INVEST — Venture Capital Grant (Zuschuss für Wagniskapital)
Supports Tax free grant to business angels who invest in innovative German startups under old reducing the effective cost early stage equity.
INVEST (Zuschuss für Wagniskapital) is a rolling federal grant designed to improve access to private venture capital for young innovative German companies. The grant is paid to the investor (business angel), not the startup: 20% of a direct equity investment is returned tax-free as an acquisition grant (Erwerbszuschuss). A further ~25% exit grant is available when the investor profitably exits. Convertible-loan investments qualify for a 10% acquisition grant. Combined, the scheme can offset up to ~40% of an angel's effective entry cost — making small early-stage deals more attractive. Startup eligibility: fewer than 50 employees, turnover or balance sheet under €10M, younger than 7 years, German permanent establishment, and demonstrable innovation (patent, R&D investment, or recognition from a BMWE-funded programme). Minimum investment per deal is €10,000; maximum acquisition grant is €100,000 per investor per year; maximum per company is €3 million cumulative. Both startup and investor must pre-register with BAFA and receive eligibility confirmation before the investment is made.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.