10 Top Berlin Startups to Watch in 2024

Landscape photo of Berlin.

Berlin has steadily become a hub for startups in Europe. Its favorable business environment, diverse talent pool, and rich cultural scene make it an attractive location for budding entrepreneurs. 

As the city continues to grow its startup ecosystem, certain companies stand out for their innovative solutions and potential for growth. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top Berlin startups that are making a mark in their respective sectors.

Best Startups in Berlin, Germany

Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation, tech, and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the most exciting Berlin startups of 2024 that startup lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow. 

Disclaimer: With so many exciting startups launching and growing, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups that are listed below are not officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.

1. Blinkist

  • Industry: App, Edtech
  • Founders: Holger Seim, Niklas Jansen, Sebastian Klein, Tobias Balling
  • Founded In: 2012
  • Funding: $34.8 Million
  • Investors Include: Greycroft, Insight Partners

Blinkist is an innovative company that revolutionizes the way we consume non-fiction literature. Their platform offers condensed summaries of popular books, allowing users to quickly grasp key insights and ideas. With over 27 million users worldwide, Blinkist provides a time-efficient solution for busy individuals who want to stay informed and expand their knowledge.

2. Matter Labs

Matter Labs is a leading startup specializing in blockchain scalability solutions. They are at the forefront of developing technology called zkSync, which enables faster and more efficient transactions on blockchain networks. By implementing zkSync, Matter Labs aims to overcome the limitations of current blockchain systems, such as high fees and slow processing times.

3. Contentful

  • Industry: Cloud Computing, Software
  • Founders: Paolo Negri, Sascha Konietzke
  • Founded In: 2013
  • Funding:  $349.6 Million
  • Investors Include: Tiger Global Management, Sapphire Ventures

Contentful is transforming the way businesses manage and deliver digital content. It enables companies to create, organize, and distribute content seamlessly across various channels, from websites to mobile apps. With its developer-friendly approach and API-first architecture, Contentful empowers entrepreneurs to build flexible and scalable solutions, accelerating their digital initiatives. 

4. FORMEL Skin

  • Industry: Healthtech
  • Founders: Anton Kononov, Florian Semler, Sarah Bechstein
  • Founded In: 2020
  • Funding: €35 Million ($37.8 Million)
  • Investors Include: Singular, Cherry Ventures

Leveraging advanced algorithms and data-driven insights, FORMEL Skin creates tailor-made skincare products for individuals, addressing specific concerns and needs. Customers begin by taking a comprehensive online skin assessment, which analyzes various factors like lifestyle, environment, and skin type. The company’s commitment to innovation and customization sets it apart in the competitive skincare industry.

5. Choco

  • Industry: Food and Beverage
  • Founders:  Daniel Khachab, Julian Hammer, Rogério Da Silva Yokomizo
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding: $336.3 Million
  • Investors Include: G Squared, Insight Partners

Choco is transforming the food supply chain with its digital platform. By connecting restaurants, suppliers, and producers, Choco streamlines the ordering process, reducing food waste and improving efficiency. Their user-friendly app enables businesses to source high-quality ingredients and manage inventory seamlessly while also promoting sustainability in the food industry.

6. Propel

  • Industry: App, Software
  • Founders: Seun Owolabi, Sunkanmi Ola
  • Founded In: 2019
  • Funding:  $2.9 Million
  • Investors Include: Google for Startups, No Such Ventures

Propel serves as a talent pipeline partner for expanding businesses. They offer “Community-as-a-Service,” assisting companies in connecting with a vast tech community ecosystem. Through Propel, companies can swiftly find their next professional hire, allowing them to concentrate on core priorities.

7. Formo

  • Industry: Biotech, Food and Beverage
  • Founders: Britta Winterberg, Raffael Wohlgensinger
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding:  $54.3 Million
  • Investors Include: Elevat3 Capital, Lowercarbon Capital

Previously known as “Legendairy,” Formo’s mission is to promote a sustainable planet through innovative food solutions. Harnessing the power of microorganisms, they craft proteins through precision fermentation, offering an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor or tradition.

8. Wefox

  • Industry: Insurtech
  • Founders: Amir Suissa, Dario Fazlic, Fabian Wesemann, Jonathan Seoane, Julian Teicke, Teodoro Martino
  • Founded In: 2015
  • Funding: $1.4 Billion
  • Investors Include: Squarepoint Capital, Barclays

Offering a digital insurance platform, Wefox connects customers, brokers, and insurance providers seamlessly, streamlining the entire process. With a focus on transparency and efficiency, the platform has gained significant traction, attracting millions in funding and partnerships with leading insurers.

9. Vay

  • Industry: Autonomous Vehicles
  • Founders: Bogdan Djukic, Fabrizio Ugo Scelsi, Thomas von der Ohe
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding: $95 Million
  • Investors Include: Kinnevik, Coatue

Vay is revolutionizing the mobility sector with its unique teledriving service. Professionally trained teledrivers remotely control vehicles, delivering them to customers via the Vay app. Their system, built with multiple cellular networks and advanced hardware, ensures safe and reliable journeys.

10. cargo.one

Cargo.one streamlines the process of booking and managing air freight. By connecting airlines and freight forwarders in real time, it offers instant access to capacity and dynamic pricing, making the process efficient and cost-effective. With its user-friendly interface and commitment to optimizing logistics, cargo.one is poised to transform the air cargo sector and drive efficiency for businesses worldwide.