FTTF logo

FTTF

Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich

Description

FTTF, or Fraunhofer Technologie-Transfer Fonds, is a dedicated venture capital fund operating out of Munich, Germany, with a singular focus on deeptech startups that leverage technologies developed within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. As an integral part of Fraunhofer Venture, FTTF plays a crucial role in commercializing cutting-edge research and intellectual property stemming from Fraunhofer's extensive network of over 76 research institutes across Germany. The fund's primary mission is to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and market viability, providing essential capital and strategic support to transform groundbreaking research into successful enterprises.

The fund primarily targets Pre-Seed and Seed-stage companies, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing ventures from their earliest phases. FTTF's investment thesis centers on technologies with high disruptive potential, particularly those emerging from Fraunhofer's deep research in areas such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence, photonics, and sustainable technologies. Initial investments typically range from approximately $215,000 (€200,000) to $1,080,000 (€1,000,000), with the capacity for significant follow-on funding as portfolio companies achieve key milestones and scale. This strategic approach ensures that promising spin-offs receive the necessary financial backing to develop their products, build their teams, and penetrate target markets.

Beyond capital, FTTF offers its portfolio companies unparalleled access to the vast resources of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. This includes access to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialized equipment, a deep pool of scientific and engineering talent, and a global network of industry partners and experts. The fund's hands-on approach involves active support in business development, intellectual property management, and strategic guidance, helping founders navigate the complexities of deeptech commercialization. FTTF's long-term vision is to foster a robust ecosystem of innovation, contributing to Germany's technological leadership and creating high-impact businesses from world-class research.

Investor Profile

FTTF has backed more than 47 startups, with 3 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 16 rounds, about 34% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Germany, Switzerland.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Manufacturing.
  • Typical check size: $215K – $1.1M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (47%)
  • Pre Seed (43%)
  • Series A (6%)
  • Series B (2%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)

Country Focus

  • Germany (98%)
  • Switzerland (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Manufacturing
  • Saas
  • Logistics
  • Analytics
  • Agriculture
  • Geospatial
  • Information Technology
  • 3d Printing
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does FTTF frequently co-invest with?

EIT Food
North America, Wisconsin, United States, Belgium
Co-Investments: 2
Vsquared Ventures
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Co-Investments: 2
Natural Ventures
Asia, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Co-Investments: 2
HTGF | High-Tech Gruenderfonds
Europe, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Bonn
Co-Investments: 6
OV
Europe, Bremen, Germany, Bremen
Co-Investments: 3
AC
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Co-Investments: 2
ET
Europe, Niedersachsen, Germany, Achim
Co-Investments: 3
TGFS - Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen
Europe, Sachsen, Germany, Leipzig
Co-Investments: 5
Atlantic Labs
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 2
Lakestar
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does FTTF often collaborate with?

CS
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
NB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
JF
North America, Arkansas, United States, Hamburg
Shared Deals: 1
Jörg Gebhardt
Europe, Hessen, Germany, Frankfurt
Shared Deals: 1
PL
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Garmisch-partenkirchen
Shared Deals: 1
Malte Pollmann
Europe, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Aachen
Shared Deals: 1
RF
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Shared Deals: 1
MH
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Shared Deals: 1
CS
North America, Washington, United States, Kirkland
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by FTTF?

3D Spark

Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

SaaS platform to identify those parts that can be produced cheaper, faster, better, or more sustainably by means of 3D printing.

3D PrintingManufacturingSaaSSoftware
SeedMay 5, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,267,083
Variolytics

Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Variolytics is a real-time analytics company.

AnalyticsEnvironmental EngineeringTest and Measurement
Series UnknownJan 30, 2025
Quantum Optics Jena

Jena, Thuringen, Germany

Quantum Optics Jena develops quantum-based solutions for state-of-the-art communication systems.

ElectronicsHardwareManufacturingSoftware
Series ASep 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $9,358,770
AVES Reality

Garmisch-partenkirchen, Bayern, Germany

AVES Reality creates AI-based software that generates virtual 3D maps of any location using data such as satellite and overflight images.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Mapping ServicesNavigation
Pre SeedApr 25, 2024
volytica diagnostics

Dresden, Sachsen, Germany

Volytica is a provider of battery management solutions for electric vehicles.

AutomotiveBatteryElectric VehicleManufacturing
Series ASep 7, 2023
Amount Raised: $5,884,033
Logistikbude

Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

SaaS solution enabling production & logistics to automate the management of load carriers

Software
SeedAug 31, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,385,437
constellr

Freiburg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Constellr develops an imaging technology to assess vegetation, soil health, and industrial monitoring for the agriculture sector.

AgricultureDatabaseGeospatialProductivity Tools
SeedJul 24, 2023
Amount Raised: $18,807,161
DGG

Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany

DGG is a German deep tech SaaS company, creating RapidCompact - the world's leading platform for 3D data optimization.

3D TechnologyArtificial Intelligence (AI)Augmented RealityE-CommerceSaaSSoftwareVirtual Reality
SeedJul 20, 2023
Amount Raised: $4,453,852
Quantagonia

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany

Quantagonia is a quantum software company offering hybrid quantum-classical solutions in ML/AI, optimization and simulation.

Quantum ComputingSoftware
SeedJul 4, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,863,285
Flowsight

Augsburg, Bayern, Germany

The monitoring feature of Flowsight Brewcast enables complete transparency by visualizing the whole brewing process.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BrewingPredictive Analytics
Pre SeedJun 26, 2023
Amount Raised: $1,000,000