Cologne, 29 August 2023 – A YPOG team led by Dr. Johannes Janning advised the food tech company Circus on the acquisition of Berlin-based cooking robot startup Aitme. The transaction secures Circus access to cutting-edge technology in kitchen robotics. With the acquisition, Circus also expands its team with highly skilled experts in robotics and integrates the advanced cooking robots into its workflow infrastructure. The robots are expected to operate cost-effectively with minimal personnel and strengthen the level of automation in Circus' micro kitchens. Aitme is funded with a double-digit million amount from big-name investors and has developed a cooking robot to market since its founding in 2019.
Immediately before the acquisition of Aitme, a YPOG team also led by Dr. Johannes Janning advised Circus on a €5.5 million funding round headed by venture capitalists BlackMars Capital and 2bx.
Team
Dr. Johannes Janning (Lead, Transactions), Partner, Köln
Nina Ahlert (Transactions), Senior Associate, Köln
Matthias Kresser (Transaction), Partner, Berlin/Hamburg
Dr. Malte Bergmann (Tax) Partner, Hamburg
Lukas Schmitt (Tax), Associate, Hamburg
Dr. Matthias Schatz (Corporate), Partner, Köln
Jannis Fischer (Corporate), Associate, Köln
Dr. Benedikt Flöter (IP/IT/Data Protection), Associated Partner, Berlin
Dr. Christoph Cordes (IP/IT/Data Protection), Associate, Berlin
About Circus
Circus has created technology-driven micro-kitchen hubs that combine automation and digitalization intelligently. Recipes for Circus' wide culinary selection are developed by Artificial Intelligence - which allows a large number of personalized dishes at low production costs and efficient use of resources. Since its launch in summer 2022, Circus has already rolled out its service in Hamburg, Cologne, Berlin and Duisburg, and raised a total of 18 million euros from investors.
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Contact:
Benno Engelmann
T +49 172 2749 689 | E presse@ypog.law
Engelmann Advisory
engelmann-advisory.com
About us
YPOG stands for You + Partners of Gamechangers. As a leading law and tax firm, YPOG supports founders, investors, companies and funds in Germany and internationally in bringing visionary ideas to life in the tech ecosystem and dynamic future markets.
YPOG advises on the structuring of venture capital and private equity funds, financing rounds and complex transactions, as well as on regulatory and tax matters relating to digital assets and financial innovation. As a strategic partner, YPOG develops practical solutions of the highest legal standard.
The firm combines legal and tax expertise with legal tech, digital workflows and AI-based systems to provide efficient and scalable advice.
YPOG and its professionals are regularly recognised by JUVE, Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers and Leaders League. More than 380 lawyers, tax advisers, tax specialists, one notary and business professionals work for YPOG across its offices in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and Munich.
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