New Impact Hub Hamburg celebrates official launch

In mid-February 2024, the Impact Hub Hamburg shed its status as a "candidate" and has since become a fully-fledged member of a global network. The Hub team took this success as an opportunity to present itself and its programme at a public event.

The Impact Hub Hamburg has had a chequered history. Opened in mid-2019, it changed location several times and was temporarily based in a five-storey building in the Altona district. The general economic crisis caused financial difficulties there, which led to insolvency proceedings in spring 2023. Help came from the non-profit and social entrepreneurial organisation 105 VIERTEL, which has set itself the goal of "making Hamburg the city with the highest quality of life in the world". The takeover initially relegated Impact Hub Hamburg to "candidate" status; its official inclusion in the Impact Hub network with over 110 locations in 65 countries is the result of a months-long process.

However, Impact Hub Hamburg began operating in its new premises on Gänsemarkt in the centre of Hamburg in summer 2023. The first project under the leadership of 105 VIERTEL was the Impact Accelerator, which supported eight startups from the fields of the circular economy and sustainability in a three-month programme. The final pitch took place in January 2024. Although the Impact Hub Hamburg is also a coworking space, it primarily sees itself as a community of startups and individuals who are committed to sustainable business ideas and social change.

The networking concept is reflected in the hub's numerous events. An Impact Lunch is on the programme once a month. The Impact Academy takes place more frequently. It offers a wide range of topics, from "Storytelling with video" to "Labour law" and "Diversity". Hub membership is not required for participation. This also applies to the theme days, such as the Business & Health Day, which will be continued next autumn. An Impact Award is also planned. So the current five-person team is up to a lot.