Here's how the funding works
With the exist startup grant, you’ll have twelve months to turn an idea into a viable startup. During the funding period, you’ll work together on your product, business model, and market entry. You’ll be supported by your university or research institution as well as the relevant startup network. In addition, you must meet a few milestones and obligations during the funding period. The goal is to guide your startup project step by step toward market readiness and the launch of your company.
Important steps during the funding period
ESF Participant Questionnaire of the European Social Fund (ESF)
The exist Startup Grant is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus). For this reason, certain information regarding the recipients and projects must be collected.
The corresponding participant questionnaire is a mandatory component of the grant and is used for reporting and evaluating the programs to the European Union.
The information will be treated confidentially and used solely for the purposes of the funding and evaluation processes.
Support for the development of your startup
In addition to financial support for living expenses, the exist startup grant also provides funding for in-kind resources and coaching services.
These include, for example:
- Software and technical equipment
- Material costs for prototypes
- Licenses and Development Tools
- Market research
- Travel expenses
- External consulting and coaching services
- Design, communication, or development services
Planned expenses are prepared in advance as part of the application in collaboration with the university or research institution, documented throughout the project, and reimbursed as a lump sum. No more lists of receipts or individual approvals.
„Startup Team“ Seminar — Growing Together as a Team
The mandatory „Startup Team“ seminar is designed to help you strengthen teamwork early on and clearly define roles and expectations.
Among other things, the focus is on:
- Team Dynamics and Communication
- Role Understanding and Responsibilities
- Conflict Management
- Decision-making processes
- shared goal
Especially in the early stages of a startup, a well-functioning team is a key factor for success.
Interim Presentation - Feedback for the Next Steps
An interim presentation will take place around the midpoint of the funding period. During this presentation, you will present the current status of your startup project to the startup network at the university or research institution.
Typical topics include:
- Product or technology development
- Business Model
- Understanding the Market and Target Audience
- Customer feedback
- Progress on the project
- next steps in development
The interim presentation provides an opportunity to receive valuable feedback for the startup's future development.
Final project documents
At the end of the grant period, please submit the following documents:
- a business plan
- An evaluation of the startup network
- a report on the results
The Business Plan outlines how your startup is expected to develop financially. In particular, it describes:
The Evaluation of the Startup Network evaluates the business plan from a technical perspective. She provides feedback on the content, quality, and maturity of the project.
The Earnings Report documents the progress of your project during the funding period. It shows what progress has been made and what the next steps are.
The financial statements serve as an important basis for potential follow-on financing and for the company’s future development.
Project Completion
The transition to the next phase
The end of the funding period doesn't mark the end of your startup's development; in fact, this is often when the next critical phase of growth begins.
Many teams:
- start their business during or after receiving funding
- develop the first market-ready products
- attract pilot customers
- establish contacts with investors and secure follow-on financing
- transition to advanced programs or incubators
The exist startup grant lays the groundwork for this.
- Earnings Report
- Supporting documentation for expenses and supplies
- any additional project-related documents
Your university or research institution will assist you in properly completing the project.
It is also important to keep all relevant original documents in accordance with the guidelines.
What funding options are available after the exist startup grant?
After receiving the exist startup grant, there are various paths available to you for further developing and financing your startup. The best option for you depends on your business model, stage of development, capital requirements, and upcoming milestones.
Examples of follow-on financing include:
- exist Research Transfer
- Funding programs from the federal government, state governments, and the EU
- KfW Subsidized Loans
- Business Angels
- Venture capital and seed investors
- Accelerators and incubators
- strategic partnerships with companies
- Contests, Prize Money, and Awards
- Bootstrapping or revenue-based financing
With the exist grant, a viable business plan, and initial market validation, you’ll lay a strong foundation for discussions with investors, funding agencies, and strategic partners. It’s important to plan follow-on financing early on and tailor it specifically to the next stage of development.
