Disruption, simplification, and style are some ingredients of German mobility startups that I find particularly interesting.

Written by Christian Bettstetter

1. Lilium Aviation — “Everyone can fly anywhere, anytime“

Lilium develops the flying car, and believe it or not: it is expected to hit the market in 2018. The personal mini-jet transports two people, starts and lands vertically, and reaches speeds up to 250 to 300 km/h with a range of about 300 km. Being located in the surroundings of Munich, the 40-people company is a 2015 spinoff from TU München and recently raised 10 M€ funding with Atomico. Visit their Website at lilium-aviation.com or follow them at Lilium.

2. High-Mobility — “Simplifying digital automobility”

The connected car is in the focus of the Berlin-based company High-Mobility. The 10-people startup offers cross-platform software tools and an emulation environment that enables developers to test ideas for connected cars. The company collaborates with BMW Group and Fiat, to give two examples. High-Mobility is alumni of Startupbootcamp and recently received a one digit M€ funding. Visit their Website at high-mobility.com or follow them at high-mobility.

3. Unu — “The mobility solution that fully connects people to the city”

Unu developed and sells a stylish retro scooter as the ideal vehicle for cities. A battery lasts for 50 kilometers and can then be removed and recharged in a usual household socket. The company wants to extend its portfolio with smart mobility services using autonomous vehicles. Unu was founded in Munich in 2013, with roots at the CDTM (TU and LMU München), and moved to Berlin in 2015. Visit their Website at unumotors.com or follow them at unu.

This short essay was also published at Medium, where you can add your comments. The author, Christian Bettstetter, is not affiliated with any of the mentioned companies. Illustration by Radoman Durkovic (Adobe Stock).