Zebra Embassy

Receiving public funding like the Forschungszulage is a significant milestone for start-ups and scale-ups. However, many overlook a critical detail: these funds are subject to the same audit and adjustment rules as taxes. This means your funding can be reviewed as part of a tax audit, even years after it has been paid out. Without proper documentation, you risk: - Lengthy discussions with auditors, - Potential funding reductions or - In the worst case, losing your funding entirely. This doesn’t just apply to the Forschungszulage but also to other public funding programs. We are currently seeing the first tax audits focusing on this topic. Based on our hands-on experience and the feedback from auditors, we know which aspects will likely be challenged. We offer a free review of your documentation to help mitigate risks and safeguard your funding. Using the criteria we’ve identified from tax auditors, we’ll highlight potential gaps and provide suggestions for improvement. Contact us at mail@zebra-embassy.com – we’re here to help you stay compliant and safe!

We’re a bit late to share this, but it’s worth the wait: Dr. Philipp Naegelein, one of our founders, was featured in the October 2024 issue of #BerlinerWirtschaft! His article dives into the topic of startup financing - exploring different paths founders can take and the key factors to consider when securing funding. 👉 What are the best strategies? What mistakes should you avoid? Philipp shares valuable insights to help startups navigate their financing journey. You can find the full article in Berliner Wirtschaft. We’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences! 

Public funding can be a fantastic opportunity for startups - but it’s not as simple as grabbing free money. To make it work, you need a strategy and to avoid these common mistakes: 1️⃣ Skipping Research Not every program is a good fit. Do your homework: Does it align with your goals? What are the chances of success? Is the effort worth it? Sometimes a 10-minute call with the funding body will save you hours of Googling. 2️⃣ Bad Timing Most programs won’t fund projects you’ve already started. There are exceptions—like Germany’s R&D tax credit—but you need to know the timing rules before applying. 3️⃣ Underestimating the Effort Some applications are straightforward, but others are long and complex. Make sure the reward is worth the workload, especially for bigger programs with low success rates. 4️⃣ Picking the Wrong Advisors The right consultants can make a huge difference. Look for people who know your industry, stay involved beyond the application, and offer fair pricing. 5️⃣ Ignoring Documentation Public funding comes with strings attached. If you don’t keep proper records, you risk audits, repayments, or worse. If this isn’t your strong suit, get help! Public funding works best when it’s part of a balanced strategy with VC and revenue. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll set your startup up for sustainable growth. What’s been your biggest challenge with funding? Let’s talk!

Wrapping up our Meet the Founders series, we’re excited to introduce Matthias Hecht! With his unique blend of deep tech expertise as both a scientific researcher and entrepreneur, Matthias is committed to helping startups access the right funding for sustainable innovation. Swipe through to discover more about his journey!

Next up in our Meet the Founders series: Stefan Hoehn! With a strong background in law and business, Stefan brings invaluable expertise to Zebra Embassy , helping clients navigate the legal intricacies of public funding. Swipe through to learn more about his journey and the unique perspective he brings to our team!

Next in our Meet the Founders series: Pierre Dominique Ostrowski! With a wealth of experience in scaling high-growth startups, Pierre combines strategic vision with a hands-on approach to sustainable growth at Zebra Embassy . Swipe through to learn more about his journey and what drives him!

We're excited to introduce the people behind Zebra Embassy ! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing insights into the journeys, expertise, and passions that each team member brings to the table, starting with our founders. First up, meet Dr. Philipp Naegelein — co-founder and a driving force at Zebra Embassy!

Make or Buy: 5 Reasons to Partner with Consultants on Large Public Funding Applications When it comes to securing significant public grants, one question often arises: should you manage the application process in-house or bring in external expertise? Here are 5 reasons why working with consultants can be a game-changer: 1️⃣ Time Efficiency: Stay focused on your core business while experts handle the complexities of grant applications. 2️⃣ Maximizing Potential: Consultants ensure no opportunities are missed and that your application is as strong as possible. 3️⃣ Higher Success Rates: With specialized knowledge and experience, consultants can significantly improve your chances of approval. 4️⃣ Regulatory Compliance: Avoid costly mistakes by staying on top of complex regulations with the help of professionals. 5️⃣ Strategic Alignment: The right consultant will align with your business goals, ensuring a smooth and strategic approach to the funding process. What’s your take? Have you worked with external experts for large funding applications, and would you recommend it?

Every startup needs a well-thought-out public funding strategy. With over 2,000 funding programs in Germany alone, navigating the landscape can feel overwhelming. Having a clear strategy in place is key to making the most of the opportunities available at each stage of growth. We’ve created an overview that breaks down how to approach funding based on your startup’s development phase. 👉 Timing is crucial, and getting it right can make all the difference. What has your experience with public funding been? Are there any aspects you think we should add to our overview?

Is public funding really worth the effort? 🤔 We’ve created a clear matrix to show the balance between effort and potential return across various funding programs. It’s no secret that the application process can be time-consuming, but the right funding can be a game-changer, especially for tech startups. Low effort, low return or high effort, high return? The decision often comes down to your resources and timing. But what else should companies consider when navigating public funding? Is there anything missing here? Check out the overview - are there other factors you'd consider?