Bits & Pretzels Community Kick-Off in Hamburg – an inspiring evening full of energy, ideas, and meaningful encounters. From bold visions to casual chats, it was great to see so many founders and future-makers in one place. Proud to be part of this movement 🚀🥨
I wish I had this in school – and I mean it. At the Young Makers Festival, students experience what it means to think and act like entrepreneurs. They pitch ideas, build prototypes and tackle real-world problems – all while still in school.
Back when I was in school, this kind of opportunity didn’t exist. Entrepreneurship felt like something distant, something for later. But that’s exactly why this shift matters. When young people get exposed to these mindsets early on, they grow up knowing they don’t need permission, a degree or the “perfect timing” to start building something meaningful.
At START Hamburg, we work mainly with university founders – but seeing these students in action made it clear: the journey starts much earlier. And we want to be part of that. Huge thanks to everyone who brought this festival to life. The next generation is already moving. 🚀
@starthamburg
@starthamburg.insp.socialJust got back from Viva Technology in Paris – and still buzzing from all the energy, diversity and innovation 🚀
The atmosphere was electric – innovation wasn’t just a buzzword, it was everywhere.
One of the most exciting aspects was the international mix:
different countries showcasing their startup ecosystems
and during the pitch battles, a chance to discover a wide range of business models
many shaped by local context, yet with global ambition.
There were also some powerful moments on stage:
Gerard Piqué Bernabéu shared how he’s reinventing football for a younger, digital-native audience with the Kings League – blending sports and streaming into a fresh business model.
Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder of Canva, offered honest reflections and key lessons from a decade of hypergrowth.
And at the Meta booth, a standout talk explored how brand building needs to evolve in today’s fragmented digital world.
I’m bringing home lots of fresh ideas – for our work at START Hamburg and for supporting the next generation of founders.
#VivaTech #StartupEcosystem #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #STARTHamburg
