Studies show that the traditional labor market is not the safest place for queer people ^[1]. That makes it all the more important that self-employment offers a safe alternative. The community provides support for you as a queer founder: In Germany, an estimated 15 percent of founders are queer ^[2]. And there are more and more offerings from the community for the community, e.g. ^[3], a venture capitalist that only finances queer-led companies.

Queer founders sometimes unfortunately experience discrimination in funding or networks – for example in grant applications, advisory structures, or in accessing clients. ^[4] Companies that carry diversity in their DNA – including LGBTQIA+ founders – are on average more innovative and resilient. This strength lies in an inclusive corporate culture that promotes creativity, authenticity, and diversity. ^{[5] [6]} An important answer: Empowerment through queer-sensitive counseling and communities that provide space and safety.

A strong community can open up opportunities for you:

"My network is so strong partly because I'm gay" says Marc Funk (founder of Frontnow). He sees his queerness as a decisive advantage: It allows him to meet people without inhibitions who would otherwise never talk to him. It opens doors and creates contacts. Ecomio founder Katharina Riederer agrees: "Through my coming out, I haven't lost anything so far, but rather gained" Riederer hopes that more well-known founders will publicly identify as queer, also for the role model function. ^[2]

Larger networks (e.g. ^[7]) and local association work as well as regional community offerings (e.g. queer regulars' tables, meet-ups Transident e.V. ^[8]) can strengthen your network and promote solidarity. This also works across industries! Below you'll find contact points for founders and non-founders.

The following offerings provide important support:

• PrOut@Work-Foundation – Advocates for equal opportunities, publishes guides and promotes queer networks in companies. ^[9]
• Queerbeet – The VGSD (Association of Founders and Self-Employed in Germany) offers networking with queer and supportive founders. ^[10]
• LSVD+ – Verband Queere Vielfalt e. V. – Largest organization of the queer community in Germany with nationally active state associations. ^[11]
• Hannchen-Mehrzweck-Stiftung (HMS) – Funds non-profit queer projects with grants between 500 € and 5,000 €. ^[12]
• Dissens e. V. – Offers a comprehensive overview of contact points, especially in Berlin. ^[13]

Contact Points at a Glance

1. Building Perspective and Anchoring in Community

• Join queer networks, e.g. Queer@YPOG, ALICE, VGSD Queer Advisory Board – this gives you access to mentoring, exchange, and expertise ^[4].
• Be aware: Queer founders are often innovation drivers (approx. 18% share), but they more frequently encounter barriers in funding and consulting ^[4].
• Use offerings like the PrOut@Work-Foundation for networking, workshops, and visibility in workplaces PrOut@Work ^[9]

2. Using Funding and Financing

• Research specifically for queer funding programs and foundations:
• Bundesstiftung Magnus Hirschfeld (BMH) funds queer projects with up to several hundred thousand euros BMH ^[15]
• Hannchen-Mehrzweck-Stiftung (HMS) awards non-profit grants (approx. 500–5,000 €), including for trans initiatives via the Waltraud-Schiffels-Fonds HMS ^[16]
• In Berlin, the LSBTI Inclusion Fund through the Senate Administration supports projects for visibility, inclusion, and empowerment ^[17].
• In Lower Saxony, your queer project can receive up to 5,000 € through the Queeres Netzwerk Niedersachsen (QNN) ^[18].
• Look for impact investors or diversity-oriented VCs like encourageventures, Impact Factory, Identity VC or Chasing Rainbows VC ^[4].
• Crowdfunding (e.g. Betterplace, Kickstarter) can be a creative funding source, especially for community-based ideas ^[4].

3. Developing Business and Funding Plans

• Incorporate your values into your business plan or project concept: Mission and potential added value for the queer community.
• Choose suitable application formats:
• Are you in Berlin? Consider LSBTI funds or local foundations (e.g. Münchner Regenbogen-Stiftung) ^[19].
• For science-related startups, it's worth looking at the EXIST scholarship including child supplements (if applicable) ^[20].

4. Visibility and Networking

• Use platforms & events – e.g. ToGathering or Deep Dive from PrOut@Work – for exchange with queer professionals and companies PrOut@Work ^[21]
• Present your project locally – for example at queer neighborhood events, CSD, or in queer cultural formats.
• Build your marketing on authenticity and community connection – e.g. in social media, blogs, or via community content.
• Stay connected with the community – Feedback, cooperations, and visibility promote sustainability.