Funding jungle: Which funding programmes are really relevant for early-stage start-ups from Baden-Württemberg

The dream of having your own start-up often begins with a brilliant idea - but without the right funding, it usually remains just a vision. The question quickly arises, especially in the early stages: Which subsidies will really help you - and how do you find your way through the jungle of options?

As an early-stage investor and accelerator, we are familiar with the innoWerft the challenges faced by young founders at first hand. In this article, we show you which funding is particularly relevant for start-ups in Baden-Württemberg - and how it can be utilised. Combine specifically to get off to a sustainable start.

Who is it suitable for?
Start-up teams from universities or research institutions pursuing a technological or knowledge-based business idea.

The EXIST start-up grant supports young teams in turning their idea into a marketable product - even before the actual start-up. Particularly valuable: financial security for living costs and a budget for prototyping or market research.

Highlights:

• • Monthly grant (up to € 3,000 per person)
  • Material budget (up to € 30,000)
  • Term: 12 months
  • University or research involvement required

Our tip: EXIST is an excellent introduction to the start-up journey - and can later be supplemented by programmes such as Start-up BW Pre-Seed or an equity investment.

Who is it suitable for?
Innovative start-ups with initial proof of concept and scalable business model.

With the Start-up BW Pre-Seed programme, the state of Baden-Württemberg is specifically closing the financing gap between prototype and classic venture capital. innoWerft is not only accredited pre-seed partner and actively accompanies startups through the entire funding process, but also takes on the necessary Co-investment.

Funding conditions:

• • Total funding: up to €200,000
  • thereof € 160,000 state funds
  • 40,000 € Co-investment by private investor or business angel

What we offer:
As a pre-seed partner and co-investor, we contribute our experience in the selection, support and further development of your start-up - and actively support you in the application process and preparation for the panel, so that you have the best chance of receiving funding.

Who is it suitable for?
Early-stage, technology-driven B2B start-ups with a scalable business model and a clear focus on sustainable growth.

innoWerft is not just an investor - we see ourselves as a strategic co-builder. We invest capital, time and expertise to systematically build start-ups - together with the founders. We support teams hands-on across several stages of development.

Our investment model at a glance:

• • Early-stage capital via a convertible loan (5% interest for €50,000)
  • Close sparring with personal venture manager within innoWerft
  • Access to the ecosystem of many potential customers and investors
  • Support with all the important issues that you encounter in the early phasee.g. business model development, fundraising, go-to-market and pilot customer access, sales, and much more. - according to your needs

What sets us apart:

We not only invest in your team and your idea, but also accompany you from the early phase to Series A to make you fit for the market and investors - true to our motto "Our success is the success of our start-ups".

EXIST, Start-up BW Pre-Seed and the innoWerft shareholding together cover the central phases of an early-stage startup - from the idea to the proof of concept to scaling. Nevertheless, there are of course other and different types of funding and financing for start-ups.

📌 Our tip for founders: The programmes are not alternativebut Strategically combinable. Many teams start with EXIST, then secure pre-seed funding - and bring an experienced investor and partner on board with innoWerft.

Want to find out which funding is right for your startup? Then register now for the free open pitch and let's find out together how we can support you!