Get Started, the startup initiative of the digital association Bitkom, has more than 500 members at the beginning of 2019 for the first time. In 2018 alone, more than 100 startups joined the initiative. As the 500th member, Get Started welcomed the startup VRnow from Berlin. VRnow operates in the area called PropTech. His focus is on the digitization of real estate projects.
About VRnow
VRnow automatically extracts architectural information from blueprints using artificial intelligence to create a digital twin. It captures details from floor plans such as walls, windows, doors and furniture, creating 3D environments and 3D videos. “Not only in the construction industry, but also in agriculture, mobility or energy, finances and health startups play a particularly important role. They bring innovative solutions to the market, drive developments and are therefore fundamental to a successful economy, “says Bitkom CEO Niklas Veltkamp. “Startups benefit not only from the exchange with other young companies in the Bitkom, but also from contact with digital companies of any size and orientation”.
New startup members
In addition to VRnow, the new startup members from 2018 include BioTech’s Biomes, which uses artificial intelligence to perform DNA-based microbiome analyzes. From the energy sector, Envelio opted for a get-started membership. Envelio offers software for the digitization of power grids. With the help of their self-developed Artificial Intelligence network operators can optimize the planning and management of their electricity grids. Other newly added members are Wandelbots (robotic control of smart clothing), scoutbee (artificial intelligence based supplier platform), Lengoo (translation technology), nebenan.de (platform for neighborly exchange), Rhebo (monitoring of industrial control systems) and MotionTag (technology for intelligent mobility solutions).
“Bitkom sees itself as a driver of the digital transformation and assembles those companies that are pioneers on the way to the digital economy,” says Veltkamp. “Bitkom’s startup initiative is actively working to bring startups and established companies together and initiate cooperation between them.” Currently, according to a Bitkom study, 65 percent of all companies do not work with startups at all.
Get Started, a gem in Germany
Get Started is committed to creating better conditions for founders in Germany, especially for IT startups – and actively represents the interests of founders in politics. At the state, federal and EU level, Get Started campaigns politically for young growth companies and makes the topic of founding politics more visible. Get Started organizes various top-class event formats in which startups have the opportunity to meet decision-makers from politics, investors and subject matter experts at eye level.
Also published on Medium.