TECH5: The top 5 scaleups from DACH join the 'Champions League of Tech'

      Five rapidly growing scaleups from the DACH region have made it to TECH5 — often referred to as the "Champions League of Technology." The DACH participants overcame tough competition to qualify for the finals, which will determine the top scaleup in Europe. This region, consisting of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, combines strong industrial foundations, significant R&D investments, prestigious research institutions, and an expanding startup network. Together, these nations form a formidable regional technology force, each possessing distinct advantages.

      Germany is at the forefront with a thriving startup ecosystem in Berlin and a robust deep tech hub in Munich, having attracted the second largest total VC investment in Europe last year, following the UK. Austria's compact yet dynamic ecosystem has a notable history in greentech and health innovation, particularly centered in Vienna, which was recognized as the world’s most liveable city for the third consecutive year in 2024 by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

      Switzerland features a blend of scientific prowess, fintech innovation, and leadership in blockchain technology. In 2024, it topped the Global Innovation Index (GII) for the 14th year in a row. The DACH region started 2025 strong in terms of funding, with a year-on-year increase in deal value. According to Pitchbook, it generated €12bn in exit value in Q1, marking a 20% rise compared to the average quarterly value over the past five years.

      Scaleups from all three DACH countries qualified for TECH5 based on an evaluation of their growth, impact, and future potential, and were presented in random order. Here’s a closer look at the scaleups:

      1. **The Exploration Company**

      The Exploration Company is emerging as a leader in European space travel. This Franco-German scaleup creates reusable, modular spacecraft to make space access more affordable and sustainable, expanding the possibilities for a wider ecosystem. Founder and CEO Hélène Huby aims to democratize access to space. “By collaborating across borders and sectors, we can transform space exploration into a cooperative venture rather than a competition among nations, ensuring accessibility and fostering innovation that benefits many,” Huby shared with TNW. The company had a highly successful 2024, raising €151.6mn in a Series B funding round and securing a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for developing cargo shuttle vehicles for low Earth orbit. The year has started strong, with the German aerospace agency becoming an anchor customer for their Nyx spacecraft.

      2. **Neustark**

      Switzerland’s Neustark is on a bold mission to remove 1 million tons of CO₂ by 2030. The company’s strategy involves storing CO₂ from the atmosphere in recycled mineral waste, particularly in demolished concrete, identified as “the world’s largest waste stream.” Neustark’s approach mineralizes CO₂ within the concrete aggregate, thereby eliminating the compound from the air and storing it permanently. Co-founder and co-CEO Johannes Tiefenthaler stated, “We must significantly accelerate CO₂ removal to meet net-zero targets by 2050. Achieving this will require deploying scalable, measurable, and commercially viable carbon removal solutions globally.” Founded in 2019 by Tiefenthaler and Valentin Gutknecht as an ETH Zurich spin-off, Neustark raised $69mn in its largest funding round to expand its carbon capture technology internationally last year.

      3. **Metaloop**

      As the only Austrian representative in the DACH finals, Metaloop aims to transform the global metal recycling sector. The scaleup has created an all-in-one platform for metal scrap trading, using a matchmaking system that connects buyers and sellers in real time. This enables clients to generate revenue, save time, and promote sustainability. The platform also combats fraud, improves transparency, and streamlines supply chains, which are vital for the traditionally obscure and fragmented metal scrap industry. Metaloop has quickly gained recognition, being named by the Financial Times as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies for the third consecutive year in 2024. The company states, "By linking industrial manufacturers directly with certified smelters, we guarantee fair pricing, consistent quality, and efficient logistics, transforming scrap metal from a liability into a reliable, high-value asset."

      4. **Vytal**

      Prior to competing for TECH5, Germany’s Vytal was already recognized as the leading provider of smart reusable packaging solutions. Established in 2019, Vytal has designed innovative sustainable containers for takeaway and delivery food. The scaleup has attracted significant investment, recently raising €14.2mn to support its international expansion. This funding round was spearheaded by Inven Capital, a VC firm focused on scaling climate technology. Dr. Tim Breker, co-founder and managing director of Vytal, commented, "This new funding follows a remarkably successful 2024 for our team." With Inven Capital's expertise, Vytal aims to enhance its