THE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Reach investor-readiness and find an investor for your business
Is your startup looking for a seed round or follow-on funding, and warm intros to investors? Then this 4+4 day program is just what you need.
Bootcamp:
After a warm welcome in Heidelberg, you will have the opportunity to network with fellow B2B founders. On the first day, you will be introduced to the world of financing rounds. You will receive valuable insights from VCs and experienced founders and have plenty of time to exchange ideas.
Day two, also on-site in Heidelberg, focuses entirely on sharpening your investor narrative. In hands-on workshops, we will refine your equity story and pitch deck and practice negotiation tactics for real investor conversations.
Days three and four concentrate on the key elements needed to successfully close a financing round. You will receive input on financial planning, unit economics, and cap table management, as well as guidance on selecting the right investors. Additionally, we will support you in understanding the term sheet and preparing strategically and legally for due diligence.
Masterclass:
In the masterclass you will receive a deep dive into all the important topics. In 1:1 sessions, you’ll simulate investor meetings and receive direct feedback to strengthen your pitch and communication. You’ll also join an input session on VSOP (virtual stock option plans) and benefit from peer-to-peer mentoring with other founders. Afterwards there will be an investor matching. Here you will meet potential investors who already have a concrete interest in your startup.
YOUR BENEFITS
What Up2B Fundraising offers you
Peer to peer mentoring
Get connected to VCs and Business Angels
Coaching by B2B experts
THE MODALITIES
A week full of insights and relevant business contacts
You should apply if...
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You are an entrepreneur seeking a seed round or follow-on funding and scaling opportunities
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You are working on a solution from the fields of Industry Tech, Energy, Chemistry, Mobility, IT or Saas
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Your business is B2B-focused
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Your company is not older than 5 years
We prefer startups from BaWü but not mandatory
What to expect?
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Input sessions with investment experts
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Direct connection and one-on-ones with VCs and business angels
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Mentoring with more than 15 B2B experts
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Free participation incl. food and drinks
Program period
Bootcamp: 23rd - 26th June
Masterclass: 14th - 15th July + 1:1 from 22nd - 23rd July
Bootcamp will consists of four full days of input sessions and workshops with experts in the field of startup financing. The startups receive initial feedback from investors. The startups with the most investor matches attend the masterclass.
The Masterclass is an intensive program with 1o1s spread over four days.
Application deadline
Applications open in May and close on 15 June.
Program location
The program takes place in a hybrid setting.
The sessions can take place on location in Heidelberg (Heidelberg Technology Park), Walldorf (innoWerft - Technology and Start-up Center) and Mannheim (MAFINEX Technology Center) or online via Zoom.
The exact place of participation will be announced.
Program costs
Since Up2B is funded by Startup BW and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism, the participation is free including food and beverages during the program on site. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
Agenda
Bootcamp
23.06
Introduction: VC and other financing options,
Founders panel and networking
24.06
Workshop day (Review Equity Story & Pitchdeck and
Negotiation Tactics)
25.06
Closing a financing round: Financial Planning & Unit onlineEconomics, Cap Table
26.06
Closing a financing round: Termsheet, Due Diligence
Masterclass
14.07
Simulation of an investor meeting & Finance plan
22. - 23.07
15.07
VSOP & peer 2 peer Mentoring
Investor Matching
THE MENTORS
The mentors & experts you will meet
Dr. Markus Lau
Co-Founder
Ventecon Technologies GmbH
Prof. Bernhard Küppers
Leiter Gründer-Institut
SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University
Frank Hummler
Venture Capital | B2B-Tech | Seed & Series A | Investment Manager
MBG Baden-Württemberg
FUNDRAISING IMPRESSIONS
Get a feeling about the program
FAQ
Frequently asked about Up2B Fundraising
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Who can apply?Startups with a with a B2B focus from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) , chemistry, energy, ...
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When is the application deadline?The deadline for applications is the 15th of June 2025.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about a week before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?No, this program is for startups that are seeking a pre-seed or seed investment. If you haven't founded already "Up2B Exploration" is the right program for you.
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We only have a business idea and want to apply for the Fundraising?The focus of Fundraising is to support startups that want to scale and to get funded. For very early-stage startups we offer our program Up2B Exploration. If your startup is too early-stage for Fundraising, we will inform you.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
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Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
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What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
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Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Any other requirementsWe ask you to agree on a support agrrement that governs the mutual relationship between Up2B Accelerator and your companmy. Please finde this agreement attached
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus.
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When do you decide, if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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I am the only founder in the company. Can I apply?No. You need to be present as a team because we will have several coaching points that will strengthen and develop the startup team.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?Yes, we consider startups no matter if they have already founded a company or not.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
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Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
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What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
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Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Which startups get into the masterclass?The bootcamp will end with a pitch competition. The best 8 Startups gain acces to the masterclass.
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until October 16th, 2022 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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I am the only founder in the company. Can I apply?Yes, you can. We also consider startups with only one founder for the Product Booster program.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?Yes, we consider startups no matter if they have already founded a company or not.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
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Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
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What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
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Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus. Furthermore, you have to fulfill the following criteria: your startup is less than 5 years old you want to take the next step from startup to scale up you have more than 10 employees your startup has 1-2 years of revenue and customer growth
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until January 23rd, 2022 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
-
Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
-
What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
-
Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Who can apply?International (non-german) startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus. You should have already succeeded abroad and are planning to expand to the German market.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until 29 June 2025 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 2 months before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
-
Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
-
What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
-
Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus and the goal to improve their sales structures and processes.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until 2 February 2025 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?Yes, we consider startups no matter if they have already founded a company or not. Nonetheless, the Sales Bootcamp makes more sense for startups that have already achieved product-market fit or have an MVP which is ready to be sold. If you are an early-stage startup our Breakthrough program might be better suited for you.
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I am the only founder in the company. Can I apply?Yes, you can. But in our selection of the participants we will prefer startups that have already achieved product-market fit or have an MVP which is ready to be sold.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
-
Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
-
What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
-
Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until January 21st, 2024 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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How do I add a new question & answer?To add a new FAQ follow these steps: 1. Click “Manage FAQs” button 2. From your site’s dashboard you can add, edit and manage all your questions and answers 3. Each question and answer should be added to a category 4. Save and publish.
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Can I insert an image, video, or gif in my FAQ?Yes. To add media follow these steps: 1. Enter the app’s Settings 2. Click on the “Manage FAQs” button 3. Select the question you would like to add media to 4. When editing your answer click on the camera, video, or GIF icon 5. Add media from your library.
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How do I edit or remove the “FAQ” title?You can edit the title from the Settings tab in the app. If you don’t want to display the title, simply disable the Title under “Info to Display”.
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What is an FAQ section?An FAQ section can be used to quickly answer common questions about you or your business, such as “Where do you ship to?”, “What are your opening hours?” or “How can I book a service?” It’s a great way to help people navigate your site and can even boost your site’s SEO.
TESTIMONIALS
What the participants say about Fundraising
“The Firecamp is the most inspiring and intensive format for the further development of innovative startup ideas I have seen in Germany so far. This week is so motivating for the founders, startup teams and mentors and ensures the exchange of valuable knowledge and experiences in professional fields. For local startups who are serious about their growth, the Firecamp is an absolute must and a highlight!”
Christian Wewezow
Investor and Venture Builder
Get in touch!
Viviane is your contact person for Up2B Fundraising. If you have questions about the program, please don't hesitate to contact her. For further information, please also check our FAQs.
