5 German manufacturing startups to watch – according to VC investor

During the pandemic, large VC investments primarily flowed into B2C models . Delivery services, e-commerce, and consumer apps mushroomed. But the boom is over—many of these companies are now fighting for survival.

Investors' attention has shifted: instead of fast-moving consumer trends, the focus is now on B2B startups that work on the foundations of the economy and can change entire value chains.

The focus on manufacturing and automation is particularly exciting. According to the Financial Times, increasing capital is flowing into industries where software and AI not only create products but also reshape production and efficiency. Startups that connect machines, optimize manufacturing processes, or automate quality control are considered pioneers of the factory of the future.

One person who's following this trend closely is Andreas Winter-Extra, a partner at the industry-focused VC Kompas. He told us about five German startups he's currently keeping a close eye on.