Fundraising Success: Motor AI Secures $20 Million, Ordio Gains $12 Million, Stark Takes Control of the Plenum Area
Berlin, the tech hub of Germany, continues to attract venture capital and investment, particularly in AI infrastructure and defence technology. However, recent disclosed deals and investment updates have not highlighted any new funding for MOTOR Ai, Ordio, Alva, 36ZERO Vision, or Neoh in the DACH region.
In a notable move, Stark Defense, a company focusing on combat drones, has acquired the young Berlin-based startup Pleno. Founded in 2023 by Nura Linggih and Nino Lindenberg, Pleno develops an Autonomous Operating System for Drones. Lindenberg, who now serves as Director of AI & Navigation at Stark, was previously supported by the Blockchain Founders Group.
Meanwhile, MOTOR Ai, a Berlin-based startup founded in 2017 by Roy Uhlmann and Adam Bahlke, secured a $20 million investment from eCAPITAL, Segenia Capital, and Business Angels. The fresh capital will be used to finalise steps towards type approval for public roads and the subsequent deployment of autonomous vehicles.
36ZERO Vision, another Berlin-based startup, received a €3.6 million investment from Join Capital, Vanagon, and Bayern Kapital. Founded in 2021 by Heiko Huber and Zeeshan Karamat, the company offers a "no-code self-service platform" for quality control and inspection using AI.
Ordio, a Cologne-based company founded in 2021 by David Keuenhof (founder of popular and Sushi Ninja) and Gregor Pilz, secured a €12 million investment. The investment round was led by 3VC, Wecken & Cie, Capnamic Ventures, and Simon Capital. The funds will be used to advance product development in the area of AI-supported payroll processing and process automation.
On the other hand, Alva, a Berlin-based GreenTech startup, received around €5.2 million in investment from Triodos Bank, Wuerttembergische Energie, Brandenburg Kapital, better ventures, ESIIF, and Business Angels. Alva focuses on supporting owners and tenants of residential and commercial properties in Germany from planning to financing and installation, to reliable administration in ongoing operation of solar power projects.
Despite the absence of recent investment news for MOTOR Ai, Ordio, Alva, 36ZERO Vision, and Neoh in the DACH region, the tech ecosystem in Berlin and Central Europe remains vibrant, with ongoing investments in AI, data sovereignty, and cybersecurity.
The engagement between Stark Defense and Berlin-based startup Pleno, focusing on combat drones, signifies investment in defense technology. MOTOR Ai, based in Berlin, has secured a substantial $20 million investment in the finance sector, specifically for the development of autonomous vehicles.
