Connect with us

Euro Startups

Germany-Based OKAPI:Orbits Secures €13M to Build the Future of Global Space Traffic Management

Born from academic research at TU Braunschweig, the deeptech startup is shaping industry standards for collision avoidance and sustainable space operations.

Published

on

OKAPI:Orbits, a Germany-based space traffic management startup, has raised €13 million in a Seed funding round led by Ventech, alongside Matterwave Ventures, Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, and prominent angel investor Christian Miele.

The Braunschweig-born company—founded by three PhD students and a computer science graduate—is now scaling rapidly to meet the surging demand for intelligent space mission coordination, amid the growing risks of satellite collisions and space debris.

“We’re not just predicting collisions—we’re shaping the future of safe and sustainable space operations,” said Kristina Nikolaus, CEO and co-founder of OKAPI:Orbits.

A Complete Platform for the New Space Race

OKAPI:Orbits’ AI-driven Space Traffic Management (STM) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) platforms offer:

  • Mission analysis and compliance simulation pre-launch
  • Real-time collision avoidance with 99% prediction reliability and 10-day lead time
  • Space traffic coordination between active satellites
  • Environmental and frequency interference risk assessments

The platform acts like a “digital twin” for satellite operations, forecasting orbital environments from two weeks to ten years into the future.

Already trusted by major players like SpaceX and Amazon, OKAPI:Orbits’ technology ensures satellite operators can avoid catastrophic collisions, optimize fuel usage, extend satellite lifespans, and meet emerging compliance standards.

From Academic Research to Global Scale

Spun out of the Technical University of Braunschweig, OKAPI:Orbits was founded in 2018 at a pivotal moment when the commercial space industry exploded, fueled by megaconstellations like Starlink. What started as academic simulation software quickly evolved into an essential commercial tool validated by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Today, OKAPI:Orbits has:

  • Grown from 4 founders to 35 employees near Berlin
  • Expanded its services from collision avoidance to full space mission lifecycle management
  • Helped develop emerging industry standards for space traffic management amid regulatory gaps worldwide

“There’s no international standard yet for space traffic management. We’re helping to build that foundation — with interoperability across U.S., European, and even Asian space systems,” Nikolaus noted.

Why the Stakes Are Rising in Space

As the number of active satellites and debris grows, the risk of Kessler Syndrome—a cascading chain of collisions—is becoming a real threat. Yet today, space remains largely unregulated, creating a Wild West environment.

  • Institutional players like ESA prioritize safety and long-term mission success.
  • Commercial players like SpaceX prioritize speed, efficiency, and business continuity—often accepting calculated risks.

OKAPI:Orbits uniquely serves both mindsets, offering flexible, scalable solutions that address the needs of:

  • Government agencies seeking strict compliance and risk mitigation
  • Private operators seeking operational efficiency and rapid scaling

“Three years ago, most operators didn’t see the urgency—until they faced near-miss events or major losses. Today, that awareness is driving adoption fast,” Nikolaus said.

What’s Next for OKAPI:Orbits?

With the new capital, OKAPI:Orbits plans to:

  • Expand its technical capabilities to handle increasingly complex satellite ecosystems
  • Grow its team across engineering, product, and regulatory advisory roles
  • Strengthen its footprint internationally, targeting expansion into the U.S., Europe, and Asia
  • Continue shaping global standards for safe and sustainable space operations

“OKAPI brings the full package: strong IP, trusted relationships with industry leaders, and the ambition to become the backbone for global space traffic management,” said Nicolas Barthalon, Principal at Ventech.

Subscribe to the Arab Founders Newsletter

The best entrepreneurship & investment stories from the Arab world — weekly, straight to your inbox

No ads. No fluff. No spam — we value your time.

Euro Startups

Italy-Based FinTech Startup Computis Raises €2M Pre-Seed Funding to Automate SME Accounting, Improve Financial Visibility

The Techshop Capital-led round will support Computis in developing its accounting automation platform, designed to help small and medium-sized businesses access financial information and make more informed decisions.

Published

on

Computis, an Italy-based FinTech startup developing an accounting automation platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has raised €2 million in a Pre-Seed funding round led by Techshop Capital, with participation from Heartfelt, Zanichelli Venture, Vento, Alecla7, Alpha Ventures, Moonstone and P3Ventures.

Founded in 2026, Computis aims to transform accounting from a primarily compliance-focused process into a financial management tool that helps business owners understand their financial position and make operational decisions. The startup combines automated accounting software with an internal operations team and a network of independent partner accountants to provide SMEs with more continuous access to financial information.

Get Featured

Computis Secures €2M Pre-Seed Funding Led by Techshop Capital

The €2 million investment will support Computis as it develops its technology-driven accounting services for smaller businesses. The startup is addressing the challenges SMEs face when managing financial records, monitoring cash flow and obtaining timely information about their business performance.

Many small businesses continue to rely on manual accounting processes and periodic financial reports, which can delay access to information needed for operational decisions. Computis aims to reduce these delays by automating routine accounting activities and organizing financial data into a more accessible format.

The company is developing a service model that combines software automation with professional accounting support, allowing business owners to access financial information without managing every administrative process themselves. This approach is intended to reduce administrative workloads while improving the availability of financial data for day-to-day business management.

Automating Accounting Processes for SMEs

Computis has developed a platform designed to automate several time-consuming accounting activities. Its technology supports document collection, recovery of invoices from foreign suppliers, bank reconciliation and invoicing, with these functions intended to reduce manual data entry and improve the organization of financial records.

By automating repetitive processes, Computis aims to help SMEs maintain more up-to-date accounting information and reduce the administrative workload associated with financial management. The platform also integrates an internal operations team and independent partner accountants who support businesses with accounting-related activities.

This hybrid approach combines digital tools with professional expertise rather than relying exclusively on software. Computis is positioning the service as a way for smaller businesses to access financial management capabilities that have traditionally been more common among larger organizations with dedicated finance teams.

Providing Real-Time Financial Visibility

A central objective of Computis is to help entrepreneurs understand their financial position throughout the reporting period rather than waiting for monthly, quarterly or annual accounting updates. The company aims to make financial information available closer to the time business decisions are made, reducing the gap between accounting activities and operational management.

This approach is intended to support activities such as monitoring financial performance, assessing operating costs and understanding the financial implications of business decisions. By organizing accounting information more continuously, Computis aims to provide business owners with a clearer view of their financial position.

CEO and Co-Founder Enrico Nicosia said the company’s objective is not to reinvent accounting but to use technology to eliminate unnecessary manual processes and make financial data more useful. He explained that many entrepreneurs only gain a clear understanding of their company’s financial position after receiving accounting reports at the end of a reporting period.

Computis aims to address this information gap by combining automated data processing with ongoing accounting support. The company intends to make financial information more accessible to business owners, allowing them to use accounting data as part of their regular decision-making processes.

Founded by Former Jet HR Team Members

Computis was founded in 2026 by Enrico Nicosia, Chief Executive Officer; Riccardo Donatelli, Chief Revenue Officer; and Leonardo Drici, Chief Product and Technology Officer. The three founders previously worked together at Jet HR, bringing experience in technology, business operations and product development.

Their professional backgrounds also include companies such as Spendesk, Amazon, Deliveroo and Eurostar. The founding team is applying this experience to develop an accounting service tailored to the operational requirements of small and medium-sized businesses.

The company’s strategy focuses on simplifying financial administration while improving access to information that supports business management. Through its combination of software and accounting expertise, Computis aims to help entrepreneurs spend less time managing routine financial processes and gain greater visibility into their business performance.

Zanichelli Venture Expands Beyond EdTech Investments

The funding round also includes participation from Zanichelli Venture, the corporate venture capital arm of Bologna-based publishing group Zanichelli. The investment reflects Zanichelli Venture’s expansion into technology businesses operating beyond its traditional education technology focus.

The investor has recently backed Gyver, a platform serving electricians and technical professionals, and Gamindo, which develops gamification solutions for corporate training. Its participation in Computis extends this investment activity into financial technology and business operations software.

The investment aligns with a broader interest in digital platforms that improve professional workflows, automate administrative processes and support decision-making. Through Computis, Zanichelli Venture is backing a company focused on applying technology to financial administration and management within smaller businesses.

Targeting Digital Transformation in SME Financial Management

Computis enters the market as small and medium-sized businesses increasingly seek digital tools to simplify financial administration and improve operational efficiency. While accounting software has become more widely available, many businesses still face challenges integrating financial records, automating workflows and obtaining timely insights from their accounting data.

Computis aims to address these needs through a combination of automation, financial information management and professional accounting support. Its model is designed to reduce repetitive administrative tasks while helping business owners access financial information throughout the reporting period.

With €2 million in Pre-Seed financing, the startup will continue developing its platform and business model for the SME market. Its longer-term objective is to make accounting information more accessible and useful for entrepreneurs, enabling smaller businesses to incorporate financial data into everyday operational decisions.

Subscribe to the Arab Founders Newsletter

The best entrepreneurship & investment stories from the Arab world — weekly, straight to your inbox

No ads. No fluff. No spam — we value your time.

Continue Reading

Euro Startups

Bulgarian VC Firm LAUNCHub Ventures Secures €65M First Close for Third Fund to Back Early-Stage Startups Across CEE and SEE

The Sofia-based venture capital firm is targeting more than €75 million to invest in approximately 25 Pre-Seed and Seed-stage startups across Central and Southeastern Europe.

Published

on

LAUNCHub Ventures, a Bulgaria-based venture capital firm, has announced the €65 million first close of its third fund, targeting a final fund size exceeding €75 million to support early-stage technology startups across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Southeastern Europe (SEE).

The Sofia-headquartered firm plans to invest in approximately 25 startups over a five-year investment period, focusing on Pre-Seed and Seed-stage companies across the region and its international founder diaspora.

The fund is backed by institutional investors, including the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), alongside regional entrepreneurs, family offices and founders of previously backed startups. LAUNCHub Ventures has already begun deploying capital from the new fund, leading investment rounds in three technology startups.

Get Featured

LAUNCHub Ventures Secures €65M First Close for Fund III

The third fund will provide initial investments ranging from €300,000 to €3 million, with LAUNCHub Ventures able to lead or co-lead financing rounds of up to €7 million. The firm will also reserve capital for follow-on investments, allowing it to support selected portfolio companies as they progress toward Series A funding.

The investment strategy focuses on technology companies emerging from Central and Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe and the region’s founder diaspora. Target markets include Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia and the wider Western Balkans, reflecting the firm’s regional investment mandate.

By investing at the earliest stages of company development, LAUNCHub Ventures aims to provide founders with access to capital and support as they build and scale their businesses. The firm expects to complete its final fundraising close at more than €75 million, which would provide additional capital for initial and follow-on investments.

Fund III Begins Investing in AI and Digital Platforms

LAUNCHub Ventures has already led three investment rounds through its third fund, backing startups operating in artificial intelligence and software. The initial investments include Nanogram, an AI-powered social gaming platform; Lenz, an AI content verification company; and 1Club, a software provider serving the sports and activities sector.

These investments reflect the firm’s interest in technology businesses developing products for digital markets. The fund’s broader mandate allows it to invest across technology sectors while maintaining a geographic focus on Central and Southeastern Europe.

LAUNCHub Ventures will continue identifying early-stage companies with opportunities to expand beyond their domestic markets, using its investment experience and regional network to support founders as they develop products and pursue commercial growth.

LAUNCHub Portfolio Companies Raise Over €700M

Founded in 2012, LAUNCHub Ventures has invested in nearly 100 companies through its first two funds and manages more than €100 million in assets. According to the firm, its portfolio companies have collectively secured more than €700 million in follow-on financing from other investors.

Approximately 75% of its portfolio companies have raised at least one subsequent funding round, while around 40% have progressed to Series A. These figures reflect the financing progress of companies backed by LAUNCHub Ventures as they move beyond their initial investment stages.

The firm’s portfolio includes companies such as Ampeco, FintechOS, Colossyan, Giraffe360, Veridion, Ferryhopper and Lace. These businesses operate across different technology segments, including financial technology, enterprise software, artificial intelligence and digital platforms.

LAUNCHub Ventures has also recorded 18 exits, including the acquisition of cybersecurity startup SPLX by Zscaler in 2025. Other exits include sports streaming platform FITE, acquired by Triller, and workplace management software company OfficeRnD, acquired by Blue Star.

The firm is drawing on this investment history as it raises capital for its third fund and expands its early-stage investment activities. Its previous investments and exits also provide experience in supporting portfolio companies through fundraising, growth and acquisition processes.

EIF and EBRD Back LAUNCHub’s Third Fund

The new fund has attracted commitments from institutional investors, international financial organizations, regional entrepreneurs and family offices. Its investor base includes the European Investment Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, alongside investors with experience in the region’s technology ecosystem.

More than 10 founders of LAUNCHub-backed companies that have completed exits have also committed capital as limited partners. Their participation brings former portfolio founders into the fund’s investor base, providing an additional connection between the firm’s previous investments and its future startup portfolio.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), which invested in LAUNCHub Ventures’ second fund, is also considering participation in the third fund’s second close. However, its participation has not yet been confirmed, and the firm continues working toward its targeted final fund size.

LAUNCHub Ventures Expands Leadership Team

Alongside the new fund, LAUNCHub Ventures has announced changes to its investment and management team. Raya Yunakova and Petar Tsachev have been promoted to General Partners, joining Todor Breshkov, Stanislav Sirakov, Rumen Iliev and Irina Dimitrova, who have been involved with the firm since its establishment in 2012.

Lyuben Belov and Stephane Gantchev will continue supporting the firm as venture partners and advisors. LAUNCHub Ventures has also added Vedran B. as Associate Partner and Nikoleta Popkostadinova as Head of Marketing, expanding its investment and operational capabilities.

The expanded team will support the firm’s investment activities, portfolio management and fundraising efforts as it deploys its third fund. These appointments come as LAUNCHub Ventures prepares to increase its investment activity across Central and Southeastern European technology markets.

Supporting Early-Stage Startups Across Central and Southeastern Europe

With €65 million secured at first close, LAUNCHub Ventures will continue investing in early-stage technology companies across its target markets. The fund’s strategy combines initial Pre-Seed and Seed investments with follow-on financing opportunities for portfolio companies reaching later stages of development.

Its planned 25 investments over five years will focus on startups seeking to develop scalable technology products and expand internationally. The firm’s existing portfolio, institutional investor relationships and network of former founders will support its investment activities and provide connections across the regional startup ecosystem.

As LAUNCHub Ventures works toward a final close exceeding €75 million, the third fund will provide additional early-stage financing capacity for technology entrepreneurs across Central and Southeastern Europe, while allowing the firm to continue supporting selected portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds.

Subscribe to the Arab Founders Newsletter

The best entrepreneurship & investment stories from the Arab world — weekly, straight to your inbox

No ads. No fluff. No spam — we value your time.

Continue Reading

Euro Startups

UK-Based Quantum Computing Startup Universal Quantum Raises Over $100M Series A to Expand Global R&D and Build Singapore Hub

The DCVC and Firgun Ventures-led funding round will support Universal Quantum’s scalable trapped-ion quantum computing technology, establish a Singapore research hub and expand operations in the US, Japan and Germany.

Published

on

Universal Quantum, a UK-based quantum computing startup, has raised more than $100 million in a Series A funding round co-led by US deep-tech investor DCVC and quantum computing-focused Firgun Ventures. The round also attracted participation from Singapore-based EDBI, the investment arm of SG Growth Capital, alongside other international investors.

The company plans to use the new capital to accelerate the development of its trapped-ion quantum computing technology, establish a research and development (R&D) centre in Singapore, and expand its international operations. Founded in 2018 as a spinout from the University of Sussex, Universal Quantum develops modular quantum computing systems designed to overcome the technical challenges associated with scaling quantum processors. The company describes the financing as the largest Series A funding round secured by a UK-based quantum computing company.

Get Featured

Universal Quantum Secures Over $100M Series A Funding

The Series A investment will support Universal Quantum’s efforts to develop large-scale quantum computing systems and strengthen its international research infrastructure. DCVC and Firgun Ventures co-led the funding round, with participation from EDBI and other global investors. The financing brings together investors focused on deep technology, advanced computing, and the development of quantum computing infrastructure.

Universal Quantum intends to direct the investment toward research, engineering, and international expansion. A central component of its strategy is the establishment of a new R&D centre in Singapore, which will become the company’s first research facility outside Europe. The startup will also strengthen its existing operations in Hamburg, Germany, while expanding activities in the United States and Japan.

The investment comes as Universal Quantum continues developing trapped-ion computing systems designed to support increasingly complex computational applications.

Establishing a Quantum Computing R&D Hub in Singapore

Universal Quantum plans to establish a research and development centre in Singapore as part of its international expansion strategy. The facility will support the company’s ongoing work in quantum computing technology and contribute to the development of its scalable hardware architecture, representing Universal Quantum’s first R&D centre outside Europe.

The company’s expansion into Singapore is also aligned with the country’s efforts to strengthen its position in advanced technologies, including quantum computing. EDBI’s participation in the funding round supports this international development strategy, while the Singapore facility is expected to contribute to research and engineering activities as Universal Quantum works toward more advanced quantum computing systems.

Alongside the new centre, the company will continue supporting its existing Hamburg operations and expand its presence in the United States and Japan, strengthening its activities across several major technology markets.

Developing Scalable Trapped-Ion Quantum Computers

Universal Quantum develops quantum computers based on trapped-ion technology, which uses electrically charged atoms, known as ions, to store and process quantum information. Trapped-ion systems are one of several technologies being developed for quantum computing, alongside approaches based on superconducting circuits, photonics, and neutral atoms.

The company focuses on creating modular computing architectures that can be expanded as additional processing capacity is required. Its technology is designed to connect multiple quantum computing modules rather than relying on a single processing unit, with the aim of addressing engineering challenges associated with increasing the number of qubits in quantum systems.

Universal Quantum is also developing an architecture intended to reduce reliance on complex laser-based control systems and photonic links used in certain trapped-ion approaches. These design choices form part of its strategy to simplify aspects of quantum computing infrastructure and support the development of larger systems.

Building Multi-Chip Quantum Computing Systems

A major focus of Universal Quantum’s research is the development of quantum computers capable of operating across multiple interconnected chips. The company is working on a $77 million contract with the German Aerospace Center to develop multi-chip quantum computing systems, supporting its broader objective of demonstrating architectures that can operate beyond individual processors.

Scaling quantum computers requires researchers to address challenges involving qubit control, system connectivity, and the integration of multiple hardware components. Universal Quantum’s modular approach is intended to make it possible to expand computing capacity through interconnected systems, while the company continues developing the hardware and supporting technologies needed to move toward larger quantum processors.

Its work with the German Aerospace Center forms part of its efforts to advance this technology from research toward more capable quantum computing infrastructure.

Investors Back Universal Quantum’s Modular Architecture

The Series A round attracted support from investors interested in the commercial development of quantum computing technology. Sebastian Weidt, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Quantum, highlighted the international investor participation as an important step toward developing practical, large-scale quantum computers.

The company aims to use the funding to strengthen its engineering capabilities and accelerate the development of scalable quantum systems. James Hardiman of DCVC pointed to Universal Quantum’s architectural approach as a factor in addressing the challenges of scaling trapped-ion quantum computing.

The startup’s technology focuses on modularity and system integration, two areas that are important for increasing quantum computing capacity. The new investment will support further research and development as Universal Quantum works to demonstrate more advanced systems.

Founded as a University of Sussex Quantum Computing Spinout

Universal Quantum was founded in 2018 by Sebastian Weidt and Winfried Hensinger as a spinout from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Its founders established the business to develop trapped-ion quantum computing technology capable of supporting large-scale computational systems.

Since its establishment, Universal Quantum has expanded its research and engineering activities internationally. The company currently employs more than 100 people working on technical projects across three global regions, with activities covering hardware research, quantum computing architecture development, and engineering projects aimed at improving system scalability.

The company’s international operations and research partnerships support its long-term objective of developing practical quantum computing infrastructure.

Expanding Global Quantum Computing Research

With more than $100 million in Series A financing, Universal Quantum plans to accelerate the development of its trapped-ion quantum computing technology and strengthen its international research network. The company will establish a new R&D centre in Singapore, expand activities in the United States and Japan, and continue supporting its Hamburg operations.

Its work will remain focused on modular quantum computing systems designed to scale through interconnected hardware components. The investment also provides additional resources for ongoing engineering projects, including its multi-chip quantum computing programme with the German Aerospace Center.

As Universal Quantum expands its research capabilities, the company aims to address the technical challenges involved in developing larger and more capable quantum computers.

Subscribe to the Arab Founders Newsletter

The best entrepreneurship & investment stories from the Arab world — weekly, straight to your inbox

No ads. No fluff. No spam — we value your time.

Continue Reading

Most popular