Clearwater has advised Kopernikus Automotive GmbH (Kopernikus), a leading German car software development company, on the investment of a minority stake from Continental AG (Continental), one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers.
Founded in 2016 by Managing Directors Tim von Törne and Stefan Jenzowsky, Kopernikus is a Leipzig-based start-up specialising in autonomous driving technologies based on artificial intelligence (A.I.). Kopernikus specialises in automated valet parking Type2 (AVP-2) solutions and infrastructure-based manoeuvring in vehicle factories and vehicle logistics, and employs c. 20 people including 12 nationalities from around the world. Kopernikus’ AVP-2 solution is a high-tech A.I.-based software that precisely identifies objects and obstacles with the support of a simple camera-based infrastructure. Kopernikus is the only provider with a solution that understands what the sensors are seeing, whereas other solutions only see that there is an object.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for the sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871 in Germany, the company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transport. In 2020, Continental generated sales of €37.7bn and currently employs around 235,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.
In the future, cars in factories, logistics centres and parking garages will be moved autonomously. A safe, comfortable, and affordable solution is being developed by Kopernikus and Continental together. As Continental is developing both an autonomous parking procedure based on vehicle sensor data and a solution based on intelligent infrastructure, the investment in Kopernikus is the next logical step for Continental to further advance both solutions at the same time.
