Antler vs Wavemaker Ventures

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.

Neocrete Cuts Both Carbon and Cost of Concrete...

Wavemaker Ventures, Temasek Trust’s C3H and Icehouse Ventures have backed Neocrete with US$3.5 million to scale supply through Europe and the USA, while deepening deployment in Southeast Asia. Proving that decarbonising concrete does not have to add cost, Readymix Brunei is...

Neocrete Cuts Both Carbon and Cost of Concrete at Commercial Scale, Backed by US$3.5M from Wavemaker Ventures, Temasek Trust's C3H and Icehouse Ventures

Wavemaker Ventures, Temasek Trust’s C3H and Icehouse Ventures have backed Neocrete with US$3.5 million to scale supply through Europe and the USA, while deepening deployment in Southeast Asia. Proving that decarbonising concrete does not have to add cost, Readymix Brunei is...

Neocrete Cuts Both Carbon and Cost of Concrete at Commercial Scale Backed by US$3.5M from Wavemaker Ventures, Temasek Trust’s C3H and Icehouse Ventures

Wavemaker Ventures, Temasek Trust’s C3H and Icehouse Ventures have backed Neocrete with US$3.5 million to scale supply through Europe and the USA, while deepening deployment in Southeast Asia. Proving that decarbonising concrete does not have to add cost, Readymix Brunei is...