Next Big Thing AG

What they fund

• Seed-stage deep-tech — Early validation of IoT and IIoT hardware/software hybrids in traditional sectors like construction and rail [2].
• Growth-stage scale-ups — Companies with proven technical models, such as AssistMe and AXO Track, ready for market expansion [2].
• Sustainability-aligned ventures — Startups targeting UN SDGs 3, 6, 7, 11, and 12, merging impact with commercial viability [2].
• Hardware-enabled software — Ventures requiring high-end silicon technology and edge computing capabilities, supported by NBT's technology provider arm [2].

Investment thesis

Next Big Thing AG operates as a venture studio and technology provider accelerating the transition to the Machine Economy, leveraging IoT, IIoT, edge computing, and AI to modernize traditional sectors [1]. The firm targets companies that integrate specific UN-style sustainability goals, particularly in health, responsible consumption, and infrastructure, aiming to merge impact with commercial viability [1]. By capping seed checks at €150k and follow-ons at €500k, the firm focuses on the critical early validation phase where technical and commercial models are proven [Profile]. The strategy relies on building transformational, tech-enabled businesses that deliver real-world impact and position Europe as a global leader [1].

Value add

NBT provides long-term support for aspiring founders, leveraging its role as a venture studio to build transformational businesses [1]. The firm offers access to high-end silicon technology and hardware prototyping through its technology provider capabilities [2].

Fit verdict: Ideal for hardware-heavy, deep-tech founders needing technical infrastructure and studio-style operational support.

Founder diligence script:

• How does NBT's technology provider arm integrate with my product roadmap?
• What is the typical timeline from studio inception to seed funding?
• How does NBT support hardware supply chain and manufacturing at the growth stage?
• What specific UN SDG metrics are used to evaluate portfolio success?

Portfolio focus

• Healthcare — AssistMe, an IoT ecosystem for elderly care and precision nursing [2].
• Infrastructure — AXO Track, which upgrades rail assets with predictive maintenance systems [2].
• Construction — ConcR, a smart IoT-enabled solution to monitor concrete quality and reduce project duration [2].
• Cybersecurity — Enclave, providing secure, zero-configuration networking technology for resilient infrastructure [2].
• Industrial IoT — Makula and Sensry, focusing on machine OEE analytics and modular industrial sensor hardware [2].

Notable investments & exits

• No publicly disclosed exits are available in the provided documents [1][2].

Strategic implications

NBT's dual role as a studio and technology provider creates a unique moat in hardware-heavy sectors where traditional VCs lack technical infrastructure. The focus on UN SDGs aligns with EU regulatory trends, potentially attracting grant funding and public-private partnerships. The lack of disclosed fund size and vintage suggests a self-sustaining model, reducing dependency on external LP cycles but limiting rapid scaling capital.

Where they could go further

NBT could expand its geographic footprint beyond Europe to capture global Machine Economy opportunities, leveraging its Berlin base. The firm should disclose more about its technology provider arm's capabilities to attract hardware startups that need prototyping support. NBT could enhance its value proposition by publishing case studies on how studio support accelerates time-to-market for deep-tech ventures.