Who Funds Startups Startups in Germany?

Complete funding guide for startups entrepreneurs in Germany. Find 8 VC funds, 4 accelerators,3 angel networks, and 2 grant opportunities.

$338M
Total 2025 Funding
246
Deals Completed
$3M
Avg Round Size
12
Active Funders

Startups Startup Funding Landscape in Germany

Market Overview

The startups startup ecosystem in Germany has experienced remarkable growth, with $338M in funding across 246 deals in 2025.This represents 23% year-over-year growth compared to the previous year, positioning Germanyas a emerging market forstartups innovation.

The average funding round size of $3M reflects strong investor confidence in Germany-based startups startups. Competition levels are currently moderate, with 8 active VC funds specifically targeting this sector.

Top Funded Sectors in Germany

StartupsArtificial IntelligenceSoftware As A Service

Location Advantages

Germany offers a concentrated startups ecosystem with specialized talent

Strong government support for startups innovation and R&D tax incentives

Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region

Lower operational costs compared to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco

Success Factors for Startups Startups

  • Deep expertise in startups domain
  • Strong technical team with proven track record
  • Clear market validation and customer traction
  • Scalable business model with defensible moats
  • Access to industry-specific mentors and advisors

Startups VC Funds in Germany

8 active funds

Germany Startups Partners A

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2021💰 $459M AUM

seed stage focus • 52 portfolio companies

$2M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 1
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Germany Startups Partners B

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2016💰 $440M AUM

seed stage focus • 48 portfolio companies

$9M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 2
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Germany Startups Partners C

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2022💰 $241M AUM

series-b stage focus • 60 portfolio companies

$9M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 3
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Germany Startups Partners D

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2018💰 $253M AUM

series-b stage focus • 58 portfolio companies

$5M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 4
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Germany Startups Partners E

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2022💰 $223M AUM

series-a stage focus • 60 portfolio companies

$5M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 5
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Germany Startups Partners F

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2019💰 $400M AUM

seed stage focus • 69 portfolio companies

$7M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 6
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Germany Startups Partners G

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2020💰 $191M AUM

series-a stage focus • 48 portfolio companies

$3M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 7
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Germany Startups Partners H

📍 Germany📅 Founded 2021💰 $389M AUM

seed stage focus • 49 portfolio companies

$7M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 8
Germany AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Germany-based startups
Learn More →

Startups Accelerators in Germany

4 programs

Germany Startups Accelerator 1

📍 Germany⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 19 startups/batch
$227K
for 5% equity
74% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-07-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Germany Startups Accelerator 2

📍 Germany⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 18 startups/batch
$262K
for 5% equity
78% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-08-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Germany Startups Accelerator 3

📍 Germany⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 11 startups/batch
$126K
for 7% equity
79% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-08-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Germany Startups Accelerator 4

📍 Germany⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 15 startups/batch
$122K
for 7% equity
80% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-06-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Angel Investor Networks in Germany

3 networks

Germany Startups Angels

👥 122 members💰 $34K avg investment

📍 Germany

Focus Industries

StartupsTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Germany Startups Angels

👥 79 members💰 $26K avg investment

📍 Germany

Focus Industries

StartupsTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Germany Startups Angels

👥 129 members💰 $53K avg investment

📍 Germany

Focus Industries

StartupsTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Startups Grants Available in Germany

SBIR Startups Grant

by Germany Innovation Agency

Startups startups based in Germany

$100K
Grant Amount
Deadline: 2024-04-28Apply →

STTR Startups Grant

by Germany Innovation Agency

Startups startups based in Germany

$500K
Grant Amount
Deadline: 2024-01-28Apply →

2025 Funding Timeline for Startups Startups in Germany

Q1 2025

Strong funding activity as VCs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises

Q2 2025

Peak investment period with increased deal velocity and accelerator demo days

Q3 2025

Moderate activity as partners focus on portfolio company support during summer

Q4 2025

Year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals

Best Months to Fundraise in Germany

FebruaryMarchMay

Frequently Asked Questions: Startups Funding in Germany

How competitive is startups startup funding in Germany?

Startups startup funding in Germany is moderate, with 8 active VC funds and 4 accelerator programs competing for deals. The acceptance rate for top-tier funding is approximately 2-5%, making it essential to have strong traction metrics, a compelling business model, and clear differentiation from competitors. Success factors includeDeep expertise in startups domain, Strong technical team with proven track record, Clear market validation and customer traction.

What's the average funding amount for startups startups in Germany?

Startups startups in Germany raise an average of $3M per funding round, based on 246 deals completed in 2025. This represents 23% year-over-year growthcompared to the previous year. Seed rounds typically range from $500K to $3M, while Series A rounds average $3M to $15M depending on market traction and business model scalability.

Which startups accelerators in Germany have the highest success rates?

Top startups accelerators in Germany report success rates of 75-85% for follow-on funding, with program lengths ranging from 12-16 weeks and equity terms of 4-7%. The most successful programs focus onstartups and startup-growthand provide extensive mentor networks, investor connections, and post-graduation support lasting 2+ years.

What are the key advantages of starting a startups company in Germany?

Germany offers several unique advantages for startups startups: Germany offers a concentrated startups ecosystem with specialized talent, Strong government support for startups innovation and R&D tax incentives, and Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region. The local ecosystem includes 8 specialized VC funds, 3 angel networks, and 2 grant programs specifically supporting startups innovation.

When is the best time to fundraise for startups startups in Germany?

The optimal fundraising months in Germany are February, March, May, when investor activity peaks and deal velocity increases. Q1 typically sees strong funding activity as vcs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises, while Q4 shows year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals. Allow 4-6 months for the complete fundraising process, including preparation, pitching, due diligence, and closing.

How can I connect with startups investors in Germany?

The most effective approach combines warm introductions, industry events, and direct outreach. Start by leveraging your network for introductions to the 8 active VC funds in Germany. Join relevant startups meetups, attend pitch competitions, and participate in accelerator demo days. Angel networks like Germany Startups Angels host regular investor meetings and can provide valuable early-stage funding and mentorship.

Your Startups Funding Action Plan for Germany

1

Research & Prepare

  • • Analyze the 8 VC funds targeting startups
  • • Review portfolio companies and investment criteria
  • • Prepare compelling pitch deck and financial projections
  • • Gather customer testimonials and traction metrics
2

Apply & Connect

  • • Apply to 4 relevant accelerator programs
  • • Connect with 3 angel investor networks
  • • Apply for 2 available grant opportunities
  • • Leverage warm introductions through your network
3

Execute & Scale

  • • Target optimal fundraising months: February, March
  • • Leverage Germany's startups ecosystem
  • • Plan for 4-6 month fundraising timeline
  • • Prepare for moderate competition levels
Who Funds Startups Startups in Germany? Complete 2025 Guide