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.

By bringing together established companies with pioneering start-ups, we actively contribute to the expansion of employment opportunities and economic prosperity across Europe and beyond - in a sustainable and responsible manner.

The program operates in a hybrid format, with two batches per year. Our upcoming winter batch begins in February and concludes with Demo Day in June, while the summer batch starts in July and wraps up in December.

Each batch includes two on-site sprints in Munich, Germany, alongside one online sprint and regular check-ins. For a detailed overview of the program's structure and content, please visit our Program -page.

Start-ups working on pilot projects with our corporate partners will start and advance their projects based on their specific agreements with the partner company.

The program also features a variety of workshops, networking events, and intensive meetings with potential customers and industry partners, tailored to the needs and interests of each start-up.

Additionally, every start-up has unlimited access to MakerSpace, a cutting-edge prototyping center equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, water jet machines, wood-cutting tools, and more.

Coaching sessions and events are scheduled across two on-site sprint weeks during the 3-month program, supplemented by online sprints and regular check-ins. For the next batch, the on-site sprints will take place on the last week of February and the first week of June.

Attendance at the on-site sessions in Munich, Germany, as well as all program events, is mandatory.

For the most up-to-date information on the scheduling of on-site and remote sprints, please refer to the Program Timeline on our Program page.

Applications for Batch #21 will be open from September 13 to September 30, 2024.

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.

Our corporate partners for Batch #21 backing the accelerator will be announced soon. 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 over 180 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 750 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
• Demo Day (and fantastic after party) takes place 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.