and retaining top and diverse talent for your climate tech company today ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e8GnQ2dc #climatetech #hardware #dei #venturecapital 

Are you a Biotech and Pharma clinical trial and innovation leader? Join us for our virtual Demo Day: The Future of Clinical Trials on Thursday, 24 October 2024 at 16:00 – 17:30 CET. Explore how technology is transforming clinical trials, from patient recruitment to improving real time intelligence. Hear directly from pioneering startups: Lindus Health, Rivia, Stitch, IOMED, Carelane, TrialHub. We only have a few spots left! Click the link below to request a spot ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dKErpdes #DigitalHealth #Pharma #Biotech

Our portfolio company Surfboard has been acquired by global AI-powered customer intelligence and communications platform Dialpad. Since our investment in 2022, CEO and founder Natasha Ratanshi-Stein 🏄🏼♀️ has worked tirelessly to disrupt the workforce management industry, combining Surfboard's technology with an intuitive user experience to transform customer service teams into profit centers. Dialpad’s acquisition of Surfboard aligns perfectly with their strategy to enhance workforce management (WFM) capabilities, empowering customer service teams with innovative, AI-driven solutions. With Dialpad’s global reach and advanced technology, Surfboard will continue its mission to redefine the customer service industry while expanding its product suite to modern companies of all sizes. Deepali Nangia, Partner at Speedinvest, says “I had known Natasha since her investor days at Piton and she was super at whatever she did. We had the privilege of backing her in her entrepreneurship journey alongside our friends at Seedcamp & Fly Ventures. Super excited that she has found a brilliant home in Dialpad and can't wait to see how she continues to build and scale the company.” Learn more about the merger and what this dynamic partnership will bring to businesses worldwide ⬇ https://lnkd.in/e4A_kqVC Frederik Hagenauer, Sagar Haria

autone raises $17m from General Catalyst to shape a new era of retail inventory management built on data. The Paris-based inventory management platform is helping retailers transform their businesses through AI-powered optimal inventory management. Founded in 2021 by Adil Bouhdadi and Harry Glucksmann Cheslaw after they created a data-driven inventory decision platform for Alexander McQueen that trippled the brands revenue in 5 years, autone is now trusted by more than 50 global brands including Courreges, Roberto Cavalli, Stussy, and Zadig & Voltaire. With brands reporting a 55% reduction on inventory, a 25% increase in accuracy in forecasting, a 30% sales increase, and 45 hours a week of manual work, autone will use the funding to further expand across Europe & enter the US market. Frederik Hagenauer, Partner with our SaaS & Infra investment team, says, “Having backed Adil & Harry since shortly after they left Alexandar McQueen, there’s never been a doubt in our mind this is the uniquely best team to tackle the inventory challenge for Europe’s largest brands and unlock billions of dollars in value for these iconic companies.” Speedinvest is thrilled to continue supporting autone as part of their $17M Series A led by General Catalyst with participation from all existing investors including, Y Combinator, Seedcamp, 2100 Ventures, Motier Ventures, Financière Saint James, and notable business angels from LVMH, SEPHORA and Moncler. Tech Crunch has more information ⬇ https://lnkd.in/gzkpjpCN

Nomos is taking on traditional power structures in the energy sector by enabling energy OEMs and installers to become full-service energy providers. As a fully licensed and regulated electricity retailer, the Berlin-based company offers dynamic electricity plans to OEMs and installers of heat pump and solar products, transforming them into comprehensive one-stop shops for modern energy solutions. Nomos' easy-to-use API allows B2B clients to access dynamic electricity plans and take full advantage of fluctuating energy prices, without upfront costs or the hassle of legal and operational complexities. Frederik Hagenauer, Partner with our SaaS & Infra team, says, “Europe has a significant demand for sustainable, transparent, and cost-effective energy solutions. Nomos supplies a crucial building block for the future of residential energy. The onboarding of several B2B customers shortly after launching highlights the strength of their technology. We can't wait to support Stefan and Nils on their growth journey as the green transition moves forward.” Speedinvest led Nomos’ $2.1 m pre-Seed round with participation from prominent entrepreneurs including Eric Quidenus-Wahlforss (Co-Founder of Soundcloud & Dance), Henrik Langeland (Co-Founder & CEO of Enode), Nicolas Benady (Co-Founder & CEO of Swan), and the founding team of Forto. Tech.eu has more on Nomos’ immediate plans for the German market and plans to expand throughout Europe ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/d7geMVxj

Deepali Nangia is named the Linklaters Pioneering Woman of the Year 🎉 For 60 years, UK-based 'Women of the Year' has recognized women whose work upholds communities and builds and sustains them for the future. This year, Deepali was awarded the night's highest honor for her longstanding and passionate commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs worldwide. Aedamar Comiskey, Linklaters Senior Partner and Chair, London, said, “It was a privilege to award Deepali with our Linklaters’ Pioneering Woman of the Year Award. Deepali’s work in helping to break down barriers for diverse entrepreneurs is fantastic – she’s a very deserving winner.” We couldn’t agree more! Read more about the 'Women of the Year' event and meet this year’s other amazing recipients ⬇ https://lnkd.in/e2ZEtait #femalefounders #dei #venturecapital

MiLaboratories increases total funding to $10M to further revolutionize the world of genomic research. Millions in Series A capital comes as MiLabs launches its cutting-edge Platforma.bio Software Development Kit (SDK). The intuitive, scalable tool reduces biologists' dependency on bioinformaticians, speeds up data processing, and integrates seamlessly with existing systems—accelerating research and fostering greater collaboration in genomics. As part of MiLabs mission to democratize access to complex data to empower research, the Platform.bio kit is free and fully accessible for academic scientists, enabling them to develop custom analytical tools and applications to expedite drug discovery. Andrea Zitna, Partner with our Health & Tech Bio team, says, “MiLabs is simplifying advanced biology tools, making them easily accessible to scientists. By automating much of the complex processes, they are transforming how biologists analyze genomic data to drive drug discovery and advance adjacent fields in medicine.” We’re proud to continue supporting Alexey Nechaev, Stanislav Poslavsky, Dmitriy Bolotin, Dmitriy Chudakov, and the team in their Series A funding round led by Kfund with participation from Acrobator Ventures | Acrobator.vc, TEN13, Somersault Ventures, EGB Capital, and Courtyard Ventures. TechCrunch has more on the funding, the Platform.bio kit, and MiLab’s future plans ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e2SVGx7a #healthtech #biotech #biology #venturecapital

forward earth secures €4.5M to accelerate the global expansion of its AI-powered environmental management software. By embedding environmental management into the existing business software of hundreds of thousands of companies, the Berlin-based company simplifies the process of data collection, reporting, and regulatory compliance, particularly for businesses facing pressure from new regulations in the EU, U.K., and the U.S. We’re excited to continue supporting founders Dr. Micha Schildmann, Cari Davidson, and Giuseppe Gentile in their Seed round led by Mosaic Ventures with participation from Revent and multiple high-profile angel investors. TechCrunch has more on the funding, the company’s upcoming expansion into the US, and plans to tackle the Asian market in the coming months  ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eH9RHJ95 #esg #sustainability #supplychain #venturecapital

"Embrace the chaos: High volatility creates opportunities but only relentless focus and obsession will let you seize them." In his latest blog post, Frederik Hagenauer of our SaaS & Infra investment team shares his thoughts on navigating the AI era as a B2B SaaS founder.   Discover how to stay focused, leverage AI for competitive advantage, and seize the opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving landscape. https://lnkd.in/eznm7gby #AI #B2BSaaS #StartupAdvice #VentureCapital