Are you a founder or young entrepreneur and have been in the market for less than five years? Then you know the problem: to really move your business forward and scale, you need capital. But as soon as you ask your main bank for founder financing for ‘soft costs’ such as marketing, rent, or staff, you often hit a wall. Banks love machinery and tangible collateral, but they shy away from the risk of the so-called ‘burn rate.’

But here is the good news: there are ways for you to receive up to €80,000 in funding (and even significantly more) specifically for these fixed costs. We at X-Group have been supporting entrepreneurs for over 25 years in successfully applying for these funds. With a success rate of 99% we know exactly which levers you need to pull to obtain approval from KfW.

Why ‘soft costs’ are now financeable

In the past, it was almost impossible to obtain funding for working capital at this level. Advertising expenses or salaries are considered ‘non-capitalisable’ in banking jargon – once spent, they cannot simply be resold. Today, however, there are modern funding programmesprogrammes specifically designed to help your start-up become viable.

What is special about the current KfW loan is the possibility of up to 80% liability exemption. This means that KfW assumes the majority of the risk, which significantly increases your chances with your main bank. Whether it is online marketing, website development, or new employees – these funds are available to accelerate your growth, rather than just depleting your personal savings.

The 36-month financial plan: Your ticket to capital

Many founders make the mistake of relying on their Business Plan about AI-generated texts. But be careful: a bank does not decide based on poetry, but on numbers. Before you write even a single line of text, your Financial Plan must be in place. It must precisely show, over the next 36 months, how your revenues will flow, what your projected marketing costs are, and when repayments will begin.

A plausible, bank-ready financial plan is the heart of your application documents. It must be logically consistent and demonstrate that your business will be fully viable within a maximum of five years. Only once the figures are convincing does it make sense to build the ‘narrative part’ of the business plan around them. At X-Group, we have the tools and templates to create this plan so that it stands up to any bank review.

The checklist: Why most applications fail

A KfW Start-up Loan cannot simply be applied for ‘around the corner’. You must convince your main bank, as they will submit the application on your behalf. The completeness of your documents is crucial. A single missing document, such as a tax clearance certificate from the tax office or a complete CV of the management, can lead to immediate rejection.

We guide you through the entire process and work with a detailed checklist. From articles of association and investment forecasts to proof of equity – we ensure your application is submitted professionally and without gaps. Our cooperative consulting approach allows you to focus on your core business while we handle the bureaucratic hurdles for you.

Unlimited scaling: Secure €160,000 and more

Did you know that the €80,000 per person can apply? If you have at least two managing directors, each with more than 25% shares, you can double the amount to €160,000. With three shareholders, up to €240,000 is possible for working capital. This is the start-up capital that can make the difference between a tough struggle for survival and real market dominance.

X-Group is certified nationwide and approved for all relevant Funding programmes. We are your long-term partner – from the initial feasibility analysis to the disbursement of funds to your account. And if you later need €800,000 for even greater scaling, we are already by your side. Take advantage of our expertise and don’t leave your money on the table.

About X-Group

Belief in your potential and a focus on the things that truly move you forward are the top priorities at X-Group GmbH in Berlin. You receive tailored support that identifies the most important bottlenecks. This way, you remove obstacles and can work purposefully towards your success.