Funding under the BerlinInnoGrowth (“BIG” Program)

The BIG program targets young, growth-oriented start-ups and SMEs with innovative business models in Berlin. It supports companies that aim to create or secure jobs through ecological, digital, or social innovations. Funding is provided in collaboration with accredited private co-investors.

The BIG program supports innovative business models and the general business development of start-ups and SMEs. It supports projects in various industries that are in advanced stages of development and aim for market entry, scaling, and commercialization. Financing is provided through open participations or convertible loans.

The BIG program provides capital in the form of open participations and convertible loans. Financing always takes place jointly with private co-investors, with public and private funds invested under equal, market-based conditions. IBB Capital participates with a minimum amount of EUR 350,000 and up to EUR 2,000,000 per individual case.

The BIG program sets specific legal and financial conditions for applicants and their projects. Financing is tied to cooperation with accredited co-investors and is provided on a state-aid free basis at market conditions.

The application process for the BIG program is two-stage. Companies must first convince an accredited intermediary, who then submits an investment proposal to IBB Capital. The processing time for the review and decision by IBB Capital is typically four to six weeks.

The BIG program is a joint initiative of the Federal Government, KfW, the State of Berlin, and IBB, based on the Federal Government's Future Fund. Funding is provided state-aid free at market conditions, with reference to specific EU guidelines and internal participation and exclusion principles.