Corporate News Archives

Mei Marie and RelaxTax Merge – A New Step Towards Simplified Tax Filing

In a strategic move to enhance the user experience and simplify the tax filing process, the Austrian tax-saving apps Mei Marie and RelaxTax have merged under the umbrella of Linde Digital. This merger brings together two innovative solutions aimed at making the tax assessment easier and more accessible for users. Venionaire Capital played a key role in advising on this merger, guiding both parties through the transaction to bring about a more powerful, integrated platform for Austrian taxpayers. With this fusion, the combined strengths of both apps are set to revolutionize the way users navigate their tax filings, providing a more comprehensive and user-friendly solution.

The Origins of Mei Marie and RelaxTax

Mei Marie, the tax app launched in October 2023, aimed to simplify the process of filing the employee tax assessment and maximize potential tax savings. Developed by the Linde Verlag, a well-known Austrian company specializing in law, economics, and tax matters, Mei Marie focused on empowering users with the knowledge and tools to identify where they could save on taxes. The app emphasized personal responsibility, guiding users on how to find and claim deductions.

Soon after, in April 2024, RelaxTax, a Tax-Tech startup based in Vienna, followed suit. RelaxTax took a more hands-on approach by offering users “Tax Buddies” that assisted with tax filing. These characters, modeled after former Austrian politicians and public officials, added a light-hearted touch to the typically tedious process of tax adjustment.

The New Bot Service – A Complete Solution

One of the major developments following the merger is the introduction of the “Bot Service” for Mei Marie users. This means that Mei Marie users can now submit their tax adjustments directly to the tax authorities through RelaxTax’s platform, ensuring both security and compliance without relying on third-party providers. This step brings additional convenience and security to users.

“Taxpayers face three key challenges when dealing with the employee tax assessment: What can I deduct? How do I properly substantiate my claims if the tax office asks? And how do I correctly submit my claims to the authorities to get my money back without any problems?” explains Berthold Baurek-Karlic, Head of Digital Transformation at Linde Digital and CEO of Venionaire Capital. “With the tips and archive features already in place, Mei Marie has solved the first two challenges. The Bot Service now completes the offering.”

Expanded Features for Users

The merger also brings expanded features for users of both apps. RelaxTax users will soon have access to the “SteuerSparBuch” from Linde, which serves as the foundation for Mei Marie. On the other hand, Mei Marie users can now take advantage of RelaxTax’s Bot Service and receive personal concierge-style support. Both apps will continue to offer free and paid versions, ensuring there’s a suitable solution for all users.

“We want to maintain the distinct target groups of Mei Marie and RelaxTax within the employee tax assessment space, but we will also continue to specialize and refine our offerings,” says Baurek-Karlic. “For example, RelaxTax will develop into a multilingual app, which is an important step considering that around a quarter of Austria’s employees are non-native German speakers.”

A New Chapter for Tax Filing

The merger of Mei Marie and RelaxTax represents a significant step toward providing a more comprehensive, user-friendly, and secure solution for tax filing in Austria. With the introduction of the Bot Service, expanded features, and plans for multilingual support, tax filing is becoming more accessible and understandable for a wider range of people.

Venionaire Capital was pleased to advise on this transaction, helping bring together these two innovative solutions that are set to redefine the tax filing process. The future of tax-saving apps looks promising, and this merger sets a new standard in the world of digital tax services.

Monkee and Biome Diagnostics Shine in Top Startup Ranking

Staying at the forefront of venture capital requires an eye for groundbreaking opportunities. Venionaire Capital and Venionaire Ventures S.à r.l., manager of the EXF Alpha S.C.S fund for the European Super Angels Club (ESAC), are excited to see two of the fund’s standout portfolio companies, Monkee and Biome Diagnostics, recognized as top Austrian startups for their innovation. Both were featured in the recent issue of trend, one of Austria’s leading business publications, showcasing their contributions to their respective fields.

Monkee and Biome Diagnostics: Leading in Innovation

Monkee, ranked 4th, is transforming personal finance with its “Save Now, Buy Later” platform that promotes healthy saving habits without relying on credit. Meanwhile, Biome Diagnostics, ranked 10th, is advancing personalized medicine with products like myBioma for gut health analysis and BiomeOne for predicting immunotherapy responses. Both startups exemplify impactful innovation in their respective markets and demonstrate the effectiveness of Venionaire Capital’s strategic investment approach.

Insight into the Evaluation Process

The list of the 150 most innovative companies in Austria represents a redefined view of the national business scene. Compiled by trend. in partnership with the German market research firm Statista, the process involved over 25,000 individual assessments. Moreover, the ranking featured the top 10 ATX companies, the 20 best international firms with Austrian subsidiaries, the 20 leading startups, and 100 other innovative businesses led by Alpla.

Patents were an important criterion, but the assessment extended beyond that. The process included surveys of 9,000 employees and consultation with 400 innovation experts.

The Final Scores

A 40-member expert jury, comprised of seasoned business consultants, patent attorneys, and startup specialists, played a crucial role. Their evaluations held significant weight in the final scores. This jury provided invaluable insights into product and process innovation, as well as innovation culture, offering a comprehensive view beyond standard metrics.

Venionaire Capital’s Focus on Growth and Innovation

Venionaire Capital is dedicated to nurturing forward-thinking startups through the EXF Alpha S.C.S fund managed by Venionaire Ventures S.à r.l. The recognition of Monkee and Biome Diagnostics highlights the effectiveness of this strategy. Supporting companies that push boundaries reinforces Venionaire’s commitment to fostering progress in various industries.

Acknowledgments like these emphasize the dedication of portfolio companies and the strategic acumen of Venionaire Capital. The firm looks forward to enabling more innovative solutions and creating value for its investors.

The Future of Climate Summit Vol II: A Landmark Event for Sustainable Innovation

09/03/2024/in Corporate News, News /by Venionaire

The world is at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change could become irreversible by 2030. With just seven years left to create meaningful change, the urgency to act has never been greater. In response, the PDIE (Purpose Driven Innovation Ecosystem) Group and Venionaire Capital are hosting “The Future of Climate Summit Vol II.” This event will unite influential voices and leaders to address the global climate crisis.

A Pivotal Moment in the Climate Movement

Scheduled for September 20, 2024, “The Future of Climate Summit Vol II” will take place at Dentons Law Firm’s head office in New York Midtown. This summit promises to be a significant step toward a sustainable future. It will provide a platform for experts, visionaries, and changemakers to exchange ideas and present innovative solutions to the climate crisis.

Organized in collaboration with The Earthshot Prize, this event underscores its importance and potential to drive real change.

Exploring “Positive Futures Enabled by AI”

The summit’s theme, “Positive Futures Enabled by AI,” focuses on critical topics. These include energy transition, the future of sustainable cities, decarbonization, food and agriculture, and natural capital and biodiversity. These discussions aim to encourage collaboration and generate actionable strategies to address climate challenges.

Moreover, the summit features an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

– Xiye Bastida: Youth activist who rallied 30,000 followers for Fridays for Future in New York.

– Augusto Lopez-Claros: Chairman of the Global Governance Forum.

– Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim: Earthshot Prize Council member and advocate for Indigenous peoples’ rights.

– Daniel Blackman: Senior Advisor for STEM Recruitment and Diversity at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

– Dr. Luke Haverhals: Founder and CEO of NFW, a company dedicated to creating sustainable materials.

These speakers bring diverse perspectives and innovative ideas to ensure the summit is enlightening and impactful.

A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future

Christian Schmitz, founder and CEO of PDIE Group and Associate Partner at Venionaire Capital, emphasizes the importance of this event. He states, “We believe that by bringing together outstanding solution providers, investors, and global leaders, we can accelerate progress toward a sustainable and resilient future. Through engaging discussions, impactful collaborations, and visionary ideas, we aim to create a community committed to solving our climate crisis and making a lasting impact.”

Berthold Baurek-Karlic, CEO and founder of Venionaire Capital, shares this sentiment. He says, “At the Future of Climate Summit, I expect groundbreaking innovations to address our planet’s most pressing challenges. This summit will bring together a dynamic mix of innovators, thought leaders, and investors. It will create a powerful platform for collaboration and progress. I am confident that the synergies formed here will drive impactful solutions and pave the way for a sustainable future.”

Secure Your Spot at This Landmark Event

With limited seats available, “The Future of Climate Summit Vol II” encourages individuals and organizations to secure their participation. This is more than just an event—it is a crucial gathering of minds dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Spot Reservation: https://pdiegroup.com/future-of-climate-summit

Revolutionizing Workplace Nutrition: The Launch of Linde Digital’s Social Snack Bar

09/02/2024/in Corporate News, News /by Venionaire

In today’s fast-paced work environment, maintaining a healthy diet and fostering social responsibility is challenging. Recognizing this, Linde Digital has launched the Social Snack Bar. It was developed in close strategic partnership with Venionaire Capital, who proudly holds a stake in Linde Digital. This innovative app simplifies employee access to snacks and meals at work while promoting healthy eating and social responsibility.

What is the Social Snack Bar?

The Social Snack Bar allows companies to create a virtual snack store for their employees. Employers simply upload photos and descriptions of available snacks, transforming the workplace into a convenient digital marketplace. Employees can browse the selection, check available quantities, add desired snacks to a cart, and complete their purchase—all within the app. Moreover, the Social Snack Bar isn’t just a digital vending machine. It empowers companies to promote healthier lifestyles and demonstrate a commitment to social causes.

A Win-Win for Employers and Employees

One standout feature is its seamless integration with existing company systems. Employers can set up meal vouchers or subsidies directly in the app. This allows employees to see their current balance and make informed purchases. This feature is particularly beneficial for companies encouraging healthier eating habits.

Furthermore, the app’s backend automates several processes. It generates a list of consumed snacks and forwards it to payroll. This ensures that snack costs are accurately reflected in salary calculations without manual effort. Additionally, the app manages inventory by automatically creating a shopping list based on real-time data, simplifying the restocking process. Best of all, companies can access these benefits for just 1 Euro per user, with a flexible monthly contract.

A New Level of Social Responsibility

The Social Snack Bar also offers a unique way to engage in corporate social responsibility. Employers can assign tags to individual products, setting lower prices for healthier snacks. They can also add a small donation to a charitable organization for every healthy snack purchased. “The key to this approach is that employers can assign tags to individual products,” explains Benjamin Jentzsch, Managing Director of Linde Digital and Linde Verlag. “For example, the price of healthy snacks can be set lower, and the company can also add a small donation to a charitable organization. This creates an extra incentive to promote healthy eating, social responsibility, and the well-being of the workforce. The accumulated donation amount is displayed in the app.”

A Partnership for Innovation

Since 2022, Linde Digital GmbH, a subsidiary of Linde Verlag, has been developing new digital business models. The Social Snack Bar is one of their latest innovations. It was developed in close strategic partnership with Venionaire Capital. Together, we create tools that address business needs and contribute to a healthier, more socially responsible work culture.

Looking Ahead

As companies explore ways to enhance employee well-being and promote social responsibility, the Social Snack Bar stands out. It’s more than just providing snacks—it fosters a healthier, more connected, and socially responsible workplace. The Social Snack Bar’s launch marks an exciting step forward in workplace innovation. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on companies and their employees.

The Successful Exit of flovtec

08/23/2024/in Corporate News, News /by Venionaire

Venionaire Capital is pleased to announce the successful exit of flovtec, a Swiss-based market maker and portfolio company of the EXF Alpha S.C.S Fund, managed by Venionaire Ventures S.à r.l. flovtec has been acquired by STS Digital, a firm specializing in over-the-counter (OTC) trading and market making for digital assets. This acquisition marks a strategic milestone for both companies and advances the digital asset market-making sector.

Venionaire’s Role in the Deal

Venionaire Capital played a crucial role in advising on the deal. The EXF Alpha S.C.S Fund, the syndicate fund of the European Super Angels Club (ESAC), managed by Venionaire Ventures S.à r.l. based in Luxembourg, was directly involved. Berthold Baurek-Karlic, CEO @ Venionaire Capital, also served on flovtec’s Board of Directors and was instrumental in guiding the company through this acquisition process.

This exit underscores Venionaire Capital’s commitment to supporting innovative companies and delivering value to its investors. The successful acquisition of flovtec by STS Digital highlights the potential of the digital asset market. It also demonstrates the importance of strategic partnerships in driving technological innovation.

Looking ahead, Venionaire Capital remains dedicated to supporting groundbreaking companies within its portfolio and enabling more successful exits.

About flovtec and Its Market-Making Expertise

Since its founding in 2018, flovtec has established itself as a leader in liquidity solutions for digital assets. The company is known for its advanced algorithmic trading strategies and tailored liquidity management services. These innovative approaches have earned flovtec a strong reputation in the market, which paved the way for this successful and strong acquisition.

Deal Details

STS Digital’s acquisition of flovtec is a significant move that will greatly enhance its market-making services. flovtec’s clients, in fact, will benefit from increased liquidity and tighter spreads. Moreover, flovtec’s advanced trading infrastructure and proprietary algorithms will now power STS Digital’s platform. This integration strengthens STS Digital’s technological edge in the competitive digital asset market.

Additionally, flovtec’s strong presence in Switzerland, coupled with its regulatory compliance, will help STS Digital expand its reach across Europe. This aligns with STS Digital’s broader strategy to become a global leader in digital asset trading and market making. Furthermore, the combined expertise of STS Digital and flovtec will lead to improved customer service. Clients can expect regulated custody, cost-efficient trading strategies, and enhanced support.

A Significant Exit for the European Super Angels Club (ESAC)

The European Super Angels Club held an investment stake of approximately €1.5 million in flovtec. This exit represents a successful milestone for the club. Berthold Baurek-Karlic, President of ESAC and CEO of Venionaire Capital, expressed satisfaction with the outcome:

“The strong start of flovtec, marked by innovation and progress, led us at ESAC to invest in 2021. The merger with STS Digital, a leading trading firm for digital assets, is an excellent step forward in developing flovtec’s vision. STS Digital gains a wealth of expertise, experience, and innovative approaches from flovtec, which will ultimately benefit them. As the European Super Angels Club, we are proud to have supported this young and innovative company on their successful journey.”

NEWS #3 – Venionaire Capital’s Advent Calendar 2023: Merging Startup Wit with an Exclusive Giveaway

11/30/2023/in Corporate News, News /by Venionaire

This year has been a journey, filled with challenges, growth, success, and most importantly, the support of our community. To express our gratitude, we announce the Venionaire Capital Advent Calender 2023 — a month-long celebration with daily surprises and an exclusive giveaway.

Discover Daily Delights

Starting from December 1st, tune in daily to our LinkedIn channel to unveil each day’s surprise. Check out our LinkedIn page every day for a video featuring a little startup joke to keep the celebration light-hearted and fun. Our LinkedIn page becomes the hub of daily cheer, infusing the festive season with lighthearted humor to add an extra sparkle to the day.

Incredible Prizes Await

In the Venionaire Capital Advent Calender, the prizes include four Venionaire Capital Merch Bundles and the new Venionaire Scarf. Every Merch Bundle consists of two items. There are three stylish Venionaire T-Shirts, a trendy Venionaire Growth Punks Zip Hoodie, all adorned with a sleek Venionaire Cap. Moreover, to keep our community warm and stylish, we’re also introducing the new Venionaire Scarf as an exclusive prize.

Iman Said, our Junior Public Relations Manager at Venionaire Capital, unveils the magic of the Venionaire Capital Advent Calender with a heartfelt poem.

Disclaimer and Terms of Participation

Venionaire Capital AG (“Organizer”) organizes the “Advent Calendar 2023”, a promotional game via its LinkedIn page (“Promotion”). During the Promotion, every day from December 1^st until December 24^th, a participant in the Promotion will have the opportunity to win a specific prize/giveaway.

The organizer of the Promotion is not “LinkedIn”, but the Organizer; the Promotion has no connection to LinkedIn and is in no way sponsored, supported, or organized by LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

Eligibility: The Promotion is open to participants who meet the specified eligibility criteria as outlined below.
No Purchase Necessary: No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win in this Promotion.
Participation: By participating in this Promotion, participants agree to comply with and accept the Disclaimer and Terms of Participation.
Prize Acceptance: The prizes of the Promotion are non-transferable, and no substitution or cash equivalent will be made.
Release of Liability: Participants release the Organizer from all liability for injuries, losses, or damages of any kind caused by participation in the Promotion or acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of the prizes.
Changes: The Sponsor reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the Promotion at any time for any reason.

Terms of Participation

Eligibility Criteria:

Participants must be 14 years or older.
Participants must be residents of the European Union or Liechtenstein/Switzerland.

Participation Method:

Participants must follow the Organizer’s LinkedIn page and “like” the Advent Calendar 2023 posts.
Multiple entries from the same participant will count as multiple entries.

Winner Selection:

The Organizer is solely responsible for conducting the Promotion and determining the winners.
The winners will be selected randomly from the eligible entries.
The decision on the determination of the winners is final and binding.

Notification:

The winners will be notified via LinkedIn direct message within 7 days after the respective participation day in the course of the Promotion.
The winners must respond within 3 days, or an alternate winner will be selected.

As we raise a virtual toast to a year of growth and success, we extend our deepest gratitude to each member of the Venionaire Capital family. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation, and exciting opportunities on the horizon. Join us in making this celebration truly unforgettable!

NEWS #2 – Austrian Venture Club Dubai: Bridging the Gap Between Europe and the Middle East

11/22/2023/in Corporate News, News /by Venionaire

In a significant stride towards fostering stronger economic ties between Europe and the Middle East, the Austrian Venture Club (AVC) was officially launched on November 13, 2023, in Dubai. The prestigious event took place at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort, led by Lukas Tremmel. The partnership between Austria and the renowned Al Habtoor entrepreneurial family, owners of the iconic Hotel Imperial in Vienna, undoubtedly emphasized the magnitude of this collaboration.

The Vision of Austrian Venture Club

The Austrian Venture Club, serving as the Venture Arm of the Austrian Business Council in the United Arab Emirates, gathered around 60 successful Austrian expatriates for a vibrant exchange of ideas and networking at the exclusive Al Habtoor Polo Resort. Mohammad Sultan Al Habtoor, expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, stated, “As an entrepreneur, I am happy to support fellow entrepreneurs. The concept of the Austrian Venture Club immediately appealed to me, and it is an honor for us to provide our facilities for this purpose.”

Notable guests included His Excellency, the Austrian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Mag. Johannes Brunner, the Economic Delegate at the Foreign Trade Center of the Austrian Economic Chamber in Abu Dhabi, and representatives from the Austrian Business Council. The club’s declared objective is to facilitate closer connections between investors in the Middle East and Austria/Europe.

A Visionary Bridge: Baurek-Karlic as Ambassador for AVC Dubai

Venionaire Capital’s CEO, Mag. Berthold Baurek-Karlic, took pride in being one of the keynote speakers at the inaugural event. Furthermore, alongside fellow speakers like Yvonne Winter (Flynow), Camillo Schobesberger (G42, Sandstorm VC), Jakob Kisser (Lawyer), Philipp Peischl (PKE), Markus Raiser (IFZA), and Pascal Haider (Cheeer.com), Baurek-Karlic laid the foundation for future ambitious projects. During the event, he introduced the World Venture Forum, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.

Collaborative Future Projects

Baurek-Karlic, as the Initiator and Master Mind behind the World Venture Forum (WVF), expressed his excitement about the enhanced connection with the Middle East. Moreover, as the appointed Ambassador for the Austrian Venture Club Dubai in Austria, he sees this as an opportunity to contribute to the bridge being built between the two regions. “We are delighted to be part of this bridge. The establishment of the Austrian Venture Club in Dubai provides numerous points for synergies, especially in connection with the World Venture Forum. We see countless opportunities to further strengthen and propel the European startup ecosystem,” commented Baurek-Karlic.

The Significance of the Austrian Venture Club

The visionary founders of the Austrian Venture Club have created a platform that will undeniably strengthen economic relations between the Middle East and Europe. This milestone marks a significant step in promoting business opportunities between Austria and the Middle East. The club aspires to act as a catalyst for investors and entrepreneurs from both regions, paving the way for new collaborations and innovative ventures.

The launch of the Austrian Venture Club in Dubai is not just a celebration of a new chapter but a testament to the potential for growth and collaboration between two dynamic regions. Venionaire Capital, through its active participation and support, reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and also fostering meaningful connections in the global venture ecosystem. As the Austrian Venture Club begins its journey, the anticipation of groundbreaking projects and mutually beneficial partnerships looms large, promising a future marked by shared success and prosperity.

NEWS #1 – Venionaire Capital becomes a Joint-Stock Company

10/23/2023/in Corporate News, News /by Venionaire

In a strategic move to facilitate international expansion, Venionaire Capital, a leading player in the Austrian Venture Capital and Private Equity sector, has successfully completed its transformation into a joint-stock company (AG). This transformation, while not immediately resulting in a stock market listing, sets the stage for the company’s ambitious growth plans and broader European visibility.

Diverse Leadership and Ambitious Vision

Venionaire Capital proudly announces a 50% female participation in its management team. The company’s Supervisory Board will be chaired by the highly accomplished startup investor Markus Ertler, former founder of Immobilien.net. Victoria Woodland-Ferrari and entrepreneur Johann Steszgal will also play pivotal roles in the leadership. With its sights set on innovation, Venionaire Capital aims to strengthen its position as an investment house and fund manager.

Unlocking Opportunities and Facilitating International Expansion

The decision to become a joint-stock company is not primarily about a stock market listing but about enabling further international expansion, improving accessibility for deserving employees, and facilitating access to international capital. The company recognizes the importance of stringent corporate governance regulations in line with its current size and growth plans.

CEO Mag. Berthold Baurek-Karlic on the Company’s Growth Strategy

CEO Mag. Berthold Baurek-Karlic shares, “The transition to a joint-stock company is a significant milestone for Venionaire. We are aware that our upcoming growth steps cannot be achieved solely through our own efforts anymore. Furthermore, we want to give our employees and long-term business partners the opportunity to participate in our development. We will continue our path of internationalization with a broader shareholder base, attracting even more expertise, but we do not aim for an immediate stock market listing.”

Investing in the Future – Financially and Personally

Venionaire Capital is laying the groundwork to become one of Europe’s leading investment houses. The joint-stock company structure provides avenues for capital acquisition, driving personnel expansion, forging stronger international partnerships, and launching new products. The company’s core business of transaction advisory remains a focal point, but the growth area of “Venture Capital Fund Management” is set to expand with the launch of new funds, following recent successes and exits.

Addressing the “War for Talents”

The company aims to attract top talent by offering stock ownership as part of its incentive package, thus becoming a more attractive employer. The move serves as an essential tool in the competitive “War for Talents.”

Seizing Opportunities in Economically Challenging Times

Despite economic challenges, Venionaire Capital remains optimistic and flexible. The company believes in the long-term value of investing during crises and is well-positioned to seize current market opportunities. Moreover, with a clear focus on high technology and innovation, Venionaire Capital is set to invest in a promising future, with an eye on societal impact in the fields of energy, circular economy, and artificial intelligence.

A Promising Future Awaits

Venionaire Capital’s transformation into a joint-stock company is more than a legal change; it’s a declaration of intent. With a strong leadership team, a focus on long-term growth, and a commitment to high technology and innovation, the company will make a significant impact on the European venture capital landscape. Venionaire Capital believes in the power of innovation to shape Europe’s prosperity for generations to come.

Offical Press Release (German)

Becoming a chart topper with ChatGPT? We just released the very first AI song!

04/01/2023/in Corporate News, News /by Venionaire