Funding

The intensity of support on behalf of the Humboldt-Innovation-staff is related to the sincerity of the start-up project, the quality of the team and the potential market value of the idea and technology. Each research-based start-up is supported by initially reviewing and evaluating the concept and estimating the potential by means of a feedback-based appraisal. In-depth discussion with the entrepreneurs has resulted in an exceptionally high success rate for public funding applications, e.g. EXIST-Seed and EXIST-Gründerstipendium. Depending on the objectives and basic conditions of the start-up, further public funding (e.g. ForMaT/ Validierungsförderung, EXIST-Forschungstransfer, ProFIT) can be applied for with the assistance of the Humboldt-Innovation-staff. The clearly defined goal of Humboldt-Innovation is to maximise the conversion of early phase start-ups into successfully operating companies, which are consequently well established in their markets.

In cooperation with established private investors from the Berlin region, Humboldt-Innovation has established a broad Angel Investor Network, with expertise in a wide range of different markets and technologies. Selected start-ups related to the university are provided the opportunity to present their business idea to investors within the network, getting constructive feedback and, in the best-case scenario, receiving funding through angel investors’ capital.

Humboldt-Innovation facilitates access to regional and national venture capital partners, specialised in a broad spectrum of industries. After a pre-screening procedure, ideas with potential are referred to Inflect. The investment decision is met after detailed due-diligence.