Start2 Group

🎉 A Celebration of Our Alumni – This Award is Yours! 🚀 We are incredibly honored to be named the 3rd Leading Startup Hub in Europe by the Financial Times Leading Startup Hub 2025 Ranking, but this recognition belongs to our alumni. 💜 With over 4,300 founders across 28 countries, our alumni have built, scaled, and innovated, shaping industries and driving change. Your success, resilience, and feedback are the reasons we achieved this milestone. In fact, we ranked 🥇 in Europe for "Alumni Track Record" - a direct reflection of the impact you continue to make! 🎙️ What Our Alumni Say About their Experience: 💬 "Super amazing and very rewarding" - even when super challenging 💬 "Filled gaps" by connecting them with the right experts 💬 "Highly structured" approach with lots of insight from industry veterans 💬 "The most valuable tool for funding was the structured approach" 💬 "....it lifted us to a totally different level!" 💬 "The most valuable aspect? Definitely the connections I made!" 💜 To our incredible alumni, this win is yours. Your success stories inspire us every day and is proof of what you built: ✅ A powerful, supportive alumni network spanning the globe ✅ Lifelong connections with experts, investors & mentors ✅ A structured, strategic approach that drives real growth 🙏 Thank you for allowing us to be part of your startup journey. Your achievements inspire everything we do! If you’re a founder looking to scale globally, connect with experts, and gain structured guidance, now is the time to join our community. 🔥 Be part of something bigger! Join us today! ...... #AlumniSuccess #Startups #startuphubs #Entrepreneurship #Accelerator #Networking #Community #FinancialTimes #MissionPossible

🚀 Last week at the EXIST - Existenzgründungen aus der Wissenschaft Workshop 2025 in Chemnitz, Start2's Director AI Europe, Sabine Wiesmüller, PhD, contributed to a workshop on 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐈 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 in light of Start2's support of the AI NATION initiative! Held at the Technische Universität Chemnitz, the workshop was led by Ralf Dolk (Projektträger Jülich, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH), with further contributions from Dr. Wiesmüller and Felix Heberle with AI+MUNICH (MUNICH INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM). In her presentation, Dr. Wiesmüller spotlighted some of the unique dynamics shaping Germany’s AI startup landscape, addressing key challenges and opportunities such as: ✅ Slower AI adoption rates ✅ The need for expanded grant opportunities ✅ Attracting international talent to supplement the smaller pool of AI specialists in Germany Dr. Wiesmüller also emphasized how Germany’s strengths—world-class engineering and a strong cultural commitment to data privacy—can be powerful assets in scaling AI innovation. To support this thesis, she shared success stories from our alumni and highlighted Start2's pivotal role in startup internationalization journeys—helping founders think globally from day one. 💡From insightful workshop sessions to a one-of-a-kind evening event at the dynamic die fabrik chemnitz, this year’s EXIST workshop set a strong tone for Germany’s future positioning in AI and innovation. A big thank you to EXIST for fostering these critical discussions - we look forward to contributing to the initiatives that will emerge from them!  #AINATION #Internationalization #ScaleUps #EXIST #AIInnovation #StartupSupport

Global Tech Dialogue: Berlin, LATAM, and the Future of AI & Industry 4.0 Join us for an unmissable German Accelerator Kickstart Fireside Chat & Networking event, where AI & Industry 4.0 take center stage - exploring cross-border opportunities in LATAM’s vibrantly dynamic tech landscape. 🔥 This exclusive fireside chat will feature industry experts, founders, and exited entrepreneurs like Berlin-based Sebastián Maineri, Delivery Director at Globant, who have built thriving businesses and who'll share insights on their journeys, challenges, and proven strategies for scaling across borders. Event Details: 🗓️ Date: 27 March 🕕 Time: 6-9pm 📍 Location: Merantix AI Campus, Max-Urich-Straße 3, Berlin ✨ You can also expect... 🤝 Networking, light refreshments, and a chance to: ✅ engage with stakeholders from the ecosystem of both regions, ✅ forge new partnerships, ✅ get to know the German Accelerator team, ✅ meet Kickstart program startups, and ✅ discover exciting opportunities in the AI and Industry 4.0 space. Explore the future with us. Secure your spot via the 🔗 in the "most recent" comments section ⬇️ . Be part of something BIG! ..... *German Accelerator is powered by Start2 Group and is proudly financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) Mira Kadirkhanova, Nicolas Canevaro, Marley Mokone, Niklas Linss, Chiara Canavesi, Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto de la República Argentina

🚀 Every Startup Needs a Mentor – Here's How Start2 Group Can Help Behind every successful startup is a great mentor, someone who has been there, done that, and can help navigate the challenges ahead. Start2 Group, knows that mentorship is more than advice, it’s a catalyst for growth. Since 2008, Start2 Group has been empowering founders worldwide, and our mentors are at the heart of it all. That’s why founders who participate in our programs get exclusive access to our global mentor network, helping them tackle challenges, refine strategies, and scale smarter. 🤔 What Makes Start2 Group’s Mentor Network Unique? ✨ Thousands of mentors actively shaping the next generation of startups ✨ A truly global network in regions like: Asia, Europe, the Americas ✨ Specialized expertise in Life Science, AI, Climate Tech, and more 💡 Why Mentorship Matters for Startups: ✅ Guidance & Expertise ↳ Avoid common pitfalls and accelerate growth ✅ Global Connections ↳ Open doors to investors, partners, and markets worldwide ✅ Specialized Knowledge ↳ Get tailored insights for your industry ✅ Time-Saving & Strategic Growth ↳ Learn from those who’ve already scaled successfully 📢 Want to unlock your startup’s potential? Apply to Start2 Group’s programs https://start2.group/, gain access to world-class mentorship, and take your startup to the next level! 🚀 💬 Shout out a mentor who has made a difference in your journey! Let’s celebrate the invaluable role of mentors in shaping the future of innovation. 🙌 ...... Start2 Group in LatAm, Start2 Group in Japan, Start2 Group in South Korea #MentorshipMatters #StartupGrowth #FounderSupport #GlobalNetwork #Start2Group #MentorsMakeADifference #Entrepreneurship

🤝 Bridging Innovation Between Korea & Germany 🇰🇷🇩🇪 - A Milestone Achievement with Darae Biz! We’re excited to kick off a new strategic partnership between Start2 Group and Darae Biz! On February 27, at our Start2 Group Munich Office, we signed an MOU aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration and supporting Korean startups in expanding into the German and European markets. This agreement lays the foundation for joint initiatives in startup acceleration, investment opportunities, and R&D partnerships - ultimately driving innovation, fostering international growth, and creating new opportunities for founders in both ecosystems. 🤔 Who is Darae Biz? Darae Biz is dedicated to enhancing business value by connecting R&D, business, and investment. From startup acceleration to seed investments and company building, Darae plays a vital role in fostering early-stage innovation and supporting ambitious founders on their journey to success. 🤩 What does this mean for German & Korean Startups? ✅ Cross-border opportunities in R&D, business, and investment ✅ Stronger global network for innovation-driven growth ✅ Tailored acceleration programs to foster global expansion ✅ Co-investment opportunities and strategic partnerships This MoU marks an exciting step toward bridging markets, fostering early-stage innovation, and creating new opportunities for founders on both sides. 🚀 🔜 Stay tuned for exciting upcoming projects! If you're passionate about cross-border innovation, let’s connect ⬇️! ...... Dr. JD An, Kyung Dong Kyle Kim, Matthias Notz, Jiyun Ha, Lena Esseln, Xia Wei La 罗夏伟, Marta Allina, Start2 Group in South Korea, Scaler8 #GlobalInnovation #Startups #KoreaToEurope #CrossBorderCollab

🚀 What an incredible evening at the recent Start2Connect Germany x Japan: Precision Meets Innovation! 🇩🇪🇯🇵 It was truly inspiring to bring together German and Japanese startups from German Accelerator and Scaler8 programs to exchange insights and forge meaningful connections. The energy in the room was electric, and we’re excited to see such strong enthusiasm for cross-border collaboration. ✨ A huge thank you to our special guests ↳ We were honored to welcome Her Excellency Petra Sigmund, German Ambassador to Japan, who shared her thoughts on the importance of strengthening innovation ties between Germany and Japan. A special thanks also to Dr. Nakao Koji, who delivered an insightful keynote on how Japanese corporates can work with German startups to drive impactful innovation. 👏 A big round of applause to our panelists ↳ Our panel discussion, "The Future of Human Innovation," sparked fantastic conversations on innovating for well-being and quality of life. Dr. Carolina Kawakubo, Stefan Sacre, and Sugimoto Masaaki shared their experiences and perspectives on what it takes to scale internationally, navigate new markets, and drive innovation that truly improves lives. 🏆 Congratulations to Workist for winning the Best Pitch Award! ↳ Among the outstanding pitches we saw, Workist stood out with their innovative approach and strong vision. Well done to all the startups who took the stage. We’re excited to see what’s next for you! 🥨🍶 This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of SHIBUYA QWS (渋谷キューズ), NRW.Global Business Japan, Schmatz, and Tokyo Sake Base. From an inspiring venue to great conversations over German beer and Japanese sake, your contributions made the evening even more special. 🙏 Thank you to DJW・Deutsch-Japanischer Wirtschaftskreis・日独産業協会, DWIH Tokyo (German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo), Black Box, Shibuya Startup Support, and JETRO - Japan External Trade Organization for spreading the word about this event with your community and growing the startup community in Japan with us. ❄️ Despite the snowy weather in Tokyo, the energy in the room was electric! We’re immensely grateful to everyone who joined us, braving the cold to be part of this exciting exchange between Germany and Japan’s startup ecosystems, and we look forward to seeing these connections grow. .... Jointly organized by: Start2 Group, German Accelerator, Scaler8 Elephantech Inc., Smile Curve, Any-Edge Inc. Aeterlink Corp., AC&C Company GmbH & Co. KG, ConBotics, VanOnGo, CLYSO, LAIFE, Start2 Group in Japan, Scaler8 Japan Mabel Fu, Taisuke Odajima, Malcolm Lee, Chiharu Onishi, Esther Chan, Jacklyn Mondon

💡𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝐬 At Start2, supporting entrepreneurs throughout their startup journeys is at the core of what we do. As part of this commitment to founder success, Sabine Wiesmüller, PhD, Start2's Director AI Europe, recently spoke to the IESE Startup & Entrepreneurship Club on the IESE Munich campus. 🚀 Her talk, “𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩”, provided innovative business leaders in the audience with practical insights on how to successfully engage investors. The session began with a warm welcome from Gonzaga García Ruibal-Amor, Head of Executive Education Programs at IESE Business School, and was followed by insights from Dr. Wiesmüller on accelerating startup growth. Following the discussion, participants had the opportunity to engage with live startup pitches from entrepreneurs representing innovative ventures across different industries, including Rishabh Maggirwar, Maximilian Schöffer, Armando Avila Maurer, and ⁠Anastasia Burdeeva! Building on these real-world examples, Dr. Wiesmüller shared practical tips for founders pitching to investors, highlighting: ✅ Key considerations in diverse funding structures ✅ What investors are looking for at different stages ✅ How to craft and deliver a compelling pitch 🙏 Many thanks to Elena Poughia for the invitation to be part of this great event, as well as the IESE Business School and Startup & Entrepreneurship Club for bringing together such an engaged group of future leaders.🤝 Start2 is proud to contribute to shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs! #Entrepreneurship #InvestorPitch #StartupFunding #GlobalStartups #IESEBusinessSchool #Innovation

We're incredibly honored to be recognized as one of Europe's Top 3 Startup Hubs by the Financial Times! 🏆 More than the ranking, it's the validation of our Start2 Group community's hard work and the impact we strive to make on founders' journeys that truly means the most. Securing 🥇 in both Hub Network and Track Record? Well, that's just the cherry on top. Numbers don't lie. Here's what we've achieved: 🔥 500+ Innovation Projects: Driving tangible progress. 🔥 1500+ Participants Coached Each Year: Empowering the next generation. 🔥 1300+ Global Mentors: Providing invaluable guidance. 🔥 12,000+ Mentor Hours Globally in 2024 But what does this mean for YOU, the founders and innovators? We're dedicated to YOUR success! Start2 Group is a global powerhouse, operating in 18 countries, connecting you to key markets in the U.S., Europe, LATAM, Asia, and the UAE. We don't just offer programs; we build ecosystems. 🌍 We provide: 🧵 Tailored programs for your specific industry and growth stage. 👥 Expert mentorship from a global network. 📈 Deep market insights to fuel your expansion. We've seen firsthand the transformative power of connecting visionary founders with the right opportunities. That's why we're so passionate about what we do. Want to see the Start2 difference for yourself? 📺 Watch our new video https://lnkd.in/eqs98MM2 and learn how we fuel startup growth worldwide! 🚀 .... Start2 Group in LatAm, Start2 Group in Japan, Start2 Group in South Korea

Tunnels, Dams, and Drones: Revolutionizing Infrastructure Inspection with AI Imagine inspecting critical infrastructure like tunnels, dams, and pipes without risking human lives or wasting countless hours. That's the future Spiral Inc. | Spiral Europe FlexCo  is building, and it's happening NOW! We all know the challenges: dangerous manual labor, time-consuming processes, and a crippling shortage of skilled workers. Existing drone solutions? They often fall short, struggling with signal loss and bulky, impractical systems. Enter Spiral’s autonomous drone, powered by their groundbreaking @MarkFlex®Air navigation system. Forget complex programming and pilot expertise. This is plug-and-play simplicity, even in the most challenging environments. With Spiral you have: ✅ Effortless Operation:  ↳ Place markers, set your flight path, and let the AI do the rest – no coding required! ✅ Unmatched Versatility:  ↳ Their patented MarkFlex®Air technology conquers low-light conditions and offers superior flexibility compared to traditional SLAM-based drones. ✅ AI-Powered Insights:  ↳ Get custom-formatted data and AI-analyzed reports, streamlining your entire workflow. In addition Spiral: ✨ Launched a successful tunnel construction service in Japan with a leading contractor.  ✨ Completed an autonomous measurement test project for an Austrian surveying company.  ✨ Has been selected to represent Austria at Expo 2025 Osaka 2025! Spiral Inc. | Spiral Europe FlexCo is seeking: ✔️ European development partners in infrastructure inspection. ✔️ Clients in the tunnel construction industry. ✔️ Collaborations for AI image analysis algorithm development. Are you ready to revolutionize infrastructure inspection? 1️⃣ Connect with Spiral Inc. | Spiral Europe FlexCo 2️⃣ DM us if you want to learn more or explore a partnership. 3️⃣ Visit their website: spiral-robotics.com 4️⃣ Share this post with those in the infrastructure or robotics industry! .... Miyu Nishihira, David Hajizadeh, Khashayar Ansari, Jiyun Ha, Till Ammelburg

🚀 How can we scale AI startup support across Germany’s innovation ecosystem? What role do initiatives like AI NATION play in shaping the future of AI-driven entrepreneurship? At next week's EXIST - Existenzgründungen aus der Wissenschaft Workshop 2025 in Chemnitz, Sabine Wiesmüller, PhD, Director AI Europe at Start2, will contribute to the workshop "Scaling AI Startup Support" to explore these critical questions and how Start2 is supporting initiatives like AI NATION. Led by Ralf Dolk and with further contributions from Felix Heberle, the workshop will also dive into existing support formats for AI startups and examine how startup networks can benefit from AI-focused programs. The EXIST Workshops bring together representatives from nearly 200 EXIST-funded universities and startup networks across Germany, alongside the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Project Management Jülich, and industry experts. Over two intensive days, participants will exchange ideas on best practices in university-based startup support and connect at networking sessions, including an evening event on March 10.   🗓️ 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: March 10-11, 2025 📍 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Chemnitz, hosted in collaboration with SAXEED 🔗 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 & 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://lnkd.in/g5J66FMa We look forward to seeing you there and furthering collective dialogue on scaling AI startup support!🤝