The State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Matthias Machnig, together with Dr. Michael Brandkamp (Managing Director High-Tech Founders Fund), Dr. Martin Wansleben (General Manager DIHK) and Dr. Carsten Bether (founder and managing director of the startup Kiwigrid) — launched the investor call for the High-Tech Gründerfonds III (HTGF III).
Medium-sized and large companies that are seeking access to disruptive innovations as well as the latest technologies and business models through startups are now invited to participate in HTGF III.
State Secretary Machnig:
"The High-Tech Gründerfonds is a success story. He has been investing in German startups and is today the most active early-stage fund in Europe(…) The new fund will finance up to 40 startups annually. The target is a fund volume of 300 million euros and an industry share of 30%."
Dr. Michael Brandkamp, Managing Director of High-Tech Gründerfonds:
"The positive evaluation results of Fund II show that the HTGF has sustainably stimulated the seed market. In more than 900 follow-up financing rounds, a total of over 1 billion euros of predominantly private capital mobilized We feel validated in our mission to support technology founders not only with financial resources, but also with know-how and extensive national and international networks. For the HTGF III, we invite all stakeholders to continue working with us to strengthen the German startup scene."
“We need more investments in the future”
Dr. Martin Wansleben, Managing Director of DIHK:
"We need more investments in the future – also to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalization. High-Tech Gründerfonds III is making an important contribution here. The fund gives many startups the chance to prove themselves on the marketThe entire German economy benefits from such impulses.”
High-Tech Gründerfonds III is scheduled to launch in 2017
The High-Tech Gründerfonds has been investing in German startups since September 2005. HTGF I has a volume of €272 million. Launched in November 2011, High-Tech Gründerfonds II comprises €304 million, including €220 million from the BMWi, €40 million from KfW, and €44 million from the private sector.
The third High-Tech Gründerfonds is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2017. The fund's target volume is €300 million. Its structure is a public-private partnership. This should benefit all parties involved: startups will have easier access to established companies. The High-Tech Gründerfonds will benefit from the additional professionalism and expertise of the private sector.
But above all, the established companies themselves benefit: As fund investors, they gain a broad overview of innovation and the startup scene in Germany. Furthermore, opportunities for cooperation and participation in the fund's portfolio companies arise.
