The year is drawing to a close. For this reason, I would like to encourage more courage, willingness to act, and a positive attitude in Germany.

We have strong German technology companies that operate sustainably and can compete on a global level. We can and should be proud of this. And let’s be honest: who knows all three of the companies mentioned? 🙂

Celonis: Founded in 2011 by TUM students, Celonis has grown to become a global leader in process mining and execution management software. As of 2025, the company is valued at around US$13 billion and employs over 3,000 people worldwide. By providing a digital representation of an organisation’s business processes powered by AI-driven process mining, Celonis helps companies to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste and optimise the use of resources — thereby contributing to environmental (planet) and operational sustainability. In terms of people, the automation of repetitive, low-value tasks enables staff to focus on higher-value work, thereby improving job quality and reducing burnout. From a profit perspective, optimised processes yield lower operational costs, increased throughput and better financial outcomes, making Celonis a prime example of a scalable, profitable enterprise technology business that integrates sustainability and digital transformation. -> Celonis is one of Germany’s unicorns.

Deepl: Founded in 2017, DeepL has since become one of Germany’s most prominent AI-driven language technology companies. As of 2024–25, it is reported that the company employs over 1,000 people, and it was valued at around US$2 billion following a major financing round. Some reports project a potential IPO with a valuation target of up to US$5 billion. DeepL’s neural network-based translation and language AI technology supports global multilingual communication, fostering inclusivity and access to information. By digitising translation and communication, DeepL reduces dependency on physical documents, travel and printed materials, thereby indirectly lowering the carbon footprint. In terms of profit, its SaaS model enables scalable revenue and cost-effective translation services for businesses, delivering strong commercial value while leveraging cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies. -> Deepl is another German unicorn.

Ecosia: Ecosia was launched in December 2009 and operates as a mission-driven search engine based in Berlin. While multi-billion valuations typical for venture-backed SaaS companies are not publicly disclosed, Ecosia’s business model remains stable — in 2023 it reported revenues of about €35.3 million. Through its “search-for-trees” model, Ecosia invests all profits into reforestation and ecosystem restoration projects worldwide, generating concrete environmental impact (Planet) by planting millions of trees, enhancing biodiversity, improving soil, and increasing carbon sequestration. On the People side, these projects often support local communities, create jobs, and strengthen social resilience in reforestation regions. From a Profit standpoint, although profit is redirected into environmental initiatives rather than private gain, Ecosia demonstrates a sustainable, revenue-generating business model that aligns commercial viability with ecological and social impact – enabled by digital search infrastructure, privacy-aware data centers, and transparent financial reporting. -> Ecosia publishes a monthly transpareny report on how they spend their money.

Enjoy the rest of the year!

Sabrina