Case Study Library
Est. 2015
Each case study documents context, challenge, approach, and quantified outcomes. Scan in 60 seconds; dive deep when you spot a relevant pattern.
"Outcomes Over Opinions"
11+Years
9Projects
8Sectors
2Exits
LemnaTec
Exit
crop.zone / Zasso Group
Growth
Tielsa Holding
Growth
ENANTIOS
Early
PureSurf
Early
AckerKapital
Early
Néboda Farms
Early
Zealquest Group / AgiBot
Growth
KuroVia
Early
Filter by:
9 projects
Stage
All StagesEarly-StageGrowthLate-Stage / Exit
Theme
All ThemesFundraisingGo-to-MarketProductPartnershipsIP / Patents
Sector
All SectorsAgTechDeep TechAI / MLRoboticsCleanTechIndustrialPharma / BioTechIoT / Hardware
Featured projects
Featured
Seed → Exit
Founder & CEO
LemnaTec
From Lab Tool to Global Market Leader in Digital Phenotyping
AgTechAI / MLDeep Tech
Context
LemnaTec pioneered digital plant phenotyping, automating the measurement of plant traits using imaging and AI. The technology transformed how researchers study crop genetics and plant biology.
Challenge
Transform laboratory-grade research equipment into a scalable, enterprise-ready platform that could become the global standard for high-throughput plant analysis.
Approach
1Developed proprietary AI-powered image analysis algorithms for automated trait extraction
2Built modular hardware architecture (greenhouse, field, and lab systems) to address multiple market segments
3Established strategic partnerships with top research institutions (e.g., TERRA-REF) for validation
4Created recurring revenue through SaaS-based analytics platform (LemnaGrid)
Results
Global #1
Became world leader in digital phenotyping
100+
Research institutions as customers worldwide
30+
Patents filed in imaging and AI analysis
Acquired
Strategic exit to Nyxoah (2019)
Key Learnings
- Deep-tech products require long sales cycles, start enterprise conversations early
- Modular architecture enables faster market segment expansion
- SaaS layer on hardware creates stickiness and recurring revenue
Discuss a Similar Challenge
Greenhouse Scanalyzer Plant-to-Sensor Phenotyping System
Greenhouse Systems
+1
Featured
Seed → Series B
Founder & CEO
crop.zone / Zasso Group
Scaling Electric Weed Control from Concept to OEM Partnerships
AgTechCleanTechIndustrial
Context
crop.zone and Zasso Group developed Electroherb technology, chemical-free weed control using high-voltage electricity. The system addresses the EU Green Deal requirements and growing demand for sustainable agriculture.
Challenge
Industrialise a novel weed control technology and secure partnerships with major agricultural OEMs in a conservative industry resistant to unproven solutions.
Approach
1Executed phased fundraising strategy: €25M+ across Seed, Series A, and strategic rounds
2Built technical credibility through ARPA-E partnership with U.S. Department of Energy
3Developed joint ventures with John Deere, CNH Industrial, and Nufarm for distribution
4Created volt.cube/volt.apply/volt.fuel system architecture for modular deployment
Results
€25M+
Venture capital raised across multiple rounds
3 OEMs
John Deere, CNH Industrial, Nufarm partnerships
ARPA-E
U.S. Department of Energy partnership secured
DLG Award
Agrifuture Concept Award 2023 winner
Key Learnings
- OEM partnerships require 18-24 months of technical validation, start early
- Government partnerships (ARPA-E) provide credibility multiplier for hardware ventures
- Modular system design accelerates partner integration
Discuss a Similar Challenge
XPower, Electric Weeding 2019
Electric Weeding
+5
Featured
Pre-Series A
Strategic Advisor
ENANTIOS
Positioning Deep-Tech Molecular Analysis for Series A Fundraising
Deep TechPharma / BioTech
Context
ENANTIOS spun out of ETH Zurich with patented Raman Optical Activity (ROA) technology for molecular structure determination. The technology enables faster, more accurate drug development and FDA approval pathways.
Challenge
Position a highly technical scientific instrument for commercial fundraising while defining go-to-market strategy for pharmaceutical and biotech customers.
Approach
1Refined investor narrative: from 'scientific instrument' to 'drug development accelerator'
2Developed clear FDA pathway positioning for regulatory credibility
3Made warm introductions to life sciences VCs and strategic investors
4Structured data room and financial model for Series A readiness
Results
Series A
Fundraising strategy in active execution
FDA Pathway
Regulatory positioning defined and documented
Investor Pipeline
Warm introductions to target investors
Narrative
Commercial positioning refined
Key Learnings
- Deep-tech founders often undersell commercial impact, reframe around customer outcomes
- FDA/regulatory positioning is a fundraising asset, not just a compliance burden
- ETH/university spin-offs carry credibility but need commercial translation
Discuss a Similar Challenge
ETH Zurich Spin-off Enantios
Company Overview
Featured
Growth / International Expansion
Strategic Advisor
Zealquest Group / AgiBot
European Market Entry for Embodied AI Robotics
RoboticsAI / MLDeep TechIndustrial
Context
Zealquest Group, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Shanghai with 80%+ MSc/PhD team, is expanding into the European market with AgiBot embodied AI robotics. Their G2 humanoid robots and AI-powered data collection infrastructure target industrial manufacturing automation.
Challenge
Navigate European market entry for a Chinese deep-tech company, establishing partnerships and go-to-market strategy for industrial robotics in manufacturing, quality inspection, and packaging applications.
Approach
1Developing market entry strategy for German and EU industrial automation sector
2Building partnership network with manufacturing companies and system integrators
3Supporting investor relations and fundraising positioning for European expansion
4Advising on regulatory navigation and positioning for AI/robotics deployment
Results
EU Hub
Netherlands office established as European headquarters
Partners
ABB and Bosch Engineering collaboration network
100+ Robots
Data collection infrastructure at scale
Strategy
German market entry roadmap defined
Key Learnings
- Cross-border deep-tech requires local partners for regulatory and cultural navigation
- Industrial robotics buyers need pilot demonstrations before procurement decisions
- Embodied AI positioning differentiates from traditional industrial automation
Discuss a Similar Challenge
Zealquest Group Overview
Company Overview
Every project taught me something the textbooks couldn't. The field is the real classroom, and the soil doesn't grade on a curve.
Case studies are like crop trials. The ones that failed teach you more, but nobody publishes those.
More projects
Seed → GrowthCEO
Tielsa Holding
Building a Premium Smart Kitchen Brand from Hardware to IoT Platform
IoT / HardwareIndustrialDeep Tech
€20M+
Investment secured for product development
Premium
Established as luxury smart kitchen brand
B2B + B2C
Dual market strategy successfully executed
IoT Platform
tielsa:connect ecosystem launched
View the full case study
Pre-SeedStrategic Advisor
PureSurf
Go-to-Market Strategy for Bio-Based Surfactants
CleanTechDeep Tech
GTM
Go-to-market strategy defined and documented
Investor Ready
Pitch deck and data room prepared
Pipeline
Investor introductions in progress
€4.75M
Grant funding already secured
View the full case study
SeedStrategic Advisor
AckerKapital
Market Strategy for Agri-PV Energy Solutions
AgTechCleanTech
Market Strategy
Entry strategy defined and documented
Partnerships
Farmer network development initiated
Business Model
Revenue model validated with farmers
Network
Investor and partner introductions made
View the full case study
SeedAdvisor
Néboda Farms
Scaling Lean Vertical Farming from Prototype to Commercial Production
AgTechIndustrial
Lean Model
Lower CapEx approach validated
Pilot
Commercial pilot operational in Galicia
Awards
Food Tech Challengers 2024 recognition
Network
Strategic connections established
View the full case study
SeedStrategic Advisor & Board Member
KuroVia
Strategic Advisory for Pyrolysis & Biochar Carbon Removal
CleanTechAgTech
Strategy
Market and scaling strategy defined with executive team
GTM
Target market prioritisation and value proposition sharpened
Partnerships
OEM and utility partnership pipeline developed
Fundraising
Investor strategy and materials preparation underway
View the full case study
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