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Story | Sep 15, 2025

recalm ensures less noise and more communication

The startup recalm has developed a technology that reduces noise in the cabs of construction and agricultural machinery and facilitates radio communication.

Guide & advice

Start your business as an international in Hamburg

Find the guidance you need as an international founder right here in Hamburg’s startup ecosystem. This guiding article empowers you with insights, networks, and opportunities to transform your ideas and drive them forward.

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Interview

How migrant founders succeed in the startup scene

Around 60 per cent of German unicorn startups have at least one founder with an immigrant background. Learn how networks like 2hearts help international founders overcome challenges and turn global perspectives into impact.

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Support & consulting

Specialised support for international founders

Hamburg offers specialised support to help international founders navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
From tailored programs to strong networks, the city empowers migrant entrepreneurs to succeed.

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How important are international founders for Hamburg?

Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economic Affairs, is delighted that immigrants are setting up businesses in Hamburg. In this interview, she explains what makes this group of entrepreneurs so unique.

Challenges for migrant founders: 2hearts community @HHIS 25

Bureaucracy? Visa? Housing ? What are the main challenges that immigrant startup founders face? The 2hearts community got together to chat about this at the Hamburg Innovation Summit 2025. Here are the highlights!

watch the whole panel here

Sowmya Thyagarajan

Founder of Foviatech

“Despite numerous opportunities from other countries, Hamburg has always been attractive due to its international and industrial environment. From an aviation perspective, Hamburg has a very international and industrial character. That's why it's a perfect fit for us. I love the Alster and the Landungsbrücken with a fantastic sunset and beautiful scenery.”

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© Johannes Arlt/laif: Sowmya Thyagarajan, founder of Foviatech

Angela Relógio

Founder of TimeTeller

“We are totally well supported in Hamburg. It's better than I've ever experienced before. The networks work really well. I feel a real culture of welcome here, because the city and the people are very open and warm-hearted. Everything runs very professionally here, and I can see that a lot of people are working here to move the city forward. We have found our home port.”

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Dr. Mazen Rizk

CEO & Founder of Mushlabs

“We want to change the world from Hamburg with our fermentation technology and are delighted to have the senator's support. Together we can build an innovative, robust and, above all, sustainable food system that will also contribute to Hamburg's food supply in the future.”

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©Mushlabs

Lucy Larbi

Initiator of AiDiA

“Hamburg has a special significance for us, especially as Hamburg is the hometown of many AiDiA members and has great potential to become Germany's innovation city. We look forward to making our contribution along the way.”

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Nico Hansen

Founder of Vanozza

“From my perspective, Hamburg is a melting pot for creative ideas and innovations. The Food Cluster has just been created, which will give the location a further boost. There are also numerous networking platforms and funding programmes - we have benefited greatly from the foodlab accelerator programme and IFB Hamburg's InnoFounder programme.”

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Anusha Akkina

Co-Founder - Aurelytix

“I chose Hamburg for its global outlook and pragmatic ‘get-it-done’ spirit. As a migrant, you bring fresh perspective and grit, which translate into better products and faster execution. The Startup-Unit and local founders were my compass through the early maze. Tip: Ask for warm intros and show up at meetups, specificity gets you help fast.”