The Startup Ecosystem of Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a major financial hub and home to some of the biggest global financial institutions, as well as the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and the German Stock Exchange (Deutsche Börse).

Being the financial capital of Germany and a leading financial center in Europe, Frankfurt provides startups with unparalleled access to banks, venture capital firms, and investment funds. This enables them to secure funding, tap into expertise, and establish valuable networking connections.

To further support early-stage ventures, the city hosts several startup incubators and accelerators, such as TechQuartier, Frankfurt Innovation Center, and Founders Foundation Frankfurt. These programs go beyond offering financial assistance and mentorship by providing startups with office space and facilitating connections with potential investors and industry partners.

TechQuartier, in particular, stands out for organizing various startup challenges, like the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) Innovation Challenge, in collaboration with private companies like Deloitte and Microsoft.

Frankfurt boasts a vibrant co-working culture, offering numerous spaces tailored for startups and entrepreneurs. These co-working spaces not only provide affordable workspaces but also serve as hubs for networking and collaboration. Design Offices, Startplatz, and Co-Work & Play are among the popular co-working spaces in the city.

The presence of renowned universities and research institutions in Frankfurt, such as Goethe University and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, further enriches the startup ecosystem. These institutions actively contribute to research and innovation, offer entrepreneurial education programs, and collaborate with startups on various research projects.

Startups in Frankfurt further benefit from support and initiatives provided by the German government and local authorities. Organizations like KfW Bankengruppe, Frankfurt Economic Development GmbH, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy offer funding, grants, and advisory services to startups in the city, bolstering the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Frankfurt.