Financing and funding

Securing the right funding is one of the biggest challenges for startups. Whether it’s equity, loans, grants, or investors – there are numerous ways to finance a business. But which funding option is the best fit for your startup? In this course, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most important financing opportunities for founders.

You will learn how to prepare for bank meetings, what funding programs are available, and what requirements you need to meet for startup grants. We talk to experts such as Dr. Ulrich Link (ISB) about venture capital, business angels, and public funding programs. Additionally, we will show you how to successfully utilize financing models such as bootstrapping, crowdfunding, or private equity.

Course Topics:

📌Insights into Startup Financing and Venture Capital with ISB Rhineland-Palatinate
📌Startup Funding Video Course by Lawyer Philip Gafron
📌Y Combinator: Inside the World’s Most Influential Startup Accelerator
📌Financial support from the incubator
📌How do i prepare for a bank interview with Prof. Dr. Matthias Vogelgesang
📌Financing: A general overview
📌High-Tech Gründerfonds #Foundersclass

Through practical examples, interviews with financing professionals, and interactive content, you will gain valuable insights to find the right funding for your startup. This course will prepare you for your next funding round and help you successfully build your business!

Videos: Investment and structure bank rhineland-palatinate

Investitions- und Strukturbank Rheinland Pfalz in general

In this video, we talk with Dr. Ulrich Link, Executive Board Member of the Investment and Structural Bank of Rhineland-Palatinate (ISB), about the ISB’s role in startup financing and economic development in Rhineland-Palatinate.

We explore the core tasks of the ISB, its unique selling points, and how it supports founders – from funding and networking to industry promotion and the incentives for setting up a business in RLP. Additionally, we discuss how the ISB integrates small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the startup scene and Dr. Link’s vision for the future of the Rhineland-Palatinate startup ecosystem.

🔹 Chapter Overview:
📌 00:00 – Intro and Introduction
📌 02:08 – What are the ISB’s key responsibilities?
📌 03:55 – What makes cooperation with the ISB unique?
📌 07:34 – Money, know-how & networks – How does the ISB help?
📌 09:23 – Which industries are particularly strong in RLP? Any focus areas?
📌 10:56 – What incentives exist for founding a company in RLP?
📌 12:36 – How does the ISB integrate SMEs into the startup scene?
📌 14:58 – Future outlook: What does the ISB wish for the startup ecosystem?

An exciting insight for anyone interested in startups, financing, and economic development in Rhineland-Palatinate! 🚀

An interview with Sven Gilsdorf (ISB) about venture capital

In this interview, we talk to Sven Gilsdorf, an expert in Venture Capital and Investments at the Investment and Structural Bank of Rhineland-Palatinate (ISB).

We discuss what venture capital is, the benefits for startups, and when it makes sense to consider venture capital funding. We also explore the transition from startup grants like EXIST to venture capital, how to contact ISB, the required documents for an application, the investment process, and how startups are assessed.

Sven Gilsdorf also explains how long it takes to receive the funds, what influence ISB has on a startup’s operations, the exit strategy, and what happens if financial projections are not met. Finally, he shares valuable advice for founders.

🔹 Chapter Overview:
📌 00:00 – Intro and Introduction
📌 00:59 – What is Venture Capital?
📌 01:44 – When and how can Venture Capital be used?
📌 03:42 – Transition from EXIST to Venture Capital funding
📌 04:45 – How to contact ISB?
📌 05:38 – Important documents for application
📌 06:02 – What does ISB focus on?
📌 07:44 – How does the review process work?
📌 09:00 – How does ISB assess a business idea’s potential?
📌 09:28 – Initial contract negotiations – what is discussed?
📌 10:45 – Due diligence – what should startups expect?
📌 12:13 – What types of investments are possible?
📌 12:50 – How long does it take for funds to be transferred?
📌 13:49 – What influence does ISB have on startup operations?
📌 14:52 – What is ISB’s exit strategy?
📌 16:09 – What happens if financial projections are not met?
📌 17:22 – Essential tips for founders

About the cooperation between baukobox and the ISB

In this interview, we talk with Tim Schreck from the Venture Capital department of ISB about the collaboration with the Kaiserslautern-based startup baukobox. Additionally, one of the founders, Christian Wolf, shares valuable insights into the financing, development, and challenges of their company.

We learn how baukobox first connected with ISB, what advantages the partnership offers, and how the EXIST startup grant helped develop their business idea. The discussion also covers the importance of networking, proof of concept, and business model adjustments.

Tim Schreck explains how ISB evaluates financing requests, which financial figures are most relevant for assessment, and what happens after the initial financing approval. Finally, we hear valuable advice for founders, as well as lessons learned from mistakes (fuckups) along the way to securing funding.

🔹 Chapter Overview:
📌 00:00 – Intro
📌 00:49 – Introduction of Christian Wolf from baukobox
📌 02:39 – First impressions and financing preparation
📌 04:40 – EXIST startup grant & idea development
📌 07:38 – Why baukobox chose ISB as a partner
📌 10:28 – ISB’s network, proof of concept & business model adaptation
📌 14:45 – ISB’s initial financing evaluation
📌 20:26 – Key financial metrics for assessment
📌 23:18 – Where would baukobox be today without ISB?
📌 24:02 – Fuckups & essential tips for founders

Videos: "How do I finance a startup?" by Gafron lawyers

Philip Gafron is a lawyer based in Berlin. His consulting focuses on corporate law, especially on implementing business transactions and equity investments. He also continuously advises his clients on all aspects of commercial and corporate law. On YouTube, he has published a video series that provides startup founders with essential information on the topic of funding. We’ve linked this course here for you – more information can be found on YouTube and on the website of the law firm Gafron in Berlin.

1. Basics of Venture Capital Investment

2. Using Convertible Loans Properly

3. Understanding Company Valuations

4. Cap Table and Dilution

5. Employee Participation (ESOP)

6. Term Sheet and Key Clauses for Working with Venture Capital

7. Milestone Investments

8. Liquidation Preferences and Waterfall

9. Anti-Dilution Protection (Down Round Protection)

10. Vesting for Founders

11. Exit (Secondary, Trade Sale, IPO) and Exit Clauses

12. Fundraising and Due Diligence

13. Deal Documentation and Implementation

14. Holding Companies

Videos: Y-Combinator about fundig a startup

What is Y-Combinator?

Y Combinator (YC) is one of the most well-known and influential startup accelerators in the world. It was founded in 2005 in the USA (originally in Mountain View, California, now based in San Francisco) by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Trevor Blackwell, and Robert Tappan Morris. YC has played a pivotal role in supporting early-stage technology startups, many of which have grown into industry giants.

How Does Y Combinator Work?

Twice a year (Winter & Summer), Y Combinator runs a three-month intensive program for selected startups. During this period, founders receive:

Funding: YC typically invests $500,000 in each startup—$125,000 in exchange for 7% equity and an additional $375,000 as a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).
Mentorship & Network: Access to a world-class network of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
Workshops & Coaching: Weekly meetings with YC partners to refine business models, growth strategies, and scaling tactics.
Demo Day: At the end of the program, startups pitch their businesses to a group of elite investors, often securing millions in funding.

Famous Startups from Y Combinator

YC has funded over 4,000 startups, including some of the world’s most successful tech companies:

Airbnb (W10)
Dropbox (S07)
Stripe (S10)
Reddit (S05)
Coinbase (S12)
DoorDash (S13)
Rappi (W16)
Ginkgo Bioworks (S14)

Why Is Y Combinator So Important?

High Success Rate: YC startups have collectively reached a market capitalization of over $600 billion.
Strong Community: YC alumni gain access to exclusive networks and resources.
Global Impact: YC has inspired accelerator programs worldwide and has shaped modern startup financing.

Conclusion

Y Combinator is more than just an accelerator—it has revolutionized the way early-stage startups are funded and scaled. It remains one of the most influential institutions in the global startup ecosystem.

How Startup Fundraising Works | Startup School

Brad Flora, Partner at YC Group, has experienced startup fundraising from all perspectives: as a founder, as one of the most successful angel investors in Silicon Valley, and now as a YC Group partner. Brad has advised hundreds of companies on raising capital. In this talk, he shares stories and insights on how modern startup fundraising works.

Source: Y Combinator (2023): How Startup Fundraising Works | Startup School. Published on Youtube.com. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBUhQPPS9AY

How to Get Meetings with Investors and Raise Money by Aaron Harris

YC Partner Aaron Harris provides invaluable advice on how to meet with investors in the most effective and strategic way.

Source: Y Combinator (2018): How to Get Meetings with Investors and Raise Money by Aaron Harris. Published on Youtube.com. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzz4AEIddzY&t=6s

Videos: Hightech-Gründerfond: #Foundersclass

What is the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF)?

High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is Germany’s leading seed investor for early-stage tech and high-tech startups. It offers initial funding of up to €1 million, with potential follow-on investments of up to €3 million.

More than just capital, HTGF provides access to an extensive network of industry partners, experienced co-investors, and startup-savvy experts. Founders benefit from hands-on support, strategic guidance, and real connections to scale their ideas.

HTGF focuses on digital tech, industrial tech, life sciences, and new materials – making it a strong partner for ambitious, science-driven startups ready to make an impact.

What is the High-Tech Gründerfonds #Foundersclass?

The #Foundersclass of High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is an initiative aimed at connecting founders and encouraging exchange within the startup community. Through regular events and formats, the #Foundersclass offers a platform for founders to share their experiences, learn from each other, and grow together.

This network helps overcome challenges and paves the way to success. Some of these events were recorded on video – we’re sharing them here with you. These videos are produced and published by HTGF on YouTube. We’re simply linking to them here.

Phase 1: Orientation and Preparation

How to get funding from High-Tech Gründerfonds:

English version:

Startup Financing – First Steps

Top 10 Mistakes Before the First Funding Round

How Startups Use KPIs Effectively

Dos and Don’ts – From Founding to Pitching to Investors

Phase 2: Fundraising & Contract Negotiations

Term Sheet – The Foundation of a Successful Negotiation

Investment Agreements – What’s Defined and How It Affects Founders

Due Diligence – The Final Hurdle in Fundraising

Phase 3: After the Investment – Structure & Reporting

Shareholder Meetings and Proper Housekeeping in Startups

Reporting – Ongoing Communication with Investors: KPIs, Updates & Transparency

Startups and Corporates – Partnerships at Eye Level?

Phase 4: Exit & Future

How to Exit – Sale, IPO or Buyback: What Exit Options Exist?

Further Informations

Downloads

Hier findest du folgende Ratgeber zum Download: 📍Gründerzeiten 06: Existenzgründungsfinanzierung 📍Förderprogramme: Darauf sollten Sie achten! 📍Checkliste Investitions- und Finanzplan 📍 So können Sie sich auf das Rating vorbereiten 📍Übersicht: Fördermöglichkeiten in DE Download: https://seafile.rlp.net/d/8663f92e6bfb43c3aaee/

Financing and funding