Financing

Start-up BW Pre-Seed is a loan program for startups in the very early stages. It provides funding ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 euros to help a young company grow to the point where a larger round of financing becomes possible.
What makes this program unique is that capital you raise from an external lender (co-investor) is multiplied fivefold by the state of Baden-Württemberg. This significantly increases the available capital while reducing the risk for the startup.

A prerequisite is a viable business and financing plan that can convince a pre-seed partner. You can find an overview of potential partners on the Start-up BW website.
You’ll also need an external lender (co-investor) who provides at least 20% of the planned financing amount as a loan.

Neither. The funding is a repayable grant—in other words, a type of interest-free loan with terms that are particularly favorable for startups.
Up to 80% of the total funding comes from the State of Baden-Württemberg or the L-Bank. Founders are not personally liable for this portion. Repayment can be made in various ways.
The co-investor has a conversion option, which is, however, limited in the interest of the startup. In addition, the loan and grant are subject to a so-called subordination clause. If the startup is unable to repay the loan over the long term, the repayment obligation to the state expires after a few years.

Yes, especially with the EXIST funding program. It’s important to note that for EXIST, the company must not yet have been founded, whereas for Pre-Seed, the company must already have been established. We’d be happy to advise you on how to best combine both programs.
In addition, you can apply for up to two innovation vouchers. Please note, however, that funds from the Pre-Seed program may not be used to cover the company’s own contribution toward this grant.