Kickfund invests at full throttle
Summary
Early this year, Kickfund Ventures Fund became operational, with more than CHF 70 million Assets Under Management, dedicated to promoting the growth and development of Swiss deeptech startups that won the Venture Kick competition. The objective is to clear this backlog and enter the next phase of normal investment pace matching Venture Kicks ongoing turnout of Venture Kick stage 3 winners starting 2025, clarified Wanja Humanes, CEO of KickFund. Each decision is made with careful consideration, and the fund reserves the right to decline investments when necessary, as evidenced by its recent choice to pass on two opportunities.With the goal of aligning closely with Venture Kick, the fund has accelerated its activities this year, rapidly expanding its portfolio to 41 companies across 42 investments. Luya Foods has received funding twice, benefitting from the maximum amount of CHF 850000 per company, and two other companies are already in the process of a second investment from the fund.The Portfolio comprises the following startups in their respective sectors:Daav developed DAAV-air, an advanced mobility device for individuals with reduced mobility, particularly in airport environments.Matriq specializes in polymer marking solutions through its patented DynamicMold technology.Bottneuro is developing a non-invasive neuromodulation therapy for to deliver precise electrical stimulation to affected brain regions.Flowbone injectable, bone-seeding gel for a quick and subtle, local strengthening of fragile bones.Neurosoft Bioelectronics SA soft, implantable electrodes designed to interface with the brain and nervous systemSurgeonslab patient-specific training models for training surgical procedures and validating new medical devices.DeepSys (healthcare IT) electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis as a service leveraging its proprietary medical software. The system extracts features that correlate with the probability of response to psychiatric treatment.Galventa its flagship product is "B SYNC ON," a clinically tested nutritional supplement designed to support the natural waking process.NexMR is revolutionsing drug discovery through its advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology.Recolony cancer therapies based on bacteria from the gut microbiomeNaturLoop develops sustainable biocomposites for furniture and construction using agricultural waste.Neology Hydrogen Ammonia to Hydrogen Generation System that efficiently converts ammonia into high-purity hydrogen.SoHHytec focused on the production of green hydrogen with its system Arb which utilizes solar energy and water to produce hydrogen, oxygen, electricity, and heat simultaneously,WattAnyWhere solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging through its unique Bioenergy-On-Demand fuel cell systemCultivated Biosciences GMO-free yeast-based ingredient offering the creaminess needed for plant-based dairy to appeal to flexitarian consumers.Kidemis uses mycelium-based fermentation technology to convert low-value agricultural side streams into high-quality mycoprotein for aquafeed.askEarth is democratizing access to satellite data through advanced technology, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models.AtlasVR develops virtual reality (VR) training solutions, primarily aimed at the Mechanical Electrical and Metal (MEM) industry.Correntics climate risk analytics, focusing on enhancing supply chain resilience in the face of climate change.School Rebound developed digital tools to help children overcome learning difficulties, particularly in handwriting.Isochronic developed software-driven industrial robotic systems that enable, for the first time, the simultaneous transport of multiple parts