INVEST Grant for Venture Capital
INVEST - Zuschuss für Wagniskapital
For investors: 15% acquisition grant (max EUR 50k per investment, EUR 100k per investor in total) plus 25% exit grant on gains; founders benefit indirectly. Provided by BAFA.
Key facts
- Amount
- For investors: 15% acquisition grant (max EUR 50k per investment, EUR 100k per investor in total) plus 25% exit grant on gains; founders benefit indirectly
- Duration
- Not fixed
- Type
- Tax credit
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Takes equity
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Unclear
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- Yes
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Company seated in the EEA with a branch or site in Germany
Who can apply
- Applies to business angels investing in young innovative companies
- Founder needs an eligible angel investor (min. EUR 10k per payment, 3-year holding)
- Company is a GmbH/UG/AG or cooperative, under 7 years old, under 50 FTE, turnover or balance sheet up to EUR 10m
- Up to EUR 3m subsidised investment per company per year
What usually blocks applicants
- Founder has no angel investor
- Company too old or too large
- Not a corporation (e.g. sole trader)
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 31 December 2026
Acquisition-grant applications must be complete by 31 Dec 2026 under the current guideline; extension or successor not announced. Exit-grant applications until 30 Jun 2037.
Frequently asked
How much does INVEST Grant for Venture Capital pay?
For investors: 15% acquisition grant (max EUR 50k per investment, EUR 100k per investor in total) plus 25% exit grant on gains; founders benefit indirectly
Who can apply for INVEST Grant for Venture Capital?
Applies to business angels investing in young innovative companies Founder needs an eligible angel investor (min. EUR 10k per payment, 3-year holding) Company is a GmbH/UG/AG or cooperative, under 7 years old, under 50 FTE, turnover or balance sheet up to EUR 10m Up to EUR 3m subsidised investment per company per year
When is the INVEST Grant for Venture Capital deadline?
Acquisition-grant applications must be complete by 31 Dec 2026 under the current guideline; extension or successor not announced. Exit-grant applications until 30 Jun 2037.
Where do I apply for INVEST Grant for Venture Capital?
On the official page: https://www.bafa.de/DE/Wirtschaft/Beratung_Finanzierung/Invest/invest_node.html. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back INVEST Grant for Venture Capital or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes equity in the company.
Can solo founders apply for INVEST Grant for Venture Capital?
The official sources do not state this clearly; confirm with the provider.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
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