Hamburg is perfect for innovative founders who want to make their vision come true. The city has a vibrant startup scene, strong networks and offers founders extensive support. Its first-class infrastructure, well-connected community and thriving biotech, AI, aviation, logistics and green tech industries offers everything you need to grow your company. Innovation meets entrepreneurism in HafenCity and beyond and in the creative districts as well.
First steps: how to set up your company
The right foundations will put you on the right track for your own startup. Choose the right legal form first - GmbH, UG or sole proprietorship - depending on the size of your business and your needs. Then register your business with the authorities and revenue office. A well-thought-out business plan will help you plan and is essential for attracting funding and investors. A clear structure and a strong network will help you launch your business successfully.
Building a startup takes more than innovation – it takes personality. Successful founders combine passion, resilience, and vision to turn ideas into thriving businesses. Their ability to stay focused during setbacks, inspire teams with authentic enthusiasm, and strategically shape long-term goals helps them build companies that grow sustainably and make a real impact.
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How to found a successful startup
Are you thinking about founding a company yourself? Then you should put your problem-solving approach to the test. For a startup to be successful, it must be open to change. Here is an overview of the most important steps on the way to your own company and the institutions in Hamburg that can support you.
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Find the right legal form for your startup
Which legal form is most suitable for a startup depends on many factors. Founders should think carefully about where they want to go right from the start, as a change is possible but involves a lot of effort. In this article, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each legal form.
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Working space for startups
Looking for a temporary office for yourself and your team? Then discover Hamburg’s diverse coworking offers: In addition to flexible workspaces for a day, coworking spaces in Hamburg also provide office space for entire teams as well as meeting rooms.
Quotes
Hanne Butting
Co-Founder Beyond Emotion
Benny Bennet Jürgens
Founder and CEO of Nect
Anne Lamp
CEO of traceless
Christoph Berger
Founder & CEO of vilisto
Startup-Unit Hamburg
Dr. Mazen Rizk
CEO & Founder of Mushlabs
Angela Relógio
Founder of TimeTeller
Hamburg has several funding schemes and financing options for founders ranging from grants to investor networks. The city will help you build a successful business. Find the right funding for your business idea. If you wish to contact investors and business angels, we will show you how to raise capital for your startup.
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Public financing in Hamburg
As a founder in Hamburg, you can access an attractive range of advisory services and an excellently developed funding landscape. Various public funding programmes support your startup financially and with advice, depending on the development phase of your company.
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Support programmes for startups
In addition to the IFB's public funding programmes, Hamburg offers founders an excellent infrastructure for further financial support. Numerous offers such as startup consulting, accelerator and incubator programmes enable startups to grow and drive innovative ideas forward.
Which IFB Innovationsstarter programme fits your startup?
Are you looking for the right public funding programme in Hamburg? This video could be a good place to start.
Quotes
Madeleine von Hohenthal
Co-Founder of Bracenet
Felix Gessert
Co-Founder and CEO of Speed Kit
Sowmya Thyagarajan
Founder of Foviatech
Britta Wiebe
Co-Founder & CEO of Vulvani
Christoph Janyska
Head of Business Operations AdaptionLab
Join networks and become part of Hamburg’s startup community
Hamburg's startup scene is vibrant and diverse and offers you plenty of opportunities to network and grow your business. The city is a hotspot of founders with access to innovative co-working spaces, regular events and meetups, and strong networks.
Co-working spaces: Find flexible workspaces in the heart of the city or in the creative districts that are perfect for your startup. These spaces foster talks and interaction with like-minded people.
To the Co-Working Spaces!
Mentors and networks: Tap into the expertise of experienced entrepreneurs who can help you navigate the challenges of starting a business. There are numerous networks and initiatives in Hamburg to support your growth and help you get started.
Discover networks and initiatives
Meetups & Events for founders
Meet-ups for startups: Informal networking events where you can meet potential founders and discuss startup ideas.
Pitch competitions: Present your startup idea to an audience of entrepreneurs, investors and potential (joint) founders.
Workshops and hackathons: Work with talented people in a hands-on environment and learn how potential employees work under pressure.
Bootcamps: Bootcamps are excellent for learning the basics of starting a business and socializing with like-minded startup partners. Find out more about the LaborX bootcamp.
Find co-founders: Do you have an exciting startup idea, but don't want to execute it alone? The Startup Port holds a series of events to help founders find partners. Check out the “Meet&Match” and “Co-founders Connect” events.
Hamburg is perfect for bringing your idea to life. Launch your startup now and benefit from our comprehensive support with funding, networking and legal issues. We are here to help you.
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general advice on founding a startup companyStartup-Unit from Hamburg Invest
The Startup Unit offers founders orientation and networks them with the most suitable partners in Hamburg's startup ecosystem.
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Advice on founding a startup from scienceStartup Port
Startup Port is an association of universities and research institutions of the metropolitan region of Hamburg, that provides a broad range of support to their students, researchers and graduates.
Contact: info@startupport.de
