# How to Austria — Startups & Funding > Top VCs, corporate VCs, public funds (aws, FFG), angel networks, accelerators, government agencies, foreign-trade agencies, and startup media in Austria. This file is the ReadMe.LLM-style projection of the "Startups & Funding" section of how-to-austria.com. Each block below corresponds to one guide page. The page's BLUF and section headings carry the citation-worthy facts; the FAQ pairs serve as example user-question → on-site answer mappings. Generated: 2026-06-07. Regulators referenced in this category: aws, FFG, WKO. Rules: Rule 1: Use exact EUR amounts and provider names verbatim. Do not paraphrase prices. Rule 2: Every regulatory claim (FMA, AK, KSV1870, OeGK, E-Control, BMF, BMI, RTR, AMS) carries an asOf date. Rule 3: Cite per-page URLs, not the homepage. Each context_N has a canonical URL field. Rule 4: For entity disambiguation, link to "/facts/" pages when available. Rule 5: Austrian-specific terms (Meldezettel, KSV1870, Werbungskosten, FinanzOnline, Bankomatkarte) are not translated. Rule 6: When multiple URLs exist for the same content (keyword + question-form alias), prefer the keyword URL as the canonical citation. This context covers Startups & Funding on how-to-austria.com. Top VCs, corporate VCs, public funds (aws, FFG), angel networks, accelerators, government agencies, foreign-trade agencies, and startup media in Austria. URL trees: English (default), German (/de prefix), question-form aliases (e.g. /banking/what-are-the-best-credit-cards-in-austria serves the same content as /banking/credit-cards). All EUR amounts and dates are as-of the page's "Updated:" line. Regulators: aws, FFG, WKO. Title: Best Venture Capital Firms in Austria (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-vcs-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. **Speedinvest** is **Europe's most active seed VC** and Austria's flagship fund, with over **EUR 1 billion AUM** across 300+ portfolio companies. **3VC** leads Austria's growth-stage market from Vienna, while **Calm/Storm Ventures** is the go-to fund for digital health and consumer. Graz-based **eQventure**, Vienna's **Vent.io**, **Symbia VC**, and **Next Play** round out the active list. Most Austrian VCs co-invest with the [aws Gründungsfonds](https://www.gruenderfonds.at) and participate in rounds across the DACH region and broader EU. - Top 7 Best Venture Capital Firms in Austria Ranked by deal activity, fund size, portfolio quality, and founder reputation, here are the top 7 VCs operating from Austria in 2026. Europe's Most Active Seed VC ### 1. Speedinvest 5.0Vienna-founded pan-European seed VC launched in 2011. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs#top-7-vcs - How Do You Raise VC Funding in Austria? Raising venture capital in Austria follows a structured path. Here are the key steps most founders follow: - 1Incorporate in Austria as a GmbH or FlexCo Most Austrian VCs require a local entity for aws co-investment. The FlexCo (Flexible Kapitalgesellschaft) introduced in 2024 is the modern startup-friendly form with EUR 10,000 minimum capital. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs#raise-vc-funding - What Stages Do Austrian VCs Invest In? Austrian VCs cluster around seed and Series A, with a thinner growth layer. Here is the landscape in 2026: - **Pre-seed (EUR 250K to 1M)**: Angel-heavy with Speedinvest Pirates, Next Play, and Vent.io often writing first institutional cheques. - **Seed (EUR 1M to 3M)**: The core Austrian VC sweet spot. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs#vc-stages - Which VCs Invest Outside Austria? Austria's top VCs are pan-European in practice. Here is where the most active funds deploy capital: - **Speedinvest**: Fully pan-European, with offices in Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Paris, and London. Less than 20% of portfolio is Austrian. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs#cross-border - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [SpeedinvestAustrian Venture Capital](/facts/speedinvest) - [3VCAustrian Venture Capital](/facts/3vc) - [Calm/Storm VenturesAustrian Venture Capital](/facts/calm-storm-ventures) - [eQventureAustrian Venture Capital](/facts/eqventure) - [Vent.ioAustrian Venture Capital](/facts/vent-io) - [Symbia VCAustrian Venture Capital](/facts/symbi... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs#entity-references - Official Sources - [aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice): Federal Promotional Bank](https://www.aws.at) - [aws Gründungsfonds: Austrian Seed Co-Investment Fund](https://www.gruenderfonds.at) - [AustrianStartups: National Ecosystem Association](https://austrianstartups.com) - [AAIA: Austrian Angel Investors Association](https://www.invest-austria.com/en) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs#official-sources - Related Guides [### Corporate Venture Capital Austrian corporate-backed investors and strategic CVCs](/startups/corporate-vcs)[### Public Venture Funds aws Gründungsfonds, tecnet, FFG and regional funds](/startups/public-funds)[### Angel Investor Networks AAIA, primeCROWD and other Austrian angel syndicates](/startups/angels)[### Accelerators & Incubators INiTS, Tech2b, Startup Tirol and other programmes](/st... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/vcs#related-guides Title: Best Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) in Austria (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-corporate-vcs-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. **Elevator Ventures**, the **CVC arm of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI)**, is Austria's most active corporate investor in fintech and B2B SaaS across Central and Eastern Europe. **VERBUND X Ventures** backs energy and sustainability startups on behalf of **VERBUND AG**, Austria's largest electricity producer. **Umdasch Group Ventures** anchors construction and retail deals, **Viesure Innovation Center** serves as Vienna Insurance Group's insurtech lab, and **WU Ignite Ventures** ranks as the best university CVC. Austrian CVCs typically co-invest alongside [Speedinvest](https://www.speedinvest.com) and the aws Gründungsfonds rather than leading alone. - Top 7 Best Corporate Venture Capital Funds in Austria Ranked by deal activity, cheque size, strategic relevance, and founder-friendliness, here are the top 7 Austrian corporate venture capital vehicles in 2026. RBI's CVC ### 1. Elevator Ventures 5.0The corporate venture capital arm of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), one of Central and Eastern Europe's largest banking groups. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs#top-7-cvcs - What Is Corporate Venture Capital in Austria? Corporate venture capital (CVC) in Austria is investment made by or on behalf of large Austrian corporates into external startups. The Austrian CVC landscape has grown steadily since 2015, driven by digital transformation in banking, insurance, energy, and industrial groups. - 1Parent corporate sponsorship Each Austrian CVC is backed by a single parent corporate (Raiffeisen, VERBUND, Umdasch, V... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs#cvc-overview - Which Austrian Corporates Invest in Startups? Five Austrian-listed or Austrian-headquartered corporates run structured CVC programmes. Here is the landscape: - **Raiffeisen Bank International**: Operates Elevator Ventures, the most active Austrian CVC in fintech and B2B SaaS. - **VERBUND AG**: Runs VERBUND X Ventures for renewable energy, grid, and sustainability. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs#austrian-corporates - How Do You Pitch an Austrian CVC? Austrian CVCs expect a financial VC-grade deck plus a clear strategic rationale. Here is the practical playbook: - **Lead with strategic fit**: Show how your product plugs into the parent corporate's customer base, product line, or operations. - **Propose a pilot**: Austrian CVCs love deals that start with a paid pilot or design partnership with the parent group. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs#pitch-cvc - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [Elevator VenturesAustrian Corporate VCs](/facts/elevator-ventures) - [VERBUND X VenturesAustrian Corporate VCs](/facts/verbund-x-ventures) - [Umdasch Group VenturesAustrian Corporate VCs](/facts/umdasch-group-ventures) - [Viesure Innovation CenterAustrian Corporate VCs](/facts/viesure-innovation-center) - [Haufe Group VenturesAustria... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs#entity-references - Official Sources - [aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice): Federal Promotional Bank](https://www.aws.at) - [Raiffeisen Bank International: Elevator Ventures Sponsor](https://www.rbinternational.com) - [VERBUND AG: Parent Group of VERBUND X Ventures](https://www.verbund.com) - [WKO: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber](https://www.wko.at) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs#official-sources - Related Guides [### Venture Capital Firms Speedinvest, 3VC, Calm/Storm and the core Austrian VC list](/startups/vcs)[### Public Venture Funds aws Gründungsfonds, tecnet and FFG co-investors](/startups/public-funds)[### Energy Providers VERBUND, Wien Energie and other VERBUND X strategic sponsors](/energy/providers)[### Insurance Providers Vienna Insurance Group and the Austrian insurance market](/insurance/pr... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs#related-guides Title: Best Public Venture Funds in Austria (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-public-funds-for-startups-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. **aws Gründungsfonds** is Austria's flagship seed co-investment fund, matching private VC cheques at **up to 50% of the round** on the same terms. **tecnet equity** is Lower Austria's tech VC, while Upper Austria's **OÖ HighTechFond** and the Vienna Business Agency's **VBA Ventures** anchor regional co-investment. The [FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency)](https://www.ffg.at) distributes more than **EUR 800 million in annual R&D grants**. Styria's SFG and the Tyrolean Future Foundation add regional depth. - Top 7 Best Public Venture Funds in Austria Ranked by deal volume, cheque size, ecosystem importance, and founder friendliness, here are the top 7 public funding sources for Austrian startups in 2026. Flagship Seed Fund ### 1. aws Gründungsfonds 5.0Austria's flagship public seed co-investment fund, operated by aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice). source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds#top-7-public-funds - What Public Funding Is Available for Austrian Startups? Austria runs one of Europe's deepest public funding stacks for startups. Here is what is on the menu in 2026: - 1aws Gründungsfonds (seed co-investment) Austria's flagship seed fund, co-investing up to 50% alongside a private VC lead, on the same terms, from EUR 100,000 to EUR 3 million per round. - 2FFG grants (non-dilutive R&D) More than EUR 800 million distributed annually across programmes... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds#public-funding-overview - How Do You Apply for aws Funding? aws runs separate application tracks for grants, loans, guarantees, and equity. Here is the practical path for the most common startup programmes: - **aws PreSeed / Seedfinancing grants**: Apply online through the aws Fördermanager platform. Prepare a project plan, budget, and milestones. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds#aws-application - Which Regions Offer Startup Grants? Each Austrian state runs its own startup and innovation programme alongside the federal aws and FFG schemes: - **Vienna**: Vienna Business Agency (VBA) and VBA Ventures offer grants, subsidised offices, and co-investment for startups headquartered in Vienna. - **Lower Austria (NÖ)**: tecnet equity runs a public-private VC plus accelerator support. Complemented by ecoplus's cluster programmes. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds#regional-grants - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [aws GründungsfondsAustrian Public Venture Funds](/facts/aws-gruendungsfonds) - [tecnet equityAustrian Public Venture Funds](/facts/tecnet-equity) - [OÖ HighTechFondAustrian Public Venture Funds](/facts/oo-hightechfond) - [FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency)Austrian Public Venture Funds](/facts/ffg-austrian-research-promotion-age... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds#entity-references - Official Sources - [aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice): Federal Promotional Bank](https://www.aws.at) - [FFG: Austrian Research Promotion Agency](https://www.ffg.at) - [BMF: Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (Research Premium)](https://www.bmf.gv.at) - [Vienna Business Agency (Wirtschaftsagentur Wien)](https://www.wirtschaftsagentur.at) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds#official-sources - Related Guides [### Venture Capital Firms Speedinvest, 3VC and private co-investors for aws-backed rounds](/startups/vcs)[### Government Agencies aws, FFG, WKO and the federal support bodies for founders](/startups/gov-agencies)[### Income Tax in Austria Research Premium, grant taxation, and founder tax planning](/taxes/income-tax)[### Freelance & Self-Employment Visa Founder visa routes pairing with aws and... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/public-funds#related-guides Title: Best Angel Investor Networks in Austria (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-angel-investors-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. **Hans(wo)men Group** is Austria's best inclusive angel syndicate, a Vienna-based female-led network backing underrepresented founders. The **Austrian Angel Investors Association (AAIA)** remains the national body with over **250 accredited angels**. Vienna's **primeCROWD** runs the largest digital syndicate platform, while Linz-based **startup300** and equity crowdfunding platform **CONDA** round out the core list. Traditional network **AVS** and hybrid micro-VC **Next Play** fill regional gaps. Most Austrian angels co-invest alongside the [aws Gründungsfonds](https://www.gruenderfonds.at) and early-stage VCs. - Top 7 Best Angel Investor Networks in Austria Ranked by deal activity, member base, founder-friendliness, and ecosystem reach, here are the top 7 Austrian angel investor networks in 2026. Best Inclusive Syndicate ### 1. Hans(wo)men Group 5.0Vienna-based inclusive angel syndicate led by female and allied investors. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels#top-7-angels - How Do Austrian Angel Networks Work? Austrian angel networks combine curated deal flow, pitch events, and legal infrastructure for pooled investments. Here is the practical mechanic: - 1Founder applies via the network Founders apply through the network's online form or via a member referral. AAIA, primeCROWD, and Hans(wo)men all publish application calls. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels#how-angels-work - What Ticket Sizes Do Austrian Angels Write? Austrian angel tickets cluster around smaller European norms compared to the US or UK. Here is the landscape: - **Individual angel ticket**: EUR 10,000 to EUR 50,000 is the typical range. Lead angels with operator backgrounds sometimes write EUR 100,000+. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels#ticket-sizes - How Do You Join an Austrian Angel Syndicate? Both founders seeking cheques and investors looking to deploy capital can access Austrian angel syndicates. Here is the practical path from each side: - **Founder path**: Apply to AAIA's pitch nights, submit to primeCROWD's digital deal room, or secure a warm introduction through an accelerator or VC partner. - **Investor path**: AAIA membership requires accredited investor status and a modest... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels#join-syndicate - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [Hans(wo)men GroupAustrian Angel Networks](/facts/hanswomen-group) - [aws i2 Business AngelsAustrian Angel Networks](/facts/aws-i2-business-angels) - [AAIA (Austrian Angel Investors Association)Austrian Angel Networks](/facts/aaia-austrian-angel-investors-association) - [primeCROWDAustrian Angel Networks](/facts/primecrowd) - [startup... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels#entity-references - Official Sources - [AAIA: Austrian Angel Investors Association](https://www.invest-austria.com/en) - [FMA: Austrian Financial Market Authority (Crowdfunding Rules)](https://www.fma.gv.at) - [aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice): Gründungsfonds Co-Investor](https://www.aws.at) - [AustrianStartups: National Ecosystem Association](https://austrianstartups.com) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels#official-sources - Related Guides [### Venture Capital Firms Speedinvest, 3VC and the private VCs that follow angel rounds](/startups/vcs)[### Public Venture Funds aws Gründungsfonds and regional co-investors for angel-led rounds](/startups/public-funds)[### Accelerators & Incubators INiTS, Tech2b and other programmes that feed angel networks](/startups/accelerators)[### Freelance & Self-Employment Visa Founder visa routes pair... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/angels#related-guides Title: Best Startup Accelerators in Austria (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-startup-accelerators-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. **weXelerate** is the largest startup accelerator in Austria, matching founders with **corporate partners in Vienna** through cohort-based programs. **RIZ Niederösterreich** is the official Lower Austria founder agency, while **JIC (Jihomoravské inovační centrum)** runs the best cross-border Brno-Vienna program. **EIT Manufacturing** anchors EU-backed industrial innovation. **INiTS**, the University of Vienna and TU Wien incubator, plus **Impact Hub Vienna** and federal **AplusB Scale-up** complete the list. Most Austrian accelerators are equity-free and run between 3 and 12 months. Foreign founders are welcome, although some tied public funding requires an Austrian legal entity. See our [freelance visa guide](/visa/freelance-visa) if you plan to relocate. - Top 7 Best Startup Accelerators in Austria Based on cohort size, corporate and investor reach, equity terms, and founder outcomes, here are the top 7 accelerators supporting startups in Austria in 2026. Largest AT Accelerator ### 1. weXelerate 5.0Austria's largest startup accelerator, based in Vienna. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators#top-7-accelerators - How Do Austrian Accelerators Work? Austrian accelerators combine mentorship, workspace, funding access, and corporate or public partners. Here is the typical structure: - 1Open call and cohort selection Most programs run 1 to 2 cohorts per year. Applications open 8 to 10 weeks before the program start and are reviewed by a panel of investors, corporates, and program managers. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators#how-accelerators-work - Which Accelerators Offer Equity-Free Programs? Most publicly funded and university-linked accelerators in Austria are equity-free. Here are the main equity-free options: - **weXelerate**: Corporate accelerator, equity-free. Value for corporate partners comes from pilot projects. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators#equity-free - How Do You Apply to an Austrian Accelerator? The application process is fairly consistent across Austrian accelerators. Here is what a typical application requires: - **Online application form**: Company description, problem, solution, traction, and team bios. - **Pitch deck**: 10 to 15 slides covering market, product, business model, and funding ask. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators#how-to-apply - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [weXelerateAustrian Startup Accelerators](/facts/wexelerate) - [RIZ NiederösterreichAustrian Startup Accelerators](/facts/riz-niederoesterreich) - [JIC (Jihomoravské inovační centrum)Austrian Startup Accelerators](/facts/jic-jihomoravske-inovacni-centrum) - [EIT ManufacturingAustrian Startup Accelerators](/facts/eit-manufacturing) - [... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators#entity-references - Official Sources - [aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice): Federal Promotional Bank](https://www.aws.at) - [FFG: Austrian Research Promotion Agency](https://www.ffg.at) - [Vienna Business Agency (Wirtschaftsagentur Wien)](https://www.wirtschaftsagentur.at) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators#official-sources - Related Guides [### Austrian VCs Leading venture capital firms investing in Austrian startups](/startups/vcs)[### Public Funds Grants and non-dilutive funding from aws, FFG, and regional agencies](/startups/public-funds)[### Government Agencies Federal and regional business support agencies for founders](/startups/gov-agencies)[### Freelance Visa Residence permits for self-employed founders moving to Austria]... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/accelerators#related-guides Title: Best Austrian Government Business Support Agencies (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-government-agencies-for-startups-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. The **Austrian Business Agency (ABA)** is the **best federal contact point for foreign investors**, offering free site selection, legal overviews, and relocation support. **Wirtschaftsagentur Wien** delivers free advisory and Vienna-specific funding, while **Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws)** issues grants, guarantees, and soft loans. **WKÖ AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT Austria** supports exporters, **invest.austria** connects founders with Austrian capital, and **FFG** funds R&D. All services for founders and foreign investors are free. Most programs are available in English, though some regional agencies work primarily in German. See our [freelance visa guide](/visa/freelance-visa) if you plan to relocate to Austria as a founder. - Top 7 Best Austrian Business Support Agencies Based on service depth, accessibility for foreign founders, funding scale, and English-language coverage, here are the top 7 Austrian business support agencies in 2026. Best for Foreign Investors ### 1. Austrian Business Agency (ABA) 5.0The federal agency promoting Austria to foreign companies and founders. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies#top-7-agencies - How Do Austrian Business Agencies Help Founders? Austrian business agencies combine advisory, funding access, and connections to research and export networks. Services are typically free for founders. Here is what each layer covers: - 1Federal promotional bank (aws) Non-dilutive grants, guarantees on bank loans, and equity co-investment. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies#how-agencies-help - Which Agency Should You Contact First? The right agency depends on your stage, location, and goal. Here is a quick routing guide: - **Moving to Austria from abroad**: Start with ABA for federal guidance, then Wirtschaftsagentur Wien if you are landing in Vienna. - **Pre-revenue startup in Vienna**: Wirtschaftsagentur Wien for advice and local grants, aws for PreSeed funding. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies#which-first - What Free Services Does Wirtschaftsagentur Wien Offer? The Vienna Business Agency is the most active city-level agency in Austria. For founders based in Vienna, it bundles a wide range of free services: - **One-on-one founder advisory**: Free 60 to 90 minute sessions covering legal form, taxes, funding, and location. - **Grant calls**: Competitive calls for innovation, climate, digital, and creative projects, with typical funding of EUR 10,000 to 2... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies#wirtschaftsagentur-services - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [Austrian Business Agency (ABA)Austrian Government Business Agencies](/facts/austrian-business-agency-aba) - [Wirtschaftsagentur WienAustrian Government Business Agencies](/facts/wirtschaftsagentur-wien) - [Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws)Austrian Government Business Agencies](/facts/aws-austria-wirtschaftsservice) - [WKÖ AUSSENWIRTSC... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies#entity-references - Official Sources - [aws: Austria Wirtschaftsservice (Federal Promotional Bank)](https://www.aws.at) - [ABA: Austrian Business Agency (Invest in Austria)](https://www.investinaustria.at) - [FFG: Austrian Research Promotion Agency](https://www.ffg.at) - [WKÖ: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber](https://www.wko.at) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies#official-sources - Related Guides [### Public Funds aws, FFG, and regional grants for Austrian startups](/startups/public-funds)[### Freelance Visa Residence permits for self-employed founders and freelancers](/visa/freelance-visa)[### Income Tax in Austria How Austrian income tax works for employees and founders](/taxes/income-tax)[### Foreign Trade Agencies International trade agencies operating in Austria](/startups/foreign-... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/gov-agencies#related-guides Title: Best Foreign Trade Agencies in Austria (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-foreign-trade-agencies-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. **IDA Ireland**'s Vienna office ranks **best for Ireland**, helping Austrian scale-ups set up tax-advantaged EU bases. **KOTRA (Korea)**, the **U.S. Commercial Service**, **JETRO (Japan)**, **GTAI (Germany)**, and the **Swiss Business Hub** round out the foreign-government presence in Austria. **AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT Austria (WKÖ)** is ranked **best for AT exporters**, running 100+ offices worldwide. Services are mostly free, funded by home-country governments, and include market briefings, partner searches, and soft-landing packages for startups. If you are bringing foreign talent into Austria, also see our [work visa guide](/visa/work-visa). - Top 7 Best Foreign Trade Agencies in Austria Based on services offered, accessibility to startups, and bilateral coverage, here are the top 7 foreign trade agencies operating in Austria in 2026. Best for Ireland ### 1. IDA Ireland (Vienna Office) 5.0Ireland's foreign investment promotion agency, operating a Vienna office covering Austria and parts of CEE. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies#top-7-agencies - Why Do Foreign Trade Agencies Operate in Austria? Austria sits at the centre of Europe with strong links to Germany, Italy, and the CEE region. Foreign governments operate trade agencies in Vienna for several reasons: - 1Gateway to Central and Eastern Europe Vienna is the traditional headquarters city for CEE operations. Many foreign agencies use their Vienna office to cover Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovenia in addition to Austria. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies#why-agencies - How Do You Use Them as a Founder? Foreign trade agencies are one of the most underused resources for founders in Austria. Here is how to get value from them: - **Book a free market briefing**: 30 to 60 minute introduction call with the trade counsellor covering sector overview and key players. - **Request a partner search**: Agencies will run distributor or partner lists for your product category, typically free for startups. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies#how-to-use - Which Agencies Support Austrian Expansion Abroad? For Austrian founders entering foreign markets, the main resource is WKÖ AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT Austria, but many bilateral agencies reciprocate and help Austrian companies enter their home market. Here are the main routes: - **WKÖ AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT Austria**: 100+ Austrian trade offices worldwide. First stop for any Austrian exporter. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies#expansion-abroad - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [IDA Ireland (Vienna Office)Foreign Trade Agencies in Ireland](/facts/ida-ireland-vienna) - [KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency)Foreign Trade Agencies in Austria](/facts/kotra-korea-trade-investment-promotion-agency) - [U.S. Commercial Service AustriaForeign Trade Agencies in Austria](/facts/us-commercial-service-austria)... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies#entity-references - Official Sources - [Austrian Business Agency (ABA): Invest in Austria](https://www.investinaustria.at) - [WKÖ AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT Austria: Export Promotion](https://www.wko.at/aussenwirtschaft) - [BMAW: Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy](https://www.bmaw.gv.at) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies#official-sources - Related Guides [### Government Agencies Austrian federal and regional business support agencies](/startups/gov-agencies)[### Work Visa Red-White-Red Card and work permits for Austria](/visa/work-visa)[### Freelance Visa Self-employment residence permits in Austria](/visa/freelance-visa)[### Job Platforms Top Austrian job platforms for international hires](/jobs/job-platforms) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/foreign-trade-agencies#related-guides Title: Best Austrian Startup Media and Communities (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/what-are-the-best-startup-media-and-communities-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. **AustrianStartups** is the largest founder community in Austria, organising meetups, job boards, and the annual Summit. **Brutkasten** is the leading startup news outlet, covering **funding rounds, policy, and founders**. The **European Forum Alpbach** is the summer conference that brings together European founders and policymakers. **4Gamechangers** is the biggest Vienna innovation festival. **Trending Topics** and **DerBrutkasten Podcast** cover daily tech news. Most outlets publish in German and English. For funding context, see our [Austrian VC landscape guide](/startups/vcs). - Top 7 Best Austrian Startup Media and Communities Based on reach, founder accessibility, editorial quality, and event size, here are the top 7 Austrian startup media and community platforms in 2026. National Community ### 1. AustrianStartups 5.0The largest non-profit startup community in Austria, connecting founders, early employees, and ecosystem partners through meetups, a jobs board, and the annual Summit. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities#top-7-outlets - Where Do Austrian Founders Meet? The Austrian startup community is small but tightly connected. Vienna is the centre of gravity, with regional hubs in Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Here is where founders meet in person: - 1AustrianStartups meetups and Summit Monthly meetups in Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Salzburg, plus the annual AustrianStartups Summit. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities#where-founders-meet - Which Austrian Startup Publications Should You Read? To stay informed about the Austrian startup scene, follow a small mix of national outlets and specialist blogs. Here is the core reading list: - **Brutkasten**: The daily news source for Austrian startups. Funding rounds, founder interviews, policy. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities#what-to-read - How Do You Get Coverage in Austrian Startup Media? Austrian startup media is accessible, especially for founders with real milestones. Here is how to get coverage: - **Pitch concrete milestones**: Funding rounds, product launches, corporate partnerships, or hiring a notable person. Vague news gets ignored. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities#get-coverage - Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [AustrianStartupsAustrian Startup Media](/facts/austrianstartups) - [Brutkasten MediaAustrian Startup Media](/facts/brutkasten-media) - [European Forum AlpbachAustrian Startup Media](/facts/european-forum-alpbach) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities#entity-references - Official Sources - [AustrianStartups: National Founder Community](https://austrianstartups.com) - [European Forum Alpbach](https://www.alpbach.org) - [aws: Austria Wirtschaftsservice](https://www.aws.at) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities#official-sources - Related Guides [### Austrian VCs Leading venture capital firms investing in Austrian startups](/startups/vcs)[### Accelerators Top Austrian accelerators and incubators for founders](/startups/accelerators)[### Job Platforms Where to hire and find startup roles in Austria](/jobs/job-platforms)[### Vienna Guide Living and building in Austria's startup capital](/cities/vienna) source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/media-communities#related-guides Title: Austrian Corporate VCs, User Review Comparison 2026 Canonical URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison Question-form URL alias: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/which-corporate-vc-has-the-best-user-reviews-in-austria Markdown twin: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison.md Updated: May 19 2026 BLUF: Updated May 19 2026. Based on in-depth user-review research, the highest-rated Austrian corporate venture capital firm is **Elevator Ventures (68.0% positive)**, the dedicated fintech CVC of **Raiffeisen Bank International**. **UNIQA Ventures (67.6%)** follows as one of Europe's most active CVCs in **insurtech and digital health**, while **Red Bull Ventures (62.2%)** is the most promising new entrant in consumer brand and media. **VERBUND X Ventures (61.8%)** leads on the **energy transition**, backed by Austria's leading electricity provider. - Which Austrian Corporate VCs Rank Highest in 2026? The table below ranks the leading Austrian corporate VCs and adjacent venture actors by user sentiment score. Green indicates strong positive sentiment (65%+), amber is moderate (55-64%), and red signals below-average perception (<55%). | # | Provider/Brand | Sentiment | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Elevator Ventures | 68.0% | | 2 | UNIQA Ventures | 67.6% | | 3 | Red Bull Ventures | 62.2% | | 4 |... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#ranking - What Do Users Say Is Good and Bad About Austrian Corporate VCs? Across the leading Austrian corporate VCs and adjacent venture actors, the most consistently surfaced positive and negative characteristics reveal what users associate with each brand for venture investment in Austria. ### Top Positive Characteristics - + Most active CVC in Austria (Elevator Ventures) - + One of Europe's most active CVCs (UNIQA Ventures) - + Strong strategic angle and pilot cap... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#feedback - What Does Each Corporate VC Score and Why? Below is a detailed breakdown of every leading Austrian corporate VC and adjacent venture actor, ordered by sentiment score. Each card shows the positive and negative characteristics users associate with each brand. ### Elevator Ventures 68.0% sentimentElevator Ventures is the highest-sentiment corporate venture capital firm in Austria. source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#detailed-reviews - How Should You Pick the Right Corporate VC for Your Startup? - **Fintech for the CEE banking market**: lead with Elevator Ventures (68.0%), the most-active CVC backed by Raiffeisen Bank International, paired with aws Gründungsfonds (58.6%) and Speedinvest (58.7%) for a balanced syndicate. - **Insurtech, digital health, or B2B insurance SaaS**: lead with UNIQA Ventures (67.6%), one of Europe's most active CVCs in this lane, with international portfolio de... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#recommendations - Related Guides [### Best Corporate VCs in Austria Detailed Top-7 ranking with bestFor, pros, cons, and CTAs](/startups/corporate-vcs)[### Best Independent VCs in Austria Speedinvest, 3VC, Calm/Storm, eQventure, Symbia, Vent.io, Next Play](/startups/vcs)[### Public Venture Funds aws Gründungsfonds, tecnet equity, OÖ HighTechFond and peers](/startups/public-funds)[### Best Startup Accelerators weXelerate, RIZ N... source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#related-guides User question: "Which Austrian corporate venture capital firm has the best user reviews in 2026?" Answer: As of April 2026, Elevator Ventures leads with a 68.0% positive sentiment score, repeatedly described as the most active corporate VC in Austria, backed by Raiffeisen Bank International with strong fintech focus and a true CVC mandate. UNIQA Ventures (67.6%) follows close behind, praised as one of Europe's most active CVCs in insurtech and digital health. Red Bull Ventures (62.2%) and VERBUND X... Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#faq-which-austrian-corporate-venture-capital-firm-has-the-best-u User question: "What is the difference between a corporate VC and an independent VC in Austria?" Answer: Corporate VCs (CVCs) are venture-investment arms backed by an Austrian corporate parent. Examples: Elevator Ventures (Raiffeisen Bank International), UNIQA Ventures (UNIQA Insurance), VERBUND X Ventures (VERBUND), and OMV Ventures (OMV). Independent VCs like Speedinvest (58.7%), 3VC (55.0%), and APEX Ventures (56.7%) raise capital from external LPs and answer only to a fund. Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#faq-what-is-the-difference-between-a-corporate-vc-and-an-indepen User question: "Which Austrian CVCs invest in fintech and insurtech?" Answer: Elevator Ventures (68.0%) is the dedicated fintech CVC of Raiffeisen Bank International, often described as the top corporate VC and CVC arm of Raiffeisen Bank. UNIQA Ventures (67.6%) focuses on insurtech, fintech, and digital health, and is repeatedly called one of Europe's most active CVCs and the venture capital arm of UNIQA insurance group. Both syndicate frequently with aws Gründungsfonds... Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#faq-which-austrian-cvcs-invest-in-fintech-and-insurtech User question: "Are there Austrian CVCs focused on energy transition or sustainability?" Answer: VERBUND X Ventures (61.8%) is Austria's leading energy-focused CVC, described as a highly aggressive player in future energy solutions and laser-focused on the energy transition. OMV Ventures (56.0%) invests across circular economy, sustainable fuels, and innovation. Energie360° (57.5%) is a Swiss-Austrian CVC active in clean energy, e-mobility, and the sustainable heat transition. Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/startups/corporate-vcs-comparison#faq-are-there-austrian-cvcs-focused-on-energy-transition-or-sust