About STARTPLATZ

About STARTPLATZ

STARTPLATZ is a startup incubator and accelerator with locations in Cologne and Düsseldorf and a meeting place for the Rhineland startup scene. It was founded in 2012 by the managing directors of the Gräf family holding company, Dr. Lorenz and Matthias Gräf. An ecosystem was created on around 4,500 square meters in Cologne's Mediapark and 2,000 square meters in Düsseldorf's Media Harbor that offers aspiring startups and innovative companies room to grow, advice and coaching, workshops & events as well as access to the large network. More than 300 startups have already worked on their business ideas here, over 200 million euros have been invested in them, and more than 200 teams have been supported in the accelerator program. Together with partners from the ecosystem, STARTPLATZ also offers various solutions from the startup world to corporations and medium-sized companies to successfully implement and drive digitalization and innovation processes.

Mission

At the heart of the Rhenish start-up scene in Cologne's Mediapark and Düsseldorf's Medienhafen, the STARTPLATZ Startup Incubator and Accelerator is a meeting place and first point of contact for innovative startups and established companies. This has created an ecosystem in which the old and new economy, science and politics can exchange ideas to create synergies and learn from each other. With its huge expert network, STARTPLATZ provides the ideal environment for aspiring startups that want to quickly establish themselves in the market. In addition, STARTPLATZ offers various formats for established companies, where corporations and SMEs have the opportunity to learn solutions from the startup world in order to successfully implement and advance digitization and innovation processes.

Vision

Our vision is to drive innovation culture in the Rheinland region as the largest startup competence center in NRW and establish it as an internationally significant location for innovation and digitization. As the number one accelerator and incubator in the Rheinland, we aim to accompany and support company founders on their way from an idea to a tangible and established product in order to ensure sustainable growth in the market.

Exchange

At STARTPLATZ, members not only share their workplace, but also knowledge, successes, mistakes, and of course, lunchtime. We believe in the potential of every idea, regardless of its origin. That's why we actively promote open exchange and want to give every idea the chance to unfold. Only in this way can innovative ideas be further developed and improved.

Passion

Only those who are passionate about their idea can show the necessary perseverance during difficult phases. We create an inspiring and motivating working environment that encourages our members to pursue their ideas, because giving up is not an option!

Diversity

Diversity is one of the main ingredients for innovative ideas and their successful implementation. That's why we offer people from different cultures, industries, and backgrounds a second home and tailor our diverse offerings to set new impulses and promote different business ideas.

Team Spirit

Everyone can make a difference, but together we create real change. We support each other and provide tips and inspiration. STARTPLATZ and its community stand for cooperation and team spirit, from joint projects to a game of foosball and networking events that have already led to a few successful matches.

Innovation

Innovation is at the center of our daily actions and represents the most significant aspect of our values. The inspiring work environment strengthens the innovation and team spirit of all actors in the ecosystem - both the new and old economies. The result: an open exchange among each other, passionate entrepreneurs who are dedicated to their ideas, and a diversity of ideas as individual and unique as the founders themselves.