I have taken a manufacturing company from initial capital raise to exit sale. It took 137 pitches to raise low 7 figures.

First you need a MVP and a business plan. With that in place you can solicit investors. You start with your most inner circle (family) and work yourself outward from there. If you do not want to offer equity, then offer notes. In any case if you do not have a product or business plan, you are not serious.

Many EU countries offer grants and subsidies for startups, especially in sectors like technology, sustainability, and innovation. These funds are typically non-repayable, making them an excellent option for obtaining capital.
Many organizations, both public and private, run competitions for new business ideas, with monetary prizes for winners. These funds typically don’t require repayment or equity.
You can raise money from a large number of people through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Rewards-based crowdfunding allows you to offer products or services as rewards without giving up equity or accruing debt.
Some incubators and accelerators offer funding without requiring equity in exchange. Instead, they might provide mentorship, office space, and other resources.
By focusing on these strategies, you can maximize your chances of securing capital without distributing equity and, in many cases, without the need for payback. It’s important to carefully evaluate each option based on your business needs, sector, and location within the EU.

I would recommend looking for funding by due contribution. Depending on which country you are in, there is partial financing or funding that does not have to be repaid. To do this, you need to be educated, and your idea (idea stage) should be well-developed. Your pitch slides should also contain all the relevant information. There is also certain early-stage and pre-seed financing from government agencies that includes favorable interest rates. In order to give you more information, further details are necessary. Foundations and trusts also have startup funding as part of their objectives. You can also check here and submit applications.

You have to think first before making decisions about it.so that you will not regret

I have this expertise.

In Italy there are multiple grants available I do this as a consultant and raised €350k in the past years.

- zero equity
- 50% debt 50% cash investment
- 1000 companies can access to the grant in specific italian regions

There are similar european grants that can give you up to 2 million euros with zero equity.

In order to get them you need to do an exceptional plan and project aligned with the euro pillars (green energy, gender gap optimizations and so on) and have patents or university brand partnerships.

If you are interested to this I can help, but I will tell you in advance if your project can be in target or not for what I shared.

What area or field are on in ? Depends.
Assuming you already know what kind of start up I would suggest trying to save money from your "9-5 job" or use the skills you have to set the basics of the start up by offering your skills relevant to it. In that way you also build up a portfolio.
Last but not least you can ask for help from different funds within EU and your country depending on which country. They help start ups with certain basics costs.

It's a bit tricky giving you more relevant tips without more context.

As an EU resident, you can explore the following options for startup capital without involving investors and minimizing payback obligations:

*Grants:*

1. Horizon 2020 (EU's research and innovation program): Up to €2.5 million.
2. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Supports regional development projects.
3. EU's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Instrument: Up to €2.5 million.
4. National and regional government grants (e.g., Germany's EXIST program).

*Loans with favorable terms:*

1. European Investment Bank (EIB) loans: Low-interest rates, long repayment periods.
2. EU's COSME program: Loan guarantees for SMEs.
3. Microfinance institutions (e.g., European Microfinance Network).
4. National and regional development banks (e.g., KfW in Germany).

*Crowdfunding:*

1. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Seedrs (reward-based).
2. Equity crowdfunding (e.g., Crowdcube, Companisto) with revenue-sharing models.

*Government-backed loans and guarantees:*

1. EU's Guarantee Facility: Supports SME loans.
2. National and regional government-backed loans (e.g., UK's Start Up Loans).

*Incubators and accelerators:*

1. EU-funded programs (e.g., EIT Digital, Startup Europe).
2. National and regional incubators (e.g., Berlin's Startupbootcamp).

*Tax incentives and credits:*

1. Research and Development (R&D) tax credits.
2. VAT exemptions or reductions.

*Other options:*

1. Bootstrapping (self-funding).
2. Friends and family funding.
3. Business plan competitions.

*Eligibility criteria and application process:*

1. Review program requirements and eligibility.
2. Prepare a solid business plan and financial projections.
3. Submit applications through official websites or partner organizations.

*Maximizing chances of no payback:*

1. Focus on grants and government-backed programs.
2. Explore revenue-sharing models or convertible notes.
3. Negotiate loan terms with favorable interest rates and repayment periods.

*Resources:*

1. European Commission's funding opportunities portal.
2. EU's Startup Europe initiative.
3. National and regional government websites.
4. Business associations and industry networks.

Some popular EU-wide programs:

1. Horizon 2020: (link unavailable)
2. COSME: (link unavailable)
3. European Investment Bank: (link unavailable)

*Country-specific resources:*

Germany:

- EXIST program: (link unavailable)
- KfW: (link unavailable)

UK:

- Start Up Loans: (link unavailable)
- Innovate UK: (link unavailable)

France:

- Bpifrance: (link unavailable)
- France Num: (link unavailable)

Research and review programs specific to your country and region.

Please consult with a financial advisor or business expert to ensure the best approach for your startup.

As an EU resident looking to obtain startup capital without involving investors or distributing equity, there are several options available that maximize the chances of no payback. One key avenue is government grants and subsidies. The European Union, along with individual member states, offers various grants, particularly for innovation, sustainability, and research-focused businesses. Programs like Horizon Europe and national-level grants can provide substantial funding without requiring repayment. Additionally, rewards-based crowdfunding through platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo allows you to raise funds in exchange for early products or rewards, avoiding equity loss or debt.

Another approach is bootstrapping, where you self-fund through personal savings, early revenue, or side gigs. Participating in startup competitions and contests is also a viable option, as many organizations offer prize money for innovative ideas without expecting any equity in return. In some cases, business incubators and accelerators, such as EIT Digital or Climate-KIC, provide non-equity-based support through mentorship and resources. You can also explore donation-based crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or Patreon, where supporters contribute without expecting repayment.

Finally, some EU countries offer bank loans with government backing, which may have forgivable terms or low-interest rates, particularly for innovative or socially impactful businesses. Programs like InnovFin provide access to finance, and repayment can sometimes be deferred or forgiven based on achieving business milestones. By exploring these avenues, you can secure startup capital while minimizing financial risk and avoiding equity dilution.