GründungsBONUS Plus – Berlin Startup Grant
State-level funding of up to €50,000 for innovative and sustainable startups based in Berlin
Target group
Startups younger than 18 months
Deadline
Year-around
Location
State Berlin
Table of contents
Are you eligible?
You can apply if you:
Are a legally independent, profit-oriented company (including solo founders or freelancers)
Are headquartered in Berlin
Have been founded within the last 18 months
Are majority-owned (>50%) by the founding team, who also hold key management positions
Offer an innovative and/or sustainable product, service, or method — including tech, digital, creative, or social models
Startups in construction, gastronomy, and retail are excluded, unless they pursue highly sustainable or innovative approaches.
What is the GründungsBONUS Plus?
GründungsBONUS Plus is a regional innovation grant designed to support early-stage companies in Berlin. As a public grant, it is part of the broader category of non-dilutive funding, allowing founders to finance development activities without giving up equity.
Funding rate: 50% of eligible costs
Maximum grant: €50,000
Funding duration: Max. 2 years
Key eligible costs:
Salaries (max €2,000/month per founder, capped at 25% of grant total)
Rent, marketing, IT services, legal fees, patents, material & software
External services (e.g., consultants, developers)
Funds are paid out in 3–4 tranches after proof of payment (reimbursement model).
Important
After completing the online application, you must print, sign, and send the documents by post to the IBB Business Team.
The grant application is only valid once the original signed documents have been received , applications submitted online alone are not legally binding.
What are the terms and conditions?
This is a non-repayable grant by the city of Berlin to support early-stage startups with innovative and sustainable business models.
Funding rate: 50% of eligible costs
Maximum grant: €50,000
Funding duration: Max. 2 years
Key eligible costs:
Salaries (max €2,000/month per founder, capped at 25% of grant total)
Rent, marketing, IT services, legal fees, patents, material & software
External services (e.g., consultants, developers)
Funds are paid out in 3–4 tranches after proof of payment (reimbursement model).
When is the deadline?
The GründungsBONUS Plus can be applied for year-round.
However, funding is limited to the available annual budget, so it’s recommended to submit early in the year.
Important: Your project must not start before submitting the signed application.
How does the application work?
Online application via the IBB Business Team portal
Upload all required documents
Administrative check with rounds of questions
External experts review your business plan and budget
The decision is made by a Berlin funding committee
If approved, funds are paid in tranches based on submitted invoices
You need support?
Would you like to learn more about how we can increase your companies chances of success with this funding program?
FAQs
What our clients often ask before they get started.
How much funding does GründungsBONUS Plus provide?
GründungsBONUS Plus provides funding of up to €50,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible costs typically include personnel expenses, rent, marketing activities, product development, and external consulting related to the project.
Can I combine the GründungsBONUS with other grants?
GründungsBONUS Plus can be combined with other public funding programs, provided that double funding is avoided. The same eligible costs cannot be financed by more than one public funding source at the same time, which is a core principle of non-dilutive funding.
Is a registered GmbH or UG required to apply for GründungsBONUS Plus?
A registered GmbH or UG is not strictly required. Freelancers and sole proprietors may also be eligible, provided they operate on a for-profit basis and are based in Berlin at the time of application.
How are GründungsBONUS Plus applications evaluated?
GründungsBONUS Plus applications are evaluated based on project plausibility, economic viability, and the consistency of the submitted documents. Particular attention is paid to the business model, cost structure, and the applicant’s ability to implement the project as described.
How is funding typically paid out under GründungsBONUS Plus?
Funding under GründungsBONUS Plus is typically paid out in installments based on incurred and documented project costs. Payments are linked to approved expenses and require proper documentation in line with the program guidelines.
Still have questions?
