Guide

Austrian Startup Funding: The Complete Guide

Austria has one of Europe's most generous public funding systems for startups — and one of the most under-used, because nobody explains it plainly. I coached 100+ startups through FFG applications, aws programs, and investor rounds at Startup Burgenland. This guide maps every route to money, from your first EUR 10K grant to Series A.

Grants & public funding

Non-dilutive money first. Austria's public funding agencies will co-finance more of your startup than most founders believe — if you know which program fits your stage.

FFG and AWS Funding: The Complete Guide for Austrian Startups

Everything you need to know about Austria's two biggest public funding agencies. Application tips from someone who's been through it.

FFG Grants: How to Get EUR 10K+ for Your Startup

Step-by-step guide to Austrian research funding for startups.

AWS Programs Every Austrian Founder Should Know

The funding programs from Austria Wirtschaftsservice, explained.

WKO Resources Most Founders Don't Know About

The Wirtschaftskammer offers more than you think. Here's what.

Austrian Tax Advantages for Startups

Kleinunternehmerregelung, research premiums, and more. Know your benefits.

Investors: angels to VC

When you're ready for equity funding, the Austrian investor landscape plays by its own rules — more conservative, more relationship-driven, and more focused on revenue than Silicon Valley playbooks assume.

The Austrian Business Angel Network

Who's investing at the angel level and how to reach them.

Venture Capital in Austria: The Current Landscape

Who's investing, what they want, and how to get in the room.

Austrian Investor Expectations

What Austrian investors actually look for, how they differ from US VCs, and how to pitch in Vienna versus Silicon Valley.

The Austrian Pitch Deck: What Local Investors Want

Not Silicon Valley. Different culture, different expectations.

Financial Projections Austrian Investors Actually Believe

Not hockey sticks. Realistic models that build credibility.

Startup Funding Phases: From Pre-Seed to Series A in Austria

The funding path mapped to the Austrian ecosystem.

Preparing for Due Diligence: The Austrian Founder's Checklist

What investors will ask and what you need ready.

The alternatives

Funding isn't only grants and equity. Sometimes the smartest move is not raising at all — or buying instead of building.

Bootstrapping in Austria: It's Actually Easier Than You Think

Low cost of living, strong funding, and a supportive ecosystem.

The Nachfolgeboerse: Buying an Existing Business Instead

Sometimes the best startup is one that already exists. Austria's business succession market is a hidden opportunity.

Startup Costs in Austria: The Real Numbers

GmbH registration, SVS, office, tools. What it actually costs to start.

Want help with your funding strategy?

I've reviewed hundreds of FFG applications and pitch decks. If you want a second pair of eyes before you submit — or a plan for which program to target first — let's talk.

Work with me