InnoVentureFonds – Venture Capital for Hamburg Startups

The InnoVentureFonds supports young and/or growth-oriented companies from all sectors with innovative business models that have at least one business establishment in Hamburg. The goal is to strengthen their equity base and secure liquidity to unlock innovation potential and sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of Hamburg's economy.

The InnoVentureFonds provides equity capital for financing operating resources and investments, including acquisitions, as well as for general corporate financing. All growth-promoting and balance sheet-strengthening measures are supported, particularly to strengthen the equity base and secure the liquidity of startups in various development phases.

The InnoVentureFonds offers equity capital and equity-like financial instruments. The investment amount can be up to 7 million euros per company and always takes place jointly with private investors under the same conditions (pari passu) to avoid constituting state aid.

Specific conditions apply to InnoVentureFonds applicants regarding corporate structure, financial situation, and compliance with environmental and social standards. Participation only occurs in cooperation with private investors and is subject to detailed scrutiny, including money laundering law. Budget restrictions are set at a maximum participation of 7 million euros per company.

The application process for the InnoVentureFonds begins with sending a pitch deck and financial plan to IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH. This is followed by an individual case-by-case review, which includes business plan analyses and discussions. A decision on participation is made at the discretion of the management, and there is no legal right to funding.

The InnoVentureFonds is based on the "InnoVentureFonds (IVF) Participation Principles" and is part of the nationwide "RegioInnoGrowth" initiative of the "Zukunftsfonds" (Future Fund). Its implementation and administration are subject to various EU regulations and national laws, particularly in the areas of environmental and social standards and anti-money laundering.