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FTTF, or Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fund, is a pioneering venture capital organization established in Germany to support deep tech startups that leverage Fraunhofer technologies. Founded in 2019, FTTF has successfully financed 39 spin-offs from various research institutions, including the prestigious Fraunhofer Gesellschaft e.V. The fund has a total size of €60 million and is backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) and InnovFin Equity under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Financial Instruments. This unique backing positions FTTF as a leader in fostering innovation and supporting science-based startups that can utilize cutting-edge research and technology.
FTTF's reputation is bolstered by its strong institutional credibility and its role as the first fund of its kind in Germany dedicated to financing spin-offs from the Fraunhofer research institution. The organization is known for its commitment to supporting startups with scalable business models and strong teams, ensuring they can effectively leverage their intellectual property. The management team, which includes experienced partners such as Tobias Schwind and Matthias Keckl, continues to guide the fund's strategic direction as it transitions to its successor fund, TT49, which launched in January 2026 with a target of €90 million.
FTTF primarily invests in the pre-seed and seed stages, with initial investments ranging from €250,000 to €1 million and follow-on investments up to €5 million. The firm focuses on deep tech sectors, including Industrial Tech, B2B Software, AgriTech, Energy, and PropTech. This strategic focus allows FTTF to target startups that are not only innovative but also capable of leveraging the advanced technologies developed by Fraunhofer and other research institutions.
FTTF seeks to partner with startups that demonstrate a strong potential for growth and scalability. The organization emphasizes the importance of a competent team and a well-defined business model, ensuring that the startups they support can effectively navigate the challenges of the market. By concentrating on sectors that align with Fraunhofer's research capabilities, FTTF is able to provide its portfolio companies with access to a wealth of resources and expertise, facilitating technology transfer and fostering innovation.
FTTF's portfolio comprises 39 innovative companies that have successfully leveraged Fraunhofer technologies to create impactful solutions across various sectors. Notable investments include:
This diverse portfolio highlights FTTF's commitment to fostering innovation in deep tech sectors and its ability to identify and support startups with significant growth potential.
Tobias Schwind: General Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and technology transfer.
Matthias Keckl: Partner focused on supporting startups in the deep tech sector.
Johann C. Siemes: Partner with a background in technology commercialization.
Joerg Wamser: Partner specializing in strategic guidance for portfolio companies.
Liane Beckmann: Partner with expertise in innovation and research collaboration.
To pitch FTTF, founders should visit their pitch URL at tt49.de. They prefer comprehensive pitches that clearly outline the business model, team, and how the startup utilizes Fraunhofer technologies. Warm introductions are beneficial, but cold applications are also accepted.
FTTF has successfully financed 39 spin-offs between 2019 and 2023. The fund has now transitioned to its successor, TT49, which launched in January 2026 with a target of €90 million. This new fund continues to focus on supporting deep tech startups leveraging Fraunhofer technologies.
FTTF primarily invests in the pre-seed and seed stages of startup development. This focus allows them to support early-stage companies that are leveraging advanced technologies.
Founders can pitch FTTF by visiting their pitch URL at tt49.de. It is advisable to prepare a comprehensive pitch that outlines the business model, team, and how the startup leverages Fraunhofer technologies.
FTTF focuses on deep tech sectors, including Industrial Tech, B2B Software, AgriTech, Energy, and PropTech. They specifically look for startups that can utilize Fraunhofer technologies.
FTTF's initial investments range from €250,000 to €1 million, with follow-on investments that can go up to €5 million depending on the startup's growth and needs.
FTTF primarily invests in startups based in Europe, particularly those that are connected to German research institutions.
Founders interested in applying for funding from FTTF should visit their website at tt49.de for detailed instructions on the application process.
FTTF adds value to its portfolio companies by providing access to Fraunhofer's extensive research network, facilitating technology transfer, and offering strategic guidance from experienced partners.
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