Observed Signal · Aug 14, 2025 · Funding · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Vienna investor rescues Pixelrunner after insolvency
Pixelrunner, an Austrian startup developing technology to print large-format graphics on surfaces like grass, asphalt, and snow, will be continued by a successor company after filing for insolvency. The Viennese firm Mango Partners has stepped in as strategic investor, with co-founder Marco Zott taking over operational and strategic leadership. Former sole CEO Wolfgang Allerstorfer remains in charge of technical development. The company, founded in 2016, had completed over 150 projects, including at the Hahnenkamm races and the Vienna City Marathon. After failed franchise plans and reduced corporate advertising spend led to bankruptcy, the new management plans to offer the technology both as a service and as purchasable equipment. The headquarters will relocate from Engerwitzdorf to Ansfelden in Upper Austria, with a focus on expanding into international markets and serving sports and cultural events.
Niche outdoor printing technology startup gets new investor after insolvency; not a major industry-shifting event but relevant to advertising technology.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Pixelrunner filed for insolvency in early 2025 after franchise plans failed.
- Mango Partners, a Viennese firm, invests as strategic investor in Pixelrunner's successor company.
- Marco Zott of Mango Partners takes over operational and strategic leadership; Wolfgang Allerstorfer remains technical lead.
- The company's headquarters moves from Engerwitzdorf to Ansfelden, Upper Austria.
- Pixelrunner's technology has been used at the Hahnenkamm races and the Vienna City Marathon, with over 150 projects since 2016.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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met[ads] debuts 3D portal linking ground installation to 3D screen
German out-of-home advertising company met[ads] (also known as Metads), based in Düsseldorf, has launched a pioneering 3D DOOH experience at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, synchronizing a walkable LED portal on the ground with a curved 3D facade screen for the first time in Europe. The ground portal, developed by Ocean Outdoor and publicly deployed for the first time, consists of five LED surfaces totaling about 80 square meters. The facade screen, measuring 257 square meters with 4K resolution (though another source cites 243 square meters), has been operational since summer 2025. Nissan is the first advertiser, showcasing its new electric Leaf in a continuous animation that moves from the portal to the screen. Metads manages commercialization from September 14-30, with additional brands to follow.
DMAX promotes TV formats with XXL street installations
DMAX, the German free-TV channel operated by Warner Bros. Discovery, is launching an out-of-home campaign that brings its programming to public spaces through oversized installations. The campaign, titled 'Der Herbst auf DMAX wird groß. Größer. Noch größer.', features XXL sculptures in Munich and Berlin. A six-meter-high red-and-white lighthouse with real beacon lighting marks the premiere of the documentary series 'Die Helgoländer' on October 6. A 2.30-meter gold panning fountain promotes the second season of 'Goldrausch: Macherey & Söhne', while a 2.20-meter gold-plated illuminated teeth sculpture on a base of money bundles highlights 'Kings of Cash'. The installations will be shown in Munich on September 5-6 and Berlin on September 12-13. A one-minute brand spot will also support the campaign. DMAX is also planning a screening premiere for 'Die Helgoländer' on Helgoland, coordinated with the island's ferry operators.
VIOOH Partners with ISM to Programmatic DOOH in Germany
On 26 January 2026 VIOOH announced a strategic partnership with ISM Intelligent Signage for Media to expand programmatic digital out-of-home (DOOH) inventory across Germany. The deal opens programmatic access to 784 75"–85" digital screens located across ISM’s nationwide gas station network (Shell forecourts), delivering roughly 200–204 million monthly impressions with coverage in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne and other cities. The placement includes forecourt 'hi-light' screens visible during refuelling and shop entry, intended to provide multi-touchpoint exposure. VIOOH said integration into its supply-side platform will give advertisers programmatic buying, targeting and measurement capabilities, while ISM highlighted access for international buyers. The announcement included quotes from Gavin Wilson (VIOOH) and Nico Grüßinger (ISM) describing improved flexibility, precision targeting and measurable campaign impact.
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