Non-dilutive German funding: EXIST, INVEST, and KfW
EXIST covers a year of living costs, INVEST hands your angels 20% back, KfW lends - public money before you raise venture capital.
Non-dilutive funding in Germany
Before you give away equity, three public programs can extend an early German startup's runway.
EXIST-Gründerstipendium: a year of living costs
A grant for founders spinning out of a university or research institution. It covers living costs and material expenses for up to a year.
INVEST: 20% back to your angels
The Zuschuss für Wagniskapital reimburses business angels 20% of what they invest - which makes your round easier to fill.
KfW and regional Förderbanken: loans and guarantees
The federal KfW and state-level banks (IBB in Berlin, LfA in Bavaria) offer startup loans and guarantees.
Grant rules change. Check current eligibility and deadlines before you build a plan around any single program.
General information for founders in Germany, not legal or tax advice. Rules and figures change - verify against official sources or a qualified advisor before acting.
Tools for this
The tools that make these steps easier.
The Founder Kit adds funding intelligence, templates and playbooks for building in Germany.