Start-up - Speed Dating

Survey shows that start-ups and young entrepreneurs are more successful than founders who act on solitary basis. But does good advice have to be expensive? The hgnc-"start-up speed dating" indicates that this I not always the case!

We have invited various start-up-experts who are keen to give you feedback on your business idea. Come and meet them at the Cologne Business School’s Lounge on 14 February 2017 between 5 and 8 p.m. At this event you will also get the chance to exchange your ideas with other young entrepreneurs and maybe get to know potential co-founders.

The event will start with a "Best Practice"-presentation by Christoph Müller-Dechent who will share his experience on the founding process of FoodLoop GmbH. The succeeding "speed-dating" process will take the following course: You’ll have 5 minutes to present your business idea to the experts, for another 5 minutes you will then obtain their feedback. After this period you will go to a new desk with another expert and so on. Be part of this and save a date with start-up-experts!

Participation is free of charge, please register for the event and go to "Zur Veranstaltung anmelden" at the end of this page!

Who can participate? Students, Employee and Alumni (up to 5 years after graduation) of the hgnc e.V. member-universities. As the Cologne Business School hosts many international students, the presentation will be given in English. The subsequent "Speed-Dating" act with the experts may take place in English or German.

Also, if you are looking for Co-founders, feel free to present you and your idea in the "Founders Corner" (further information on request) during the networking subsequent to the speed-dating event.

These are your experts:

Christian Arndt

Christian Arndt is an Investment Manager at the Venture Capital Department of CEWE – Europes leading Photofinishing Company. CEWE offers a wide range of photo products like Photobooks ("CEWE Photobook"), Posters, Canvas and other customizable photo products. Christian has six years experience in the startup environment, working in different startups as well as for Venture Capitalists. He holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from University of Cologne and a Master degree in Entrepreneurship from University of Maastricht.

Rouven Siegemund

Rouven advises national and international companies on all areas of corporate law, focusing on M&A transactions, venture capital financing, and start-ups.

He advises founders of new businesses on all stages of development – from establishing and expanding their start-ups to exits, as well as venture capitalists and other investors in relation to their investments in promising companies.

In addition to his professional practice as a lawyer, Rouven is involved with numerous national and international start-up events in the capacity as coach, mentor, and jury member.

Kay Balster

Extensive experience in the financing, technology and corporate development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the biotechnology and medical technology sectors.

Kay Balster studied Economics, specialising in Corporate Finance at the Universities of Bochum and Essen and is a qualified banker.

Prof. Dr. Kai Thierhoff

Kai helps newly founded or expanding firms, especially in the sectors of high-tech, media and internet. We rely on our strong contacts with angel investors and venture capital partners. We are open for every new contact and opportunity to get to know you and your business. He is specialised in consulting Startups, Tech-Companies and Investors.

Christoph Müller-Dechent

The FoodLoop platform ties grocer inventory systems to consumer-facing mobile apps to provide real-time deals and personalized offers based on interests, purchase history, and location. The inventory in your pocket! FoodLoop helps grocers manage write-offs to reduce avoidable food waste, cut labor costs and drive valuable customer segments into supermarkets – the first channel to promote best by deals in real time on an app. Christoph is a dedicated entrepreneur with extensive international experience in various businesses and a special gift in sales questions. He is a graduate of Cologne University. Powered by GATEWAY Gründungsservice der Universität zu Köln, Kooperationspartner: Cologne Business School