Latest news with #deeptech
Entrepreneur
a day ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Inside IvyCap's Tech Playbook
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. A homegrown venture capital firm, and at the helm of it, founder and managing partner, Vikram Gupta, whose tech-focused investment thesis is making careful bets in artificial intelligence (AI), healthtech, and other deep tech sectors. The firm's origin is unique: a venture capital fund backed by Indian institutional money and a strong IIT alumni trust. Through this, IvyCap is scaling up capital, with the idea to invest in very early-stage startups. "And these new age technologies, which are in very early stages in their TRL (technology readiness level) 1, 2, 3 stages, to helping them build a very unique kind of technology stacks. And we've been quite fortunate to have made a lot of room and a lot of progress there," says Gupta. Vikram says the idea is to help provide grants to such disruptive technologies. The firm is going into the deep pockets of all the IITs, IIMs, ISB, Indian Institute of Science, and others, leveraging these technologies and helping build centers of excellence. "That's how we can spot these technologies early on and even fund them for commercialization or even scale up." The VC firm sees huge opportunities across deep tech, emerging tech areas. According to Gupta, there are quite a few examples of disruptions, for example, AI being an overarching theme has multiple areas, including vertical AI, horizontal AI, and infrastructure AI. "Vertical AI is catering to sectors such as financial services, health care, or insurance. That is a unique opportunity building up. Horizontal AI, on the other hand, is building a lot of agentic AI tools and other AI disruptive technologies, which are catering to various models. And the infrastructure AI is working towards creating a lot of hardware support systems, like semiconductors, and setting up data centers and other things, which support the AI processing. So we are investing across all three areas," says Gupta. Gupta also adds that the firm is looking at opportunities across areas such as space tech, defence tech, IoT devices, and other similar hardware technologies. "In addition, there are opportunities in blockchain and other areas as well. So we are going deeper in each of these areas through our collaborations with the IoTs and identifying specific talent across each of these verticals and horizontals." Gupta believes that India is sitting at a very unique place to leverage these areas, and a lot of talent is now getting involved. "And with our funding and a lot of grant capital that we are building as a large pool of capital are likely to build this further." However, it is not easy to catch these technology trends early on, with the firm looking at people involved in solving specific problems. "We look for the passion they have in driving these technologies." "We also look at the specific business models being targeted and the understanding of the commercial side in terms of the problem getting solved. And I think some of these ideas are very disruptive. So when they're very disruptive, the risk is also very high." Sometimes, these bets could become capital-intensive over a period of time, with the firm having to look at various factors. "But if you were to break it down across different buckets, so one bucket is the bucket of the entrepreneur and the team, which is looking at their backgrounds. The second bucket is the business model, geographical spread, etc. There are all those kinds of things that we evaluate from a business model perspective. And the third piece is about the scale potential in terms of how large this can be," says Gupta. Factsheet: Corpus size: INR 5,000 crore Portfolio: 55 Companies Dragon Exits: Purplle at INR 330 Cr
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Switzerland Transformed Itself Into A Deep Tech Global Leader
ETH Zurich has become a world leader for spin-out tech firms Most people asked to name the world's leading locations for technology innovation would probably point to Silicon Valley or, on the other side of the Atlantic, Cambridge and Oxford in the UK, or even Israel. However, new data charts the quiet rise of another global leader: Switzerland has developed into one of the world's most exciting deep tech ecosystems, the report claims. The Swiss Deep Tech Report 2025, published by Startupticker and the venture capital investment firms Founderful and Kickfund, reveals that Swiss deep tech companies have now collectively created more than $100 billion worth of enterprise value. Switzerland now ranks first in Europe and third worldwide in terms of venture capital funding per capita, the report points out. There is more to come, argues Alex Stöckl, the founding partner of Founderful. 'The trajectory of the past five years suggests we're going to see even more growth over the next five years,' Stöckl says. 'What is to come is crazy: we're now tracking 200 super-early deep tech companies in an ecosystem that is set to grow exponentially.' By 'deep tech', the report founders mean technology developed out of academic or scientific research and development – as opposed to innovation from an entrepreneur. Switzerland's advantage in this regard is that it is home to two of the world's leading scientific universities; ETH Zurich and EPFL, based in Lausanne, have seen more spin-out businesses than any university in Europe other than Oxford and Cambridge. The fact these institutions do not charge tuition fees – and levy only modest administration charges for foreign students – has attracted applications from students worldwide. And this influx of talent has also seen some of the world's biggest technology companies set up bases in Switzerland – Google, Microsoft, Meta and Nvidia all have significant operations in the country; they have recently been joined by artificial intelligence leaders including OpenAI and Anthropic. Certainly, AI is part of the Swiss story, with notable startups such as Neural Concept and raising $27.0 million and $16.6 million respectively over the past year. 'Zurich has quietly become an AI powerhouse,' says Nathan Benaich, the founding partner of Air Street Capital. 'With a deep pool of world-class engineers and researchers, anchored by the likes of Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, and increasingly ambitious academic communities driven by ETHZ, the city is a prime ecosystem for creating AI-first companies.' However, other sectors also boast multiple success stories. In robotics, for example, Anybotics raised $60.0 million at the end of 2024 while RIVR picked up $22.0m last summer. Climate tech, medtech and biotech are all significant sub-sectors of the Swiss deep tech industry. Semiconductors and quantum computing are also important areas of focus. Investors also point to the growing co-operation between start-ups and established companies in Switzerland. 'Whatʼs especially compelling is how tech-forward Swiss corporates are stepping up and actively collaborating with spin-offs from world class institutions such as ETH and EPFL, serving as design partners and helping bring cutting-edge technologies to market,' says Andrei Brasoveanu, a partner at Accel. As a result, investment in Swiss deep tech businesses continues to grow. The report suggests they raised $1.9 billion last year, up from $1.4 billion in 2023 – and that the sector is on course to raise a further $2.3 billion in 2025. 'I see Switzerland as the Israel of Europe,' adds Stöckl. 'Switzerland has become a deep tech powerhouse on the global stage,' argues Nicolas Autret, a partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures. 'Swiss success stories like ANYbotics, Scandit, and Climeworks are due to the convergence of several factors ranging from Swiss academic excellence, a strong IP culture, and close collaboration with Swiss industrial leaders.' Established unicorn businesses in Switzerland with $1 billion-plus valuations include the latter two firms referenced by Autret, as well companies including Crispr Therapeutics, Proton and Sonar. But the report's authors are equally excited by emerging companies just beginning to take off. They cite examples including DePoly in the climatetech subsector, AI specialist Lakera, LimmaTech in biotechnology and Voliro in the spacetech arena. 'Switzerland's top-ranked innovation clusters in Zürich, Basel and the greater Lausanne/Geneva area have been using their existing strengths and unparalleled skills base to reposition and fortify in fields such as medical technology, biotech, robotics and AI applications,' says Sacha Wunsch-Vincent co-editor of the Global Innovation Index at the World Intellectual Property Organization. 'This puts Switzerland at the forefront of the next wave of global innovation.'
Wamda
5 days ago
- Business
- Wamda
Aria Ventures launches $1 million fund to bolster deeptech investment in Egypt
Aria Ventures, an Egypt-based venture studio focused on building deeptech startups, has announced the launch of a $1 million (EGP 50 million) investment to support promising early-stage companies between 2025 and 2026. The firm plans to grow this commitment to $4 million over the next four years. The fund targets high-impact innovation across deeptech sectors, including industry, agriculture, healthcare, AI and machine learning, biotechnology, IoT, nanotechnology, robotics, and other science-driven fields with complex technical challenges. Aria Ventures' model combines hands-on company building—from idea validation and team assembly to infrastructure support—with strategic capital deployment to bridge the gap between pioneering research and market-ready startups. As part of its innovation strategy, Aria Ventures recently launched the DeepTecher competition, designed to scout and transform cutting-edge research into viable deep-tech startups. Winners will receive funding and tailored support through the studio's programmes. Beyond capital, Aria Ventures provides end-to-end support, including R&D, product development, market research, legal services, and commercialisation advisory—aiming to position Egyptian startups as leaders in the global deep-tech ecosystem. Press release: Aria Ventures, a specialised venture studio focused on building startups, has announced the launch of a 50 million EGP investment to support promising companies in the Deep-Technology sector. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between pioneering research and market applications, enabling deep technological innovations to grow and flourish. Aria Ventures aims to increase this funding to EGP 200 million over the next four years, reinforcing its commitment to supporting deep technological innovation in the region. Aria Ventures operates as a venture studio, concentrating on Deep-Technology innovation across diverse sectors. These sectors include industry, agriculture, healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Biotechnology, industrial digitalisation, Internet of Things (IoT), Nanotechnology, robotics, and other fields that rely on profound scientific and technical innovation. Dr Amr Al-Awamry, CEO of Aria Ventures, stated, "We work on building startups from the ground up by validating ideas, assembling teams, providing technical and commercial infrastructure, and supporting projects through early growth stages." He added, "The company's model combines strategic capital deployment with direct involvement to bridge the gap between pioneering research and market-ready startups." Aria Ventures has allocated EGP 50 million in funding to support companies in the Deep-Technology sector between 2025 and 2026. In line with its commitment to fostering innovation, Aria Ventures recently launched the DeepTecher competition. This competition aims to discover and nurture technological research and transform it into promising Deep-Technology projects. The competition provides a platform for innovators to showcase their technologies and receive the necessary support to turn them into successful startups. It includes several evaluation and mentoring stages and offers valuable prizes and funding opportunities for winning projects through Aria Ventures. For more information about the DeepTecher competition and how to apply, please visit the competition's website: Al-Awamry added that this step underscores Aria Ventures' commitment to supporting deep technological innovation in the region, contributing to a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced technologies, and enhancing the position of Egyptian startups in the global Deep-Technology landscape. In addition to financial support, Aria Ventures provides comprehensive assistance to companies by offering a wide range of technical and consulting services crucial for early-stage startups. These services include market research, Research and Development (R&D), product development services, legal services, and many more, all aimed at enabling these companies to achieve their maximum potential and successfully reach the market.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Era Of Technopolitics: Quantum's Role In Global Influence
Markus Pflitsch, CEO and Founder of Terra Quantum, is a dedicated quantum physicist, senior financial executive and deep tech entrepreneur. For millennia, global power hinged on geography. From ancient empires to Cold War superpowers, dominance was dictated by territory, resource access and military might—power defined by borders, battalions and force. But the 21st century is fundamentally different. The lines of influence have shifted. Power is no longer drawn on maps—it's encoded in algorithms, quantified in processing speeds and protected by cryptographic systems. We now live in the era of technopolitics, where technological capability defines national strength. In this new landscape, technology isn't just a tool—it's a source of power. Quantum technology, in particular, forms one part of a new strategic triad, alongside AI and cyber resilience, that will determine global influence for decades. For European and global tech leaders, the question is: How do you prepare for a quantum-enabled world, communicate its value and build ecosystems that convert cutting-edge science into strategic advantage? Quantum: The Engine Of Next-Generation Power Technology has become the cornerstone of modern influence. Nations are racing to master critical technologies that will define the global balance of power for decades. The ultimate contest of our time is one of leadership in innovation. Nowhere is this clearer than in the rise of quantum technology. Unlike traditional computing, which processes information in binary sequences, quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement and tunneling—to process complex information in entirely new ways. This is not simply about making existing systems faster. Quantum computing allows us to solve problems that classical computers could never solve, even in septillions of years. The implications are profound. A quantum-enabled world could simulate chemical interactions with unprecedented precision, revolutionizing medicine and materials science. Global logistics and transportation networks could be optimized in real time. Financial markets could be balanced and hedged with predictive power beyond today's capabilities. Cryptographic systems—the foundation of cybersecurity—could either be rendered obsolete or made impenetrable, depending on who wields quantum technology. Across the industry, including work by companies like Terra Quantum, hybrid quantum-classical systems are starting to deliver real commercial and strategic value. As fault-tolerant architectures and quantum networks advance, quantum technology is poised to reshape digital infrastructure—from AI and secure communications to national defense. This is the new strategic triad: quantum technology, AI and cyber resilience. Just as the nuclear triad structured the postwar balance of power, this new triad will determine who commands economic stability, military strength and political influence. Europe At A Crossroads However, the gap between ambition and action is widening. The U.S., China and a few other nations are forging coordinated national strategies around quantum and AI. In contrast, Europe remains fragmented and cautious. The continent that once gave birth to quantum theory—through Planck, Einstein, Schrödinger and Heisenberg—now risks being sidelined in the quantum age. On a recent flight from Japan, I reflected on Europe's legacy. Though never geographically central, Europe shaped the world through ideas, values and science—from Renaissance humanism to the theory of relativity. That legacy is now at stake. A United Nations resolution, co-sponsored by countries representing more than 5 billion people, has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology—underscoring the immediacy and political significance of the quantum age. The global quantum race is underway, and Europe's window for leadership is narrowing. Europe must act decisively. It must invest not only in research but also in scalable infrastructure. It must build sovereign capabilities across quantum, AI and cybersecurity—capabilities that are open, collaborative and above all, independent. Europe must foster ecosystems that reward risk, accelerate commercialization and transform scientific excellence into strategic advantage. Achieving this will require a united voice that transcends borders and bureaucratic inertia. Quantum technology is big science. Just as a fusion reactor or particle accelerator cannot be built without a large, well-resourced, future-focused team, neither can a quantum computer or network. In recent months, Amazon, Microsoft and Google have all published world-leading scientific results—with author lists so long they require a browser in full-screen mode. If tech giants can coordinate massive teams, Europe must enable its scale-ups to secure late-stage capital and build a new wave of giants. Quantum expertise, AI sovereignty and cyber resilience are now prerequisites for national influence, industrial competitiveness and global relevance. Falling short in these areas doesn't just mean lagging behind—it means relinquishing the power to shape one's own destiny. The question is not whether Europe should lead, but whether it dares to lead. Because in this technopolitical era, power belongs to the bold: to the builders, the visionaries, the nations and companies that don't wait for permission. We stand on the brink of a new world order, one written not by treaties, but by those who control tomorrow's technologies. Building Quantum Readiness Today The future is being reprogrammed. The only question is: Who's writing the code? Technology leaders in Europe and around the world have a clear mandate: Don't wait for quantum disruption—prepare now. This means upgrading to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), piloting quantum key distribution (QKD) and engaging in broader ecosystem efforts. The tools exist, the use cases are real, and the cost of inaction is far too high. Organizations like mine, Terra Quantum, are moving from research to deployment, demonstrating quantum key distribution over long distances, releasing post-quantum cryptography tools and contributing to global standards. A key success factor is building cross-functional teams that integrate hardware, cryptography and software. To accelerate trust and adoption, companies must clearly articulate how quantum technologies protect critical infrastructure and digital sovereignty. Sharing tangible outcomes, engaging policymakers early and aligning with regulations are vital steps. Transparency fosters trust and demand. Finally, collaboration is essential. Whether through joint deployments, public-private partnerships or integration into legacy systems, working together will speed progress. Europe must learn from the national coordination we see in the U.S. and China, leveraging procurement, education and infrastructure investment to remain competitive. The quantum future isn't decades away—it's already unfolding. The question is: Will you lead, or follow? Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
3one4 Capital Exits ToneTag with Strong Returns
The firm had invested in ToneTag during its pre-Series A round in 2017. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Early-stage venture capital firm 3one4 Capital has announced a successful exit from its investment in Bengaluru-based deeptech startup ToneTag, generating substantial returns. The firm had invested in ToneTag during its pre-Series A round in 2017. ToneTag, founded in 2013 by Kumar Abhishek and Vivek Singh, provides soundwave-based technology that powers digital payments without requiring additional hardware. Its clients include global names such as Google, Amazon, Airtel, ICICI Bank, SBI, and Yes Bank. In a statement, 3one4 Capital said, "Our conviction in ToneTag's transformative potential, combined with deep operational involvement, has now translated into a full secondary exit at the same valuation as its USD 78 million Series B2 primary round, delivering exceptional returns." ToneTag raised INR 674 crore (approximately USD 81 million) in its most recent funding round in February 2025, which included both primary and secondary capital. Other key investors in the company include Amazon, Mastercard, Reliance Capital, and Iron Pillar. The company's innovative platform supports digital transactions using sound waves, which helps financial institutions extend services without costly infrastructure. ToneTag also offers inventory management tools for merchants and partners with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to power UPI 123Pay for feature phones. The company processes 30 million daily interactions across 1.5 million soundboxes and enables in-car payment solutions in 3 lakh vehicles. For FY25, it reported a total payment volume (TPV) of USD 32 billion, with projections to cross USD 54 billion as its enterprise network grows. It also boasts 65% EBITDA margins and 30% profitability. ToneTag has filed for 32 patents and been granted 22 so far. "This exit marks not just a strong return on investment for 3one4 Capital Fund II, but a milestone that validates the scale of ToneTag's achievement and the strength of our long-term investment approach," the firm added.
