Senseup 3 Million Funding
JANUARY: SenseUP raises EUR 3 million Seed round to advance development of dsRNA-based biopesticides
January 21, 2026
FUNDING
SenseUP GmbH, a spin-off of Forschungszentrum Jülich and based in Cologne, Germany, today announced the successful close of a EUR 3 million Seed round during 2025 led by Capnamic, with participation from Simon Capital, Rockstart, CHECK24 Impact and HBG Ventures.
The round will accelerate the development of SenseUP’s product portfolio, grow the team across several functions and expand strategic collaborations with leading industry players – enabling SenseUP to pursue its mission of developing effective, eco-friendly, and affordable biopesticides.
"Our technology tackles the pressing global issue of crop losses caused by pests and pathogens, which account for 17–30% of potential yields each year, resulting in billions of dollars in production losses. Meanwhile, the excessive use of chemical pesticides is leading to pest resistance, loss of biodiversity, and soil contamination. With the insecticide and fungicide market expected to reach USD 44 billion by 2030, there is substantial opportunity for emerging technologies to provide safer and more sustainable solutions." (Dr. Georg Schaumann, CEO and Founder of SenseUP)
“SenseUP has everything it takes to drive the shift towards sustainable agriculture. Its 100% biological technology tackles one of the industry's biggest challenges, is deeply rooted in science and built for real world application. We are impressed with the team’s passion and the early commercial validation of its technology. Alongside Simon Capital, HBG Ventures, CHECK24 Impact, and Rockstart, we are excited to support SenseUP’s continued growth.” (Niklas Raberg, Partner at Capnamic)
“SenseUP’s Corynebacterium-based dsRNA platform makes truly sustainable crop protection viable at scale—combining cost-effective production with durable encapsulation—and is driven by a top-tier team with early industry validation. This is exactly the kind of science-led solution we look forward to backing to shape consumption for the next generation.” (Dr. Friedrich Droste, Managing Director at Simon Capital)
About Senseup
At SenseUP, we develop effective, selective, and eco-friendly pesticides and parasiticides designed to protect crops, livestock, and the environment. As a spin-off of the renowned German Institute for Biotechnology at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), we have a strong foundation in scientific excellence. With our deep expertise and patented technologies, we utilize a Corynebacterium-based fermentative platform for the affordable and scalable production of encapsulated dsRNA. This active ingredient protects crops against insects, nematodes, fungi, and viruses, while also serving as a postbiotic in animal feed and nutrition. www.senseup.bio
About Capnamic
Capnamic is one of Europe’s leading early-stage venture capital firms. From its offices in Cologne, Berlin and Munich, Capnamic backs ambitious founders from the German-speaking regions at Pre-Seed through Series A. The €350 million under-management fund has built a portfolio of 40-plus active companies and 100+ total investments, including category leaders such as LeanIX (acquired by SAP), Adjust (acquired by AppLovin), Staffbase, parcelLab and Capmo. Founders benefit from Capnamic’s hands-on operating support and a network of more than 100 corporate and entrepreneurial LPs that unlock follow-on funding and global market access. Since 2013 the team has generated a strong record of trade sales and IPOs. Capnamic is led by Managing Partners Christian Siegele, Christian Knott, Jörg Binnenbrücker and Olaf Jacobi. https://capnamic.com
About Simon Capital
Founded in 2018, Simon Capital is an early-stage VC fund based in Dusseldorf/ Rhineland. The fund invests in driven founders who reshape their industries across consumption, wellbeing, and productivity. The funds is investing into the next generation of sustainable businesses that are defining how humans, society and the economy will consume, live and work in the future. Simon Capital makes use of its broad network and expertise rooted in an entrepreneurial heritage to lift new generations of sustainable businesses. The fund follows an active portfolio approach, where capital means more than just mere money; investments so far include e.g., waterdrop, Just Spices, Infinite Roots, Holy, and Ordio. If you are interested to learn more about Simon Capital, please visit https://www.simoncapital.com and follow them on LinkedIn.
Senseup 3 Million Funding
JANUARY: SenseUP raises EUR 3 million Seed round to advance development of dsRNA-based biopesticides
January 21, 2026
FUNDING
SenseUP GmbH, a spin-off of Forschungszentrum Jülich and based in Cologne, Germany, today announced the successful close of a EUR 3 million Seed round during 2025 led by Capnamic, with participation from Simon Capital, Rockstart, CHECK24 Impact and HBG Ventures.
The round will accelerate the development of SenseUP’s product portfolio, grow the team across several functions and expand strategic collaborations with leading industry players – enabling SenseUP to pursue its mission of developing effective, eco-friendly, and affordable biopesticides.
"Our technology tackles the pressing global issue of crop losses caused by pests and pathogens, which account for 17–30% of potential yields each year, resulting in billions of dollars in production losses. Meanwhile, the excessive use of chemical pesticides is leading to pest resistance, loss of biodiversity, and soil contamination. With the insecticide and fungicide market expected to reach USD 44 billion by 2030, there is substantial opportunity for emerging technologies to provide safer and more sustainable solutions." (Dr. Georg Schaumann, CEO and Founder of SenseUP)
“SenseUP has everything it takes to drive the shift towards sustainable agriculture. Its 100% biological technology tackles one of the industry's biggest challenges, is deeply rooted in science and built for real world application. We are impressed with the team’s passion and the early commercial validation of its technology. Alongside Simon Capital, HBG Ventures, CHECK24 Impact, and Rockstart, we are excited to support SenseUP’s continued growth.” (Niklas Raberg, Partner at Capnamic)
“SenseUP’s Corynebacterium-based dsRNA platform makes truly sustainable crop protection viable at scale—combining cost-effective production with durable encapsulation—and is driven by a top-tier team with early industry validation. This is exactly the kind of science-led solution we look forward to backing to shape consumption for the next generation.” (Dr. Friedrich Droste, Managing Director at Simon Capital)
About Senseup
At SenseUP, we develop effective, selective, and eco-friendly pesticides and parasiticides designed to protect crops, livestock, and the environment. As a spin-off of the renowned German Institute for Biotechnology at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), we have a strong foundation in scientific excellence. With our deep expertise and patented technologies, we utilize a Corynebacterium-based fermentative platform for the affordable and scalable production of encapsulated dsRNA. This active ingredient protects crops against insects, nematodes, fungi, and viruses, while also serving as a postbiotic in animal feed and nutrition. www.senseup.bio
About Capnamic
Capnamic is one of Europe’s leading early-stage venture capital firms. From its offices in Cologne, Berlin and Munich, Capnamic backs ambitious founders from the German-speaking regions at Pre-Seed through Series A. The €350 million under-management fund has built a portfolio of 40-plus active companies and 100+ total investments, including category leaders such as LeanIX (acquired by SAP), Adjust (acquired by AppLovin), Staffbase, parcelLab and Capmo. Founders benefit from Capnamic’s hands-on operating support and a network of more than 100 corporate and entrepreneurial LPs that unlock follow-on funding and global market access. Since 2013 the team has generated a strong record of trade sales and IPOs. Capnamic is led by Managing Partners Christian Siegele, Christian Knott, Jörg Binnenbrücker and Olaf Jacobi. https://capnamic.com
About Simon Capital
Founded in 2018, Simon Capital is an early-stage VC fund based in Dusseldorf/ Rhineland. The fund invests in driven founders who reshape their industries across consumption, wellbeing, and productivity. The funds is investing into the next generation of sustainable businesses that are defining how humans, society and the economy will consume, live and work in the future. Simon Capital makes use of its broad network and expertise rooted in an entrepreneurial heritage to lift new generations of sustainable businesses. The fund follows an active portfolio approach, where capital means more than just mere money; investments so far include e.g., waterdrop, Just Spices, Infinite Roots, Holy, and Ordio. If you are interested to learn more about Simon Capital, please visit https://www.simoncapital.com and follow them on LinkedIn.
Senseup 3 Million Funding
JANUARY: SenseUP raises EUR 3 million Seed round to advance development of dsRNA-based biopesticides
January 21, 2026
FUNDING
SenseUP GmbH, a spin-off of Forschungszentrum Jülich and based in Cologne, Germany, today announced the successful close of a EUR 3 million Seed round during 2025 led by Capnamic, with participation from Simon Capital, Rockstart, CHECK24 Impact and HBG Ventures.
The round will accelerate the development of SenseUP’s product portfolio, grow the team across several functions and expand strategic collaborations with leading industry players – enabling SenseUP to pursue its mission of developing effective, eco-friendly, and affordable biopesticides.
"Our technology tackles the pressing global issue of crop losses caused by pests and pathogens, which account for 17–30% of potential yields each year, resulting in billions of dollars in production losses. Meanwhile, the excessive use of chemical pesticides is leading to pest resistance, loss of biodiversity, and soil contamination. With the insecticide and fungicide market expected to reach USD 44 billion by 2030, there is substantial opportunity for emerging technologies to provide safer and more sustainable solutions." (Dr. Georg Schaumann, CEO and Founder of SenseUP)
“SenseUP has everything it takes to drive the shift towards sustainable agriculture. Its 100% biological technology tackles one of the industry's biggest challenges, is deeply rooted in science and built for real world application. We are impressed with the team’s passion and the early commercial validation of its technology. Alongside Simon Capital, HBG Ventures, CHECK24 Impact, and Rockstart, we are excited to support SenseUP’s continued growth.” (Niklas Raberg, Partner at Capnamic)
“SenseUP’s Corynebacterium-based dsRNA platform makes truly sustainable crop protection viable at scale—combining cost-effective production with durable encapsulation—and is driven by a top-tier team with early industry validation. This is exactly the kind of science-led solution we look forward to backing to shape consumption for the next generation.” (Dr. Friedrich Droste, Managing Director at Simon Capital)
About Senseup
At SenseUP, we develop effective, selective, and eco-friendly pesticides and parasiticides designed to protect crops, livestock, and the environment. As a spin-off of the renowned German Institute for Biotechnology at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), we have a strong foundation in scientific excellence. With our deep expertise and patented technologies, we utilize a Corynebacterium-based fermentative platform for the affordable and scalable production of encapsulated dsRNA. This active ingredient protects crops against insects, nematodes, fungi, and viruses, while also serving as a postbiotic in animal feed and nutrition. www.senseup.bio
About Capnamic
Capnamic is one of Europe’s leading early-stage venture capital firms. From its offices in Cologne, Berlin and Munich, Capnamic backs ambitious founders from the German-speaking regions at Pre-Seed through Series A. The €350 million under-management fund has built a portfolio of 40-plus active companies and 100+ total investments, including category leaders such as LeanIX (acquired by SAP), Adjust (acquired by AppLovin), Staffbase, parcelLab and Capmo. Founders benefit from Capnamic’s hands-on operating support and a network of more than 100 corporate and entrepreneurial LPs that unlock follow-on funding and global market access. Since 2013 the team has generated a strong record of trade sales and IPOs. Capnamic is led by Managing Partners Christian Siegele, Christian Knott, Jörg Binnenbrücker and Olaf Jacobi. https://capnamic.com
About Simon Capital
Founded in 2018, Simon Capital is an early-stage VC fund based in Dusseldorf/ Rhineland. The fund invests in driven founders who reshape their industries across consumption, wellbeing, and productivity. The funds is investing into the next generation of sustainable businesses that are defining how humans, society and the economy will consume, live and work in the future. Simon Capital makes use of its broad network and expertise rooted in an entrepreneurial heritage to lift new generations of sustainable businesses. The fund follows an active portfolio approach, where capital means more than just mere money; investments so far include e.g., waterdrop, Just Spices, Infinite Roots, Holy, and Ordio. If you are interested to learn more about Simon Capital, please visit https://www.simoncapital.com and follow them on LinkedIn.