# Incorporation & funding – Gründerkurse

> Legal forms, grants, first funding, the paperwork nobody enjoys.

- [UG vs GmbH: Choosing a German Company for Your Startup](https://gruenderkurse.de/en/incorporation-and-funding/ug-vs-gmbh/): A UG is a GmbH with as little as €1 in share capital and a duty to retain a quarter of each year's profit. A GmbH needs €25,000 in share capital, at least €12,500 paid in before registration, and allows contributions in kind. Liability and tax are identical, and a UG can be upgraded to a GmbH later.
- [EXIST Business Start-up Grant: Amounts and How to Apply](https://gruenderkurse.de/en/incorporation-and-funding/exist-startup-grant/): The EXIST Business Start-up Grant funds founders from German universities and research institutes for twelve months with €1,000 to €3,000 per person per month, depending on qualification, plus up to €30,000 in material costs for teams and €5,000 for coaching. The university applies on your behalf, and teams have at most three members.
- [Gründungszuschuss: Germany's Start-up Grant Explained](https://gruenderkurse.de/en/incorporation-and-funding/gruendungszuschuss-germany/): The Gründungszuschuss is a discretionary start-up grant from Germany's Federal Employment Agency for people on unemployment benefit (ALG I). You apply before starting, need at least 150 days of benefit left on your start date and an expert opinion on viability. It pays your benefit plus €300 for six months, then possibly €300 for nine more.
- [How to Find Angel Investors for an Early-Stage Startup](https://gruenderkurse.de/en/incorporation-and-funding/find-angel-investors/): Most founders find angel investors through warm introductions from other founders, through regional angel networks and pitch events, and through targeted outreach to people who know their industry. Angels back the team, early evidence of demand and a concrete plan for the money. Tax schemes such as SEIS in the UK or INVEST in Germany make the pitch easier.

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