Early-Stage and Growth Fund
Equity and mezzanine financing for technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises in Brandenburg in the startup, early, and growth phases. Equity participations and subordinated loans up to €1.5 million (early phase) or €6 million (growth).
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Strengthening and securing the equity capital of technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state of Brandenburg during the founding, early, growth, and expansion phases through equity participations, quasi-equity investments (subordinated loans), and combined financing instruments.
Eligible expenses
- Investments in tangible assets
- Investments in intangible assets
- Operating resources
- Acquisition of company shares
Eligible to apply
- Founders
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Companies according to the EU SME definition with an innovative, technological focus
- Registration in the commercial register not longer than five years (early phase)
- SMEs according to the EU definition (growth phase)
- Headquarters or place of business in the state of Brandenburg
- clear shareholder structure
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Documents required for application
- Business plan
- Documents on the business model
- Economic key figures (e.g., annual financial statements)
- Proof of consideration of cross-sectional principles
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content and technological orientation
- Exit and repayment prospects
- Quality of the business plan and economic indicators
Description
The Early-Stage and Growth Fund of the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg (ILB) offers tailored equity and mezzanine financing to technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state of Brandenburg. In the founding and early phase, open participations and subordinated loans of up to €1.5 million are provided. For companies with expansion and growth objectives, participations and/or subordinated loans of up to €6 million are available. Investments in tangible and intangible assets, working capital, as well as the acquisition of company shares are eligible for funding. The fund participation is structured as a minority stake, whereby growth financing requires a pari passu co-investment by additional investors. The goal is the sustainable strengthening of the equity base of innovative, technology-oriented companies in all phases from founding through growth to expansion.
Eligible for funding are SMEs as defined by the EU with headquarters or a place of business in Brandenburg and a clear shareholder structure. In the early phase, registration in the commercial register must not be older than five years. Companies in difficulty are excluded. At least two of the following criteria must be met: market position, stable profits, cash flow potential, and professional management. Submissions include, among others, a business plan, business model description, and annual financial statements. Evaluation is based on the degree of innovation, repayment and exit prospects, as well as the quality of the business plan. Early-stage financing runs until 30.06.2027, growth financing until 31.10.2029. Interested companies can obtain detailed program information from the ILB.
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