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Business Angels in Berlin-Brandenburg: Funding & Expertise for Startups
Business angels play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem. They not only invest capital, but also provide valuable expertise and a strong network. The Business Angels Club Berlin-Brandenburg (BACB) is the largest network of its kind in the region and has established itself as a leader in Germany. The club provides targeted impetus, particularly in the healthcare industry.
Business angels: investors and mentors for startups
Without business angels, many innovative ideas would never get beyond the vision stage. They get involved as investors and bring not only capital but also knowledge, strategic advice and valuable contacts to the start-up scene.
The Business Angels Club Berlin-Brandenburg has been supporting startup founders in building their own companies for more than 20 years. In 2024 alone, the BACB brokered investments of over 2.3 million euros for 21 Berlin startups. Across Germany, the club facilitated almost 130 individual investments – so-called Angel Tickets – for 29 startups. In addition, 400,000 euros were brokered to support a research project at Humboldt-Universität in the field of quantum solar technology, and around one million euros were invested in 17 startups via BACB Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH (Berlin Angel Fund).
From a network to a leading angel community
The BACB originated from an initiative of the Investitionsbank Berlin in 1998. The goal was to activate private capital for start-ups in the capital region. In 2002, the network was spun off into an independent association, which was officially founded in 2004.
"The association developed well in terms of membership numbers, but investments stagnated at a rather low level of around 250,000 euros per year," says Sebastian Schwenke, Managing Director of BACB, describing the years that followed. In 2018, the club was realigned with the founding of the Berlin Angel Fund and a structural adjustment. Today, the club has over 150 members, the investment amounts are continuously increasing, and in 2024 a new record was set with 21 supported Berlin start-ups. "Since then, we are no longer an 'advisory network with potential financial support', but an 'investor network'," Schwenke explains.
Focus on the healthcare industry: the BACB Health Angels
A particular focus of the BACB is on the healthcare industry. Two years ago, the “BACB Health Angels” focus cluster was founded, which concentrates on healthcare, medtech, pharma and biotech.
Demand in this area is high: in 2023, there were 119 applications from health start-ups, with 81 companies presenting themselves in the cluster. In the end, the members invested in five start-ups: hellomed, Ababax/Nuuron, XenoPatch, Femna Health, Bearcover and Wellspent. The total sum of the 32 tickets amounted to 1,035,000 euros. Most recently, the company also invested successfully in Eversion. In addition to the Health Angels, there are now two further focus clusters: the BACB Tech Angels and the BACB Consumer Angels.
How the matchmaking and dealmaking process works
Start-ups seeking financing from the BACB go through a multi-stage process. After applying via the website, a pre-check is carried out by the BACB dealflow team. Interested business angels then provide feedback before the start-ups present their business idea at Pitching Day. In the best case, this is followed by collaboration and the conclusion of an investment.
"We accompany the process right up to the signing of the contract and provide support in setting deadlines, communication and with standard contracts/best practice recommendations, etc.," says Schwenke. "In addition, our members and office staff provide over 150 free consulting hours for startups every year – without investment – and over 30 workshops with startups on the topic of 'How do I successfully launch my first fundraising campaign and what are Business Angels?'"
Berlin as an attractive location for business angels
Despite economic challenges, Berlin remains a magnet for talent and investors. The BACB has observed a shift in the focus of start-ups: While e-commerce and consumer start-ups used to dominate, the capital city is increasingly becoming a top location for healthcare and deep tech. "After Berlin became known in recent decades primarily for startups in the eCommerce and consumer sectors, we are seeing enormous development in the areas of healthcare and DeepTech, with which we as a location are keeping up with the startup centres in southern Germany," Schwenke explains.
The BACB also offers potential investors an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the topic of angel investing without obligation. Those who are interested can attend events or take advantage of a two-month trial membership. "We also offer a free, two-month trial membership so that we can provide a low-barrier introduction to Angel Investing for everyone," Schwenke adds. "We are very proud that 17.4 percent of our members are female, compared to an industry average of just 13 percent. However, this is still not enough, which is why we want to encourage women in particular to take a closer look at the topic of startup support and Angel Investing."
Future plans: more clusters, more collaborations, more angels
The BACB has ambitious goals. Further thematic clusters are to be created to invest in promising industries in an even more targeted manner. At the same time, new angels are to be recruited and trained to attract more capital to the region. Another focus is on cooperation with HealthCapital Berlin-Brandenburg. In the past, there have already been mutual visits to events, and this partnership is to be further expanded.
The Business Angels Club Berlin-Brandenburg combines capital, know-how and networks to optimally support start-ups. The club is particularly active in the healthcare industry. Whether you are a founder or a potential investor, the BACB offers exciting opportunities to actively participate in the further development of the start-up scene in the capital region.
Source: HealthCapital Berlin-Brandenburg, 19 February, 2025, In Portrait
The future of medicine: Capital Region Innovation
The capital region has become a world-leading location for healthcare and life sciences thanks to close collaboration between leading global players, renowned scientists, world-class hospitals and an innovative startup community. Interdisciplinary networks, highly specialized professionals, technology transfer and disruptive technologies play a crucial role in transforming scientific findings into innovative products for the global healthcare market.
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