Tips for investors and startups published in Q1 in 2021

In Germany, a startup investment may be eligible for an INVEST grant. The INVEST grant is a state subsidy program for Angel investments run by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). The system subsidizes private investors, in particular business angels, to provide capital for these companies. It does allow these private investors...

We believe there is enough capital out there for every good idea. By offering an Angel network and a standardized investment structure small investments become possible through Leapfunder. There is power in numbers and many smaller investors can still bring together a very significant starting capital. We aim to introduce startups to an extensive European...

Fridtjof Gustavs is the Founder of MotionLab.Berlin, a HardTech innovation hub, which provides HardTech startups with tailored tools to improve our way of living. In addition to coworking offices, and meeting rooms, they primarily offer access to a large machine park consisting of 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics, and a creative community of engineers, designers, creators,...

We had a chat with Shahar Graf, the Co-Founder of Capital House, which organizes the annual Amsterdam Capital House event, with a mission to create an ecosystem that actively supports the growth of founders. This year, the event will be taking place from March 24th-26th. As a part of the event’s program, Leapfunder will be hosting...

Sieuwert van Otterloo is the Founder and Managing Director of the ICT Institute, a consulting firm for IT Due Diligence, Software, Privacy, and AI advice. They provide independent advice combining the latest research results with practical experience. To keep learning, he also invests in and provides guidance to technology startups, teaches software project management at...

Annegien Blokpoel has been an entrepreneur for almost 20 years and a business angel for the past 12. She is the author of two books: ‘Maak Je bedrijf meer Waard’ (Improve the Value of Your Company) and Eerste Hulp bij Groeien (First Help When Growing Your Business). She also gives workshops, lectures, and tailor-made sessions...

ProctorExam, a Leapfunder alumnus and the Dutch company that provides hundreds of universities and professional licensing companies with software for online proctoring, has been taken over by a British division of the American company Turnitin as of December 31, 2020. The software company is now the sole shareholder. ProctorExam has brought technology and the exam industry to a whole...

Entrepreneurs are not always aware of the different financing tools available to them when raising funding, nor the implications of the different forms of funding for their company. The three most common ways to get funding are the following: You can sell your shares You can get a loan Or you can use convertibles Due...

We talked to Jelle Drijver, the entrepreneur behind  Peper in je Pand, where he turns vacant commercial real estate into vibrant multi-company buildings. He is also the founder of MegaExposure, which helps you optimise your online presence. He’s shaping the startup ecosystem in Utrecht by presenting, giving trainings and recording podcasts as well. Find out what lessons...

BikeFair is the first easy, fair, and fun to use pre-owned bike marketplace. No stolen bikes, no scam, just great deals from both bike shops and individuals. Designed to prevent trading stolen bikes, BikeFair offers an alternative to the shady dude trying to sell you an obviously stolen bike on the corner at midnight. Find out...

Paula Thurm is a Podcast Marketing Expert from Hamburg. With her Podcast Marketing Club, she helps companies win their target audience’s trust and build lasting relationships with their customers. Find out how she’s shaping the startup ecosystem in Hamburg, what it is about podcasts that particularly attracts her, and which lessons for founders interested in creating...

Anna-Lena Gerber is a mission to improve the lives of families through community-building and social innovation. She is the Co-Founder & CEO of Mello, a Berlin-based startup and Techstars Accelerator alumni, which aims to help parents build strong local support networks online and in the real world. Find out how she entered the startup world, what is it...

We had a chat with Femmie Geradts, the Director of Startup Village Amsterdam. Startup Village is Amsterdam’s innovation hub where science-based startups are facilitated in locations, co-working spaces, and event studios. It houses a strong community of 35 startups. Femmie’s focus is to strengthen the cooperation with Amsterdam knowledge institutions and governmental organizations and to...

The first changemaker we interviewed in 2021 is Mirko Schliemann, an experienced Managing Director, CFO and entrepreneur. Mirko has a history of working in the staffing and recruiting industry with a focus on IT businesses. He is the Founder of Aloha Talents, where he brings IT employees and companies together. Find out how he entered the...