Money to keep building — without giving up equity.
Building alone often means choosing between your runway and your product. Berlin and Germany offer public funding that can support you personally, cover company costs or pay for preparation — if you know which route fits your situation.
Funding Route Finder
Four questions. A shortlist of funding routes to check.
We compare founder stipends, startup grants and support from Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter — then explain why each route may fit and what to confirm.
Separate from eligibility
Make the next funding conversation useful.
Readiness is not an official funding criterion. These prompts only help you prepare clearer evidence for the provider.
Progress
A prototype, MVP, research result or other concrete work.
Founder insight
A clear problem and a reason existing alternatives do not solve it.
Commitment
A credible full-time plan where the route requires it.
Execution
Concrete milestones, budget and responsibilities.
Market evidence
Relevant research, usage, pilots, letters of intent or revenue.
Orientation, not an eligibility decision
This finder provides general orientation based on public sources. It does not determine eligibility, guarantee funding, provide legal, tax or benefits advice, or cover every funding route in Germany. Rules and availability can change; confirm your situation with the official provider before acting.
Equity-free does not always mean non-repayable. Some routes provide personal support, some reimburse eligible costs, some fund coaching and Pro FIT includes loan financing.
Jobcenter and Agentur für Arbeit support depends on your individual benefit status and an official decision. Speak to your adviser before starting self-employment, incurring costs or changing employment.
Selected BSS routes may accept solo founders. The current route-level shortlist, deadlines, contacts and application links are maintained inside BSS Match and the full Navigator.
BSS Navigator links every result to its official source. Read the broader Berlin startup funding guide or use the BSS Match when the Berliner Startup Stipendium is your likely route.