Vienna, Austria | May 20th, 2025 – MUSE Electronics GmbH, the company behind BACKBONE, the world’s most secure portable end-user device, has raised a 7-digit investment by Sparring Capital Partners. The funding will enable MUSE to expand its footprint across European markets and support its mission to bring uncompromising cybersecurity to defence and critical infrastructure sectors.

MUSE’s mission is to bring next-generation cyber defence to the heart of Europe’s most sensitive systems. They have spent over a decade collaborating with European military and infrastructure partners to develop the world’s most secure portable end-user device. Built in Europe and engineered for environments where failure is not an option, BACKBONE is designed to support highly classified military operations. The company’s proprietary hardware-based cybersecurity solution physically separates security domains, ensuring that sensitive military communication and personal connectivity can safely coexist — without backdoors, compromises, or excuses.

With this new funding, the company is set to scale its presence across European markets and accelerate its growth trajectory.

“BACKBONE is positioned to play a pivotal role in the digital modernization of European defence,” said Michael Steiner, CEO of Sparring Capital. “Its technology elevates cybersecurity standards to new heights, and we’re proud to support Philipp Lechner, Gerald Zach, and the entire BACKBONE team on this exciting journey.”

More than a device, BACKBONE is a multi-domain, ultra-rugged platform that can adapt in real time to new missions and user roles — while standing up to the toughest environmental conditions. Whether deployed in remote outposts or on the front lines, it combines uncompromising security with sleek, durable design. Features include:

• Physical data separation of classified data
• Role- and mission-based hardware reconfiguration via external boot devices
• Real-time system integrity monitoring and automated threat response
• Predictive maintenance through intelligent system tracking
• Fully ruggedized build with IP68/IP69K protection and carbon fiber casing
• Operational range of -20 to +60°C with sunlight-readable display

Philipp Lechner, CEO and Founder of BACKBONE, added: “After more than ten years of intensive development, testing, and successful deployment trials, we’re ready to take our solution to a broader audience. Sparring Capital brings not only capital, but deep conviction and strategic alignment—making them the ideal partner to realize our vision.”

The investment aligns with Sparring Capital’s broader goal to reduce Europe’s international dependencies and boost productivity through transformative technologies. Their support of BACKBONE underscores a commitment to creating a more resilient, autonomous, and secure Europe.

About MUSE Electronics

Based in Vienna, MUSE Electronics is a European cybersecurity company developing the world’s most secure, mission-adaptable end-user-devices. Its solutions are designed for armed forces and infrastructure providers for secure operations in the most demanding environments.

About Sparring Capital Partners

Sparring Capital Partners is a Vienna-based investment firm founded by a group of European entrepreneurs to provide capital and expertise to companies with strong growth prospects. Sparring backs visionary founders commercializing breakthrough technologies that contribute to a stronger, more self-reliant Europe.

SPARRING CAPITAL PARTNERS, FINDUS VENTURE and GERMAN ASSET MANAGER KGAL INVEST IN FURTHER GROWTH OF MOST PERFORMANT QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGY GLOBALLY AVAILABLE

Vienna, Austria - Vienna-based Quantum Industries develops and manufactures the most performant entangled quantum key distribution (eQKD) technology on the market. Their products are used to make bakebone networks and other critical Infrastructure resilient towards hostile hacker attacks. The company was founded by Dr. Rupert Ursin, Dr. Thomas Scheine and Dr. Felix Tiefenbacher, globally renowned quantum physisists and former core team members of Nobel Laureate Dr. Anton Zeilinger, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics In 2022 for his work on quantum entanglement.

Most performant encryption technology on the market

Quantum Industries create encryption keys through distribution of entangled photon pairs through existing optical fibre cable. These keys cannot be broken by computing power and it is physically impossible to eavesdrop on them, which allows for maximum protection towards hostile parties. The technology of QI has broken several world records, both in transmission distance and bandwidth.

"The substantial performance increase from quantum computing puts traditional and widely adopted mathematical encryption under severe stress. From today's perspective, entangled quantum key distribution is the only encryption technology to provide absolute and continous protection from hostile attacks which makes it the tool of choice for any critical infrastructure", says Dr. Ursin, founder and CEO of Quantum Industries.

Consequently, Quantum Industries has become a key supplier into the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure program (EuroQCI), and is working closely with national and international critical Infrastructure providers.

Major Funding Round led by Sparring Capital Partners

In November 2024, Quantum Industries has closed a major funding round totalling 10mn USD, led by Sparring Capital Partners. Findus Venture, German asset manager KGAL and a group of angel investors have joined this funding round.

"With surging demand in computing power for artificial intelligence and covergent technologies, we see an unprecedented growth in data centers. At the same time, the potential of quantum computing requires new and much higher standards in cybersecurity and encryption. Quantum Industries effectively addresses this emerging need and we are proud to support them", says Michael Steiner, CEO of Sparring Capital Partners who will join the board of QI on behalf of Sparring together with Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, former Board Member of Mercedes Group and Supervisory Board Member of Andritz AG and AMAG.

"Quantum technology will be a decisive force over the next decades and remains one of few areas of technology in which Europe is globally leading. QI is the perfect example in this context as they achieved to develop and commercialize the most potent quantum key distribution system globally available", says Christian Federspiel of Findus Venture.

About Quantum Industries

Based on more than 35 years of scientific work, Quantum Industries stand as the sole pioneer in the market with their quantum cryptographic solution based on entangled photons, a technology that provides unbreakable security based on the laws of nature. Their record-breaking quantum state generators together with superconducting detectors create extremely high data rates.

‍About Sparring Capital Partners

Sparring Capital Partners is a Vienna-based private equity firm founded by a group of entrepreneurs to provide capital and expertise to companies with strong growth prospects. The focus is on companies that apply transformative technologies as part of their unique position in the market or need such a position to remain competitive in the long term. Sparring works with Austrian and international family offices in this regard.

About Findus Venture

Findus Venture is a leading Austrian venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in technology-driven sectors. Findus Venture partners with ambitious entrepreneurs to provide financial backing, strategic mentorship, and access to a global network of experts, helping startups reach new heights. More information can be found at Findus Venture.

For more information about Quantum Industries, visit: www.quantum-industries.eu

Vienna, Austria, September 13, 2024 – World Data Lab, a portfolio company of Sparring Capital Partners, and NielsenIQ, one of the globally leading consumer insights companies, have joined forces to quantify the future demand by Generation Z.

In an exclusive online event the partners will cover the future of consumer spending, with a focus on Gen Z. WDL will also share the latest updates from its World Consumer Outlook delivering insights from consumer spending projections for 180+ countries through the end of the decade.

About World Consumer Outlook

World Consumer Outlook, powered by World Data Pro, provides in-depth analysis and forecasts on global consumer trends. Our comprehensive reports cover demographic changes, spending patterns, and macroeconomic shifts across 183 countries, helping businesses and policymakers make informed decisions.

About World Data Lab

World Data Lab (WDL) is an innovative data analytics organization specializing in providing actionable insights based on comprehensive economic, demographic, and market data. World Data Lab aims to make data-driven decision-making accessible to leaders and organizations around the world, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive global development.

About Sparring Capital Partners

Sparring Capital Partners is a Vienna-based private equity firm founded by a group of entrepreneurs to provide capital and expertise to companies with strong growth prospects. The focus is on companies that apply transformative technologies as part of their unique position in the market or need such a position to remain competitive in the long term. Sparring works with Austrian and international family offices in this regard.

Vienna, Austria, September 9, 2024 – World Data Lab, a portfolio company of Sparring Capital Partners and a leader in providing forward-looking insights and data-driven forecasts, is pleased to announce the filing of a patent with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent filing covers an innovative method designed to enhance the accuracy and scope of forecasting economic trends, consumer spending, and demographic shifts.

Based in Vienna (Austria), World Data Lab (WDL) has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality data solutions that help businesses, governments, and organizations better understand and anticipate future market conditions. This patent strengthens the company’s efforts to provide clients with sophisticated tools that enable more informed decision-making.

Wolfgang Fengler, CEO of World Data Lab, stated:

"This patent is an important milestone for WDL. We are an innovation-driven company to create practical solutions and reliable insights for our clients to help them navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape."

Katharina Fenz, Lead Data Scientist at World Data Lab, added:

"The method covered in this patent represents significant progress in how economic forecasts can be generated and used. We look forward to continuing our work in delivering high-quality, accurate data to our clients."

This patent filing reflects World Data Lab’s ongoing commitment to scientifically based data-driven solutions that meet the evolving needs of the marketplace. As the company continues to grow, World Data Lab continues to invest in innovation and data accuracy.

For more information, visit www.worlddata.io or contact Anne Mason in the press team anne.mason@worlddata.io

About World Data Lab

World Data Lab (WDL) is an innovative data analytics organization specializing in providing actionable insights based on comprehensive economic, demographic, and market data. World Data Lab aims to make data-driven decision-making accessible to leaders and organizations around the world, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive global development.

About Sparring Capital Partners

Sparring Capital Partners is a Vienna-based private equity firm founded by a group of entrepreneurs to provide capital and expertise to companies with strong growth prospects. The focus is on companies that apply transformative technologies as part of their unique position in the market or need such a position to remain competitive in the long term. Sparring works with Austrian and international family offices in this regard.

Vienna, Austria, June 17, 2024 – World Data Lab, a portfolio company of Sparring Capital Partners, issued its World Consumer Outlook 2025, demonstrating the resilience of consumer spending across major markets, categories, and age groups. World Data Lab projects that in 2025 the world will add 131 million new consumers and $3.2 trillion in consumer spending. India has been expanding its pole position and is projected to add 47 million new consumers, followed by China which will add 30 million. However, the USA will drive consumer spending growth of more than $700 billion.

However, the biggest shift is happening across age groups. While Gen-Z is poised to be the largest and most prosperous generation ever, their spending power will only only unfold over the next two decades as GenZ incomes rise. “Today, older and more affluent consumers are the main forces of consumer spending growth” says 

Wolfgang Fengler, CEO of World Data Lab, “as nearly half of the new consumers will be older than 50 years old.” Prominent business leaders were present at the launch of the World Consumer Outlook, where a multi-year data partnership between World Data Lab and L’Oréal. 

Asmita Dubey, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of L’Oréal, noted that “at L’Oréal, we leverage data analytics to understand consumer behaviors and preferences at a granular level. This allows us to anticipate trends, personalize experiences, and deliver products that resonate with our diverse global audience”

WCO is a critical resource to ground your strategic planning and budgeting on actual consumer demand forecasts and demographics drivers of change.

To download the presentation from the World Consumer Outlook HERE

For more information, please contact: anne.mason@worlddata.io 

About World Consumer Outlook

World Consumer Outlook, powered by World Data Pro, provides in-depth analysis and forecasts on global consumer trends. Our comprehensive reports cover demographic changes, spending patterns, and macroeconomic shifts across 183 countries, helping businesses and policymakers make informed decisions.

About World Data Lab

World Data Lab (WDL) is an innovative data analytics organization specializing in providing actionable insights based on comprehensive economic, demographic, and market data. World Data Lab aims to make data-driven decision-making accessible to leaders and organizations around the world, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive global development.

About Sparring Capital Partners

Sparring Capital Partners is a Vienna-based private equity firm founded by a group of entrepreneurs to provide capital and expertise to companies with strong growth prospects. The focus is on companies that apply transformative technologies as part of their unique position in the market or need such a position to remain competitive in the long term. Sparring works with Austrian and international family offices in this regard.

Leading data analytics company secures multi-million investment led by Sparring Capital

Vienna, Austria - World Data Lab (WDL), a leading global data analytics company is pleased to announce the closing of a multi-million Series A funding. The international funding round is led by Vienna-based Sparring Capital Partners and includes Luxembourg-based impact VC fund Burning Issues Impact Fund, and Catagonia in Berlin.

Founded by the former Chief Economist of the World Bank and architect of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, World Data Lab provides high-quality forecasts of future demographics and purchasing power. With World Data Lab's various tools, globally active companies can identify future growth markets at an early stage and align their corporate strategy accordingly.

"We are very pleased to have the strong support of investors and intend to take the company to the next level with their help. We are now the global leader in forecasting purchasing power at a regional level. Our next step is to break these forecasts down into key consumer categories. We will also continue to expand our market presence in the United States and Africa. Our services are currently in particular demand for markets in transition or for markets with low data quality. Wolfgang Fengler, Co-Founder and CEO of World Data Lab.

Investment in the millions for the future

Sparring Capital Partners will support the further development of World Data Lab as a strategic partner together with CHI Impact Capital and Catagonia. "We are pleased to join and support World Data Lab," said Michael Steiner, founder and CEO of Sparring Capital Partners. World Data Lab has established itself as a major player in the DaaS (Data-as-a-Service) enterprise space and addresses a clear and essential customer need: "Reliable data is an indispensable compass in the current turbulent times. World Data Lab's products have therefore quickly become relevant tools in the strategy and marketing departments of international companies. The global customer base that has been built up here in a very short time is more than impressive," says Steiner, describing some of the motivations behind the investment.

World Data Pro: Core product for analysis  of demographic development and purchasing power

World Data Pro, a leading platform for analyzing and forecasting demographic trends and purchasing power, is poised for even greater success with the addition of consumer categories. This will make it possible to accurately estimate the actual addressable market for a given product in any target market. "WDL enables companies and international organizations to base their key strategic investment decisions even better on sound analysis: The quality of the data and the ease of use are second to none," concludes Michael Steiner.

Significant team expansion

Prior to the Series A investment, WDL's management team was expanded in collaboration with Sparring to include key individuals: French-born Luis Simoes was recruited as Chief Revenue Officer. The former Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of Kantar, one of the largest consumer insights companies in the world, will be responsible for the company's market development in the future. Patrick McSharry is a world-class Chief Data Officer. Born in the UK, he previously headed the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Oxford University, is Professor of Data Analytics at the renowned Carnegy Mellon University and is the author of the book "Big Data Revolution".

​About World Data Lab

World Data Lab (WDL) was founded by Wolfang Fengler and Homi Kharas the former Chief Economist of the World Bank and principal architect of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The company is a leading data analytics company that provides data and software-as-a-service products to businesses and organizations around the world. WDL's data models are global, granular and forward-looking, tracking sustainability goals in real time to provide unique insights to organizations.

About Sparring Capital Partners

Sparring Capital Partners is a Vienna-based private equity firm founded by a group of entrepreneurs to provide capital and expertise to companies with strong growth prospects. The focus is on companies that apply transformative technologies as part of their unique position in the market or need such a position to remain competitive in the long term. Sparring works with Austrian and international family offices in this regard.

For media inquiries, please contact: Ludwig Reiter, e-mail: lr@schuetze.at
For more information about World Data Lab, visit: https://worlddata.io/

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