The Start!Klar Plus program is inviting applications to support innovative startups in Styria by providing financial and strategic assistance to prepare for their first financing round.
The focus areas and objectives of this program include startup development, innovation support, pre-seed financing preparation, investor readiness, business model development, market entry support, scaling strategy, venture capital preparation, legal and organizational structuring, and growth-oriented enterprise development.
Start!Klar Plus is designed to support innovative startups during the critical transition from development to market entry, when businesses often seek venture capital or angel investment. The program helps founders prepare convincing investor presentations and strengthen their economic, legal, and technological foundations.
The funding supports projects that aim to make startups attractive for investment by improving their scalability, revenue potential, and organizational readiness. It emphasizes thorough preparation for financing discussions and investor pitches, ensuring startups can clearly demonstrate their growth potential and business viability.
Financial support covers 80 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum funding amount of 100,000 euros. Eligible total project costs may reach up to 125,000 euros. The program is designed to reduce the financial burden of preparation activities required before securing external investment.
Supported activities include product or service development, business model refinement, market transition planning, organizational development, investor search, and legal advisory services. Costs may include personnel expenses, external consulting services, materials, equipment, travel, and use of research and development infrastructure.
Eligible applicants are innovative small companies that are not publicly listed and were founded within the last five years. Applicants must have founders or shareholders holding at least 25 percent ownership and must demonstrate strong growth potential, innovation capacity, and investment readiness, including near-complete prototype or MVP development.
Companies are expected to secure external investment within 12 months of receiving funding approval. The program excludes medium-sized enterprises, large companies, publicly listed firms, and organizations outside the designated eligibility scope.
The Start!Klar Plus program aims to strengthen early-stage startups and enhance their readiness for successful market entry and investment acquisition.
For more information, visit SFG.
