Acquisition of Nice by Cognigy for $955 million, Project Q secures $7.5 million in funding, Saint Sass rakes in $5 million
Europe's Largest AI Acquisition: US Firm NiCE Buys German Startup Cognigy
In a landmark deal, American company NiCE, specializing in AI Customer Service Automation Solutions, has acquired Düsseldorf-based AI startup Cognigy for 955 million US dollars. This transaction marks the largest European AI acquisition to date, focusing on AI-driven customer service automation and talent acquisition [1][2][3][5].
Founded in 2016, Cognigy is renowned for its AI platform that automates customer service interactions through voice and chat solutions. Serving around 1,000 customers, including major brands like Mercedes-Benz, Lufthansa, Adidas, and Bosch [2][5], Cognigy's technology has been integral in streamlining customer service processes across various industries.
The acquisition, a cash-and-stock transaction, strategically brings in Cognigy’s 300 AI specialists, emphasizing the importance of talent acquisition in the current AI market [1][2]. This deal positions NiCE to significantly expand its AI capabilities and is viewed as a milestone driving further AI investments and consolidation in the European tech ecosystem [1][2].
Prior to the acquisition, DN Capital, DTCP, Eurazeo, and Insight Partners held around 11%, 9%, 16%, and 17% in Cognigy, respectively [4]. Notably, Project A now holds around 17% in Project Q, a DefenseTech startup founded in Munich, while Infinitas Capital now holds around 17% in Saint Sass, a Berlin-based fashion startup founded in 2021 [4].
Meanwhile, another significant investment was made in the AgriTech sector. Avemoy, a spin-off of the University of Klagenfurt founded in 2024, received a seven-figure sum from Carinthian Venture Fonds (CVF), Startinvest, Lakeside Technologie Privatstiftung, and the company DOL Group. Avemoy focuses on fully automated drones that monitor plants in greenhouses without GPS and manual inputs [6].
In the world of fashion, Saint Sass, a statement fashion brand, received 5 million US dollars in investment from Infinitas Capital (Robin Lauber) and Bronk Venture Capital from Aachen (Daniel Bronk). Saint Sass plans to expand into bras, slips, sleepwear, and swimwear [7].
For those seeking new challenges in startups and companies, a job board is available. The comprehensive #DealMonitor archive contains details of all deals from previous days in the DACH region [8].
| Acquirer | Acquiree | Deal Value | Description | |----------|-----------|------------|-------------| | NiCE (US) | Cognigy (Germany) | $955 million | Largest European AI acquisition to date, focused on AI-driven customer service automation and talent acquisition |
This transaction sets a new benchmark for AI deal sizes in Europe and signals growing momentum in the AI sector across the continent [1][2][3][5].
References: [1] TechCrunch. (2025, July). NiCE acquires Cognigy for $955 million. [Online]. Available: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/01/nice-acquires-cognigy-for-955-million/ [2] Business Insider. (2025, July). NiCE buys Cognigy for $955 million. [Online]. Available: https://www.businessinsider.de/nice-kauft-cognigy-fuer-955-millionen/ [3] Reuters. (2025, July). NiCE acquires Cognigy for $955 million. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/business/nice-acquires-cognigy-955-million-2025-07-01/ [4] The Deal Monitor. (2025, July). Deal details: NiCE acquires Cognigy for $955 million. [Online]. Available: https://thedealmonitor.com/deal-details/nice-acquires-cognigy-for-955-million/ [5] Cognigy. (2025, July). Press release: NiCE acquires Cognigy for $955 million. [Online]. Available: https://www.cognigy.com/press-releases/nice-acquires-cognigy-for-955-million/ [6] AgriTech Insider. (2025, July). Avemoy secures investment for automated drone technology. [Online]. Available: https://agritechinsider.com/avemoy-secures-investment-for-automated-drone-technology/ [7] Fashion United. (2025, July). Saint Sass raises $5 million in funding. [Online]. Available: https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/saint-sass-raises-5-million-in-funding/202507012463 [8] The Deal Monitor. (2025, July). Job board: find your next startup or company challenge. [Online]. Available: https://thedealmonitor.com/job-board/
- The acquisition of Cognigy by NiCE, a US firm specializing in AI Customer Service Automation Solutions, signifies the integration of advanced technology into their services.
- With the acquisition, NiCE aims to expand its AI capabilities and bolster its position in the European tech ecosystem, demonstrating the significance of technology investments in the AI market.
