Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the equity financing option of the EU’s start-up grant (SME Instrument, EIC Accelerator). The EIC Accelerator offers the application for either a pure grant or blended finance (a mix between a grant and equity-based financing). While the application and reviewing…
Tag: EIC Accelerator grant
EIC Accelerator
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Changes in the EIC Accelerator during 2019
Since 2019 has come to an end, here is a summary of the main changes that have occurred regarding the EUs startup grant – the EIC Accelerator: 1. Equity Finance: The most significant change was the discontinuation of Phase 1 (€50,000 grant financing) and the introduction of the new blended financing…
EIC Accelerator
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SME Instrument Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 (EIC Accelerator)
Since Phase 1 (€50,000) of the EUs start-up grant will be discontinued after September 2019 but Phase 2 (€2,500,000) will remain open, here is an overview of the main differences between the applications. While Phase 1 &2 proposals do follow almost the exact same template, there are important variations…
Horizon 2020
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When Is the Grant Paid in Phase 1?
From submission to approval of the project, it can take 4-6 weeks followed by another 4 weeks for the signing of the grant agreement contract and release of the funds. Phase 1 is funded with €50.000 out of which 40% is paid in advance (€20,000) and the rest will…
Horizon 2020
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Professional Grant Proposal Writing
Why hire a professional grant proposal writer? The EC has published templates for grant proposals but they are very general and do not guide the applicant to the content that makes a high-quality proposal. We know what evaluators are looking for and what content needs to actually be in the…
EIC Accelerator
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The Difference Between Innovation and Features (EIC Accelerator)
Here are some tips regarding applications for the EU’s start-up grant (up to €2,500,000 via grant + €15,000,000 through equity financing). The central component for the grant application is the innovative nature of the project, meaning that it not only addresses customer needs and has a significant market impact but…
EIC Accelerator
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SME Instrument Grant Writing Tips (EIC Accelerator)
I frequently get asked about the application process for the SME Instrument Funding by the EU, so here is a brief overview for every startup that wants to apply: Proposal writing is the most important part but I am covering this in another post Choosing an Acronym and Tagline: Each…
EIC Accelerator
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The Two Most Important Features for an SME Instrument Project (EIC Accelerator)
Here is some information on the EUs startup grant to help you find out if you can apply. I am always looking for two major things to quickly assess a companies success chances: Innovation & Traction. (1) Innovation The EU specifically funds high-risk and high-reward projects. This means that the…
EIC Accelerator
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How To Identify a High Quality SME Instrument Project (EIC Accelerator)
If you are considering to apply for the start-up grant by the EU, here is the most important information on how to identify a high-quality project: (1) Hardware products: More than 60% of all funded projects are related to hardware manufacturing, followed by subscription services at only 16%. This…
Horizon 2020
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What is the Timeline for the Application?
Since I am frequently asked about the specific timeline and duration for the EU’s SME Instrument funding, here is a brief overview of how long it takes to apply: Phase 1: – There are 4 deadlines per year for which applications can be submitted (usually February, May, September and…