
Investitionsbank Berlin
Description
Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) serves as the primary development bank for the German capital, Berlin, playing a crucial role in the city's economic development and structural policy. Established to support businesses, housing, and infrastructure, IBB offers a comprehensive suite of financial instruments, including loans, grants, guarantees, and equity capital. Its mandate extends to fostering innovation, promoting growth among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting the startup ecosystem within Berlin.
The bank's strategic focus areas encompass technology, creative industries, and social infrastructure, aligning with Berlin's ambition to be a leading innovation hub. IBB manages various state and European Union funding programs designed to address specific market needs, such as the ProFIT program for innovation funding or the GründungsBONUS for new business founders. These programs are instrumental in providing crucial early-stage and growth capital to promising ventures that might otherwise struggle to secure traditional financing.
For direct equity investments, IBB operates through its subsidiary, IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft (IBB Bet). This venture capital arm specializes in financing technology-oriented startups and growth companies, often co-investing alongside private venture capital firms. IBB Bet's initial investments typically range from €0.5 million to €5 million, with the potential for further follow-on investments as companies scale. This collaborative approach helps leverage private capital and provides startups with a robust financial foundation.
IBB's significant financial commitment underscores its impact on the Berlin economy. In 2023 alone, Investitionsbank Berlin committed approximately €1.9 billion in funding across its various programs, demonstrating its substantial contribution to the city's economic resilience and growth. The bank's multifaceted approach, combining direct financing with strategic partnerships, solidifies its position as a cornerstone investor in Berlin's vibrant startup and business landscape.
Investor Profile
Investitionsbank Berlin has backed more than 53 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 19 rounds, about 36% of its total and boasts 12 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Grant, Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Germany, Canada.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology.
- Led 3 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $500K – $5M.
Stage Focus
- Grant (32%)
- Seed (26%)
- Series Unknown (13%)
- Series A (9%)
- Debt Financing (6%)
- Private Equity (2%)
- Equity Crowdfunding (2%)
- Angel (2%)
- Pre Seed (2%)
- Non Equity Assistance (2%)
Country Focus
- Germany (98%)
- Canada (2%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Information Technology
- Saas
- Health Care
- E-commerce
- Financial Services
- Advertising
- Marketing
- B2b
Frequently Asked Questions
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