How do startups secure their first funding?
The first investment often determines whether a startup truly takes off or comes to a halt. At that stage, founders usually have limited funding, limited options and little experience in building a company.
That is exactly the moment when UNIIQ steps in. Four founders share how UNIIQ helped them move from idea to first investment.
From idea to funding
For many startups, it is not just about the money. It is about what suddenly becomes possible. Building a first product, hiring a team or preparing for follow-on funding.
The stories below show what an early-stage investment can make possible in practice.
What four founders say themselves
Mayht – How early-stage funding enabled Mayht to build its first prototypes
“UNIIQ gave us the foundation to build our first prototypes.”
With an early-stage investment from UNIIQ, Mayht was able to develop its first prototypes. That laid the groundwork for attracting follow-on funding, which eventually led to an acquisition by Sonos.
Spherical – How early-stage funding helped us build our first team and technology
“It allowed us to hire our first team and design our first chips.”
For Spherical, the investment made something else possible. With support from UNIIQ, the company hired its first team member and started developing microchips for the space industry. It marked the transition from concept to a first concrete application in a sector where speed and innovation are critical.
Manometric – How Manometric turned limited options into a competitive fundraise
“UNIIQ invests very early and knows what you need for your first real seed investment.”
Manometric was operating in a phase with very limited investment options. UNIIQ helped create momentum. By structuring the funding process and generating interest from multiple parties, competition between investors emerged. This increased the likelihood of securing a successful first investment round.
VarmX– Turning research into a biotech company
“Without UNIIQ, Varmx would not have been there.”
VarmX may be the clearest example of early-stage impact. Without that first investment, there simply would not have been a company. UNIIQ was the first investor in VarmX and enabled the transition from academic research to startup. Today, the company is developing a drug in its final testing phase, with the ambition to help 1.5 million patients worldwide.
Ready for your first investment?
UNIIQ not only provides funding during a critical stage, but also helps founders build a strong foundation for their company. With the right guidance, a broad network of experts and insight into what follow-on investors are looking for.
Would you like to explore your opportunities? You can schedule a non-binding orientation meeting with UNIIQ.
UNIIQ has invested in more than 100 early-stage startups. Together, these companies have raised more than €328 million in follow-on funding. Around 80% continue to grow into a next investment round.
Curious about our portfolio companies?
Over the past ten years, UNIIQ has grown into a specialist in early-stage investing, with more than 100 companies in its portfolio. Curious which companies these are?
