Beyond Lovable and Mistral: 21 European landmarks to see

Europe should be familiar with BottleCap AI, not a bottle of memes. With its tongue-in-cheek name, the Prague-based AI startup is one of those groups that VCs think you should know about.

It’s not that the European pioneers didn’t go through the motions – Beloved and Mistral AI and proof of that. But there are many others who do not nine figures in annual recurring revenue however, and that insiders are still following closely.

That’s where this list comes in. Over the past few weeks, we asked investors at some of the most famous European funds to create two startups each: one from their portfolio (because they liked the best startups to invest in) and one outside of it (because they are startup experts but can’t invest in it all). We also threw in a few of our picks.

From before it started until unicornThese founders are at different stages of their journey, and from different backgrounds. Because of our system, it may not show where the hottest spots are in the area, but it shows how deep technical talent it could help Europe play its cards in the AI ​​race.

Top Locations

Recommended by Julien Codorniou, general partner, 20VC.

What it does: Top Locations creates an AI-powered counter-drone system.

That’s why it’s important to check: Defense technology has moved from the public to the private sector, particularly in Europe, where the war in Ukraine has sparked military reforms. Alta Ares interceptors respond to the need for cost-effective solutions to detect and counter drones.

Apron

Recommended by Jan Hammer, partner, Index Ventures (investor).

What it does: Apron he gives invoice management for small business owners.

That’s why it’s important to check: SMBs can be a profitable segment for fintech companies; Business owners are willing to spend some money to save time, and there are millions of them.

Botify

Recommended by Claire Houry, general partner, Ventech (investor).

What it does: Botify helps brands increase their visibility in AI research.

That’s why it’s important to check: Companies are still struggling to replace SEO with search engine optimization (GEO) – but this Disrupt NY 2016 alum has already agreed to change. Botify has competition in its new field, such as Otterly.AI and Deepand major clients, from Macy’s to the New York Times.

BottleCap AI

Recommended by Julien Codorniou, general partner, 20VC (investor).

What it does: BottleCap AI it offers LLMs and regular master’s programs.

That’s why it’s important to check: There are three founders who include a businessman who he sold his old company to Meta and two AI researchers, BottleCap took a two-pronged approach. Starting to build its models and release programs that are built on top of them, including Hittingan AI-powered news app.

Cailabs

Recommended by Flavia Levi, investment manager, Join Capital.

What it does: Cailabs develops photonics for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.

That’s why it’s important to check: Cailabs is based on advanced research in the science of light, which is now used for fast and powerful data transmission. Supported by public and private investorsplans to deploy 50 optical ground stations to support growing demand for laser and satellite communications.

Time

Recommended by TechCrunch’s Anna Heim.

What it does: Knowledge graph for AI agents.

That’s why it’s important to check: Time plans to create the knowledge that AI agents lack. Its founder is Elisenda Bou-Balust, a well-known Spanish entrepreneur and AI expert herself. he sold his old company Vilynx at Apple in 2020.

Flowers

Approved by Pär-Jörgen Pärson, partner, Northzone (investor).

What it does: Renewable energy management.

That’s why it’s important to check: Wind and solar energy fluctuate naturally. Flowers it supports AI and battery power saving systems to make their usage known. This Swedish company recently upgraded more than $60 million in bonds continue to grow.

Important

Recommended by Jonathan Userovici, senior partner, Mutu (investor).

What it does: Foundation AI for big data analysis.

That’s why it’s important to check: ImportantThe foundation model, Nexus, is focused helping businesses get insights from their data. The company just went public in February, but is already worth $1.4 billion following a $255 million Series A round.

Gradium

Recommended by Jonathan Userovici, senior partner, Mutu.

What it does: AI voice types.

That’s why it’s important to check: GradiumAI models can be used for speech-to-speech transcription that provides AI assistants with voice in multiple languages. The emergence of the French AI lab Kyutai, the opponent of ElevenLabs raised a $70 million seed round his own.

HappyRobot

He was advised by Pablo Ventura, senior partner, Kfund.

What it does: AI assistants for user challenges.

That’s why it’s important to check: HappyRobotthe beginning written by a16z and Y Combinator, is one of the many AI sponsors, but the goal is to ensure that this can be deployed and deliver ROI. It is based in the US, but the three co-founders and part of its team are Spanish.

They are taken inside

He was advised by Claire Houry, general partner, Ventech.

What it does: Physical AI for industries.

That’s why it’s important to check: Combining AI and robotics, They are taken inside supports and expands manufacturing systems, from the automotive and electronics industries to the home goods industry. The founders are said to be already working in more than 70 industries.

Let go

He was advised by Pär-Jörgen Pärson, partner, Northzone.

What it does: AI platform for lawyers.

That’s why it’s important to check: With increased competition from traditional LLMs, legal expertise will also become more marketable. Grab some popcorn for Harvey v. Lekora after Let go one upstaged his opponent registration of Judah Law to be the face of his brand. That’s one starting point for Sweden, that is now its headquarters is in New York but still one of The rising stars of AI in Stockholm.

Macrodata Labs

He was advised by Floriane de Maupeou, principal, Serena Data Ventures.

What it does: AI training for data processing.

That’s why it’s important to check: “Any strong brand starts with good data,” Macrodata Labs they say on the home page “coming soon”. But activation cannot create data; Its upcoming platform will give other companies the tools to create robust training tools.

Multiverse Computing

Recommended by Julie Bort of TechCrunch.

What it does: They offer compressed versions of heavy models like OpenAI, Meta, DeepSeek, and Mistral AI.

That’s why it’s important to check: Multiverse Computing‘s tech takes a proven model and makes it smaller and cheaper to run, especially on enterprise hardware. Founded by CTO Román Orús, professor at the Donostia International Physics Center, the Spanish start-up has taken place. earned $250 million.

Optics 11

Recommended by Flavia Levi, investment manager, Join Capital (investor).

What it does: Fiber-Optic Sensing Systems.

That’s why it’s important to check: Optics 11The technology makes it possible to monitor equipment underwater and in harsh environments. Its ability to prevent the disruption of subsea infrastructure and power grids helped to initiate debt settlement from the European Investment Bank.

Pennylane

It is recommended by Jan Hammer, partner, Index Ventures.

What it does: An investment strategy for SMBs.

That’s why it’s important to check: Pennylane he started and accountingbut it has bigger goals. Like many other growing fintechs, this one French unicorn has expanded its scope, with the desire to create a financial communication solution for SMBs in Europe.

Part of PLD

Recommended by TechCrunch’s Anna Heim.

What it does: They launch rockets.

That’s why it’s important to check: Part of PLD it is part of Europe’s push for space independence. After successfully launch a suborbital rocket in 2023it is currently developing a new launch vehicle for small satellites. Last month, the Spanish company was protected $209 million Series C round led by Mitsubishi Electric which brought in more than $350 million.

Proxima Fusion

He was encouraged by Daria Saharova, senior partner, World Fund.

What it does: Nuclear fusion.

That’s why it’s important to check: The race for an alternative to nuclear is underway, and Proxima Fusion and one of Europe very controversial. A VC-backed company has recently been secured $460 million from the Bavarian government to support his plans to build a power plant in Europe, starting with a star show near Munich.

On the roof

Recommended by Floriane de Maupeou, principal, Serena Data Ventures (investor).

What it does: AI-powered software for high-end chips.

That’s why it’s important to check: The extent of the university On the roof it bridges the gap between AI and a highly distributed hardware layer with software that allows users to fine-tune colors on different types of chips.

Space Forge

Recommended by Daria Saharova, senior partner, World Fund (investor).

What it does: Space Forge manufactures semiconductor components in space.

That’s why it’s important to check: Design in space it is increasing – in the use of drugs and chips, that is The purpose of the Space Forge. With additional talwilwinds from geopolitics, the launch is ahead: Soon generated plasma in a low Earth way.

Theker

Recommended by Pablo Ventura, general partner, Kfund (investor).

What it does: Robots as a profession.

That’s why it’s important to check: Theker is one of several startups supported by Zara owner Inditex through a a mutual fund managed by Mundi Ventures. Theker’s AI-powered robots can help the retail giant streamline operations, but also start and track waste-use cases and food and beverage production.