aws Gründungsfonds

aws Gründungsfonds is a prominent Austrian venture capital fund dedicated to fostering the growth of high-potential startups within Austria. As an integral part of Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws), the federal development bank of Austria, the fund leverages institutional backing to support the nation's innovation ecosystem. Their primary focus is on companies in their later seed to pre-Series A stages, identifying and investing in businesses poised for significant scaling and market disruption.

The fund employs a strategic investment approach, typically providing initial cheques ranging from EUR 0.5 million to EUR 4 million. This translates to approximately $540,000 to $4.32 million USD, based on current exchange rates. Beyond initial funding, aws Gründungsfonds is prepared to commit further capital, with the capacity to invest up to EUR 7.5 million per company across subsequent rounds, demonstrating a long-term commitment to their portfolio. Their sectorial focus is sharply defined, targeting deep tech, industrial tech, and life sciences, areas where Austria has strong research and development capabilities.

More than just a capital provider, aws Gründungsfonds positions itself as a strategic partner for founders. They offer comprehensive support that extends beyond financial investment, including strategic guidance, operational expertise, and invaluable access to their extensive network of industry experts, mentors, and potential partners. This holistic approach aims to accelerate the development and market penetration of their portfolio companies, solidifying their role as a cornerstone investor in the Austrian startup landscape.