4screen Company Profile

Background

4screen, founded in 2020 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, is the world's first driver interaction platform that enables real-time, location-based engagement between drivers and businesses through in-car screens. By integrating directly into vehicle infotainment systems, 4screen leverages unique vehicle data points to deliver contextually relevant content, enhancing the driving experience and providing businesses with a novel channel to reach on-the-go consumers. The platform is currently operational in 12 countries across Europe and North America, integrated with 15 leading automotive brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Zeekr.

Key Strategic Focus

4screen's strategic focus centers on revolutionizing in-car marketing by providing businesses with a direct line to drivers through their vehicle screens. The platform specializes in delivering real-time, location-based content, utilizing over 200 vehicle data points to offer highly targeted and contextually relevant information. This approach enables brands to engage with consumers at optimal moments, driving brand awareness and increasing foot traffic to physical locations. Key technologies employed include seamless integration with automotive infotainment systems and advanced data analytics to personalize content delivery. Primary markets targeted encompass automotive manufacturers (OEMs), global and local brands seeking innovative marketing channels, and consumers desiring enhanced in-car experiences.

Financials and Funding

4screen has successfully secured significant funding to support its growth and expansion:

Series A Funding (March 2023): Raised €21 million, led by S4S Ventures and Continental Corporate Venture Capital, with participation from Summiteer, BayBG, and FRIBA Investment. This funding facilitated the platform's launch with multiple car manufacturers in Europe, including Audi, Škoda, and Mercedes-Benz, and expanded its customer base to over 60 global consumer brands, such as Shell and McDonald's.

Series B Funding (July 2025): Secured $21 million, led by Bosch Ventures, with participation from NewRoad Capital Partners and Bayern Kapital. This round aims to accelerate global expansion, particularly in the U.S., and scale the platform across new markets and product categories.

Pipeline Development

4screen's pipeline development focuses on:

Automotive Partnerships: Integrating the platform into additional vehicle models and brands to expand its reach. Notable collaborations include partnerships with Stellantis to integrate location-based services into Fiat, Jeep, and Ram models, and with Volkswagen to enhance the in-car experience across Europe.

Business Collaborations: Engaging with a diverse range of businesses to deliver targeted content to drivers. Partnerships with brands like McDonald's, Shell, and Waitrose have demonstrated the platform's effectiveness in driving customer engagement and in-store visits.

Technological Platform and Innovation

4screen's technological platform is distinguished by:

Proprietary Technologies: Seamless integration with automotive infotainment systems, enabling direct communication with drivers through in-car screens.

Significant Scientific Methods: Utilization of over 200 real-time vehicle data points, including location, engine type, and fuel or charge levels, to deliver contextually relevant content.

AI-Driven Capabilities: Advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to personalize content delivery, ensuring relevance and timeliness for drivers.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at 4screen comprises:

Fabian Beste: Co-founder and CEO, with a background in digital product development and integration within the automotive industry.

Christoph Mahlert: Co-founder and CTO, specializing in automotive technology and software development.

Simon Hecker: Co-founder and COO, experienced in business operations and strategic partnerships within the tech sector.

Market Insights and Competitor Analysis

The in-car marketing industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the number of connected vehicles expected to reach 600 million by 2030, and the overall market value projected to exceed €300 billion.

Key competitors in the in-car marketing space include:

Waze: Provided in-car advertising services but ceased operations in 2023, creating a significant opportunity for 4screen to fill the market gap.

Other In-Car Advertising Platforms: Various startups and established companies are exploring in-car advertising, but 4screen's comprehensive integration with multiple automotive brands and its focus on real-time, location-based content delivery position it uniquely in the market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

4screen has established significant partnerships to strengthen its market position:

Automotive Partnerships: Collaborations with major OEMs like Stellantis and Volkswagen to integrate its platform into a wide range of vehicle models.

Business Partnerships: Engagements with global brands such as McDonald's, Shell, and Waitrose to deliver targeted marketing content to drivers.

Operational Insights

4screen's integration with automotive infotainment systems and its ability to deliver contextually relevant content directly to drivers' screens provide a distinct competitive advantage. The platform's scalability across various vehicle models and brands, combined with its focus on driver safety and data privacy, further differentiates it in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

4screen is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing in-car marketing industry by:

Expanding Automotive Partnerships: Integrating with additional vehicle models and brands to increase market penetration.

Enhancing Data Analytics Capabilities: Leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning to further personalize content delivery and improve user engagement.

Exploring New Revenue Streams: Developing additional services and features to monetize the platform and provide value to both businesses and consumers.