Since May 2013, the Federal Government has been supporting young, innovative companies in accessing venture capital through the “Invest – Grant for Venture Capital” funding program. Business Angels receive government subsidies for their investments in startups. Previously, they received 20 percent of the investment amount tax-free for venture capital investments of €25,000 or more.
The aim is to mobilize more private venture capital from business angels for young companies. The previous funding guideline expired on December 31, 2022, and a new one has not yet been finalized. On the corresponding Website of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control It states that a study has already confirmed the necessity of the program. All parties involved are "continuing to work intensively on finalizing the new funding guidelines in order to keep the period during which applications cannot be submitted as short as possible." Applications should be possible again in January 2023. Investors are advised to postpone investments planned for 2023 until after the new funding guidelines come into force, if possible.
Investment delay: “The funding gap must be closed as quickly as possible”
The digital association Bitkom urges haste:
"For almost ten years, the Invest program has made an important contribution to facilitating access to venture capital for very young startups in Germany. Especially in the current difficult economic situation, more startups need money and know-how from business angels,"
says Bitkom President Achim Berg.
"Startups need planning security. The current funding gap must be closed as quickly as possible and a new funding guideline must be implemented."
