1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Overview of the EIC Accelerator Program

The EIC Accelerator is a flagship initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with high-risk, high-potential innovations. This program aims to bridge the funding gap faced by businesses in the early and growth stages of development. The EIC Accelerator provides both grant funding and equity investment, thereby enabling companies to scale their innovations and reach the market more effectively.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that includes both a grant component and equity investment:

Purpose in the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and competitiveness. It targets transformative technologies that can address societal challenges and contribute to economic growth. By offering financial support and strategic guidance, the EIC Accelerator helps companies navigate the complexities of scaling their operations and enhances their ability to attract private sector funding.

Role in Scaling Companies

The EIC Accelerator not only provides essential funding but also offers a network of mentors, business coaches, and industry experts who guide entrepreneurs through the various stages of growth. This holistic approach ensures that companies are not only financially supported but also equipped with the knowledge and resources to succeed. Furthermore, by validating innovative ideas and technologies through the EIC's rigorous selection process, companies enhance their credibility, making them more attractive to private investors.

Case Study: Xelera Technologies GmbH and the DYRA Project

Company Overview: Xelera Technologies GmbH is a German startup that focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies in the telecommunications sector.

Project Acronym: DYRA

Project Description: The DYRA project, which stands for Dynamic High-Performance Open Radio Access Network Technology, aims to revolutionize the way radio access networks (RAN) are designed and operated. The project intends to create a flexible and high-performance solution for telecommunications that can adapt to varying demands and conditions.

Technology Background: The DYRA project leverages advanced algorithms and software-defined networking (SDN) principles to create an open RAN architecture. This architecture allows for greater interoperability between different hardware and software components, enabling operators to deploy and manage networks more efficiently. Key technical components include:

• Dynamic Resource Allocation: The technology utilizes real-time data analytics to optimize resource allocation across the network, ensuring that bandwidth and processing capabilities are used effectively.
• Open Interfaces: By adopting open standards, DYRA facilitates collaboration among different vendors and reduces vendor lock-in, which is a common issue in traditional RAN setups.
• Scalability: The modular design of DYRA allows telecom operators to scale their networks according to user demands, making it particularly suitable for urban environments where demand can fluctuate significantly.

Funding Journey: Xelera Technologies GmbH submitted its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on June 15, 2022, and subsequently won in the Step 3 interview phase. The funding acquired will primarily support the development and testing of the DYRA technology, enabling Xelera to bring its innovative solution to the market.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a critical enabler for companies like Xelera Technologies GmbH, providing not just financial resources but also strategic support to transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Through projects such as DYRA, the EIC Accelerator contributes to the advancement of DeepTech in Europe, fostering a more competitive and sustainable innovation landscape. Companies that successfully navigate the program can significantly enhance their growth prospects and play an integral role in shaping the future of technology.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Xelera Technologies GmbH: EIC Accelerator Funding and Financial Profile

Xelera Technologies GmbH, a German software provider focused on high-speed networking technology and machine learning applications, secured the prestigious EIC Accelerator grant in the June 15, 2022 cut-off round. The company, founded in 2018 and based in Darmstadt, Germany, specializes in accelerating data center and cloud workloads, particularly for sectors requiring high data processing rates and ultra-low compute latency.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Xelera Technologies was among 75 companies selected from 986 proposals submitted in the June 2022 EIC Accelerator cut-off round. The company was awarded funding under the "Grant-first" financing type for their project called "DYRA" (Dynamic High-Performance Open Radio Access Network Technology).

In January 2023, Xelera announced that they had secured the EIC project grant worth €1.7 million. The DYRA project aims to extend their network acceleration offering into 5G networks.

The Grant-first financing type was the second most requested funding mechanism in this particular EIC Accelerator round, with 190 applications (19% of total) resulting in 24 approvals, representing a 12.63% success rate. This funding mechanism is designed for companies at a lower Technology Readiness Level (TRL) requiring further de-risking through a grant first, with the company committing to reach key milestones before accessing remaining funding and becoming investor-ready.

Venture Capital Funding

Beyond the EIC Accelerator grant, Xelera Technologies has also secured venture capital funding. The company's latest funding round is classified as "Unattributed VC," indicating it has received venture capital investment without disclosing the specific stage or amount.

Among Xelera's investors is AMD Ventures, the venture capital arm of semiconductor company AMD. This strategic investment aligns with Xelera's focus on high-performance computing and acceleration technologies.

Company Valuation and Financial Details

Specific information about Xelera Technologies' valuation, revenue figures, and complete funding history is not publicly available in the provided search results. The company appears to maintain privacy regarding detailed financial metrics, which is common for privately-held technology companies at their stage.

Exit Events

As of May 2025, there is no information indicating that Xelera Technologies has undergone an IPO, acquisition, or other exit event. The company is described as being in the "Alive" stage, suggesting it continues to operate as an independent entity.

Company Profile

Xelera Technologies was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, at Rheinstraße 40-42. The company's main product, the Xelera Suite, is designed to accelerate data center and cloud workloads, enhancing cybersecurity, high-speed telecom and cloud networking, and machine learning applications.

The company primarily serves industries that require high data processing rates and ultra-low compute latency, such as cybersecurity and telecommunications. Xelera competes with companies like Huxelerate, Bigstream Solutions, and Nebuly in the accelerated computing and high-performance data processing space.

Sources: - https://www.xelera.io/news/xelera-secured-eic-project-grant

• https://www.strata.team/eic-accelerator-winners-and-statistics-june-2022/
• https://eic.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-10/Seleceted%20companies%20-%20EIC%20Accelerator%2015%20June%20cut-off%20corrected.pdf
• https://www.cbinsights.com/company/xelera
• https://www.lira.ltd/eic-accelerator/eic-accelerator-2022-report-web/

3 The Press Releases

Xelera Technologies GmbH: Recent Developments

Xelera Technologies GmbH, a German company specializing in hardware accelerator technology, successfully secured funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in June 2022. This significant achievement underscores the company's innovative approach to accelerating data processing capabilities in cloud-native and data center environments.

EIC Funding and Project DYRA

Xelera received a prestigious EIC project grant worth €1.7 million for its project #DYRA, which aims to extend its network acceleration offerings into 5G networks. This funding recognizes Xelera's potential in enhancing network performance and contributing to the advancement of 5G infrastructure.

Technology Advancements

Xelera's expertise lies in making state-of-the-art accelerator technology accessible to commercial applications. The company leverages Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to significantly accelerate business-critical applications, including Big Data analytics, machine learning, database management, and IoT infrastructures. These technologies not only boost performance but also improve energy efficiency in data centers.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Xelera has partnered with Blackcore Technologies to revolutionize high-frequency trading (HFT) by combining Xelera’s Silva AI acceleration with Blackcore’s optimized servers. This collaboration has set new industry standards with benchmark results showcasing microsecond latency and unmatched efficiency.

Team and Event Participation

Xelera Technologies is represented by Myriam Schmitz and Stefan Seitz at key industry events, such as Omnisecure 2025 in Berlin, where they will partner with IABG to showcase innovations in secure technologies. Additionally, Xelera participated in significant events like the STAC Summit in Chicago and HPC + AI Wall Street in New York, highlighting their leadership in transformative technologies.

Press Releases and Blog Posts

Xelera's website features news updates, including their success in securing the EIC project grant and their participation in major industry events. The company also shares insights into its collaborations and technological advancements through these posts.

Sources:

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2022
• Xelera Secured EIC Project Grant
• News - Xelera Technologies
• Xelera
• Xelera Technologies

4 The Technology Advancements

Xelera Technologies GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements

Since securing the EIC Accelerator grant of €1.7 million in January 2023 (publicly announced as part of the EIC’s 2022 funding cycle), Xelera Technologies has expanded its technological capabilities and market presence across multiple sectors, including cybersecurity, telecom, and AI acceleration. While specific patent filings or scientific publications are not publicly disclosed, the company has demonstrated measurable progress through product launches, partnerships, and infrastructure developments.

Key Technological Advancements

• Xelera Net SmartNIC Gen2: Launched in 2023 with enhanced features such as 100G line-rate performance, seamless in-system upgrades for network functions, and full offload capabilities for tasks like IPsec encryption. This reduces server CPU load and operational costs for data centers.
• 5G Open RAN Development: Deployed an internal 5G test network using Open RAN components from partners like NXP Semiconductors to validate hardware-accelerated Distributed Unit (DU) performance. The DU aims to improve energy efficiency and processing power for telecom providers.
• Silva AI Acceleration: Partnered with Blackcore Technologies to integrate Silva AI into high-frequency trading (HFT) systems, achieving microsecond latency benchmarks—a critical milestone for financial services.

Market Demonstrations & Customer Engagement

• Industry Events: Showcased innovations at Omnisecure 2025 (Berlin), STAC Summit Chicago (2024), OCP Summit Prague (2023), and SmartNIC Summit San Jose (year unspecified). These events highlighted Xelera’s role in secure cloud infrastructure and low-latency solutions.
• Partnerships: Collaborated with IABG, Kernkonzept, Utimaco, and infodas on Germany’s National Secure Cloud project to advance digital sovereignty through open-source security frameworks.
• Customer Wins: Expanded deployments of Xelera Net SmartNICs globally post-Gen2 launch, though specific customer names remain undisclosed.

Strategic Growth & Recognition

• Team Expansion: Hired five new employees in 2023 across technical roles while establishing a dedicated marketing team—its first non-technical hires since inception.
• DYRA Project Under EIC Grant: Focused on extending network acceleration into 5G infrastructure but limited public updates beyond the initial announcement.

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Sources
Xelera Technologies | Recap 2023 | EIC Grant Announcement | Omnisecure 2025 Participation

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Xelera Technologies GmbH Strategic Partnerships and Market Position Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in 2022, Xelera Technologies has actively expanded its partnerships and customer base to drive innovation in high-speed networking, AI acceleration, and 5G infrastructure. Below is an analysis of its key collaborations and market positioning:

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Key Partnerships

• Nature: Strategic partnership to integrate Xelera’s Silva AI acceleration with Blackcore’s ultra-optimized HFT servers.
• Purpose: Deliver microsecond-latency solutions for high-frequency trading, setting new benchmarks for speed and efficiency.
• Impact: Positions Xelera as a leader in ultra-low-latency machine learning for financial markets, enabling real-time AI-driven trading strategies.

• Focus: Optimizing AI/ML models (e.g., XGBoost, LightGBM) on AMD Alveo UL3422 FPGAs to reduce latency in high-frequency trading.
• Outcome: Enhances FPGA-based ML deployment capabilities using tools like the FINN framework for quantized neural networks.

Involvement: Hardware foundation for Xelera’s 5G Distributed Unit (DU), improving performance and energy efficiency in Open RAN deployments.

Joint participation at Omnisecure Berlin (January 2025) to showcase secure technology innovations.

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Customer Expansion

• While specific customer names are not disclosed publicly:
• Multiple "customer wins" reported for SmartNIC solutions due to full offload capabilities and rapid deployment advantages.
• Growth in telecom customers leveraging its Open RAN-compliant DU solution with hardware acceleration for cost-efficient 5G networks.

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Market Positioning Through New Relationships

• High-Frequency Trading Leadership: The Blackcore partnership solidifies Xelera’s role as a provider of latency-critical AI solutions, directly competing with legacy FPGA-centric vendors like Exegy or Hypertec.
• Telecom Innovation: Collaboration with NXP positions Xelera’s DU as a frontrunner in energy-efficient Open RAN deployments across Europe, aligning with EU digital sovereignty goals .

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Technology Advancements & Scaling

• The integration of Silva AI with Blackcore servers enables real-time inference without compromising HFT-grade latency thresholds (~microseconds), while AMD collaborations enhance FPGA-driven ML optimization techniques critical for scaling algorithmic trading systems .
• In telecom, the DU solution reduces operational costs by offloading compute-intensive tasks to inline accelerators – a key driver when deploying large-scale private networks .

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Sources

• Recap 2023
• News
• Xelera & Blackcore Partnership
• O-RAN Alliance Global PlugFest
• AMD Alveo Launch Collaboration

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Xelera Technologies GmbH: Growth and Team Development

Xelera Technologies GmbH, a German software provider specializing in high-speed network technology and machine learning applications, has experienced significant growth since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022.

Current Headcount and Team Size

While specific details about the current headcount are not publicly available, Xelera Technologies is described as a "small team" where each member contributes significantly to the company's product development. This suggests that the company maintains an agile and focused workforce.

Hiring and Team Growth

Xelera Technologies is currently hiring software engineers to support its product portfolio, indicating ongoing growth in its team size. The company offers a competitive salary and a flexible work environment, attracting talent interested in working with cutting-edge technology.

Recent Hiring and Key Positions

Recent hiring efforts have focused on software engineers skilled in areas like C++, layer 2/3 networks, DPDK, Linux driver development, network security, IPsec, baseband processing, and 5G. These new team members are crucial for enhancing the company's product offerings and expanding its technological capabilities.

Impact on Company Growth and Scalability

The addition of new team members, particularly in specialized technical roles, enables Xelera Technologies to further develop its software suite, enhancing cybersecurity, high-speed telecom and cloud networking, and machine learning applications. This growth supports the company's goal to accelerate data center and cloud workloads, thereby helping the company scale and strengthen its market presence.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There is no recent information indicating major changes in Xelera's management or founding team. The company continues to be led by its co-founders, including Felix Winterstein as CEO and Andrea Suardi as Head of Acceleration Technology.

Future Prospects

Xelera Technologies' strategic partnerships, such as with Blackcore Technologies for improving high-frequency trading capabilities, highlight the company's trajectory towards innovative technological solutions. These collaborations, combined with its expanding team, position Xelera Technologies for continued growth and influence in the data center accelerator market, which is projected to experience exponential growth over the next few years.

Sources: - About Xelera

• Join us - Xelera Technologies
• The World Market for Data Center Accelerators 2025
• Xelera - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees

7 The Media Features and Publications

Xelera Technologies GmbH: Media Presence and Industry Engagement Since 2022

Media Features and Publications
Xelera Technologies GmbH has been recognized in multiple industry-specific articles and directories. The EU-Startups directory highlights the company as a deep-tech innovator, focusing on FPGA-driven acceleration for data centers and cloud applications. Their achievements include being named a "Top 50 Startup" by the German blog Für-Gründer and winning the 2019 Digital Startup of the Year award from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. While no post-2022 media features directly cite EIC Accelerator funding, recent articles emphasize their advancements in ultra-low-latency machine learning inference, particularly through their Silva software suite.

Podcasts and Interviews
Alexander Lange, Co-Founder and Head of Software Engineering at Xelera, has participated in interviews with Startuprad.io, discussing FPGA processing innovations and the company’s growth trajectory. These interviews highlight Xelera’s role in accelerating cloud computing tasks through specialized software. Additionally, Xelera’s team has engaged with technical communities via platforms like YouTube to showcase their expertise in AI hardware acceleration.

Conference Participation
Xelera maintains an active presence at global tech events:

• STAC Summits: Presented ultra-low-latency machine learning solutions at events in Chicago (October 2024) and New York City (October 2024), emphasizing applications in high-frequency trading (HFT).
• IT-SA Nürnberg: Showcased cybersecurity innovations alongside partners Stefan Seitz and Myriam Schmitz (October 10–12, 2024)^1.
• Omnisecure Berlin: Announced participation for January 20–22, 2025, partnering with IABG to demonstrate secure technology solutions^1.
• AI Hardware Edge Summit: Explored AI-centric network technologies in Santa Clara (date unspecified)^1.

Strategic Partnerships Post-Funding
A landmark collaboration with Blackcore Technologies was announced in May 2024 to integrate Silva AI acceleration into HFT servers. Benchmark results demonstrated microsecond latency levels using Blackcore’s ICON server series—critical for real-time trading systems^4 ^9.

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Sources

• News - XELERA Technologies [Partnership details]
• Blog - XELERA Technologies [Technical insights] (Note: URL may contain typo; correct domain is xelera*.io)
• YouTube Interview March '24 | Startuprad.IO
• XELERA-Blackcore Partnership Announcement (Note: URL likely intended as https://xelera*.io/...)
• EU Startups Directory Entry for XELERA (Note: URL likely intended as https:/ww.eu-startups.com/directory/xlera*technologies/)

(Corrected URLs above assume minor typos; functional URLs are accessible via xelera*.io domains.)