Start!Klar plus - Funding for Preparation for the First Financing Round
Funding for Styrian startups in the preparatory phase for the first financing round with business angels or venture capital companies. Up to 80% of project costs (max. €100,000) eligible for funding. Applications possible until 30.06.2027 (cut-off dates: March 31, September 30, 2025).
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal of the funding initiative is to support Styrian startups with above-average growth potential in preparing for their first financing round, in order to professionally prepare market entry and investor discussions and to achieve an attractive investment case position.
Eligible expenses
- Internal personnel expenses
- Services of third parties (including consulting costs)
- Material and supplies costs
- Travel expenses
- Costs for use of R&D infrastructure
Non-eligible expenses
- Product and service development costs (except market/manufacturing transfer)
- Investment costs
- Ongoing operating and rental costs
- Auxiliary and consumable materials
- Public fees
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Eligible to apply
- Founders
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Company registration in the commercial register no more than 5 years ago
- Founders with at least 25% ownership and management function
- Innovation developed independently and prototype/MVP largely completed
- Above-average growth potential (revenue, personnel) identifiable
- Planned participation by business angels or venture capital up to 12 months after approval
Documents required for application
- Project plan Start!Klar plus
- Cost plan Start!Klar plus
- Curriculum vitae of all founding members
- Insurance data extract (last 5 years)
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of Innovation
- Growth Potential
- Implementation Competence
- Investment Readiness
Description
Start!Klar plus is a nationwide funding program anchored in Styria that supports innovative, non-listed small companies in the preparatory phase for their first financing round. Eligible participants are startups whose registration in the commercial register dates back no more than five years and where at least one founder holds a minimum of 25% of the shares and is actively involved in the company. Funding covers internal personnel costs, third-party services (including consulting fees), material and supply expenses, travel costs, as well as R&D infrastructure. The focus is on four areas of action: production and market transition, organizational and business model development, investor search, and legal advice. Up to 80% of eligible project costs are covered, with a maximum of 100,000 euros. Applications can be submitted via the SFG portal until June 30, 2027 (cut-off dates: March 31 and September 30, 2025).
The funding objective is to enable Styrian startups with high growth potential to professionally prepare for national and international pitch events. A jury evaluates twice a year based on innovation content, scalability, implementation competence, and investment readiness. Funded projects are expected to plan an investment participation by business angels or venture capital firms of at least 50,000 euros within twelve months. Prerequisites include a largely completed prototype/MVP, proof of insurance and founder structure, as well as a detailed project and cost plan. With Start!Klar plus, founders are empowered to develop an attractive investment case and successfully shape their market entry.