FAQ - the frequently asked questions

TechFounders is a dynamic division of UnternehmerTUM, Europe's leading center for innovation and business creation. Serving as the pivotal matchmaker between promising start-ups and established corporations,

TechFounders orchestrates partnerships that yield mutual benefits. Our core mission revolves around empowering start-ups for exponential growth while enabling corporations to ignite pioneering ideas and future-proof their endeavors.

Through these collaborative endeavors, we actively contribute to the expansion of employment opportunities and economic prosperity across Europe and beyond - in a sustainable and responsible manner.

The program takes place in Munich, Germany. We have two batches per year: Our winter batch starts in January and will finish with the Demo Day in June and our summer batch starts in July and will finish in December. Throughout the program, there are workshop sessions, networking events, and intensive customer and industry partner meetings determined by our start-ups’ own interests.

Every start-up has unlimited access to the high-tech prototyping center MakerSpace, which houses 3D printers, laser cutters, water jet machines, wood cutting, and much more.

The coaching sessions and other events will take place in 4 out of the 20 weeks. Attendance in these sessions and events is obligatory. Currently, two of the program's sprints are conducted in person in Munich.

For the latest details on which sprints will be held on-site and which will be conducted remotely, please refer to the Program Timeline available on the Pilot Project Program page.

Applications for Batch #19 will be open from August 28 to September 25, 2023.

Companies that are looking to raise an initial round of investment (seed/series-A) may apply. Generally, we are looking for “late” early stage companies that have at least a working prototype and are ready to do a pilot project with one of our corporate partners. If you have more traction and first paying customers – even better!

Your team is the most important element. We look at the founders to see if they exhibit traits that we believe are vital for start-up success; such as tenacity, strong technical know-how, the ability to clearly explain complicated matters, great product sense and a clear passion for their business. We have found that the most effective founders are able to truly sell their vision and possess adequate foresight for future steps.

If the company is involved in direct sales, we look for vital, strong sales-centric business leaders. Alternatively, if the company is involved in online sales, we look for business founders with a natural ability in acquiring customers, conversion, retention, and design. In essence, we look for businesses that talented people would be excited to join.

Previous enterprise experience is certainly not necessary although always a plus. Aside from your team we also consider market significance. We focus on markets that are large enough to catch the eye of top venture funds. Stellar teams without a clear market focus still have the possibility to be admitted.

If your application is advanced to the next round you will receive notice shortly before the next interview date. Finalists will be invited to pitch at a pitch event with one of our corporate partners. After this meeting you will be notified if you are being offered a place in the accelerator along with the terms of acceptance. You will be asked to respond very quickly (24 hours) if you accept the position, as others will also be waiting for placement.

Please understand that we receive many applications and wish to evaluate each properly, so we ask for your patience during the application period. Please resist the urge to email us about your application status, we will contact you.

Datev, FESTO, HP Tech Ventures, WACKER, and Wieland are our corporate partners for Batch #19 that back the accelerator. These partners were specifically chosen because of their strong belief in the vision of our program. TechFounders values their feedback and their guidance. It is because of our partnership that we do not take equity.

TechFounders was founded in 2015 and has since supported 170 start-ups, including success stories such as ProGlove, KONUX and remberg. The program is part of UnternehmerTUM, the leading center for innovation and business creation. Since 2015 our alumni start-ups have raised over 500 million in financing and created around 3,000 jobs. You can learn more about our alumni here. More about UnternehmerTUM here.

Yes, and preferably already in execution. You must be prepared to work on a project together with one of the Industry Partners. If you are a younger-stage company, we suggest looking into programs with UnternehmerTUM, e.g., the XPRENEURS Incubator.

Yes, but frankly finding a team is half the battle. Find yourself a strong team and execute!

• Each team with a pilot project receives an initial investment of €25K (net)
• You will be provided with office space at UnternehmerTUM in Munich. You will have access to our open space
• Meetings with several entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other experts are arranged. This includes people who are interested in helping you build your business and core focus on customers acquisition as well as venture capitalists who will provide business/product advice
• There will be several pitch trainings throughout the program, as well as individual coaching sessions and workshops with other start-ups
• There is a Demo Day (and fantastic after party) at the end of the program where you will have the opportunity to pitch to the top funding sources. There will also be guest lectures, mentor meetings, and other networking opportunities during the program

Our corporate partners are always on the lookout for new and innovative concepts and start-ups. Start-ups are often more agile than established companies. Through TechFounders, our partner companies have the opportunity to get to know your start-up in an early stage.

Nothing! TechFounders takes no fees and zero equity. Our corporate partners finance the program.

Absolutely! We are very keen on accepting founders from all over the globe and many of our alumni are from abroad. However, if the travel and safety regulations allow, we require founders to be physically present at TechFounders during the 2 presence weeks of the program. We encourage you to apply!

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information. We are more than happy to answer all your questions.
Email us at hello@techfounders.com.

However, please resist to mail us regarding the status of your application or an evaluation of your start-up prior to your application. Due to the high number of applicants, we unfortunately won’t be able to answer them.