Tailwind for Start-ups: igus invests in the High-Tech Founder Fund IV

So that founders can quickly turn their innovative ideas into market-ready innovations, igus is participating in the High-Tech Founder Fund IV. (Source: igus GmbH)

Exciting innovations from young start-ups as well as established companies are emerging every day all over Germany. To bring both worlds together, promote groundbreaking developments, and jointly develop new technologies, igus provides financial backing to young entrepreneurs: The motion plastics specialist from Cologne is participating as an investor in the new High-Tech Startup Fund IV.

If soon a green-gray cleaning robot autonomously patrols shopping centers or industrial and logistics halls, it will be the CR700. The striking vehicle equipped with maintenance-free and lubricating-free slide bearing technology from igus is a technological innovation from Adlatus Robotics. The Ulm-based start-up successfully entered the market in 2017 – thanks to funding from the High-Tech Startup Fund (HTGF), a joint fund of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, KfW Capital, and private investors. "Germany is a leader in Europe in the number of patent applications. This innovative strength is needed by the market, and we want to help bring new ideas to market maturity and enable them to grow further," says igus Managing Director Frank Blase. The Cologne-based company is therefore participating in the new Fund IV as an investor. "For us, this engagement is an excellent opportunity to build close ties with founders, to be involved early in disruptive technologies in a supportive role, and to strengthen the innovation hub Germany."

igus develops and promotes forward-looking projects

igus operates worldwide and is no longer a stranger in the start-up scene. Many high-performance plastics are used in innovations. And through internal start-ups such as 3D printing or low-cost robotics, igus is continuously in contact with creative entrepreneurs. New exciting ideas are supported with products and backed by igus know-how. One example is the igus:bike, presented at the Hannover Messe, as the world's first urban bike made from recycled plastic. The start-up MTRL, which has already successfully launched 400 bicycles with plastic frames and wheels in the Netherlands, will begin production and sales as the first partner by the end of this year. In Germany, market launch is scheduled for early 2023. Future versions, such as an e-bike, are planned. The full-plastic bicycle will in future be available both in a version made from new plastic and a version made from 100 percent recycled material. MTRL plans to establish local production facilities worldwide near plastic waste dumps.

HTGF has already supported over 670 start-ups

With its investment in HTGF, igus is part of one of Europe's most successful and strongest investor and start-up networks. The focus of the seed fund HTGF IV will be on digital tech, industrial tech, chemistry, and life sciences. igus will play an active role as an industry and technology expert in evaluating and developing start-ups. The HTGF was founded in 2005. At that time, representatives from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, industry experts, and sector representatives formed a working group. Their goal: to revive the completely dormant market for start-up financing. They succeeded. Today, HTGF supports young companies with a total volume of 895.5 million euros across three funds. With Fund IV, more than 400 million euros are added. Investors include, alongside the BMWK and KfW Capital, companies such as Altana, Bosch, Haniel, and SAP. Since 2005, the funders have supported over 670 start-ups in becoming successful companies. It’s not just about money. Start-up experts and experienced investment managers accompany founders with know-how and passion. Among HTGF’s success stories are the online eyewear retailer Mister Spex, the software producer 6Wunderkinder, and the virtual power plant operator Next Kraftwerke.