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§ Private Profile · Stuttgart, Germany
Venneos GmbH is a company.
Venneos GmbH has raised $1.1M across 1 funding round.
Key people at Venneos GmbH.
Venneos GmbH has raised $1.1M in total across 1 funding round.
Venneos GmbH develops and markets the CAN-Q, a silicon-chip-based imaging system for the label-free analysis of biological cells. This technology electronically visualizes cellular changes, offering an advantage over traditional optical methods. The system prioritizes automated analysis and user-friendliness, providing a versatile platform for detailed cellular research applications.
Established in 2014, Venneos emerged as a spin-off from the Max Planck Society, founded by David Wehner, Jonas Lehmann, Ralf, and Tu Hoang. Their founding insight was to apply advanced silicon-chip technology to overcome existing limitations in biological cell analysis, enabling faster, more precise, and label-free observation of cellular dynamics.
The CAN-Q system serves researchers and scientists in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, facilitating assessments of cellular responses and drug effects. Venneos aims to accelerate scientific discovery and therapeutic development by providing analytical tools that enhance clarity and efficiency in understanding complex cellular processes.
Key people at Venneos GmbH.
Venneos GmbH has raised $1.1M in total across 1 funding round.
Venneos GmbH's investors include High-Tech Grunderfonds, Max Planck Society.
Venneos GmbH has raised $1.1M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $1.1M Seed in September 2015.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2015 | $1.1M Seed | — | High Tech Grunderfonds, MAX Planck Society | Announced |
Venneos GmbH is a German biotech hardware startup that builds a silicon‑chip–based imaging system for label‑free analysis of biological cells, spun out of Max Planck research and founded around 2014–2015 in Stuttgart, Germany[1][2].
High‑Level OverviewVenneos develops a microscopy‑like measurement platform based on silicon chip sensors that enables visualization and quantitative monitoring of cellular changes without fluorescent labels, targeting researchers in tumor biology, immunology, pharmacology and life‑science companies[1]. Venneos positions its product for labs and biotechs that need more objective, reproducible, and intuitive readouts than some existing technologies, and early pilot customers have included academic groups and industry users[1]. The company originated from academic research and has participated in German startup support programs and business‑plan competitions during its early years[1][2].
Origin StoryVenneos was founded as a spin‑off from the Max Planck Society in 2014 (often cited also as 2015 in some company listings) and is based in Stuttgart, Germany[1][2]. The team grew out of academic work on silicon‑chip sensor imaging and benefited from German funding/support instruments for research transfer such as EXIST[2]. Early recognition came through success in competitions like WECONOMY 2014 and Science4Life 2015, which helped validate the business plan and attract initial pilot customers[1].
Core Differentiators- Silicon‑chip based imaging: Uses a chip measurement approach rather than conventional fluorescence microscopy, enabling *label‑free* visualization of cellular changes[1].- Microscopy‑like outputs: Produces intuitive images and quantitative readouts intended to improve objectivity and reproducibility of experiments[1].- Academic pedigree and support: Spin‑off from Max Planck research with backing from German research‑to‑market programs, giving strong scientific foundations and early credibility[1][2].- Early validation: Pilot deployments with researchers in tumor biology, immunology and pharmacology and awards in business plan competitions indicate early market traction[1].
Role in the Broader Tech LandscapeVenneos sits at the intersection of microelectronics, label‑free imaging, and cell analysis—an area gaining interest because label‑free methods can reduce assay cost and perturbation while enabling continuous monitoring of live cells[1]. The timing aligns with increasing demand in pharma and biotech for high‑throughput, reproducible cellular assays and with broader shifts toward integrating semiconductor sensing with life‑science instrumentation[1][2]. By translating academic sensor research into a usable lab instrument, Venneos contributes to diversifying tools available for cell‑based assays and may accelerate non‑fluorescent assay adoption in translational research and drug discovery[1].
Quick Take & Future OutlookVenneos’ near‑term path likely focuses on maturing its hardware, expanding pilot studies into validated workflows with key opinion leaders, and scaling commercial support to reach more academic and industry labs[1]. Trends that will shape its journey include demand for label‑free, real‑time cell assays in drug discovery, greater integration of semiconductor tech in bioinstrumentation, and competition from established imaging and label‑free platforms; success will depend on demonstrating clear advantages in sensitivity, throughput, cost, or ease of use compared with incumbents[1][2]. If Venneos converts pilot deployments into recurring customers and integrates into drug‑discovery pipelines, it could become a notable niche provider in the cell‑analysis ecosystem[1].
Sources: Venneos company profiles and job/overview postings documenting the spin‑off origin, product focus, pilot customers and early awards[1][2][3].
