Apply

Sep 25, 2019 | Frankfurt

Frankfurt Startup Resource Guide: 350+ Accelerators, Incubators, Investors, and more

Founder Institute Image

Already recognized as one of Europe's most crucial business hubs, Frankfurt is now becoming one of the best places to build a startup. From advisors and accelerators to investors and incubators, Frankfurt entrepreneurs now have access to more startup tools than ever before. However, we've found that most of the early-stage entrepreneurs aren't aware of the plentiful resources that are available to help them.

With applications for the Frankfurt Founder Institute now open, we're excited to release the Frankfurt Startup Resource Guide, which is currently in Draft v1 below! It was developed by the Frankfurt Founder Institute and local leaders:  Britta Mues Walter (CEO, Mues-Walter Executive Search), Carolina Yeo (Founder, Proftrack Pte Ltd), Eugenio Grapa (Principal, Zyntx, LLC.), Fernanda Alvarez (Master , International Spouse Network), and Pedro Ferreira (Startup Enthusiast, Freelancer).

This is just a draft, and while we spent many hours on this research, more input is needed. Please leave your comments on this collaborative Google document to help us complete the list. There are definitely omissions on this current version. 

Are you looking to build a startup in Frankfurt? Then apply to the Founder Institute today!

Text version included below, for ease of searching:

Startup Stages

There is no one right way to build a technology company, but for the sake of simplicity we have outlined a basic, common, sequential framework.

1. Idea Stage

This is where new entrepreneurs get inspired, learn best practices, develop skills, validate ideas, and begin to build their team and product.

A. Inspire

    B. Educate

    • Best Practices: Beginner knowledge-sharing tech events. (i.e. beginner events that serve to educate more than inspire).
      • Training & Feedback: Skill & Idea development events and startup bootcamps for entrepeneurs. (Includes comprehensive training programs, like Founder Institute, General Assembly, Lean Startup Machine, code camps, etc)

        C. Validate

        • Team Formation: Events for Finding Co-founders in Frankfurt.  (i.e. tech networking events or other resources that facilitate early-stage recruitment and cofounder matching)
          • Build First Product: Hackathons & product events in Frankfurt.

          2. Launch Stage

          In this stage, entrepreneurs establish and formalize the company, develop the product, get feedback from customers, and prepare for the next step.

          A. Start

          • Establish: Frankfurt law firms & banks for startups
          • Frankfurt Workspaces: Co-working and flexible workspaces for startups in Frankfurt.

          B. Develop

          • Formalize: Frankfurt accounting, development and HR tools for early-stage startups.  
          • Frankfurt Incubators: Groups that prepare companies for seed investment and provide advanced mentorship. (i.e. advanced knowledge sharing, later stage events and resources)

          C. Launch

          • Frankfurt Seed Accelerators: Seed funding mentor programs (Techstars-style programs that provide funding)
          • Pitch & Demo Events: Tech events that showcase Frankfurt startups for investment.

          3. Growth Stage

          Here, a startup proves their utility, receives recognition, and scales up. This usually requires funding, angels, VCs, and ways to connect them to startups.

          A. Recognition

          • Frankfurt Investor Networking:  Events and groups that connect professional investors with founders.
          • Major Media: Mainstream local business press that often showcase local startups.

          B. Funding

          • Frankfurt Angel Investors: Seed-stage investors and micro-vcs.
          • Frankfurt Venture Capitalists: Series A and beyond

          C. Growth

          • Infrastructure: Office space, HR, local business insurance. (i.e. office space/ HR/ insurance providers for capital-rich companies to grow and scale)
          • Expansion: Frankfurt Growth accelerators and consultants. (i.e. programs and business consultants for capital-rich companies to grow and scale)

          4. Frankfurt Startup Success Stories

          Successful homegrown companies that have raised significant institutional funding, employ a large workforce, or have achieved liquidity.



          Supporters

          To facilitate the steps, every ecosystem needs strong supporters.

          1. Frankfurt Startup Leaders

          Successful local founders who lead the ecosystem & frequently mentor newbies.

          2. Frankfurt Government Startup Resources

          Public organizations that facilitate local economic development

          3. Talent

          Major local business or tech universities and employers that attract and retain local talent.

          • Local Frankfurt Tech Universities (universities with prominent technical or business programs)
          • Frankfurt Tech Employers

           

          *  *  *

          Learn more about the Startup Ecosystem Canvas here, and leave us your thoughts on the Frankfurt Canvas on this collaborative Google document (This is just a draft, and more input is needed!)

          Are you looking to build a startup in Frankfurt? Then apply to the Frankfurt Founder Institute today

          Related Insights

          More insights
          Founder Institute Image
          Startup Ecosystem Canvas

          Houston Startup Resource List: 470+ Accelerators, Incubators, Investors, and more

          By Dustin Betz on Oct 17, 2024
          Founder Institute Image
          Startup Ecosystem Canvas

          South Carolina Startup Resource List: 100+ Accelerators, Incubators, Investors, and more

          By Askshay Kumar on Jan 04, 2023
          Founder Institute Image
          Startup Ecosystem Canvas

          Pittsburgh Startup Resource List: 500+ Accelerators, Incubators, Investors, and more

          By Dustin Betz on Jan 04, 2023

          Are you ready to apply to the world's largest pre-seed accelerator?

          Apply to the Program
          Copyright © 2025, Founder Institute, Inc. | All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Code of Conduct