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INVESTFORUM

Full company profile

uuid002726m

Namestring
INVESTFORUM
Legal namestring
Impetuum GmbH
Websiteurl
investforum.de
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2009
Descriptiontext

INVESTFORUM (commercial name: Investforum Startup-Service) is a publicly funded startup-investor matching and qualification platform serving Saxony-Anhalt and the wider Mitteldeutschland region of Germany. Operated by IMPETUUM GmbH – Institut für Wissens- und Technologietransfer, a 100% subsidiary of Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, the platform was established in 2009 and relaunched in February 2025 after a two-year hiatus under a new ESF+ and Land Sachsen-Anhalt funding cycle (project reference ZS/2025/01/195390, valid through January 31, 2027).

The service delivers four core offerings: (i) one-on-one coachings on business model development, financing strategy, and pitch-deck optimisation; (ii) group workshops covering valuation, due diligence, and legal/tax basics; (iii) year-round curated matchmaking between startups and capital providers; and (iv) the annual Investforum Pitch-Day as the flagship matching event. Across its history, the platform reports approximately 44 supported startups, EUR 10 million in capital mediated, and 15+ investor partners including bmp Ventures (10+ year sponsor), High-Tech Gründerfonds, IBG, MBG, and BAND. The 2024 edition hosted 28 startup pitches with ~80 attendees; the 2026 edition received 58 applications by the deadline.

The business model is entirely non-commercial: services are provided free of charge to qualifying startups based in or relocating to Saxony-Anhalt, with no equity taken and no commission charged. Operating costs are covered by public grants (ESF+ and the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Economics), and each participant carries a de-minimis subsidy value of EUR 7,612.31. Distribution is regional and event-driven, combining the annual Pitch-Day with continuous direct coaching and a network of university, chamber, and cluster partners. Leadership comprises Managing Director Anne-Janine Freund and Project Manager Steffen Ahrens.

Short descriptiontext

INVESTFORUM is a publicly funded startup-investor matching and qualification platform in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, operated by IMPETUUM GmbH (Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg). It offers free coaching, workshops, and the annual Pitch-Day to connect early-stage startups with regional investors, funded by ESF+ and the state.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersHalle, Germany
HQ citystring
Halle
HQ countrystring
Germany
HQ regionstring
Europe
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
startup investor matchmaking, early-stage financing advisory, investment readiness coaching, pitch training programs, venture capital preparation
Industry3 codes
1Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated)
CodeFSANAAAMPrimaryYes
2Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics
CodeEDAMAHAAPrimaryNo
3Venture Capital Fundraising Placement
CodeFSAEALACPrimaryNo
NAICS code2 codes
  • Educational Support Services61171
  • Professional and Management Development Training611430
SIC code1 code
  • Services-Management Consulting Services8742
Product category
Startup Investment Readiness Services
GTM motion2 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model1 record
1Public Funding (ESF+ & Land Sachsen-Anhalt)
Description

As a publicly funded transfer institute, Investforum generates no commercial revenue. Services are provided free of charge to startups. The project is funded by the Ministry for Economy, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The organization does not take equity or commission.

investforum.de
Marketing channels6 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components5 values
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Pricing details1 tier
1Free services for startups in Saxony-Anhalt (Pre-Seed, Seed, early growth)
ModelOtherBilling cadenceMulti-year contract
Notes

Funded by ESF+ and Land Sachsen-Anhalt. De-minimis subsidy value: 7,612.31 EUR per participant. No fees, equity, or commission charged.

investforum.de
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Core offering1 text field

The Investforum Startup-Service is a publicly funded matching and qualification platform that prepares cross-industry startups in Saxony-Anhalt for early-stage (Pre-Seed, Seed, and early growth) financing. It delivers individual coachings, pitch trainings, workshops, and curated 1:1 matchings to connect startups with Business Angels, venture capital firms, family offices, corporate investors, and academic partners, anchored by the annual Investforum Pitch-Day as its flagship event.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 3 values shown
  • EUR 10 million in capital mediated to 44+ startups; 15 investor partners engaged
+2 more records
Product overview1 text field

The Investforum Startup-Service is a unified matching and qualification platform for startups in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Its core offering comprises the Investforum Startup-Service platform itself, which provides coaching, workshops, and matching services to prepare startups for early-stage financing. The flagship sub-product is the annual Investforum Pitch-Day event. The services are delivered free of charge to eligible startups through public funding from the European Social Fund Plus and the State of Saxony-Anhalt.

Product and service2 records
1Investforum Startup-Service
CategoryStartup Investment Readiness Services
Description

Central matching and qualification platform for cross-industry startups in Saxony-Anhalt, providing individual coaching, pitch training, workshops, and curated 1:1 matchings with Business Angels, venture capital firms, family offices, corporate investors, and academic partners to prepare teams for early-stage financing.

2Investforum Pitch-Day
CategoryInvestor Matchmaking Event
Description

Annual flagship event where selected startups present their business models to investors, business angels, venture capital firms, and corporate partners, featuring stage pitches, 1:1 matching sessions, and special awards (e.g., 'Most Convincing Startup' and TK Special Prize 'Gesundheit').

Scale indicator11 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership10 partners
1IMPETUUM GmbH — Institut für Wissens- und Technologietransfer
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

The parent organization of Investforum Startup-Service. A 100% subsidiary of Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, operating in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and alliance management, and knowledge and technology transfer since 2006. Coordinates the Investforum Startup-Service project.

2Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

The academic institution behind IMPETUUM GmbH. Serves as the knowledge and technology transfer hub connecting startups, research, and the broader innovation ecosystem in the region.

3GRUENDELPARTNER
Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Law firm providing legal and corporate law expertise for startups. Offers Office Hours at Investforum Pitch-Day. Dr. Steffen Fritzsche leads Lunch-Lectures on Due Diligence for Investforum.

investforum.de
4Deutsche Telekom TechBoost Program
Strategic tierMinorTypeGTM or Marketing Partner
Description

Investforum is a partner of the Deutsche Telekom TechBoost program, enabling selected technology startups to receive up to EUR 100,000 in Deutsche Telekom cloud credits and support with marketing and sales cooperation.

5Business Angels Netzwerk Deutschland (BAND)
Strategic tierMinorTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

National network of business angels providing a platform for investors and founders to connect.

investforum.de
6Startup-Verband (Landesgruppe Sachsen-Anhalt)
Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-organizes Startup-Talk Sachsen-Anhalt events with Investforum to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem and provide a platform for dialogue between startups and policymakers.

7Startup Mitteldeutschland
Strategic tierMinorTypeGTM or Marketing Partner
Description

Regional startup platform and network covering Central Germany, co-promoting startup events and ecosystem activities.

8HIER — we go (Gründerseite Sachsen-Anhalt)
Strategic tierMinorTypeGTM or Marketing Partner
Description

Comprehensive startup portal for Saxony-Anhalt providing information on financing, support programs, and startup stories. Cross-promotes Investforum services.

9Venture Capital Magazin
Strategic tierMinorTypeGTM or Marketing Partner
Description

German VC publication serving as a media partner and distributing the 'Standorte, Regionen & Technologien' special edition featuring Saxony-Anhalt's startup ecosystem.

10Weinberg Campus Accelerator
Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Biomedical and life sciences accelerator based in Halle (Saale), offering Office Hours at Investforum Pitch-Day and supporting deep-tech startup development in the region.

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight6 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Market position
Competitive moat4 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers10 records

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles2 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

INVESTFORUM

Startup Investment Readiness Servicesinvestforum.de

INVESTFORUM is a publicly funded startup-investor matching and qualification platform in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, operated by IMPETUUM GmbH (Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg). It offers free coaching, workshops, and the annual Pitch-Day to connect early-stage startups with regional investors, funded by ESF+ and the state.

What INVESTFORUM does

INVESTFORUM (commercial name: Investforum Startup-Service) is a publicly funded startup-investor matching and qualification platform serving Saxony-Anhalt and the wider Mitteldeutschland region of Germany. Operated by IMPETUUM GmbH – Institut für Wissens- und Technologietransfer, a 100% subsidiary of Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, the platform was established in 2009 and relaunched in February 2025 after a two-year hiatus under a new ESF+ and Land Sachsen-Anhalt funding cycle (project reference ZS/2025/01/195390, valid through January 31, 2027).

The service delivers four core offerings: (i) one-on-one coachings on business model development, financing strategy, and pitch-deck optimisation; (ii) group workshops covering valuation, due diligence, and legal/tax basics; (iii) year-round curated matchmaking between startups and capital providers; and (iv) the annual Investforum Pitch-Day as the flagship matching event. Across its history, the platform reports approximately 44 supported startups, EUR 10 million in capital mediated, and 15+ investor partners including bmp Ventures (10+ year sponsor), High-Tech Gründerfonds, IBG, MBG, and BAND. The 2024 edition hosted 28 startup pitches with ~80 attendees; the 2026 edition received 58 applications by the deadline.

The business model is entirely non-commercial: services are provided free of charge to qualifying startups based in or relocating to Saxony-Anhalt, with no equity taken and no commission charged. Operating costs are covered by public grants (ESF+ and the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Economics), and each participant carries a de-minimis subsidy value of EUR 7,612.31. Distribution is regional and event-driven, combining the annual Pitch-Day with continuous direct coaching and a network of university, chamber, and cluster partners. Leadership comprises Managing Director Anne-Janine Freund and Project Manager Steffen Ahrens.

INVESTFORUM firmographics

Firmographics
Name
INVESTFORUM
Legal name
Impetuum GmbH
Website
https://investforum.de
Company type
Private
Founded year
2009
Operating status
Operating
Short description
INVESTFORUM is a publicly funded startup-investor matching and qualification platform in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, operated by IMPETUUM GmbH (Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg). It offers free coaching, workshops, and the annual Pitch-Day to connect early-stage startups with regional investors, funded by ESF+ and the state.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

INVESTFORUM industry classification

Industry
Product category
Startup Investment Readiness Services
NAICS
Educational Support Services (61171), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
SIC
Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)
akta.pro primary industry
Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)
akta.pro secondary industries
Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA), Venture Capital Fundraising Placement (FSAEALAC)

Keywords

  • Startup investor matchmaking
  • Early-stage financing advisory
  • Investment readiness coaching
  • Pitch training programs
  • Venture capital preparation

Where INVESTFORUM is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Halle
HQ country
Germany
HQ region
Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

INVESTFORUM business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

  1. Public Funding (ESF+ & Land Sachsen-Anhalt): As a publicly funded transfer institute, Investforum generates no commercial revenue. Services are provided free of charge to startups. The project is funded by the Ministry for Economy, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The organization does not take equity or commission.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
OtherMulti-year contractFree services for startups in Saxony-Anhalt (Pre-Seed, Seed, early growth)

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

INVESTFORUM product offering

Product offering

Core offering

The Investforum Startup-Service is a publicly funded matching and qualification platform that prepares cross-industry startups in Saxony-Anhalt for early-stage (Pre-Seed, Seed, and early growth) financing. It delivers individual coachings, pitch trainings, workshops, and curated 1:1 matchings to connect startups with Business Angels, venture capital firms, family offices, corporate investors, and academic partners, anchored by the annual Investforum Pitch-Day as its flagship event.

Product overview

The Investforum Startup-Service is a unified matching and qualification platform for startups in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Its core offering comprises the Investforum Startup-Service platform itself, which provides coaching, workshops, and matching services to prepare startups for early-stage financing. The flagship sub-product is the annual Investforum Pitch-Day event. The services are delivered free of charge to eligible startups through public funding from the European Social Fund Plus and the State of Saxony-Anhalt.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Investforum Startup-Service Central matching and qualification platform for cross-industry startups in Saxony-Anhalt, providing individual coaching, pitch training, workshops, and curated 1:1 matchings with Business Angels, venture capital firms, family offices, corporate investors, and academic partners to prepare teams for early-stage financing.
  • Investforum Pitch-Day Annual flagship event where selected startups present their business models to investors, business angels, venture capital firms, and corporate partners, featuring stage pitches, 1:1 matching sessions, and special awards (e.g., 'Most Convincing Startup' and TK Special Prize 'Gesundheit').

Quantifiable outcome

  • EUR 10 million in capital mediated to 44+ startups; 15 investor partners engaged
  • +2 more outcomes

Companies that use INVESTFORUM

Customer profile

Named customers10 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

INVESTFORUM technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

INVESTFORUM partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

  • IMPETUUM GmbH — Institut für Wissens- und TechnologietransfercoreOthersThe parent organization of Investforum Startup-Service. A 100% subsidiary of Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, operating in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and alliance management, and knowledge and technology transfer since 2006. Coordinates the Investforum Startup-Service project.
  • Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-WittenbergcoreOthersThe academic institution behind IMPETUUM GmbH. Serves as the knowledge and technology transfer hub connecting startups, research, and the broader innovation ecosystem in the region.
  • GRUENDELPARTNERminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLaw firm providing legal and corporate law expertise for startups. Offers Office Hours at Investforum Pitch-Day. Dr. Steffen Fritzsche leads Lunch-Lectures on Due Diligence for Investforum.
  • Deutsche Telekom TechBoost ProgramminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestforum is a partner of the Deutsche Telekom TechBoost program, enabling selected technology startups to receive up to EUR 100,000 in Deutsche Telekom cloud credits and support with marketing and sales cooperation.
  • Business Angels Netzwerk Deutschland (BAND)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational network of business angels providing a platform for investors and founders to connect.
  • Startup-Verband (Landesgruppe Sachsen-Anhalt)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizes Startup-Talk Sachsen-Anhalt events with Investforum to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem and provide a platform for dialogue between startups and policymakers.
  • Startup MitteldeutschlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional startup platform and network covering Central Germany, co-promoting startup events and ecosystem activities.
  • HIER — we go (Gründerseite Sachsen-Anhalt)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerComprehensive startup portal for Saxony-Anhalt providing information on financing, support programs, and startup stories. Cross-promotes Investforum services.
  • Venture Capital MagazinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman VC publication serving as a media partner and distributing the 'Standorte, Regionen & Technologien' special edition featuring Saxony-Anhalt's startup ecosystem.
  • Weinberg Campus AcceleratorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiomedical and life sciences accelerator based in Halle (Saale), offering Office Hours at Investforum Pitch-Day and supporting deep-tech startup development in the region.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

INVESTFORUM competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

INVESTFORUM social profiles

Digital presence

INVESTFORUM financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

INVESTFORUM leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

INVESTFORUM funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

INVESTFORUM M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about INVESTFORUM

What does INVESTFORUM do?

The Investforum Startup-Service is a publicly funded matching and qualification platform that prepares cross-industry startups in Saxony-Anhalt for early-stage (Pre-Seed, Seed, and early growth) financing. It delivers individual coachings, pitch trainings, workshops, and curated 1:1 matchings to connect startups with Business Angels, venture capital firms, family offices, corporate investors, and academic partners, anchored by the annual Investforum Pitch-Day as its flagship event.

Is INVESTFORUM a public or private company?

INVESTFORUM is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was INVESTFORUM founded?

INVESTFORUM was founded in 2009.

Where is INVESTFORUM based?

INVESTFORUM is headquartered in Halle, Germany, in the Europe region.

How does INVESTFORUM make money?

One revenue line is on record: public Funding (ESF+ & Land Sachsen-Anhalt).

Does INVESTFORUM have an API?

No public API is recorded for INVESTFORUM.

What industry is INVESTFORUM in?

INVESTFORUM's product category is Startup Investment Readiness Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANAAAM, Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated), with a secondary code of EDAMAHAA, Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics. Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 8742.

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