Berlin/Hamburg/Cologne/Munich, April 2025 – YPOG has been involved in several transactions in the start-up sector in recent weeks. Among others, we were able to work with investors and companies such as Cardumen Capital, Quantum Systems, S-Lifestyle Group, Yepoda, Ventech and Project A.
YPOG advises Cardumen Capital on TastyUrban funding round
Berlin, March 18, 2025 - YPOG has advised global venture capital company Cardumen Capital in the €6.5 million funding round of digital restaurant franchise startup TastyUrban. In addition to Cardumen Capital, IBB Ventures, Fulcrum, Monte Carlo Capital, and existing investor Earlybird-X participated in the round.
TastyUrban was founded in 2022 by Felix Chrobog, Marc Hansell, and Gerry Pidgeon. The company develops and licenses digital food brands, which are operated by existing restaurants and retail partners as so-called host kitchens. This model allows partners to generate additional revenue without incurring additional fixed costs.
The funding will enable TastyUrban to establish further brands and drive its international expansion.
Team:
Dr. Benjamin Ullrich (Lead, Transactions), Partner, Berlin
Pia Meven (Transactions), Associated Partner, Berlin
Dr. Christoph Cordes (IP/IT/Data Protection), Associate, Berlin
Farina Weber (Transactions), Associate, Berlin
YPOG advises Quantum Systems on majority acquisition of EFT Mobility
Berlin, March 18, 2025 - YPOG advised Quantum Systems in its acquisition of a majority stake in EFT Mobility. The Munich-based company specializes in developing advanced electric powertrain systems, particularly for aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This strategic investment strengthens Quantum Systems’ innovation capabilities and optimizes the supply chain for its Family of Systems. The vertical integration of EFT Mobility enhances independence from external suppliers and improves the development of customized electric propulsion solutions.
EFT Mobility will continue to operate independently, focusing on the advancement of battery and charging solutions for various applications. The investment highlights the shared commitment of both companies to technological excellence and sustainable mobility solutions.
Team:
Dr. Adrian Haase (Co-lead, Transactions), Partner, Hamburg
Dr. Ferdinand Cadmus (Co-lead, Transactions), Partner, Berlin/Hamburg
Dr. Gerrit Breetholt (Transactions), Associate, Berlin
YPOG advises S-Lifestyle Group on Braineffect's acquisition by Schwabe Group
Hamburg, March 21, 2025 – YPOG has advised the S-Lifestyle Group on the acquisition of Braineffect by the Schwabe Group. Braineffect was founded in 2016 through a collaboration between Fabian Foelsch and the S-Lifestyle Group (a company of the Schober Investment Group). The Schwabe Group has held a stake in Braineffect since 2020. Through this transaction, Schwabe Group has increased its shareholding to a two-thirds majority and plans a full takeover in the long term.
Braineffect develops and distributes nutritional supplements and functional foods aimed at supporting mental and physical health. In 2024, the company sold over one million products, which are available both online and in more than 2,500 dm and Budni stores. In addition to Germany, Braineffect is active in Austria, Switzerland, and France.
With the new shareholder structure, Braineffect plans to further accelerate its growth, strengthen its market position, and strategically expand its product portfolio.
Team:
Dr. Adrian Haase (Lead, Transactions), Partner, Hamburg
Dr. Gerrit Breetholt (Transactions), Associate, Berlin
YPOG advises Yepoda on Series B financing round
Berlin, March 24, 2025 – YPOG advised the K-Beauty brand Yepoda on its Series B financing round. The round was led by global investment firm Verlinvest, with continued participation from existing investors V3 Ventures and JamJar Investments. YPOG previously advised Yepoda on its Series A financing round in 2023, which was led by JamJar Investments.
Founded in 2020 by Sander van Bladel and Veronika Strotmann, Yepoda combines Korean skincare innovation with sustainable and clean formulations. Since its founding, Yepoda has become one of the leading K-Beauty brands in the Western market, achieving more than €65 million in revenue in 2024 with over one million customers across France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Germany, alongside profitable year-on-year growth of over 120%.
The new funds will be used to accelerate Yepoda's international growth, specifically expanding the recent partnership with Sephora across Europe and further establishing its successful U.S. market entry.
Team:
Dr. Benjamin Ullrich (Co-Lead, Transactions), Partner, Berlin
Tobias Lovett (Co-Lead, Transactions), Associated Partner, Berlin
Farina Weber (Transactions), Associate, Berlin
YPOG advises Ventech on seed financing round of amberSearch
Cologne, March 26 ,2025 – YPOG advised French venture capital fund Ventech on the €2.1 million seed financing round of AI start-up amberSearch. The round was led by Ventech, with participation from notable business angels.
Founded in 2021 by Bastian Maiworm, Igli Manaj, and Philipp Reißel, amberSearch provides SMEs with an AI-powered search and knowledge platform, enabling employees to seamlessly access internal company documents, data, and knowledge. amberSearch's technology uniquely stands out due to its plug-and-play architecture, requiring minimal IT expertise and enabling smooth integration into existing company environments while ensuring high standards in data privacy and compliance. Over 200 companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland already use amberSearch to automate workflows and significantly boost productivity.
amberSearch plans to use the newly raised funds to further enhance its AI platform and solidify its position as a leading AI platform for SMEs in Germany. This includes specifically developing AI agents for workflow automation, custom AI assistants, and deeper integration into existing business processes.
YPOG has successfully advised Ventech on multiple investments in German start-ups in the past.
Team:
Dr. Johannes Janning (Lead, Transactions), Partner, Cologne
Nina Ahlert (Transactions), Senior Associate, Cologne
Laura Franke (Transactions), Senior Project Lawyer, Cologne
Dr. Benedikt Flöter (IP/IT/Data Protection), Partner, Berlin
Charlotte Petrasch (IP/IT/Data Protection), Associate, Berlin
Anna Eickmeier (IP/IT/Data Protection), Senior Associate, Berlin
YPOG advises Project A on seed financing round of heat pump startup montamo
Berlin, April 1, 2025 - YPOG advised Project A Ventures on the seed financing round of Berlin-based startup montamo. The round was led by French investor Alter Equity via its fund Alter Equity3PIII. Additional participants included Rethink Education (USA) as well as existing investors Firstminute Capital and Project A, which had previously backed the company at an early stage and acted as lead investor in the pre-seed round.
Founded in 2023 by Alexander Böhm and Ole Schaumberg, montamo offers a fast and high-quality installation service tailored to heat pump manufacturers and distributors. The company aims to accelerate the energy transition in the building sector and become the leading heat pump installer in Germany. At the same time, montamo is tackling the shortage of skilled workers by creating training academies that offer long-term employment opportunities, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Following the successful launch of its first academy in Munich, a second location will open in Stuttgart within the coming days.
The funding will support the further development of montamo’s integrated model and the establishment of regional hubs across major urban areas in Germany, enabling the company to significantly increase both its geographic reach and installation capacity.
Team:
Dr. Frederik Gärtner (Lead, Transactions), Partner, Berlin
Dr. Ferdinand Cadmus (Transactions), Associated Partner, Berlin
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Contact
Benno Engelmann
T +49 172 2749 689 | E presse@ypog.law
Engelmann Advisory
engelmann-advisory.com
Ivan Koric
T +49 176 8345 8343 | E presse@ypog.law
