Overview for founders in Germany: If you want to build a startup, you need access to knowledge, capital and strong communities. These networks in Germany open doors for you.
If you want to build a startup, you need more than a good idea – you need access to knowledge, capital and the right people. They open doors to investors, mentors and communities. But which nationwide networks actually exist in Germany? We’ll show you an overview of which ones you should know.
1. Federal Association of German Startups (Startup Association)
The Startup Association is the political mouthpiece of the German startup scene: The network creates an exchange between startups, established business and politics. The association has around 1,200 members from all over Germany.
Why you should know the association: The association organizes events, connects founders and investors, promotes entrepreneurship, offers reports and passes on start-up knowledge.
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2. Businettes
The online platform Businettes was created in 2019 by founders, for founders. In addition to the online community, there are events and expert workshops. Over 6,000 female founders are there – including in the UK and France.
Why you should know the community: Encouraging women to believe in themselves and their business ideas to promote more balance and diversity in the startup ecosystem.
3. De:hub Initiative
The initiative’s 25 hubs are spread across Germany, with over 8,000 startups participating. The de:hub initiative connects established medium-sized businesses and corporates with partners from the start-up scene and science.
Why you should know the initiative: Whether it’s a trade fair, panel or networking event – the network offers various offers for all phases of startup growth, dozens of experts and pitch events. Also near you!
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4. Exist
Since 1998, Exist has been supporting university graduates, scientists and students in preparing their technology-oriented and knowledge-based start-up projects. The aim of the program, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), is to improve the start-up climate at universities and non-university research institutions.
Why you should know the program: Exist offers support programs for students and academics and especially for women in higher education and research institutions.
5. Founders League
Since 2022, the platform has been helping to build networks, find investors and offers mentoring through an academy and various events: There are live shows and founder meetings in various major cities in the DACH region.
Why you should know the platform: If you’re a founder looking for connections, reach, sparring and potential investors, you’ll find a place to go there.
6. International START Network
START Global was founded in 1997 by students at St. Gallen University. Since then, START events have brought together students, founders, venture capitalists and industry experts through workshops, question-and-answer sessions, panel discussions and networking events. In Germany, the network is particularly active in Munich, Hamburg, Nuremberg and Berlin.
Why you should know the network: Members can get in touch with a variety of like-minded people, take part in local or international events such as the START Summit and gain insights into a wide range of startup environments. The Start Summit is one of Europe’s largest early stage startup conferences.
7. Pulses
The non-profit organization Pulse wants to give founders nationwide access to comprehensive networks and resources. The free network created by founders aims to establish a platform for innovation and collaboration.
Why you should know the network: The newly founded Pulse network has big goals: to minimize start-up hurdles in the startup landscape for young entrepreneurs and thus promote a diverse corporate culture. According to its own statements, Pulse focuses on free offers and a community-first approach.
8. Startup Teens
Since 2015, the non-profit organization has been offering young people between the ages of 14 and 19 as well as companies an online platform to learn from each other and motivate them to start a business. With YouTube videos, mentoring, events or by arranging internships. Participation is free.
Why you should know the initiative: Startup Teens teaches young people relevant start-up skills such as entrepreneurial thinking, coding and personal development.
9. Young Founders Network
The YFN network is aimed specifically at founders under 25 and is a collective of young founders and startup enthusiasts. The community has over 1,500 founders – the average age, according to YFN, is 21.5 years.
Why you should know the network: YFN brings young founders together at the Young Founders Conference event and easily via WhatsApp group. They pass on startup knowledge at workshops and explain the bureaucratic aspects of starting a business in crash courses.
Network successfully in your area
In addition to nationwide networks, there are also numerous other regional communities and initiatives in the various federal states that promote start-up culture for founders and startups based on the industry, location and phase of the company. These include privately organized university networks and programs funded by the federal states.
Do you know another network that is active nationwide? Then write an email to the author leandra.finke@gruenderszene.de
