Observed Signal · Sep 12, 2023 · Market Analysis · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Fear of Startup Die-Off as DACH Funding Slumps
German founder Christopher Gogolin publicly appealed for help saving Ocha Ocha GmbH, warning that the sugar-free beverage startup had around 30 days before insolvency and needed €2.5 million. The article examines rising startup insolvencies in Austria and Germany amid high inflation, higher interest rates and reduced venture funding. In H1 2023, European startup financing was 50–60% below the previous year, while EY counted €356 million in Austrian startup investments, down 60%. KSV1870 data showed insolvency peaks in July and August 2023. Several startups, including goUrban, Trality, App Radar, Secureo, Kilobaser, Aisemo and Brüsli, collapsed despite earlier investments; Domonda, FoodNotify and Robo Wunderkind were restructured. Investors describe the situation as a normalization after the 2021 boom, with fire sales and difficult Series A rounds becoming more common.
Highlights a significant contraction in DACH startup financing and a wave of insolvencies, signaling tighter capital conditions for tech and adtech startups in the region.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Austrian startup investments in H1 2023 totaled €356 million, a 60% year-on-year decline, according to EY.
- European startup funding in H1 2023 fell 50–60% compared with H1 2022.
- Ocha Ocha GmbH founder Christopher Gogolin said the company had roughly 30 days left before insolvency and needed €2.5 million.
- KSV1870 reported a 16% increase in Austrian corporate insolvencies in H1 2023, with peaks in July and August.
- goUrban, Trality, App Radar, Secureo, Kilobaser, Aisemo and Brüsli became insolvent despite millions in investments; Domonda, FoodNotify and Robo Wunderkind completed restructurings.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“App Radar was named among startups that went bankrupt despite million-euro investments....”
“EY's M&A barometer and investment data are cited regarding startup financing and M&A failure rates....”
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