Funding Opportunities for Deep Tech Startups
Deep tech startups in telecommunications require access to tailored funding options throughout their growth journey. From the validation of ideas to scaling operations, Germany offers a rich ecosystem with diverse programs and opportunities.
The graph below shows a selection of possible funding sources and indicates steps on the journey of a deep-tech startup from the idea to a company in its growth phase.
Early-Stage Funding before Legal Founding
StartupConnect Phase 1
Aimed at supporting the technical evaluation and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development. It provides access to labs, mentoring, and business model refinement.
Supports innovative startups originating from research institutions. MOXZ, for instance, began its journey here, using this program to found their company and transform their idea into a proof of concept. The funding includes grants for salaries, material expenses, and coaching.
Funding after founding the company
StartupConnect Phase 2
In this stage, startups receive up to 24 months of support for developing market-ready solutions, pilot implementations and business model validation. This is where MOXZ is currently at.
Follow-Up Financing Options
As startups move towards commercialization and scaling, they need to secure further funding. Eligible options include:
SPRIN-D (Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation)
Offers both equity-free and equity-based funding for projects with high risk and disruptive potential. Its primary mission is to promote disruptive technologies in Germany that might otherwise go underfunded due to their high risk or uncertain economic potential.
EIC Accelerator (European Innovation Council)
Provides grants and equity investments for deep tech startups focusing on high-impact innovation. Startups may receive grants of up to €2.5 million and equity funding up to €15 million.
As an example of an early-stage venture capital investor focused on high-tech startups, offering seed funding in exchange for equity.
Business Angels Berlin-Brandenburg
Angel investors offering financial support and strategic guidance for startups, typically in exchange for equity.
The community builder and former Incubator for the Berlin Startup Stipendium runs an accelerator at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute. They offer salaries, access to lab infrastructure and a sound network of mentors and investors in exchange for equity.
Key Conditions for Accessing Funds
EXIST
Requires affiliation with a university or research institution and a focus on all research based innovative technologies. Your company must not yet be founded.
StartupConnect
Open to startups in 5G/6G technologies, offering tailored support through a phased program. The first phase offers funding for 12 months and requires affiliation with a university or research institution, comparable to EXIST. The second phase is eligible to companies not older than 5 years and offers funding for up to 24 months.
EIC Accelerator
High competition; strong business models and high-impact innovation are necessary for eligibility. Funding rate: 80%.
SPRIN-D
High-risk, high-reward ideas with disruptive potential are their focus. They regularly introduce new topic-specific challenges, so it’s worth visiting their website to stay updated and learn more.
HTGF & Business Angels
A clear business model, growth potential, and market differentiation are essential for attracting equity-based funding.
By leveraging these funding options, startups like MOXZ can strategically navigate their growth path, from idea validation to global market entry. For more details and an extended list of funding opportunities we recommend visiting Gruenden in Berlin. Additionally, Startup-map.berlin might be a valuable source if you are looking for VC funding, accelerators and incubators in the private sector.
Tip for Berlin-Based Startups
Take advantage of prize opportunities in the region! Applying for the following competitions not only offers a chance to win but also boosts your visibility:
Don't miss out on these opportunities to showcase your innovation and gain recognition!
