About - fundess.de (EN)

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We stand for high-quality, exclusive funding advisory with a long-term commitment to delivering sustainable value.

Fundess is built on more than 15 years of experience in successfully securing national, international, and EU funding for clients across a range of industries – particularly healthcare research, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, and the food and beverage sectors. Our ambition extends beyond securing short-term funding. We develop holistic, long-term funding strategies in close and dynamic partnership with our clients. By integrating funding opportunities into the broader business strategy, we aim to unlock the full potential of public funding. This approach enables our clients to optimize operating costs, establish high-value R&D collaborations, and accelerate the development of the products and services of tomorrow – ultimately strengthening their long-term competitiveness and creating sustainable business value.

Driven by a Passion for People and Their R&D, We Deliver Outstanding Results

€47 million in R&D tax incentives successfully secured
€13 million in national funding successfully secured
€12 million in EU funding successfully secured
€39 million already paid out through R&D tax incentives
EIC Accelerator: 3 successful applications and 5 projects awarded the “Seal of Excellence”

Public funding alone is rarely sufficient to successfully execute ambitious research, development, and growth initiatives. The greatest impact is achieved when funding, financing, and corporate strategy are intelligently integrated into a coherent overall approach.

Fundess is committed to setting the standard for excellence in funding advisory and innovation finance. We therefore go far beyond identifying individual funding programmes or preparing applications. We immerse ourselves deeply in our clients’ business models, technologies, value chains, and growth strategies to develop a comprehensive understanding of each project’s financing potential – and to design the most effective funding and financing architecture.
As a specialized advisory boutique, we deliberately prioritize quality over volume. Our interdisciplinary team of in-house experts across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, mechanical engineering, and AI/IT works with a select group of companies demonstrating significant innovation and growth potential. Our work is defined by depth of expertise, technological understanding, and close collaboration – making our approach intentionally selective and not designed for indiscriminate scalability.
Before entering into a partnership, we jointly assess the technological starting point, level of innovation, and underlying economic conditions. This initial dialogue gives companies the opportunity to present their ideas, technologies, and growth ambitions. On this basis, we determine where Fundess can create significant value and whether a long-term partnership is the right fit.
Our technological and funding expertise is complemented by an established network of corporate banking and financial advisory professionals. This enables us to develop robust financing strategies that integrate public funding, R&D tax incentives, debt financing, and entrepreneurial growth into a single, coherent financial strategy.

Why Choose Fundess

Tailored Funding Strategy

We analyze your activities and develop a customized funding strategy from a landscape of more than 2,500 funding programmes – with or without additional collaboration partners. Leverage our extensive network of partners and suppliers to bring your projects to life. We take a comprehensive approach to ensure that all relevant funding opportunities are identified, evaluated, and considered.

Our Expert Team

Our interdisciplinary team of experts, combining expertise in business and the natural sciences, works closely with you as a trusted partner to develop effective, tailored funding and financing strategies.

Save Time

With our proven approach and extensive experience in innovation and funding advisory, you benefit from comprehensive support while remaining fully focused on your core business. We manage the entire process on your behalf – from identifying eligible projects and assessing their funding potential to preparing and submitting the application.

Success-Based Fee Model

Through an early and rigorous assessment of funding eligibility, we focus both your resources and ours on projects with strong potential for success. We work as a true partner, aligning our interests with yours through a success-based fee model.

Maximize Your Growth Potential

Optimize your innovation processes and strengthen your competitive advantage.

Our Advisory Board

Prof. Dr. Horst Domdey

Prof. Dr. Horst Domdey is a prominent figure in Germany’s biotechnology sector. A molecular biologist by training, he is a co-founder of BioM Biotech Cluster Development GmbH, a key network organization for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals in Bavaria. He has played a pivotal role in advancing and strengthening the Munich biotechnology cluster, which has developed into one of Europe’s leading biotechnology hubs. Prof. Domdey is also a co-founder of several biotechnology companies and serves on numerous advisory and coordinating bodies at both national and international levels. Key roles and areas of expertise:

Managing Director of BioM Biotech Cluster Development GmbH: Supporting start-ups, fostering innovation, and connecting key stakeholders across the biotechnology ecosystem.
Scientific expertise: Specialist in molecular biology with an extensive record of scientific publications and research activities.
Commitment to Bavaria as a life sciences hub: Instrumental in establishing the Munich region as a leading European location for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Knowledge transfer and collaboration: Strong advocate for bridging science and industry and facilitating the transfer of knowledge, innovation, and technology between academia and business.

Peter Wollmann

Peter Wollmann is an experienced advisor and author with more than 40 years of expertise in strategic transformation and organizational development. He specializes in Change Management and Global Transformation programmes, supporting organizations through complex transitions and sustainable transformation. Key areas of expertise and experience:

Author and organizational strategist: Developed and applied the Three Pillars Model for organizations and leadership. He is the author of several specialist books, including Three Pillars of Organization and Leadership in Disruptive Times, Transforming Public and Private Sector Organizations, and Reading an Unknown Organization, all published by Springer Nature and Springer Gabler. His forthcoming publication is The Sustainable Organization
Academic background: Studied Mathematics and Physics at the University of Bonn
International corporate experience: Held senior positions at Deutscher Herold, the Deutsche Bank insurance group, and Zurich Insurance Company, where he most recently served as Global Program Director for global transformation at the company’s headquarters. Transformation expertise: Led major post-merger integration and transformation programmes for global financial services organizations, organizational development initiatives for a major family-owned enterprise and its subsequent integration into a global corporation, as well as process optimization programmes focused on sustainable cost reduction in the financial services sector.
Change and project management: Developed concepts, learning workshops, and coaching programmes designed to strengthen effective change and project management in global organizations
Independent advisor since 2017: Since becoming self-employed, he has focused on organizational transformation projects and initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

Kathrin Wenig

Kathrin Wenig brings extensive expertise in corporate finance, public funding, and strategic business development. As Head of Corporate Sales Management at Nassauische Sparkasse in Wiesbaden, she has first-hand insight into the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the German mid-market. Her particular strength lies in aligning clients’ individual needs with the financing and funding solutions available through banks and savings banks – especially in the areas of corporate finance and public funding. Key qualifications and areas of expertise:

Academic and professional qualifications: Master’s degree in Management from Mainz University of Applied Sciences; Corporate Banking Professional from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management; Certified Sustainable Finance Advisor
Extensive banking experience: Proven track record across corporate banking, bank-wide management, credit and risk functions, executive office operations, communications, and sales management
Strategic network: Active member of various corporate and financial industry networks, fostering strong connections across business and finance