1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative within the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed specifically to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the development and scaling of deep-tech innovations. This program aims to foster groundbreaking technologies and business models that can significantly impact the European economy and society. Its core objective is to enhance innovation, particularly in sectors that are crucial for Europe’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator program offers a unique funding structure that includes both grants and equity investments. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover the early-stage development costs associated with innovative projects. This funding is crucial for companies looking to validate their concepts, conduct research and development, and prepare for market entry.

In addition to the grant, the program offers equity funding to help companies scale. Until 2024, this equity investment can reach up to €15 million. Starting in 2025, the maximum equity funding will be reduced to €10 million. This financial support is essential for startups and SMEs to attract additional private investments, thereby enhancing their ability to grow and expand their market presence.

Purpose in the DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a significant role in the European deep-tech ecosystem by providing financial support coupled with strategic guidance. It targets companies that are developing high-risk, high-reward technologies with the potential to disrupt existing markets or create entirely new ones. By prioritizing deep-tech innovations, the EIC Accelerator seeks to strengthen the European technological landscape, ensuring that Europe remains competitive on a global scale.

The program also facilitates connections between startups and private investors, which is vital for scaling operations. By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with innovation, the EIC Accelerator enables companies to focus on refining their technologies and business models, ultimately leading to more robust and sustainable growth trajectories.

Case Study: alocalo GmbH

Company Overview: alocalo GmbH, based in Germany, emerged as an EIC Accelerator winner with its innovative project titled SmartOnlineSalesRedirectionPlatform. The project was submitted on March 23, 2022, during the Step 2 proposal phase, and subsequently succeeded in the Step 3 interview process.

Project Description: The SmartOnlineSalesRedirectionPlatform is a novel AI-based shopping platform designed to enhance product supply transparency and facilitate smart redirection of customers from e-commerce platforms to local retail outlets. This initiative aims to create a more resilient European retail sector by addressing the challenges posed by online shopping, particularly in terms of local economic sustainability.

Technology Basics and Background: The core technology behind alocalo's platform utilizes advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze consumer behavior, inventory levels, and geographic data. This AI-driven approach allows the platform to offer real-time product availability information to shoppers, thereby redirecting them to nearby retailers who have the desired products in stock. Such transparency not only benefits consumers by providing them with more shopping options but also supports local businesses by increasing foot traffic and sales.

The platform is built upon a robust data architecture that aggregates information from various e-commerce platforms and local retailers. This integration enables seamless communication and operational efficiency, significantly improving the shopping experience. By leveraging AI, the SmartOnlineSalesRedirectionPlatform can continuously learn from user interactions and market trends, enhancing its recommendations and redirection capabilities over time.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a critical catalyst for innovation in Europe, particularly in the deep-tech sector. With its multi-faceted funding structure and strategic support, it empowers companies like alocalo GmbH to develop transformative technologies that promote local economies and create sustainable retail solutions. The SmartOnlineSalesRedirectionPlatform exemplifies how AI can be harnessed to address contemporary challenges in retail, underscoring the potential impact of the EIC Accelerator on the European startup ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

# alocalo GmbH: EIC Accelerator Funding and Company Overview

alocalo GmbH, a German company, secured funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in March 2022. This company operates as an online marketplace designed to connect local stores, providing small businesses with cost-effective online market solutions to sell, buy, and exchange goods and services.

Funding Information

EIC Accelerator Grant

In March 2022, alocalo received a €2.2 million grant from the European Innovation Council through the EIC Accelerator program. This significant funding came after the company successfully submitted its Step 2 proposal and won in the Step 3 interview phase of the EIC Accelerator selection process.

Funding Timeline

The company's known funding history includes:

March 2022: €2.2 million grant from the European Innovation Council Accelerator program

Company Overview

alocalo is an online marketplace platform that focuses on connecting local stores and small businesses. The company's solution allows small businesses to:

• Create cost-effective online markets
• Sell their products and services
• Buy from other local businesses
• Facilitate local commerce exchanges

Based in Germany, alocalo represents part of the growing digital marketplace sector that aims to support local economies by providing technological infrastructure for small businesses that might otherwise struggle to establish an online presence.

Current Status

As of April 2025, limited public information is available regarding alocalo's current valuation, additional funding rounds beyond the EIC Accelerator grant, or any exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions. The company appears to maintain operations as a private entity continuing to develop its marketplace platform for local businesses.

The EIC Accelerator funding likely provided alocalo with substantial resources to scale its operations, enhance its technological platform, and potentially expand its market reach throughout Germany and possibly into other European markets.

Sources: - alocalo company information, funding & investors - Dealroom.co

alocalo company information, funding & investors

3 The Press Releases

Since the search results do not provide any specific information about alocalo GmbH, an EIC Accelerator winner from Germany, we will outline a general structure of what could be included in press releases or blog posts related to such a company. Typically, press releases and blog posts from companies like alocalo GmbH might cover several key areas:

Contents of Press Releases or Blog Posts

Press Releases on Their Website or Social Media

• Press releases are often posted on the company's official website or shared through social media platforms to reach a broader audience.
• These platforms allow the company to share news directly with stakeholders, including customers, investors, and partners.

Press Releases or Blog Posts on alocalo.de

• While specific details about alocalo GmbH's press releases or blog posts are not available, typically, a company's official website would host these updates.
• The content would likely focus on achievements, product launches, partnerships, and other significant business developments.

Since alocalo GmbH does not appear in the search results, specific details about their press releases, partnerships, or technological advancements cannot be provided. For more accurate information, checking their official website or contacting the company directly would be necessary.

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Sources:

• Allotrac Blog
• Aloware Leads AI Innovation With AloAi Voice Agents
• Aloware Blog
• The Keyword | Google Product and Technology News and Stories
• History of the Press Release
• Are Press Releases Still Relevant?
• Innovation - Covestro Annual Report 2022
• Strategic Partnerships: Technology Driving Innovation Commercially
• DARPA: Home

4 The Technology Advancements

alocalo GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments As of the latest available information, no publicly accessible records, press releases, or publications directly related to alocalo GmbH (Germany) could be identified in the provided search results. The data does not confirm specific advancements, technology demonstrations, patent filings, or clinical trials by the company since its EIC Accelerator funding award in March 2022.

Key observations from available sources:

• Search limitations: The provided materials reference unrelated entities such as "aLocal Solutions" (economic advisory services), "ALLO Communications" (broadband infrastructure), and Otovo (solar installations), but none pertain to alocalo GmbH.
• EIC Accelerator context: While the EIC program typically funds high-impact innovations in deep tech and scaling activities, alocalo’s domain focus remains unspecified in the available data. Without direct references to its website (alocalo.de) or verified third-party reports post-2022, progress cannot be reliably detailed.

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Sources

• aLocal Solutions Capabilities Statement
• ALLO Communications Sustainability Award
• Otovo Q4 2023 Report

Note: No sources directly referencing alocalo GmbH were found.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Overview of alocalo GmbH

alocalo GmbH is a German company that received funding from the EIC Accelerator in 2022. Despite the search results not providing specific details about alocalo GmbH's partnerships, customers, or recent developments since receiving the funding, we can infer general strategies for such companies in leveraging partnerships and funding for growth and technology advancements.

Potential Partnerships and Customers

While specific names of entities, customers, or partners associated with alocalo GmbH are not available in the search results, companies in similar positions often partner with industry leaders, startups, or research institutions to enhance their market presence and technological capabilities. These partnerships can involve collaborations for product development, market expansion, or mutual innovation.

Nature of New Relationships and Purpose

New relationships for companies like alocalo GmbH typically aim at enhancing technology, expanding market reach, or accessing new customer segments. Partnerships might focus on joint product development, co-marketing initiatives, or strategic investments to accelerate growth.

Positioning in the Market

By forming new relationships, alocalo GmbH could strengthen its market position by accessing new technologies, markets, or customer bases. This strategic positioning helps in building a competitive advantage, especially in innovative industries where adaptability and collaboration are crucial.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

Partnerships and funding can significantly aid alocalo GmbH in advancing its technology and scaling operations. Collaborations often lead to the exchange of expertise, resources, or intellectual property, which can accelerate product development and innovation. Additionally, access to new markets and customers can help in scaling the business more efficiently.

Conclusion

alocalo GmbH, as an EIC Accelerator winner, likely leverages its funding and partnerships to drive innovation and growth. While specific details are not available, typical strategies involve forming strategic alliances to enhance technology, market reach, and competitive positioning.

Sources

• Trends und Innovatio- nen im E-Commerce
• Make the choice to scale your technology team
• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): Everything You Need to Know

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

alocalo GmbH: Growth Trajectory Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Based on available information, alocalo GmbH has demonstrated steady growth in its team composition and operational focus since its EIC Accelerator win in March 2022. While exact headcount figures are not publicly disclosed, the company's alumni and current employees frequently appear in academic profiles from HTW Saar’s Marketing Science program, suggesting a collaborative relationship with the university for talent acquisition.

Hiring and Team Dynamics

• Current hiring status: No direct job postings were identified, but alumni from HTW Saar’s business programs occupy roles such as Marketing Manager (Yannic Sachs), Sales Manager (Marco Ertelt), and Social Media Manager (Anna Wirth).
• Team growth: Graduates from HTW Saar’s business programs have consistently joined alocalo GmbH in marketing, sales, and leadership roles. Co-founder Carolin Ackermann (CEO of SEAWATER Cubes) highlights the company’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, though her current direct involvement is unspecified.
• Key positions: Roles emphasize digitalization, sales strategy, and innovative business models.

Scaling Strategy

New team members contribute expertise in digital transformation and customer engagement strategies. For example:

• Marketing Science graduates bring data-driven methodologies to refine customer outreach.
• Sales leadership roles focus on scaling B2B partnerships.

Management Stability

No recent changes to the founding team were identified. Leadership appears focused on integrating academic talent into operational roles to drive innovation.

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Sources

• Business Administration B.A. | htw saar (Profiles of alumni at alocalo)
• Marketing Science M.Sc. - htw saar (Graduate placements)

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of alocalo GmbH

alocalo GmbH, a German company, received funding from the EIC Accelerator in March 2022. This funding has likely contributed to its growth and visibility, but detailed information on its media features, publications, podcasts, conference visits, and event involvement since then is limited.

Media Features and Publications

While specific publications directly naming alocalo GmbH are not readily available, the company's business model involves the alocalo Shopping Assistant. This tool provides real-time information on the availability of products across various platforms, which could attract media attention for its innovative approach to e-commerce.

Content from Publications

Currently, there is no detailed content available from publications specifically discussing alocalo GmbH in the context of its EIC Accelerator funding or subsequent developments.

Podcasts or Interviews

There are no reported podcasts or interviews featuring the team of alocalo GmbH in the available search results.

Conference and Fair Visits

Information on alocalo GmbH's participation in conferences, fairs, or presentations is not readily available. The company's focus on e-commerce solutions might lead to involvement in industry-specific events, but concrete details are lacking.

Involvement in Events

The extent of alocalo GmbH's involvement in events since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding is not documented in the available data.

Conclusion

Given the limited information available, alocalo GmbH's activities and media presence since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022 are not extensively documented. Further research may be necessary to uncover specific details about its media features, publications, and event participation.

Sources

• alocalo Stories, News & Mentions
• alocalo - EU-Startups