Campus Founders Ventures GmbH
Start-up BW Pre-Seed
The financing instrument for innovative startups by the state of Baden-Württemberg.
introduction
Funding opportunity
for startups with a
headquarter in
Baden-Württemberg
You are a founder and need funding at an early stage? Your capital requirement is between €50.000 and €200.000? Are you looking for a support partner for your startup? Then Start-up BW Pr-Seed financing could be your solution.
Get Start-up
BW Pre-Seed
funding
Start-up BW Pre-Seed is a financing instrument for innovative startups with a connection to Baden-Württemberg. As a founder of a startup, you can apply for funding from the state of Baden-Württemberg through Campus Founders. Since applications are exclusively accepted through official accelerators like us, we are here to assist and support you throughout the application process. The total financing amount is a minimum of €50,000 and typically a maximum of €200,000. In exceptional cases, there is the possibility to increase the total financing amount to up to €400,000.
The financing amount is provided by two parties. On one side, L-Bank finances up to 80% of the total amount. On the other side, the startup commits to finding an investor [Co-Investor] for the remaining balance who will invest capital in the company.
Target Group
Young startups seeking their first investment.
Setup
Initial application, examination, application, decision-making committee.
Goals
Get Start-up BW Pre-seed funding
Timeline
5-6 decision-making committee each year.
Find out if Start-up BW Pre-Seed is the right funding for you
Application and program process for Start-up BW Pre-Seed
Caption
Contact
Startup fills out pre-seed contact form on CF website
Initial Examination
Is BW Pre-Seed the right financing for startup? Does Startup meet the criteria for BW Pre-Seed?
Pitch
Every Wednesday 3 slots of 45 min. 10 min. Startup Pitch 30 min. Q&A Debriefing and decision/next steps
Registration for the decision-making committee
Fixed dates usually every 2 months 10 min. pitch 20 min. Q&A Support partners and co-investors can make recommendations if necessary Acceptance/rejection after 2 weeks (possibly with milestone)
Application and Payment
- Assistance with application preparation
- Submission by support partners
- Contract signing & withdrawal requests.
- Ongoing: quarterly updates, interim proof of use, financing committees, contract renewals
Application requirements for Start-up BW Pre-Seed
-
1
The headquarters of your startup is located in Baden-Württemberg.
-
2
At least 50% of the founding team lives in Baden-Württemberg.
-
3
Your startup has the legal form of a GmbH, UG, or AG.
-
4
Your startup is growth-focused and is characterized by above-average innovation capabilities.
-
5
Thus far, your startup has not received more than 200K€ of eqity financing from external parties.
-
6
Your startup is classified as a micro or small enterprise according to the criteria of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).
-
7
Your startup was founded within the last five years.
-
8
Your startup was founded within the last five years.
-
9
Although we prefer software startups, you can also apply if you have a Hardware startup.
Example
Consider a startup seeking financing of €200,000. To reach this amount, the startup must find an investor willing to contribute at least €40,000 [20% of the investment total]. The L-Bank covers the remaining 80%, equivalent to €160,000. The L-Bank thus quadruples the investment of the Co-Investor.
The investor could be a business angel, a company, or another investment entity. There is the possibility that the investor may increase the investment to a maximum of 50% of the total investment amount. Since the L-Bank’s limit is €160,000, the investor can only raise their contribution up to €160,000.
Terms & Conditions
This is what Start-up BW Pre-Seed offers
-
1
A financial, interest-free support granted with a reservation for repayment and conversion during the base term. This base term is 2 years and can typically be extended multiple times, each time for 12 months. The usual maximum total duration is 5 years.
-
2
Instead of repayment, L-Bank may ask for an equity stake in the company.
-
3
In the event of success, there is an obligation to repay the provided financial support.
Impressions
"The AI Founders program by Campus Founders was our entry point into an outstanding network of experts and doers. The collaboration was so convincing that we chose the Venture Studio as our co-investor for the Start-up BW Pre-Seed program. The team is professional, dedicated, and truly works at eye level. An absolute recommendation for every start-up!"
“Campus Founders supported us with know-how, network and coaching from the idea stage into the Startup BW Pre-Seed program. Today, thanks to this support, we have a strong and growing team and with Bloom Future a market-ready app that helps students with their career choice.”
"The support provided by Campus Founders through their co-investment in the Start-up BW Pre-Seed program, their network, and their community played a decisive role in enabling us to expand our team and launch our smart apartment heat pump in a very short time."
Our Partners
Get started
Funding opportunity for emerging startups with a connection to Baden-Württemberg.
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions bout the Start-up BW Pre-Seed.
Do I need a team?
While having a team can enhance your experience, it's not mandatory. Individuals can apply and will be matched with others to form a cohesive group. Collaboration is encouraged to maximize your potential.
How long does it run?
The program typically runs for 12 weeks, starting from the kickoff event. Each week includes workshops, mentorship sessions, and team activities. The final pitch event concludes the program.
What is the format?
The CCC uses a challenge-based format where teams tackle real-world problems presented by corporate partners. Participants receive mentorship and guidance throughout the process. This hands-on approach fosters innovation and practical solutions.
Is there a fee?
Participation in the Corporate Campus Challenge is free of charge. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs. Additional resources may be available for purchase, but are not required.
What do I gain?
Participants gain invaluable experience through mentorship, networking, and exposure to real-world challenges. You'll develop your skills, enhance your resume, and potentially secure pilot opportunities with corporate partners. It's a chance to turn your ideas into reality.
Team
Campus Founders Team
Etienne Seitz
Startup Manager/Funding and Grants
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