You dream. We create.
Next Big Thing AG (NBT) is Europe's premier startup incubator for the Internet of Things and Services (IoT/IoS) and Blockchain. As a company builder and operational VC, NBT acts at the nexus of a continually growing ecosystem of corporates, founders, technologists, entrepreneurs, investors and politicians.
With our know-how in IoT, we are the touchpoint for innovation in Europe - enabling companies to realize disruptive innovation with exceptional speed.
NBT gains HDI as lead for its Series A
“With HDI in this round of financing, the IoT implementation experts from NBT secure a total investment volume of 12 million euros”
We are delighted to announce the closure of our Series A round. Next Big Thing AG (NBT) welcomes a pioneer of a different kind to its current round of financing: Industrial insurer HDI represented by the Hannover Digital Invest GmbH, is participating as a lead investor. NBT is securing a total financing volume of 12 million euros.
A great sign for the development of the technology ecosystem in Europe at large, CEO Harald Zapp explains “The IoT and blockchain are the technologies that will determine the future of industries in Germany and Europe. Investments like these prove that the industry recognizes this.”
If you are interested in the big picture of the investment round and what it entails, read the full story and stay tuned for more updates in the near future!
Smart Investment
With breakthrough concepts and resiliency, NBT and its high-tech startup portfolio have already achieved a valuation of over 60 million Euros. Successful startups include health tech venture AssistMe (formerly Assistr), which is developing a hardware-enabled care service, Weeve – a secure technology for IoT data attestation for future marketplaces – and METR, the IoT platform for a more efficient housing industry. With 4 ventures currently set to spin off, NBT is expanding its own deal flow with 10 more ventures in the pipeline.
Though inherent complexity of IoT and blockchain requires appropriate development time for future applications, these technological advances secure long-term earning opportunities across diverse and massive markets. Researchers Deloitte and Gartner estimate that IoT’s market potential alone will reach over 1 trillion US Dollars by 2020. Through their know-how and ecosystem in IoT and blockchain, NBT strategically leverages synergies, achieves results faster, and reduces risk with new, digital business models.
In contrast to traditional incubators and accelerator programs, NBT has its own core team of technology and business experts who are personally involved in the portfolio venture’s development throughout all growth phases. In as little as 3 to 6 months, a decision is made as to whether a minimum viable product is ready for the market. As an Operational VC, NBT acts as the first investor and capital broker. Because NBT itself invests in the portfolio companies, it’s encoded in NBT’s genes to mitigate any associated risks.
Be Involved!
NBT CORPORATE INNOVATION
Transform Your Business With Us!
NBT’s innovative Corporate IoT Program enables any size enterprise to transform business models through IoT, via strategic partnerships. By founding a joint venture with NBT, companies identify attractive use cases and launch projects in unison with experienced partners and technology distributors. Learn More
NBT Ventures
AssistMe
AssistMe creates a complete care infrastructure, primarily through intelligent incontinence solutions.
Evertrace
Evertrace drives cargo damage prevention in global supply chains
METR
METR builds modern IoT infrastructure, enabling connected use cases for the housing industry.
nrgen
nrgen is developing a smart agent to empower flexibility for optimized digital energy marketplaces.
Weeve
Weeve enables the commercial usage of IoT data through autonomous trading of trusted digital assets.
Sensry
Sensry provides customers flexible, fast and reliable industrial sensor modules for future IoT applications.
NBT CAREERS
Jump Right In
NBT and ventures are 60-people strong, and growing...We draw talent from 21 countries to blend the top skill sets for building innovative companies in IoT and blockchain. The international and egalitarian atmosphere embodies our values of supporting diversity and inclusion. Apply to join the team!
NBT in the Press
Talanx invests in Start-up Next Big Thing
With this investment, the insurance group wants to open up IoT for them, the Berlin start-up is pushing its expansion. Featured is an interview between Harald Zapp and Thomas Kuhnt.
Berlin startup Next Big Thing receives 12 million from Talanx
As company builder, Next Big Thing primarily supports young companies. Now the Berlin start-up itself receives fresh capital from a large insurance group.
German company builder Next Big Thing raises €12 million from Talanx
NBT, an IoT & blockchain company builder has raised €12 million in funding led by the insurance group Talanx, which made this investment through its subsidiary HDI Global.
APRIL 2019
Next Big Thing AG gains industrial insurer HDI as lead for its Series A
MARCH 2019
How to Pitch an IoT Startup: Guide to Perfecting Your Skills
Get our new guide to perfecting your startup pitch here! You will find preparatory questions you can ask yourself, recommendations for best practices, and innovative checklists you can tick off.