Funding for startups, handled.
Startups carry the most R&D risk and the least revenue, which is exactly what non-dilutive funding is built for. We stack the programmes that extend your runway without taking equity.
The funding reality for startups
Early stage is where funding stacks best. Several programmes are designed for pre-revenue, research-heavy companies, and they combine.
Paid even at a loss
The Research Allowance is a cash payout, not a deduction, so it works in your pre-revenue years.
free - Runway without dilution
Most of these programmes are grants or credits, not investment, so your cap table stays intact.
Stack early
Research Allowance as the base, EXIST around incorporation, then project grants as you grow.
An EU route
The EIC funds ambitious deep-tech startups with a grant plus optional equity.
The programmes that fit startups
The densest stacking opportunity of any stage. The Research Allowance runs underneath everything; the rest depends on how early and how deep-tech you are.
Germany
Research AllowanceTax credit on R&D costs, paid as cash even at a loss. Up to 42% for SMEs, retroactive to 2022. EXISTStipends and support for research-based founders, around incorporation. KMU-innovativGrants for high-risk, cutting-edge R&D in key technology fields. ZIMNon-repayable grants for a defined R&D project, solo or in cooperation. KfW InnovationskrediteLow-interest loans for innovation and digitalisation, once financeable.What each programme means for you
Every fit at a glance, with the angle that is specific to your stage. Germany first, then Europe.
| Programme | Special for you | Funding | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Allowance | Paid even at a loss, from day one | up to 42% (SME) | Retroactive, no deadline |
| EXIST | Before founding; EXIST-Women | Stipend + ~€30k to ~€430k | EGS anytime; rest fixed |
| KMU-innovativ | First-timer friendly; eased equity proof | ~50% | 15 Apr / 15 Oct |
| ZIM | Young-firm bonus (<3 yrs) | up to 45-60% | Rolling |
| KfW ERP loan | Once bankable, no min loan | Loan + up to €200k grant | Rolling |
| Programme | Special for you | Funding | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIC Accelerator | Deep tech + equity; needs TRL 5 | up to €2.5M + €0.5-10M equity | Monthly batches |
| Eurostars 3 | SME-led international R&D | 50%, max €500k (DE) | 2x / year |
| Horizon Europe | Collaborative R&I in consortia | RIA 100% / IA 70% | Fixed calls |
How much startups typically get
Indicative ranges by stage. Actual figures depend on team size, R&D spend and which programmes you win.
The Research Allowance on a small core team, often with EXIST.
The Research Allowance stacked with ZIM or KMU-innovativ.
Toward the Research Allowance ceiling, plus an EIC grant.
* Indicative figures. The actual amount depends on company size, eligible costs and the programmes you qualify for.
It comes down to technical uncertainty
The test is the same at any stage: work that resolves genuine technical uncertainty qualifies, routine build does not. What that looks like in your field is on the Industries pages. See your industry
Startup funding, answered
Yes. EXIST-Women supports female founders directly, and the EIC runs a female-led priority, women now make up around a third of EIC winners.
Generally yes for the Research Allowance. EU instruments add ownership and state-aid checks, which we handle as part of the application.
Yes. The Research Allowance is paid out as cash regardless of profit.
For the Research Allowance you need an eligible business; EXIST supports founders around incorporation. We map the timing.
Generally yes. Grants and the Research Allowance sit alongside investors; some EU instruments have ownership and state-aid checks we screen for.
Yes, that is the point. The Research Allowance is the base, and project grants and EU instruments stack on top.
Retroactive to 2022, at each year's applicable rate.
The densest funding stack of any stage
Startups can layer more than anyone: start before founding, then keep stacking as you scale.
EXIST
A stipend and grant before you incorporate, via a university. EXIST-Women for female founders.
Research Allowance
Paid out from day one, even at a loss. Retroactive to 2022.
ZIM / KMU-innovativ
A project grant, with a young-firm bonus under three years.
Eurostars / EIC
International R&D, or deep-tech grant plus equity through the EIC.
The levers and traps founders miss
A few startup-specific angles that unlock more, and the mistakes that quietly cost funding.
Specific to startups
- Loss-making is fine, the surplus is paid out; since 2025 you can even cut tax prepayments.
- Female founders: EXIST-Women plus EIC priority, around a third of EIC winners.
- The EIC needs TRL 5 to apply.
- EXIST is pre-incorporation only, and always via a university.
- ZIM young-firm bonus for companies under three years.
- KMU-innovativ eases the equity proof under €100k.
What gets missed
- Founding before applying to EXIST, which closes that door.
- Forgetting the allowance pays out with no revenue.
- Starting a ZIM or EIC project before applying.
- Applying to the EIC below TRL 5.
- Claiming the same costs twice across programmes.
Ask us anything
Tell us about your company and we'll map the funding that fits. No prep, no obligation. Prefer to talk?