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Industries and sub‑industries

Companisto offers you a great opportunity to invest in a wide range of startup industries. Our sector classifications help you build a resilient portfolio: by understanding different industries, you can diversify effectively and spread your risk across various markets.

This article provides the definitions for each sector.

industries examples

Energy

Startups working towards transitioning to sustainable energy, making our energy consumption greener and more efficient, and solutions for recycling and handling waste. From energy-efficient buildings to AI-powered smart meters to enterprise-grade solutions for solar and wind power, renewable energies and storage are a few examples.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Clean Energy
Reduces carbon dioxide emissions through significant energy efficiency improvements, the sustainable use of resources, or environmental protection activities. Renewable energies such as wind, solar, hydro-power or geothermal are examples.
Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to provide the same level of energy: energy-saving technologies, smart grid, energy-efficient buildings.
Oil & Gas
Oil refining technologies, pipe monitoring systems, oil & gas transport tech or software.
Energy Providers
Startups providing energy, such as electricity or gas.
Waste Solution
Process of treating solid wastes and offers a variety of solutions for recycling items that don’t belong to trash. Solutions for sustainable waste disposal.
Water
Water treatment, water waste, producing industrial water, filtration technologies, water monitoring, and irrigation.
Energy Storage
Technologies meant to capture energy to store it for later use, such as batteries, electric storage devices, hydrogen.
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Fashion

Technology that enables a fashion experience when you wear it or interact with it.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Apparel
Clothing technology. It can involve the manufacturing, materials – innovations that have been developed and used. New fibres or virtual reality fitting for example.
Luxury
New luxury fashion items, VR & AR luxury experiences.
Accessories
Accessories such as glasses, sunglasses, jewellery, connected accessories.
Footwear
Footwear (Shoes) incorporating smart textiles, smart tech, wearable tech.
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Fintech

Fintech is the intersection between finance and technology. The following categorization is constantly evolving to keep up with the sector evolution.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Payments
Startups developing solutions to improve the way financial transactions are settled, and how money is transferred between two parties.
Banking
Startups developing solutions, and/or digitising the activities, services and products of traditional banks.
Crypto and Defi
Startups developing solutions for the use and exchange cryptocurrencies or financial startups using cryptocurrencies as a core feature in their business.
Wealth Management
Startups developing solutions assisting in investment decision-making or providing a way to invest in assets, stocks, securities and other assets.
Mortgages & Lending
Startups developing solutions enabling digital lending (loans, lending platforms), providing online mortgage brokerage services, providing finance for individuals and businesses.
Insurance
Insurtech is the intersection between insurance and technology. It includeds startups providing insurance services with digital-first and innovative models, or helping insurers, agents and brokers increase the efficiency of their processes
Financial Management Solutions
Solutions such as software and algorithms helping companies and consumers better manage their financial operations and processes. Eg: accounting software, billing software.
RegTech
Solutions to comply with regulatory requirements in financial services, from customer identification (KYC), anti-money laundering, fraud detection and compliance & reporting.
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Food

FoodTech is an ecosystem made of all the agrifood entrepreneurs and startups (from production to distribution) innovating on the products, distribution, marketing or business model.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Logistics & Delivery
Startups answering the delivery challenges in the food industry, with home delivery of groceries, restaurant meals or meals prepared in their own kitchens.
In-Store Retail & Restaurant Tech
Startups reinventing the restaurant industry. It means improving the management of restaurants and institutional catering, connecting customers and businesses directly to local chefs for catering and new experiences.Startups developing solutions for the food retail industry, from the digitalisation of the supply chain to a better in-store shopper experience.
Innovative Food
Startups developing new food products answering the need for more transparency, health and environmental concerns. Products range from market innovations to radical disruptions using revolutionary ingredients.
AgriTech
Startups disrupting agriculture. They come up with solutions to improve farming output and quality using drones, sensors and farm management software. AgTech is also about new farm products, next-generation farms and urban farming.
Kitchen & Cooking Tech
Startups developing new generation of appliances or cookware. They provide more technology, new distribution channels or more personalisation.
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Gaming

Startups involved in the development, marketing, and monetisation of games e.g. video games, online games, board games, etc.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
eSports
Startups in the electronic sports sphere, where a multiplayer video game is played competitively for spectators, typically by professional gamers.
Mobile Gaming
Startups involved in the development, marketing, and monetisation of mobile games (iOS and Android games).
Console & PC Gaming
Startups involved in the development, marketing, and monetisation of video games.
Board Games
Startups involved in the development, marketing, and monetisation of board games.
Betting & Gambling
Startups involved in the development, marketing, and monetisation of online betting & gambling games.
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Health

Health Tech, or digital health, uses technology (databases, applications, mobiles, wearables) to improve the delivery, payment, and/or consumption of care, with the ability to increase the development and commercialisation of medicinal products.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Medical Devices
Startups developing devices or instruments with the purpose of preventing, monitoring, alleviating or treating diseases and handicaps. Also the investigation, replacement or modification of the anatomy or of a physiological process. And the control of conception.
Health Platform
Startups developing digital health platforms with the aim of improving health management for both patients and service providers.
Biotechnology
Solutions to improve maintenance and aftermarket for vehicles including platforms to connect users to networks of repair dealers, claim estimation for insurance, B2B solutions and marketplaces for parts.
Pharmaceutical
Startups developing and discovering new drugs.
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Transportation

Startups developing solutions, software, tools and machines used to solve problems or improve conditions with respect to the movement of people and goods.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Mobility
Startups developing transportation solutions getting people from point A to point B. This includes ride hailing, ride sharing, public transport and micromobility.
Search, Buy & Rent
Marketplaces and other solutions to enable and facilitate new and used vehicle purchasing, vehicle rental and leasing, as well financing.
Maintenance
Solutions to improve maintenance and aftermarket for vehicles including platforms to connect users to networks of repair dealers, claim estimation for insurance, B2B solutions and marketplaces for parts.
Navigation & Mapping
Startups developing solutions to track vehicles, provide navigation and mapping. This includes navigation apps, telematics providers, platforms for mobility data sharing, logistics tracking.
Autonomous & Sensor Tech
Startups developing solutions for autonomous driving or to enhance other vehicle sensing capabilities. This included autonomous driving vehicles, software and sensors and V2X.
Vehicle Production
Startups producing or developing solutions for vehicle production, as well as vehicle parts such as motors, chassis.
Logistics & Delivery
Startups developing solutions for the transportation of goods, the packaging of products for storage and shipment involving both internal and external distribution networks.
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Real Estate

Real Estate tech or PropTech (property technology) is the use of information technology to help individuals and companies research, buy, sell and manage real estate.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Mortgages & Lending
These subsets of Real Estate startups provide financial services specifically tailored towards the real estate market. These solutions will then be focused on mortgages, for example.
Workspaces
Workspace refers to premises (either private or public), provided to help new businesses to establish themselves. These typically provide not only physical space and utilities but also administrative services and links to support and finance organizations, as well as peer support among the tenants. In Dealroom, a “Workspace” doesn’t take equity from its tenants, whereas an “Accelerator” does.
Search, Buy & Rent
These types of startups are generally platforms that facilitate the discovery, purchase or rent of homes/rooms. Often those companies function on a marketplace-based model, and their revenue is generated with commissions.
Construction
These startups provide solutions that facilitate the construction/surveying of real estate properties.
Real Estate Software
These startups provide a software-based solution to make the management and overview of facilities easier and more efficient.
Real Estates Services
These companies provide services around the real estate world that cannot be categorized under the aforementioned categories.
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Robotics

Startups dealing with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Consumer robotics
Robots used in the consumer market such as lawn mowing robots, pool cleaning robots, robot vacuums and other home automation systems.
Service robots
Robots used to carry out service-related tasks such as cleaning buildings, serving food in restaurants, including companion robots.
Logistics robots
Not only robots that tackle warehouse logistics (see warehouse automation) but also logistic drones, food delivery, etc.
Industrial robotics
All robotics for industrial use, a very large part of robotics (apart from service robots and consumer robotics, and also medical ones)
Agriculture robots
Robots for farming operations, from weed removal to seeding and picking fruits.
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Marketing

Marketing technology (also known as MarTech) describes any number of systems and tools that help marketers better engage with potential and existing customers.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
AdTech
Advertising Technology (adtech) is defined as different types of analytics and digital tools used in the context of advertising.
CRM & Sales
Startups developing tools and software for managing relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.
E-commerce Solutions
Startups developing products and services that help a company conduct business electronically (its e-commerce business).
Marketing Analytics
Startups developing tools and software to help companies derive insights and analytics from their marketing activities. To understand how their customers interact for example.
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Media

Media technology is any hardware, software, or tool that is used to compose, create, produce, deliver and manage media including audio, video, images, information, interactive media, video games, virtual reality, and augmented reality environments.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Content production
Startups that develop tools, physical or digital products or a platform that allows, facilitates, enable users to create and share content of various type: writing, images, music, videos.
Publishing
Startups which product or platform is about the distribution of free or paid content – text, images, music, information – such as a newsletter, self-publishing, book reviews.
Social Media
Startups which product or platform is about the creation and sharing of various form of content – text, images, music – in one or more virtual communities.
Streaming
Startups that develop a streaming product of platform. In this form of media, content – video, music, audio – is constantly delivered to the end-user while being delivered by a providor. Streaming is so used to described a type of medium. Live-streaming is when this content is delivered in real-time.
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Telecom

Startups developing solutions aiming at disrupting the telecommunications industry: startups offering mobile plans, internet subscriptions, better communication services.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Telecom-as-a-Service
Companies offering telecom platforms and services that allow companies to build and manage their own telecom applications without heavy infrastructure investment. Keywords search: TaaS, telecom API, cloud communications, communication as a service (CaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), CPaaS, programmable telecom, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
Network Infrastructure
Companies providing hardware or software solutions for networking infrastructure, including fiber optics, 5G deployment, small cells, and network slicing.
Network Optimization and Automation
Companies offering solutions for network optimization, orchestration, and automation, including AI-driven network management, self-organizing networks (SON), and software-defined networking (SDN). Keywords search: network orchestration, network optimization, AI-driven network management, self-organizing networks (SON), software-defined networking (SDN), network automation, zero-touch provisioning, intent-based networking.
Cloud and Edge Computing
Companies focusing on cloud-native and edge computing infrastructure, including multi-access edge computing (MEC) for faster, low-latency applications. Keywords search: edge computing, multi-access edge computing (MEC), cloud-native, edge data centers, low-latency applications, distributed cloud, virtualization, containerization.
IoT and Connectivity Platforms
Companies specializing in connectivity solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), including cellular IoT, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), and device management platforms. Keywords search: Internet of Things (IoT), NB-IoT, cellular IoT, device management, LPWAN, machine-to-machine (M2M), IoT gateway, IoT security.
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Jobs Recruitment

Startups developing solutions, services & software designed to improve the recruitment process within a business or for individuals seeking a job.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Human resources
Startups offering tools and platforms for managing employee data, performance, benefits, and HR workflows.
Recruitment enabler
Startups that support recruiters with tech solutions like talent sourcing, screening, and engagement tools.
Recruitment efficiency
Startups focused on automating and optimizing the hiring process to reduce time and cost per hire.
Remote teams
Startups that help companies hire, manage, and support distributed or fully remote teams across borders.
Recruitment and onboarding
Startups offering end-to-end hiring and onboarding solutions, from job posting to employee integration.
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Home Living

Startups developing products and services improving the comfort of homes. It includes home automation or domotics, smart home tech, garden tech, connected devices to be used inside the home.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Interior design
Startups offering digital tools or services to plan, visualize, and personalize interior spaces.
Property Management
Startups that provide tech solutions for landlords and property managers to handle maintenance, rent, and tenant communication.
Furniture
Startups focused on designing, manufacturing, or delivering furniture—often customizable, sustainable, or direct-to-consumer.
Smart home
Startups developing connected devices and systems for automating and enhancing home security, energy use, and convenience.
Home improvement
Startups offering products or services for renovating, repairing, or upgrading residential spaces.
Pets
Startups that create products or services for pet care, including food, health, tracking, and pet-friendly home solutions.
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Education

Startups developing solutions, software and tools designed to enhance teacher-led learning in classrooms and improve students’ education outcomes.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Learning tools and resources
Startups that build platforms, apps, or content to support learning—such as interactive lessons, study aids, or tutoring tools.
Education providers
Startups that directly deliver educational programs or courses, including online schools, bootcamps, or training platforms.
Educations management
Startups offering tools for schools and institutions to manage operations like student records, scheduling, and communication.
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Enterprise Software

Startups developing computer software designed to satisfy the needs of an organisation rather than individual users.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Generative AI
Startups building AI models or tools that generate text, code, images, or other content to support business tasks.
Developer tools
Startups creating software, platforms, or APIs that help developers build, test, and deploy applications more efficiently.
Analytics
Startups offering platforms for collecting, processing, and visualizing data to support business decisions and insights.
Productivity Tools
Startups providing software to streamline tasks, collaboration, and workflows across teams and departments.
No-code and low-code software
Startups enabling users to build apps or automate workflows without deep coding skills, using visual interfaces.
AI applications
Startups applying AI to specific business needs, like customer service, document processing, or sales automation.
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Dating

Startups developing apps, solutions and technology for the dating industry (Tinder, online dating, facilitating people to meet with a potential partner).

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Matchmaking
Platforms that use algorithms or curated services to connect individuals seeking romantic relationships.
Sextech
Innovative tools and services focused on sexual health, intimacy, and education, often blending tech with wellness.
Social platform
Communities and apps that help people meet, interact, and build relationships in casual or meaningful ways.
Lifestyle
Services that combine dating with lifestyle experiences—such as travel, events, or hobbies—to foster deeper connections.
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Event Tech

Startups developing solutions and technologies helping you plan, manage and organise data when putting on an event (conference, wedding, party, etc).

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Ticketing
Tools and platforms that simplify the sale, distribution, and validation of tickets for events of all sizes.
Nightlife
Apps and services that connect users with clubs, parties, and nightlife experiences, often with booking or discovery features.
Concerts
Solutions designed to promote, manage, or enhance the live music experience for artists, venues, and attendees.
Live events
Technologies that support the organization, streaming, or engagement of in-person or hybrid events.
Event Management
End-to-end platforms for planning, scheduling, promoting, and analyzing events for organizers and businesses.
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Semiconductors

Startups developing innovative semiconductors (chips), working on processors, chips for sensors, chips for the automotive sector, AI chips, IoT chips, data centre chips.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Semiconductor designers and manufacturers
Companies that design and/or produce semiconductors, either as their own products or for clients.
Chips and processors
Companies that design and/or manufacture processors and specialized computing hardware, such as quantum, AI-focused, or photonic computers, either as standalone products or on-demand. This category excludes conventional computers.
Semiconductor materials
Companies that develop or produce materials used in semiconductor manufacturing, such as silicon, silicon carbide, gallium nitride, and others
Photonics tech
Companies that design and/or produce photonics technologies, including optical fibers, lasers, detectors, and related materials. These products often use semiconductor-based light sources like LEDs, lasers, and superluminescent diodes, as well as other sources such as single-photon emitters, CRTs, and plasma displays
Semiconductor engineering tools
Firms that develop hardware or software used in the design, manufacturing, or testing of semiconductors.
AI chips and processors
Companies that design and/or produce chips, processors, or computers specifically for AI applications.
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Wellness Beauty

Startups offering products and services to improve mental and physical wellbeing, including tech-driven innovations in beauty, skincare, and personal care.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Personal health
Startups offering tools, products, or services that support overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Nutrition
Companies focused on personalized nutrition, supplements, or diet planning to support a healthy lifestyle.
Weight management
Startups providing programs, apps, or products to help individuals reach and maintain healthy weight goals.
Skin care
Companies developing tech-enabled or science-based skincare products and routines for various skin needs.
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Kids

Startups developing products, solutions and tech for children or to help parents with their children.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Parenting
Tools, content, or services designed to support parents in child-rearing and family management.
Remote monitoring
Devices or apps that enable parents to monitor their children’s safety and wellbeing remotely.
Pregnancy
Solutions focused on pregnancy health, education, and support for expecting parents through apps, products, or services.
Femtech
Technologies and products addressing people's health issues such as reproductive health, menstruation, menopause, and hormonal wellness.
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Music

Startups developing products, solutions and tech-related to music, streaming music, musical instruments, musical equipment, discovering music, music apps, music creation.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Cloud-based music
Platforms and tools that enable music storage, collaboration, and production using cloud technology.
Entertainment
Services and apps that offer music-related experiences, including concerts, events, and fan engagement.
Streaming
Solutions that deliver on-demand music streaming to listeners through apps and web platforms.
Musicians
Tools and services designed to support artists in creation, promotion, and managing their careers.
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Hosting

Startups developing solutions for housing, serving, and maintaining files and data online or offline.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Data centers
Facilities that house servers and networking equipment to store, manage, and process data securely.
Cloud infrastructure
Platforms providing scalable computing resources and services over the internet for businesses and developers.
Cloud storage
Services that offer remote data storage accessible anytime, ensuring data backup and easy sharing.
Cloud computing
Technologies that deliver computing power, software, and platforms via the cloud to support various applications.
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Travel

Travel startups develop digital platforms and services that streamline booking, enhance travel experiences, and connect travelers with local offerings.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Online travel agency
Platforms that help users search, compare, and book flights, hotels, and travel packages online.
Accommodation
Services offering places to stay, including hotels, vacation rentals, hostels, and alternative lodging options.
Booking & search
Tools and websites that facilitate travel planning by enabling easy search and reservation of travel services.
Travel analytics & software
Solutions providing data insights, management tools, and software to optimize travel operations and decisions.
Business travel
Services tailored to corporate travelers, focusing on expense management, travel policies, and seamless booking.
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Space

Space startups develop technologies and services for satellite deployment, Earth observation, in-orbit operations, and space infrastructure.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Space upstream
Activities and companies involved in manufacturing and launching space vehicles and infrastructure.
Satellites
Design, production, and operation of satellites for communication, navigation, Earth observation, and more.
Space transportation
Services and technology focused on launching and transporting payloads and humans into space.
Space vehicles components and payloads
Development of parts, instruments, and cargo that equip space vehicles for missions.
Space downstream
Applications and services that use space data and technology for sectors like telecom, agriculture, and weather.
Space tech for various industries
Use of space technologies adapted to industries such as healthcare, aviation, and environmental monitoring.
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Sports

Sports startups create technology, products, and services that improve athletic performance, fan engagement, and fitness experiences.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Sport platform & application
Digital tools and apps that connect athletes, fans, and teams for training, tracking, and social engagement.
Sporting equipment
Companies that design, manufacture, or sell gear and apparel for various sports activities.
Fitness
Services and products focused on physical training, wellness, and exercise for individuals and groups.
Sport league & club
Organizations managing competitive sports leagues, teams, and clubs at amateur or professional levels.
Sport media
Platforms delivering sports news, live broadcasts, highlights, and fan content.
Sport supplements
Producers of nutritional products aimed at enhancing athletic performance and recovery.
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Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics startups develop innovative gadgets, smart devices, and connected products that enhance everyday life and home technology.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Appliances
Companies that design and produce electronic household devices for everyday use.
Smart home
Products and systems that enable automated control and monitoring of home functions and security.
Smart glasses
Wearable devices combining eyewear with digital features like AR, notifications, or health tracking.
Generic marketplace
Online platforms that sell a wide range of consumer electronics from multiple brands and sellers.
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Security

Security tech startups develop innovative solutions to protect data, devices, identities, and public spaces from cyber and physical threats.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Public safety
Solutions focused on protecting communities through emergency response, surveillance, and crime prevention technologies
Cloud & infrastructure
Security services that protect cloud environments and IT infrastructure from cyber threats and breaches.
Identity & access
Technologies managing user authentication, authorization, and secure access to systems and data.
Device security & antivirus
Tools designed to protect devices from malware, viruses, and unauthorized access.
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Chemicals

Chemical startups typically focus on developing new materials, sustainable processes, or innovative chemical compounds. They work with areas like green chemistry, industrial biotech, advanced manufacturing, and materials science

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Advanced materials
Developing high-performance substances—such as composites, polymers, or nanomaterials—designed for enhanced strength, durability, conductivity, or sustainability.
Synthetic biology
Companies designing and engineering biological systems to produce chemicals, materials, or fuels. They use DNA programming and biotechnology to create sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical processes, often serving industries like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Biotech & pharma
Developing and manufacture chemical compounds for medical and therapeutic use. They work on drug discovery, formulation, and delivery, often using biotechnological methods to create innovative treatments for diseases, vaccines, and diagnostics.
Chemical techonologies
Developing tools, equipment, and digital solutions to improve chemical processes. This includes innovations in reactors, sensors, automation, and data analysis to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in chemical manufacturing and research.
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Engineering and manufacturing equipment

Startups in the engineering and manufacturing equipment industry design and build advanced tools, machines, and systems that support production, automation, and industrial processes. They often focus on improving efficiency, precision, and sustainability in sectors like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and heavy industry.

Sub-industry
Description
Example
Industrial technology
Refers to the development and use of advanced tools, machinery, and systems to improve production efficiency, automation, and quality. It includes robotics, control systems, sensors, and software used across factories and industrial processes.
Additive manufacturing
Involves creating parts by building them layer by layer, commonly known as 3D printing. It enables rapid prototyping, custom part production, and reduced material waste, and is used across industries like aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and industrial design.
Semiconductor designers and manufacturers
Creating and producing microchips and electronic components that power devices like computers, smartphones, and industrial systems.
Photonics tech
Photonics technology in engineering and manufacturing involves the use of light (photons) for applications like sensing, imaging, communication, and laser-based manufacturing. Companies in this space develop components such as lasers, sensors, and optical systems.
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Please note

The acquisition of the offered securities and investments is associated with considerable risks and can lead to the complete loss of the invested assets. The expected yield is not guaranteed and may be lower. Whether it is a security or an asset investment can be seen in the description of the investment opportunity.
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