Five innovative scaleups from the DACH regioncomprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerlandhave successfully qualified for TECH5, an esteemed competition often likened to the "Champions League of Technology." This notable achievement comes as these companies fought through rigorous competition, showcasing their potential to spearhead the tech industry in Europe.

The DACH nations have established a formidable presence in the tech landscape, characterized by a rich industrial heritage, substantial investments in research and development, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem. Each of these countries brings unique strengths to the table. Germany, for instance, has become synonymous with a vibrant startup scene centered in Berlin and a prominent deep tech hub in Munich. In fact, last year, Germany secured the second-highest total venture capital investment in Europe, trailing only the UK.

Austria, though smaller, boasts a dynamic ecosystem known for its achievements in greentech and health innovation, primarily concentrated in its capital, Vienna. This city has recently been honored as the worlds most livable city for the third consecutive year in 2024 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, further cementing its status as a key player in the global technology landscape.

Switzerland stands out with its blend of scientific excellence, financial technology acumen, and leadership in blockchain innovation. It has consistently ranked first in the Global Innovation Index (GII) for an impressive 14 years running as of 2024, reflecting its unwavering commitment to innovation and research.

As we move into 2025, funding in the DACH region continues to flourish, marking a robust start to the year. According to Pitchbook, the region amassed an impressive 12 billion in exit value in the first quarter alone, representing a remarkable 20% increase compared to the average quarter over the last five years.

The scaleups vying for recognition at TECH5 were meticulously selected by a panel of judges based on an in-depth analysis of their growth trajectories, societal impact, and future potential. The finalists, presented here in no particular order, exemplify the innovative spirit and resilience of the DACH region.

1. The Exploration Company

Positioned as a pioneering force in the realm of space travel, The Exploration Company is a Franco-German scaleup dedicated to making access to space more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive. Their innovative approach focuses on developing reusable, modular spacecraft, which aim to democratize space exploration.

Hlne Huby, the founder and CEO, emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in space endeavors. "By working together across borders and sectors, we can transform space exploration into a cooperative endeavor rather than a competitive one, ensuring that it remains accessible and fosters innovation that benefits all," Huby stated in an interview with TNW.

The company had a remarkable year in 2024, securing 151.6 million in a Series B funding round and gaining a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to design cargo shuttle vehicles for low Earth orbit. This year has also begun on a high note, with the German aerospace agency stepping in as an anchor customer for the company's Nyx spacecraft.

2. Neustark

Swiss scaleup Neustark is tackling the climate crisis with a bold goal: to eliminate 1 million tons of CO by 2030. Their innovative solution involves capturing CO from the atmosphere and embedding it into recycled mineral waste, specifically targeting demolished concrete, which they label as the worlds largest waste stream.

"We must exponentially accelerate the removal of CO2 if we want to achieve net-zero goals by 2050," remarked Johannes Tiefenthaler, co-founder and co-CEO of Neustark. He believes that this ambitious target can only be met through the global deployment of scalable and commercially viable carbon capture solutions.

Founded in 2019 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Neustark secured a significant funding round of $69 million last year, enabling them to expand their carbon capture technology on a global scale.

3. Metaloop

Representing Austria in the TECH5 finals, Metaloop seeks to revolutionize the global metal recycling landscape. The scaleup has developed an all-in-one platform designed for metal scrap trading, which connects buyers and sellers in real time.

The platform not only facilitates transactions but also promotes sustainability, reduces fraud, and enhances transparency in a sector that has historically been opaque. According to Metaloop, their matchmaking system allows clients to save time, generate revenue, and optimize supply chains.

The companys rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed; in 2024, it was recognized by the Financial Times as one of Europes fastest-growing companies for the third consecutive year. "By directly connecting industrial manufacturers with certified smelters, we transform scrap metal from a liability into a valuable asset," the company explained.

4. Vytal

Germanys Vytal has established itself as the worlds largest provider of smart reusable packaging solutions, particularly for takeaway and delivery food. Founded in 2019, Vytal has garnered considerable investor interest, reflected in a recent 14.2 million funding round aimed at accelerating its international expansion.

In a statement, Dr. Tim Breker, co-founder and managing director, expressed optimism about the future: "This new funding, coming less than nine months after our last raise, signifies a successful year for the Vytal team. With Inven Capital's backing, we're poised to further increase our impact and make tech-enabled reusable packaging the new standard globally in gastronomy, events, and entertainment."

5. Yokoy

The second Swiss finalist, Yokoy, has developed a comprehensive spend management solution powered by artificial intelligence. This platform streamlines the handling of expenses, invoices, and corporate cards, offering enhanced insights and eliminating mundane tasks for users.

Founded in 2019 and a resident of TNW City, Yokoy has made headlines by topping Sifteds rankings of Central Europes fastest-growing startups based on revenue. Over the past three financial years, the company achieved a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 281.88%.

In January, Yokoy was acquired by the Spanish travel management company TravelPerk, a move that co-founder and CEO Philippe Sahli heralded as the beginning of an exciting new chapter, promising innovative synergies between their platforms.

Looking Ahead: The Future of TECH5 Scaleups

The five DACH scaleups now join competitors from the Benelux and Nordic regions in the TECH5 finals. Additional challengers from four more European regions will be announced in the coming weeks, leading to a grand competition for the title of Europes hottest scaleup.

Stay tuned for next weeks introduction to the TECH5 qualifiers from France. TECH5 is part of a broader, packed program for the TNW Conference, which will be held on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are currently on sale, and attendees can use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 for a 30% discount on ticket prices.