Startuprad.io Green Tech Investment Feature
ESG SaaS is scaling, VCs are watching, and DACH founders are building the future — here's how to stay ahead.
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You don’t need a crystal ball to know that climate tech is going to be one of the defining startup stories of the next decade. But in 2025, it’s not enough to just slap "sustainable" on your pitch deck. If you're building a green tech startup in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland (the DACH region), VCs want more than idealism — they want impact and revenue.
In this issue, we’re breaking down hard-earned lessons from Wolfgang Krause, Managing Partner at Hi Inov, who sat down with us on Startuprad.io to share what he’s really looking for when investing in the future of green innovation.
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Why the Green Tech Gold Rush Is Just Getting Started
Hi Inov just released its 2025 mapping of European green tech software startups, and one thing is clear: the DACH region is quietly leading the charge.
Germany and Austria are now home to vertically focused climate SaaS like DeepKey.
Switzerland’s integration of hardware + software ecosystems gives it a unique edge.
Berlin, Munich, Zurich and Vienna are forming a distributed but dynamic green corridor.
But here's the catch: VCs are getting more selective. They want proof that your startup isn't just doing good — it can do well.
🎧 The Audio Podcast
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🎥 The Video Podcast
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What Investors Are Really Looking For in 2025
Forget the generic ESG pitch. Here’s what real investors care about now:
Series A readiness: >€1M ARR, or contracts to get there
Clear vertical traction: SaaS focused on real estate, logistics, infrastructure
AI as a tool, not the pitch: Efficiency > novelty
Compliance as a revenue driver: Not a burden, but a feature
Krause calls out DeepKey as a standout example: "They don’t just report ESG data. They integrate it into how buildings function. That’s real value."
From ESG Buzzwords to ESG SaaS
Vertical SaaS is redefining how compliance gets built into startup infrastructure. Instead of generalist tools, startups like DeepKey are offering:
Real-time carbon accounting
Automated reporting frameworks for EU CSRD
Data visualization tailored to non-technical users
It’s not just tech. It’s trust infrastructure.
How to Actually Win Series A Capital in Green Tech
Here’s your tactical list:
Start conversations with funds before you fundraise.
Make sure your deck shows ROI, not just impact.
Don’t hide your regulatory roadmap — lead with it.
Know how your software reduces cost or creates efficiency.
DACH’s Role in Europe’s Climate Future
According to Krause, the DACH region contributes 20–30% of Europe’s innovation volume in climate tech. Yet, it remains under-hyped.
Why that matters:
Fewer tourists in your pitch meetings
More technical founders, less startup theatre
Real engineering culture + regulatory alignment
📎 Original Blog Post: Green Tech Startups: Investing in the DACH Region’s Climate Innovation Boom
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