OUT OF THE BOX.NRW

🌿 Voltfang all the way up! Once again, we are thrilled to share incredible news from our second-place winner of 2024, Voltfang. Following their impressive journey to the USA, they have now successfully closed their Series A financing round, raising €8.1 million incl. €800k in secured grants. 🚀 This major milestone will allow the team to expand their product offerings and further solidify their position as pioneers in green energy infrastructure. Congratulations to Afshin Doostdar, Roman Alberti, David Oudsandji and the entire Voltfang team! Your progress inspires us and demonstrates how sustainable innovations are shaping the future. We are so proud! #Voltfang #Greenenergy #Sustainableinnovation #alumnistories #ootbnrwalumni #ootbnrw

🚀 Der erste bundesweite EdTech Startup Monitor 2024 ist veröffentlicht! 🚀 📊 Der erste bundesweite EdTech Startup Monitor wurde von der Founders Foundation gGmbH und dem Startup-Verband veröffentlicht. Hier kommen die wichtigsten Insights: 9 von 10 deutschen Startup-Gründer kritisieren das langsame Digitalisierungstempo im Bildungssektor. Mit 493 EdTech-Startups zeigt sich jedoch, dass Deutschland über ein starkes Innovationspotenzial verfügt, um die Bildung zu transformieren. Besonders bemerkenswert: 36 % der Gründer im EdTech-Sektor sind Frauen – das ist doppelt so hoch wie der bundesweite Schnitt in der Startup-Szene! 💡 Dennoch bleiben Hürden: Nur 4 % der EdTech-Startups haben bisher das für Wachstum so wichtige Venture Capital erhalten. Es besteht dringender Handlungsbedarf, um mehr privates Kapital für den Bildungsbereich zu mobilisieren und diese wichtigen Innovationen voranzutreiben. Jetzt ist die Zeit, gemeinsam in die Zukunft der Bildung zu investieren und die digitale Transformation voranzutreiben. Den vollständigen Monitor mit allen Insights findet ihr hier: https://hubs.ly/Q02Vg7zk0 Wir sagen Dankeschön an alle Partner:innen, die uns kräftig unterstützt haben und auch an unsere großartigen Zitatgeber:innen Benedict Kurz, Verena Pausder, simpleclub, Dr. Gesa Miczaika, Anna Bosch, Jessica Lieber, Ann-Christin Kortenbrede, Amanda Maiwald, Dominik Gross, Jannis Gilde, Vanusch Walk, Alexander Hirschfeld, Sven Grabbe, Anna-Luisa Korte, Nik Riesmeier #EdTech #Bildung #Digitalisierung #Innovation #FoundersFoundation #StartupVerband #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs #EdTechMonitor

📰 📱NRW Startup Reports 2024: Insights into the Future of the Tech-Startup- Ecosystem The recently released NRW Startup Reports by @MWIKE (Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klimaschutz und Energie des Landes NRW) offer many insights into the development of the startup scene in North Rhine-Westphalia. As Minister of Economic Mona Neubaur highlights, "The results of the NRW Startup Reports impressively show that North Rhine-Westphalia has developed into one of Germany's leading startup locations in recent years. This positive development is a great signal, as the dynamism and innovative strength of our startups are crucial for the economic future of North Rhine-Westphalia." We've taken a closer look at the report and gathered the most relevant points at a glance: 📈Startup Activity: Despite an 8% decline in new startups compared to the previous year, NRW remains a hotspot with more than 2,300 startups founded in the passed four years, on par with Bavaria and second only to Berlin. 🤝Supportive Environment: Even in challenging economic times, NRW offers a supportive environment, rated as "very good" or "good" by 61% of surveyed startups. 💰Ecosystem Value Growth: The total value of NRW's startup ecosystem increased by approximately $2 billion to $11.5 billion, significantly driven by funding rounds and exits from unicorns like DeepL and LeanIX. 💡Funding Trends: While overall funding volume decreased by 39%, Artificial Intelligence and Cleantech remain leading sectors for VC investments. 🚧Challenges: Sales and customer acquisition are the biggest challenges for startups, followed by capital raising and cash flow management. 💃Women in Leadership: The proportion of female leaders rose slightly to 18%. However, female founders continue to face greater challenges in balancing family and entrepreneurship and securing financing. NRW stands out as a dynamic ecosystem with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The insights from the report underscore the importance of targeted support measures to fully harness the potential of the startup scene. #NRWStartupReport #Innovation #Techstartups #MWIKE #Entrepreneurship #ootbnrw 

🎉🗞️ Exciting News from Our Alumni: Elona Health Achieves New Heights! We are pleased to announce that Elona Health, the second-place OOTB-Winner of 2023, has earned 3rd place in the "Digital Startup of the Year 2024" competition organized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). This underscores their innovative contributions to transforming mental health care. The team showcased their dedication through an inspiring video presentation - you shouldn’t miss to watch it. Congratulations to the entire Elona Health team on this remarkable achievement. Your commitment to advancing the future of psychotherapy is truly commendable and we are so proud! #Elonahealth #Mentalhealthinnovation #alumnistories #OOTBNRWalumni #OOTBNRW https://lnkd.in/ekSPFiNG

🌟 The OOTB.NRW competition showcased an impressive diversity with startups from 10 different industries! Here's a quick look at the sectors that are driving innovation in NRW and their economic relevance: Productivity & AI (6x):  👉 Boosting efficiency for businesses across NRW's diverse economic landscape. 👉 Supporting competitive advantage through AI-driven solutions. 👉 Fostering innovation in collaboration with local universities. Industrial-Tech (3x): 👉 Enhancing Germany's manufacturing heartland with Industry 4.0 technologies. 👉 Streamlining processes for numerous large enterprises and SMEs. 👉 Facilitating practical tech development near production sites. Ed-Tech (3x): 👉 Transforming education access across urban and rural areas. 👉 Integrating technology into schools and universities with state support. 👉 Leveraging NRW's high density of educational institutions. Food-Tech (3x): 👉 Innovating sustainable food production amid urbanization challenges. 👉 Bridging agricultural producers and urban markets efficiently. 👉 Strengthening NRW's robust food industry. Health-Tech (3x): 👉 Driving medical innovations in a region rich with hospitals and research centers. 👉 Addressing demographic shifts with digital health solutions. 👉 Encouraging partnerships between startups and established health entities. IT-Security (2x): 👉 Securing digital infrastructures in a highly connected industrial region. 👉 Protecting sensitive data amidst widespread digital transformation. 👉 Benefiting from regional initiatives supporting cybersecurity advancements. Climate-Tech (1x): 👉 Addressing environmental challenges and energy transition needs in NRW. 👉 Developing solutions to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. 👉 Receiving active support from government climate initiatives. Entertainment (1x): 👉 Energizing NRW's vibrant cultural scene with new tech-driven experiences. 👉 Leveraging the region's strong media landscape for creative ventures. 👉 Showcasing innovations at numerous events and festivals. Fin-Tech (1x): 👉 Innovating financial services in cities like Düsseldorf, a key financial hub. 👉 Collaborating with traditional banks seeking digital transformation. 👉 Offering growth opportunities through partnerships with established institutions. Logistics (1x): 👉 Optimizing supply chains in Europe's central logistics hub. 👉 Capitalizing on proximity to major transportation routes for startup growth. Did you expect such a wide range of industries to be represented? 🤔 #OOTBNRW #Innovation #Startups #DiversityInTech #Entrepreneurship P.s.: the numbering for equally represented industries is alphabetical and multiple responses were allowed.

🌟 Insights from Digital X Cologne: Embracing AI and Diversity for a Brighter Future Denise Linnenbrügger from the OOTB.NRW team attended the Digital X conference in Cologne. Her key takeaways highlight the importance of innovation and diversity: Unleashing AI's Potential: Many companies, especially SMEs, are still hesitant to fully embrace AI. It's time to be bold and seize the opportunities AI offers. 1. Boosting Production with Chips & AI: Integrating chips and AI in production can significantly enhance value creation and efficiency. 2. Breaking Down Barriers: To promote diversity in gender, origin, neurodiversity, and inclusion, we need more role models and accessible pathways. 3. Our tech startups in NRW are deeply engaged with AI topics, keeping them at the cutting edge of innovation. Denise also had the chance to meet Dirk Nowitzki, attend a panel with Julian Nagelsmann, and join a masterclass on neurodiversity by Sabine Buch and @Sarah Lauer — all captured in our slideshow worth clicking through! Would you make a selfie with Dirk Nowitzki if you had the chance? #DigitalX #AI #Innovation #OOTBNRW #startupaward

✈️ Imagine pitching your idea to an audience of over 2,000 experts and watching your startup take off. 🛫 Sounds exciting? Seize the opportunity now! Register for the next round of the OOTB.NRW Awards and get one step closer to conquering the stage at Hinterland of Things on June 5, 2025. Why participate? 🪩Boost Visibility: Showcase your startup to a wide audience and gain credibility. 🌐Network Opportunities: Connect with entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors. 📊Valuable Feedback: Receive insights from experienced judges to refine your business model. 💰Win Prizes & Funding: Compete for financial incentives to fuel your growth. 📰Media Exposure: Gain press coverage and attract new customers. 🌟Attract Talent: Increase your visibility to potential team members. 📈Learn & Grow: Challenge your team and enhance your business strategy. Get inspired by last year’s finale highlights and be part of it! Pre-register now! (Link in comments) #OOTBNRW #Techstartups #Hinterland25 #Entrepreneurship #preregistration

🌟 Calling All Aspiring Female Tech Founders in NRW! This year, we saw 8 incredible teams with female co-founders apply for the OOTB.NRW award. But why stop there? We believe there should be even more women stepping into the tech startup arena. Here’s why: 🚀 Booming Tech Sector: Join one of the fastest-growing industries and lead technological innovation. 🤝Strong Support System: Access dedicated programs and funding for women in tech, like the Digital Hub Initiative. 💡Unique Innovation Potential: Bring fresh perspectives that drive groundbreaking solutions and open new markets. 🔗Endless Collaboration Opportunities: Leverage NRW's rich network of universities, research institutes, and companies.  🌍Be a Role Model: Inspire others and enhance gender diversity in tech by leading as a female founder. ⏰Flexibility & Control: Design a work environment that fits your life, balancing personal and professional commitments. 🌐 Global Reach: Tap into international markets quickly through digital platforms. 🔧Drive Digital Transformation: Develop solutions that tackle societal challenges head-on. NRW is not just a location; it's a launchpad for your tech dreams with local support and global reach. Ready to make your mark? #Womenintech #Startuplife #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #NRW #OOTBNRW

Voltfang goes USA!  At the end of August, our winner Voltfang embarked on an exciting journey to the United States. Representing the team, Co-founder Roman Alberti traveled alongside Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of NRW,  and representatives from business and academia, including Sophia Tran 🚀. The journey from California to Minnesota included thrilling stops in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Sacramento. On this journey, Roman had the opportunity to meet with key figures such as Consul General Oliver Schramm, Bloom Energy CEO KR Sridhar, California's Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia and many more. He also engaged in discussions at the University of Minnesota and Stanford University, met with companies like 3M, Cummins or E.On Future Energy and visited the German Accelerator. The main themes of the trip were promoting the dual transformation towards climate neutrality, strengthening transatlantic trade and technology relations, and presenting and discussing German innovations and technologies. Roman contributed his expertise in conversations about synergies between fuel cells and battery technologies, technology transfer, and grid stabilization through grid-scale batteries. He also introduced Voltfang’s solution to local investors and politicians. In addition to strengthening economic ties, promoting green transformation, and fostering transatlantic cooperation, Voltfang represented NRW's hub of technological innovation on this trip. Roman exchanged valuable insights on advanced technologies for grid stabilization and climate change mitigation with local employees and CEOs. He returns home with a wealth of new ideas and an expanded network. We’re proud and happy for our alumni Voltfang and sure that this won’t be their last journey! #OOTBNRW #innovation #startups #hinterland24 #entrepreneurship #OOTBgoesAmerica

Meet us at DIGITAL X 2024 in Cologne 🚀 📅 Date: September 18-19, 2024 📍 Location: Cologne Why you should attend: 1. Network with Thought Leaders: Connect with the brightest minds in the industry and build valuable relationships. 2. Experience Innovations Firsthand: Discover groundbreaking technologies and inspiring success stories. 3. Focus on Megatrends: Gain insights into Connected Business, Sustainability & Responsibility, Security, and the Future of Work. Our team member Denise Linnenbrügger will also be there! If you have any questions about OUTOFTHEBOX.NRW, Hinterland of things or Founders Foundation she is your go-to person. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn beforehand and meet her at the event. 👉 Connect now: Denise Linnenbrügger #DigitalX2024 #Innovation #Networking #OOTBNRW #ConnectedBusiness #OOTBNRWTIPP