From idea to impact: Europe’s 15 largest tech seed rounds in 2025

European seed-stage tech investment demonstrated robust growth in 2025, with companies securing over €2.4 billion. While this funding represented a modest 3.3% of the total €72 billion raised across the sector, seed rounds constituted a significant 14.2% of all tech deals, underscoring their crucial role in nurturing early-stage innovation within the European ecosystem. This vital early-stage capital infusion signals sustained investor confidence in the continent's burgeoning technology landscape. The leading recipients of this seed funding were concentrated in key innovation hubs, including the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the Nordic region. By industry, software and artificial intelligence emerged as dominant forces, attracting the most deals and largest round sizes, reflecting a clear investor preference for scalable, AI-driven business models. Fintech, healthcare, and climate and energy sectors also showed consistent seed activity, while emerging areas like deeptech, robotics, and quantum computing, though less frequent, point to a growing interest in capital-intensive, long-term technological advancements. Notable among the top seed rounds was Gradium, an AI technology company that secured $70 million to advance its audio language models for natural, expressive, and ultra-low-latency voice interactions at scale. Similarly, German AI firm Mirelo AI raised $41 million for its generative audio technology, designed to automate and enhance the creation of immersive audio for video content. Donut Lab, focusing on electric mobility, garnered €25 million to develop and manufacture its high-performance EV components, including in-wheel motors and solid-state batteries, aiming to simplify and accelerate electric vehicle design across various industries. These significant investments highlight Europe's commitment to advancing cutting-edge technologies and fostering digital sovereignty.