The German initiative WIN, backed by the government and over 30 major companies, pledges a €12 billion investment into startups by 2030. The goal is to boost innovation and competitiveness within Germany and Europe. This program opens new opportunities also for Czech and Slovak startups that can benefit from stronger ties to the German market. What are these? Let's take a closer look at the initiative.
Allianz, AXA Deutschland, BlackRock, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Börse, Deutsche Telekom/T.Capital, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Generali Deutschland, Henkel, Schenker Ventures, and W&W Asset Management are just a few of over thirty companies that have signed onto the WIN initiative—Wachstums- und Innovationskapital für Deutschland (Growth and Innovation Capital for Germany). Launched in mid-September with the backing of Germany’s "traffic light" coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), and Trade Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) introduced this groundbreaking initiative in Berlin.
WIN aims to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem as a driving force behind economic growth and future prosperity, not only within Germany but across Europe as well. A key player in the initiative is Germany’s development bank, KfW, which serves a pivotal role in the government’s vision for WIN.
WIN's primary commitment is financial: a total of €12 billion will be allocated by 2030 to support startups primarily in their growth phase, up to and including their IPOs—and for one year post-IPO.
The initiative encompasses a broad array of measures beyond capital investment, aiming to drive the entire venture capital and startup ecosystem toward greater sustainability and competitiveness. These include enhanced support for university spin-offs, improved conditions for funds-of-funds, streamlined IPO processes, and eased investment regulations for insurance companies and pension funds. Additionally, WIN seeks to establish appropriate vehicles for investments from family offices and high-net-worth individuals.
Many elements of the WIN initiative require further development by responsible partners and implementation by the German government, such as adjustments to tax regulations. While details are still being worked out, it is clear that this initiative is set to deliver a significant boost to the venture capital sector and the startup scene—a move that could reverberate beyond Germany’s borders.
In tandem with WIN, Germany has expanded its digital hubs (de:hubs), adding 10 more to bridge traditional industries (such as the “Mittelstand”) with innovative sectors, bringing the total to 25. Notable among these is the Munich hub focused on defence and security, a sector that has historically produced innovations later adopted for civilian use.
The WIN initiative also brings new opportunities for Czech and Slovak startups and investors. Through our Frankfurt office, which we opened this year as the first law firm from the CEE region, and with our extensive venture capital and technology experience, we are here to help you navigate and seize opportunities within the German market.
