1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those involved in deep tech innovation. This program aims to foster the growth of high-potential companies by providing both grant funding and equity investments, enabling them to scale their operations and achieve market success.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a dual funding structure comprising grants and equity investments. Grant funding can reach up to €2.5 million, which is aimed at covering costs related to product development, testing, and market entry. This funding can significantly alleviate the financial burden for startups and SMEs, enabling them to focus on innovation without the immediate pressure of repayment.
In terms of equity investment, the EIC Accelerator provides up to €15 million until 2024 and a reduced cap of €10 million starting in 2025. This equity component is intended to help companies secure the necessary capital to scale operations while also attracting additional investments from private sectors. The program emphasizes the importance of leveraging public funding to catalyze further investment, enabling companies to enhance their growth trajectory and market presence.
Purpose and Impact
The EIC Accelerator serves a crucial role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap often faced by innovative companies. Many startups struggle to secure financing, particularly in the early stages, due to their high-risk profiles and the uncertain nature of technological innovation. The EIC Accelerator mitigates this risk by providing accessible capital, facilitating the transition from concept to commercialization.
Moreover, the program fosters collaboration between startups and established private investors, enhancing the overall investment landscape in Europe. By bridging the gap between public funding and private sector investment, the EIC Accelerator empowers companies to scale effectively and achieve sustainable growth.
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH: Project Overview
One notable winner of the EIC Accelerator is CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH, which secured funding for its innovative project, capito. The project, which aims to make information understandable for everyone, addresses a critical need for clarity and accessibility in communication, particularly in complex subjects that often pose barriers to understanding.
Technology Background
The capito project is grounded in the principles of simplifying information presentation and enhancing comprehension across diverse audiences. This initiative focuses on the development of tools and methodologies that transform complex information into easily digestible formats. By employing user-centered design principles and leveraging advanced technologies, capito aims to create solutions that cater to individuals with varying levels of literacy and comprehension skills.
The technology behind capito integrates natural language processing and user-interface design to streamline information delivery. By analyzing text complexity and tailoring content to user needs, capito enhances engagement and retention. This approach not only aids individuals in grasping essential information but also promotes inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the communication process.
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH, through the capito project, exemplifies the transformative potential of the EIC Accelerator program. By securing vital funding and support, the company is poised to revolutionize how information is conveyed, ultimately contributing to a more informed and accessible society. The project encapsulates the essence of the EIC Accelerator’s mission: to empower innovative companies to thrive in a competitive landscape and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.
2 The Funding Rounds
Funding and Financing Overview for CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH (capito)
Background
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH, best known for its capito product, is an Austrian company specializing in making complex information accessible through simplification and translation services. Since submitting a successful Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on October 6, 2021, CFS has been active in the impact investing and social entrepreneurship landscape.
Financing Raised
- CFS Consulting has received funding via the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program after their application cut-off on October 6, 2021. The EIC Accelerator typically offers a combination of grant financing and direct equity investments to innovative SMEs across Europe.
- The company is also listed as a portfolio company of Fair Finance SEVECA Social Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Fonds (Austria), indicating venture capital investment specifically aimed at businesses with social impact.
Funding Rounds
Funding Sources Identified:
- EIC Accelerator funding round — awarded post-October 2021.
- Investment from Fair Finance SEVECA Social Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Fonds — documented in both the fund’s annual Impact Reports for 2022 and 2023.
Timing:
The investment by Fair Finance SE-Fonds was active at least during both fiscal years of reporting:
Amount:
Neither public disclosures nor fund reports specify exact euro amounts invested into CFS Consulting / capito. However, as an investee under SEVECA’s model, typical ticket sizes range from €100k–€500k per enterprise per round depending on stage and needs. Publicly available documents do not confirm an exact figure for this specific case.
Investor Information
Institutional Investors:
- European Innovation Council (EIC): Provided blended finance support via accelerator program.
- Fair Finance SEVECA Social Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Fonds, Austria: Main VC backer cited since at least late 2021/early 2022 with ongoing portfolio monitoring.
Strategic Rationale:
Both investors target high-impact ventures aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—CFS/Capito’s focus being reduced inequality through accessible communication tools.Company Valuations
No official or unofficial valuation figures are publicly disclosed by either CFS Consulting or its principal investors as part of annual reporting or press coverage up to April 23, 2025. As is common among private Austrian SMEs backed primarily by public sector grants/funds focused on mission-driven growth rather than rapid commercial scaling, valuation details are seldom released unless tied to a major new financing event or exit.
Exit Events
As of April 23, 2025:
- No IPOs reported.
- No public record exists regarding buyouts or acquisition events involving CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH/capito.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Major Funding | EIC Accelerator grant/equity post-Oct. 6 cutoff (awarded post-interview) |
| Other Notable Investment | Fair Finance SEVECA VC Fund (active investee since ~late '21/'22) |
| Timing | Investments recorded FY22–24; first likely between Q4'21–Q2'22 |
| Amount | Not disclosed; typical VC tickets €100k–€500k |
| Investors | EIC Accelerator; Fair Finance SE-Fonds |
| Valuation | Not publicly available |
| Exit Events | None reported |
Sources: Imprint - capito Impact Report 2023 - Fair Finance SE-Fonds Impact Report 2022 - Fair Finance SE-Fonds CFS Consulting GPII Listing
3 The Press Releases
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH - capito.eu
Company Overview
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH, operating under the brand capito, is a Graz-based company in Austria. capito is known for promoting social equality and participation by simplifying complex information and making it accessible to everyone. The company was created on the initiative of atempo, an organization that trains and integrates people with disabilities into the labor market.
EIC Accelerator Funding
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in 2021. The company was selected during the cut-off on October 6, 2021, for further evaluation and eventually won in the Step 3 interview. This funding supports innovative projects that have the potential to disrupt markets and create new opportunities.
Partnerships and Technology Advancements
While specific recent partnerships or technology advancements related to the EIC funding are not detailed in the available information, CFS GmbH focuses on developing and promoting products and services within the capito network. The company's initiatives aim to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in information dissemination.
Team Updates
No specific team updates are mentioned in the available press releases or blog posts. However, the company's initiatives are part of a broader strategy to create more inclusive environments, which likely involves collaboration with various stakeholders in the social and technological sectors.
Patents and Intellectual Property
There is no information available on new patents or intellectual property developments specifically related to CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH.
Press Releases and Updates
Press releases or blog posts directly from capito.eu are not listed, but there are references to the company's activities in other documents and reports. For instance, the company's involvement with the EIC Accelerator suggests ongoing innovation and strategic development.
Social Impact
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH contributes to social equality by promoting accessible information through capito. This aligns with atempo's mission to support people with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to social impact alongside technological advancement.
Sources:
- Imprint - capito
- CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sale GmbH - DevelopmentAid
- EIC Accelerator 6 October cut-off - European Innovation Council
4 The Technology Advancements
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH: Current Capabilities and Advancements
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH, located in Graz, Austria, is best known for its product capito, which focuses on simplifying complex information and making it accessible to everyone through digital media channels and artificial intelligence (AI). The company was founded in 2001 and is recognized for promoting social equality and participation through its services.
Current Capabilities
- Simplification of Complex Information: capito uses AI to enhance the accessibility and comprehension of information across various platforms, ensuring that complex texts are understandable by all.
- Inclusive Employment Opportunities: The company creates employment opportunities for individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities, supporting their independence.
- Social Impact: capito contributes to reducing societal inequalities by promoting transparency, accountability, and effective institutions while fostering partnerships for shared goals.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
While specific details about advancements made since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, are not readily available, the company's commitment to leveraging technology for social impact suggests ongoing innovation in digital media and AI applications. However, there is no published information on new patents, scientific studies, or clinical trials directly linked to this funding.Technology Demonstrations and Market Presence
CFS Consulting continues to focus on enhancing information accessibility, which implies ongoing market demonstrations through capito's services. However, specific pilot projects or customer implementations since the funding are not detailed in available sources.New Features and Technologies
The company's emphasis on AI and digital media suggests potential advancements in these areas, though specific new features or technological improvements are not publicly highlighted since the funding.Scientific Publications and Patents
There is no available information indicating that CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH has filed new patents or published scientific studies or whitepapers following the EIC Accelerator funding.Conclusion
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH continues to focus on making complex information accessible through innovative technologies like AI. While specific advancements or new technologies since the EIC Accelerator funding are not detailed, the company remains committed to its mission of promoting inclusivity and social equality.Sources
5 The Partnerships and Customers
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH Overview
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH, based in Graz, Austria, is known for its brand capito, which specializes in simplifying complex information and making it accessible to everyone. The company was founded in 2001 and utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the comprehension of information across various platforms.
Partnerships and Customers
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH has a strong partnership with atempo, an organization focused on training people with disabilities for integration into the labor market. atempo founded CFS Consulting to ensure public funding for training is not used for commercial product development. Additionally, capito's products are designed to promote social equality and participation for all people, aligning with atempo's mission.
New Partners and Customers
There is no specific information available about new partners or customers since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. However, CFS Consulting's involvement in the EIC Accelerator program likely positions it for potential collaborations with other innovative companies and organizations in the European ecosystem.
Nature of New Relationships
Any new relationships or partnerships for CFS Consulting would likely focus on furthering its mission to simplify complex information and enhance accessibility. These relationships could involve collaborations with technology companies to advance AI capabilities, educational institutions to improve learning materials, or organizations focused on social inclusion.
Positioning in the Market
CFS Consulting's focus on accessibility and simplification, coupled with its commitment to social impact, positions it uniquely in the market as a leader in inclusive technology solutions. The EIC Accelerator funding would further reinforce its position by providing resources for technological advancements and scaling its operations.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The EIC Accelerator funding is expected to help CFS Consulting advance its AI-driven solutions and scale its operations. This could involve developing more sophisticated algorithms for text simplification, expanding its digital media channels, and enhancing its employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By leveraging such funding, CFS Consulting can accelerate its technology development and reach more users, ultimately enhancing its social impact.
Sources
- capito - Imprint
- capito - Simply mail
- CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH
- Impact Report 2023
- Impact Report 2022
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
CFS CONSULTING FRANCHISE & SALES GMBH, based in Austria and the winner of the EIC Accelerator funding with a Step 2 proposal submitted on October 6, 2021, has limited publicly available detailed information regarding its hiring trends, current headcount, team growth specifics, or recent management changes as of April 2025.Based on the search results and available data:
- There is no explicit public disclosure about CFS CONSULTING FRANCHISE & SALES GMBH’s current team size or headcount.
- No confirmed information exists on whether CFS CONSULTING FRANCHISE & SALES GMBH is currently hiring.
- Details regarding recent hires or key positions filled at CFS CONSULTING are not available.
- There are no reports of major changes in management or founding team for this company since receiving EIC Accelerator funding.
- Consequently, insights into how new team members might influence future scaling and growth cannot be determined from existing data.
The absence of specific employment and organizational updates suggests that either CFS CONSULTING maintains a relatively stable or small core team without widely publicized expansions or that such internal developments have not been publicly reported. For companies like CFS Consulting operating in consulting franchise and sales sectors, growth often comes through strategic client acquisitions rather than large-scale hiring unless explicitly communicated.
Therefore, while it is known that they successfully secured EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021—a significant milestone likely supporting innovation and expansion—the detailed human resources trajectory (hiring status, growth scale) remains undisclosed publicly up to date.
For precise insights on their workforce evolution post-EIC funding award (October 2021), direct company sources such as press releases from capito.eu/en/, official corporate announcements from Austria’s business registries, or direct inquiries would be necessary to supplement the lack of external public records.
Summary:
| Aspect | Information Available |
|---|---|
| Current Headcount | Not publicly disclosed |
| Team Size | Unknown |
| Hiring Status | No public info |
| Growth Since Funding | Not specified |
| Key New Hires | Not reported |
| Impact of New Team Members | Unknown |
| Management/Founding Changes | No data |
Sources:
No relevant documents were found among provided search results regarding staffing details for CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH
CFS Consulting, Franchise & Sales GmbH, based in Graz, Austria, is a company renowned for its innovative product, capito. This company specializes in simplifying complex information, making it accessible to everyone through digital channels and artificial intelligence (AI). CFS GmbH received EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance information accessibility and promote social equity.
Media Features and Publications
While specific media features or publications directly naming CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH are not widely documented, the company's work on capito has been recognized for its impact on social equality and participation. The company's mission aligns with broader themes of accessibility and inclusivity, which are often highlighted in discussions about social enterprises and innovation.
Content and Interviews
There is limited information available on podcasts or interviews featuring the team of CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH. However, the company's commitment to creating employment opportunities for individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities showcases its dedication to social causes.
Conference and Fair Participations
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH, through its product capito, may participate in events focused on innovation, accessibility, and social equality. However, specific details about their involvement in conferences or fairs are not readily available.
Company Involvement in Events
The company's involvement in events is likely centered around promoting its mission of making complex information accessible. While there are no specific details on their participation in conferences or fairs, their work with capito aligns with initiatives that support inclusivity and social equity.
Conclusion
CFS Consulting Franchise & Sales GmbH is a socially focused company that has gained recognition for its efforts in enhancing information accessibility through its product capito. Despite limited media coverage, the company's mission and impact are aligned with broader societal goals of inclusivity and social equity.
Sources
- Imprint - capito
- capito - Simply mail
- capito - Simply write
- EIC Accelerator Beneficiaries
- Impact Report 2023
Do you need EIC Accelerator support?
Here is a list of the key service options for the EIC Accelerator:
Full Writing Service
All proposal sections are written by Stephan Segler, PhD.
Advisory Service
You write in-house but receive 1-on-1 support, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents.
AI Writer & Training
A high-quality AI writer for EIC Accelerator Step 1 and a comprehensive Training program for Steps 1 and 2 including all templates and instructions.