Antler vs M13

Antler Study: Key Factors for German Startups' Series A Success

A new analysis by venture capital firm Antler reveals that only 24% of German startups successfully transition from Seed to Series A funding. The study, which examined 27,602 funding rounds from over 3,000 startups between 2015 and 2026, identifies five key factors that significantly increase the likelihood of reaching a Series A round: raising at least €2 million in the Seed round, having an institutional VC as lead investor, having at least three investors in the Seed round, having a Pre-Seed investor participate in the Seed round, and completing the Seed round within twelve months of the Pre-Seed. Startups meeting all five criteria achieve Series A in 51.1% of cases. The analysis also highlights the growing gap between new startup creations and follow-on financing, with 3,568 startups founded in 2025 but only 71 reaching Series A. Despite this, Germany's conversion rate of 18.9% for the 2022 cohort remains strong compared to other European markets.

• Only 24% of German startups successfully transition from Seed to Series A funding.
• Antler analyzed 27,602 funding rounds from over 3,000 startups between 2015 and 2026.
• Startups meeting all five key criteria reach Series A in 51.1% of cases.

Interhuman AI teaches AI to read non-verbal human signals

Copenhagen-based Interhuman AI has launched Inter-2, a model that detects 12 social signals such as hesitation, uncertainty, and agreement in real-time from text, audio, and video. The startup aims to introduce Artificial Social Intelligence, enabling AI to understand non-verbal cues. Co-founded by CEO Paula Petcu, COO Frederik Sally, and CRO Line Clemmensen, the company is building its own models in Europe. Inter-2 delivers up to four times faster inference with improved benchmark performance. The technology is targeted at applications in corporate training, digital health, sales coaching, and market research. Interhuman emphasizes transparency and traceability of model outputs, adhering to GDPR and EU AI Act. The company is expanding into voice-only interactions and will announce two additional models in October.

• Interhuman AI launched Inter-2, a model detecting 12 social signals in real-time from text, audio, and video.
• Inter-2 delivers up to four times faster inference with improved benchmark performance.
• The company is developing its own AI models in Europe and is GDPR-compliant, undergoing security certification audits.

Berlin VC Investors Flock to Gipsdreieck for Informal Networking

This article explores why the Gipsdreieck (Gips Triangle) in Berlin-Mitte has become a popular hangout for venture capital investors and startup founders. It describes the area's relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere, with cafes, restaurants, and bars like Contadino, Milch Halle, and Hackbarth's, where informal networking and deal-making happen naturally. The article features quotes from investors like Christoph Klink (Antler), Franziska Oschmann (Speedinvest), and Elisabeth Ziv (Hightech-Gründerfonds), who appreciate the mix of work and leisure, the low-key vibe, and the sense of community. It highlights that despite its growing popularity, the area retains a bohemian charm, attracting both wealthy professionals and those seeking alternative culture. The piece also notes the high rents and the shift towards a more affluent crowd, but maintains that the Gipsdreieck still offers a unique blend of business and counterculture, making it a prime spot for venture capital networking in Berlin.

• The Gipsdreieck is a popular networking spot for Berlin's VC community.
• VC firms like Antler, Hightech-Gründerfonds, and Cherry Ventures have offices near the Gipsdreieck.
• Investors appreciate the informal, relaxed atmosphere for mixing business and leisure.

What Is Agentic Identity? Meet Baselayer, the Identity Infrastructure for AI Agents

M13 announces fundraising for Baselayer, an identity infrastructure for AI agents, with a dedicated article published on September 22, 2026.

Investors Are Betting on AI Agents That Shop for You

Venture capitalists are increasingly funding startups building AI agents that can shop on behalf of consumers and handle payments. The article maps the emerging market for "agentic commerce," covering personal assistants like Instinct and Town, shopping search tools like Daydream, payment infrastructure startups like Catena Labs and Basis Theory, and marketing tech such as Profound. Major platforms are also moving: OpenAI and Stripe launched the Agentic Commerce Protocol, Google operates the Agent Payments Protocol, and Visa and Mastercard introduced Trusted Agent Protocol and Agent Pay. However, the space faces trust and fraud challenges, illustrated by Phia's cookie-stuffing scandal and an Instinct agent error that cost a user around $300. Investor interest remains strong, with millions raised across the sector, even as enterprise adoption lags due to compliance and security concerns.

• Adobe Analytics reported that 41% of respondents used AI for online shopping in June 2026.
• OpenAI and Stripe launched the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP), while Google operates the Agent Payments Protocol.
• Profound raised $96 million in Series C funding led by Lightspeed Venture Partners.