In our globalised world, we increasingly encounter challenges towards achieving a sustainable future. One of the most pressing questions remains unanswered: How will people and goods move around sustainably without losing efficiency?
These major challenges in the mobility and logistics sector require innovative solutions from areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain or green hydrogen. As Europe’s leading logistics hub and an established test field for Intelligent Transport Systems, Hamburg is an ideal place to scale innovative business models. The Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg makes it easier than ever to gain a foothold in Germany and Europe for successful companies in these sectors.
StartupCity Hamburg: the up-and-coming Innovation hub for young businesses
As the home of up-and-coming unicorns such as About You or Deposit Solutions, and with over 1,500 startups, Hamburg is well established in the Premier League of European startup locations. However, the Hanseatic City is particularly attractive for many founders due to its proximity to numerous global market leaders, which manage their global activities from here.
As a leading international trading centre, Hamburg has become a testing ground for new technologies ranging from autonomous driving to the use of green hydrogen. The fact that an above-average number of women (17%) are founding businesses here certainly also highlights the city’s future viability.
In order to offer startups with above-average growth, in particular, an opportunity to use these regional assets for the development of their own company, the city of Hamburg has now created a new support programme specifically for so-called scaleups. The Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg is now looking for scaleups who want to expand their business in Germany and Europe.
“The ongoing climate change implies a fundamental transformation for society. Many companies in Hamburg are working on solutions to ensure that the transportation of people and goods is more sustainable and efficient. The Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg will make an important contribution to attract young companies with innovative solutions to the city,” says Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg’s Minister for Economics and Innovation.
Scale your Business in Germany and Europe with the Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg
The offer is aimed at helping young international companies scale their business out of Hamburg. It focuses on connecting dynamic businesses in the fields of sustainable mobility and logistics with key players and business partners in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, and supplies them with systematic support on this venture. Participating scaleups can benefit from a wide range of personalised services and incentives with an equivalent value of up to 50,000 euros.
The focus is on startups that have already been able to establish themselves on the market for between three and ten years. They have been experiencing a strong growth phase within the last two years and aim for sizeable expansion in the following couple of years.
Customised Landing Pad services for companies include:
- Business Development: Professional, top-tier matchmaking of scaleups and relevant business partners, project initiation, piloting and implementation support, connections to potential customers and investors.
- Living & Workspace in Hamburg: A fully covered setup in Hamburg for up to 8 weeks with private accommodation and office facilities in Hamburg’s city centre.
- Location Consulting: Market and location advice, organisational consulting and administrative support for visa/work permission, insurance, taxes, company foundation/registration.
- HR Services: Consulting, scouting, support in recruiting of new employees for the expansion phase.
How to take part
Hamburg Invest provides each participating scaleup with the above personalised services and incentives free of charge through a curated network of external service providers with Hamburg expertise. Interested scaleups can submit their application online via the Landing Pad website.
All submissions will be evaluated by a jury of experts. The first application phase runs until July 31, after which the Scaleups will be selected and notified by the jury. Further application phases will follow until the end of 2022.
Application and further information are available here.
Info BOX:
StartupCity Hamburg
- 5m Residents
- 60K+ GDP per Capita
- 35+ Universities
- 1.500+ Startups
- 1.000+ Investors
- 60+ Coworking-Spaces
- 30+ Incubators & Accelerators
- 450+ m Investment p.A.
Further Insights here.
