Innovation happens where no one is looking. We make it visible.

    Founders Bay opens access to impact startups from rural Germany — with solutions for affordable energy, sustainable land use, resilient infrastructure and strong communities. Curated dealflow, pilot introductions, hands-on. Because your innovation window won't stay open for years.

    Request an intro call
    Startups: GermanyPartners: all across Europe
    60+

    Startups in the portfolio

    150+

    Mentors & experts

    20M+

    EUR funding

    DE → EU

    Startups DE · partners Europe

    Two ways to partner with us.

    Whether you want to solve specific innovation challenges or actively help shape the ecosystem — we have the right format.

    Venture Clienting – Innovation as a Service at Founders Bay
    Innovation as a Service

    Venture Clienting

    Instead of building it yourself: we match you with climate and social impact startups that solve your specific strategic challenges — fast, relevant, and executable. From scouting to pilot project to rollout.

    • Tailored startup scouting based on your use cases
    • Structured pilot and pitch process
    • Support through to commercial integration
    For corporates & SMEsView partnership details
    Ecosystem partnership – Network & collaboration at Founders Bay
    Network & collaboration

    Ecosystem partnership

    Become part of the Founders Bay ecosystem with 150+ mentors, batch startups, and an active SME network. Visibility, talent access, and exclusive innovation formats throughout the year.

    • Logo presence, demo days & exclusive events
    • Direct access to batch startups & alumni
    • Co-branded content, workshops & speaking slots
    For partner organizationsView partnership details

    Four strong reasons for a partnership with Founders Bay.

    Access to potential

    Pre-qualified climate & social impact startups with real market potential — instead of 100 cold pitches.

    Access to innovation

    Concrete pilot projects with clear KPIs — instead of vague innovation theatre.

    Access to founders

    Direct access to founders who bring new perspectives, solutions and entrepreneurial thinking to your organization.

    Access to impact

    Visible contribution to CO₂ reduction, circular economy and social innovation — also valuable for ESG reporting.

    A strong network built on four pillars.

    Founders Bay works because we connect the right players — every partner type plays a critical role.

    01

    Corporates & SMEs

    Innovative companies that open new business areas together with startups and embed innovation in their DNA.

    Logo WEMAG – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Bosch – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo ProjectBay – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo KoRo – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Recup – partner of Founders Bay
    02

    Investors

    Business angels, impact VCs, and family offices giving our startups capital and expertise to scale.

    Logo World Fund – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo ESB Invest – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo HTGF – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Genius Venture Capital – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo BAND – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo AENU – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Sector π – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Vision Lab Earlybird – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Morrow Collective – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Heartfelt – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Ostwerk – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Commerzbank – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo TeutoSeed Club – partner of Founders Bay
    03

    Service providers & enablers

    Specialized partners for legal, tax, HR, tech, and marketing — supporting our startups with know-how and preferential conditions.

    Logo RSR Rüping Schroeder – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo HubSpot – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Notion – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo AddedVal.io – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Start2 Group – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Lovable – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo FASE – partner of Founders Bay
    04

    Public sector, supporters & network

    Savings banks, foundations, associations, and networks strengthening the climate & social impact ecosystem across the DACH region.

    Logo Sparkasse Vorpommern – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo ProjectBay – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Startups for Tomorrow – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo SINGA Deutschland – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Enactus – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo StartupTeens – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Startup Verband – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Gründungswerft – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Plattform Soziale Innovation – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo Allgäu Digital – partner of Founders Bay
    Logo DeepTech & Climate Fonds – partner of Founders Bay

    In three steps to a partnership.

    — 01

    Get to know each other

    Non-binding first conversation: we understand your goals, fields of innovation, and expectations.

    — 02

    Define the format

    Together, we choose the right partnership model — from one-off venture clienting to an annual partnership.

    — 03

    Get started

    Onboarding into the ecosystem, matching with relevant startups, and launching the first shared activities.

    Answers for innovation leads

    Let’s talk

    Ready to bring innovation to life together?

    Tell us about your organization and your goals — we will get back to you within 48 hours for a non-binding intro call.