On May 20, the Start-up Tuesday took place under the motto "Founding like a pro: How to win funding for innovative ideas". Two exciting start-up personalities gave first-hand accounts of their experiences with competitions, funding programs and the challenges of everyday entrepreneurial life.
Gianluca Siciliano, founder of Frontbag, talked about his journey from the initial idea to a successful product. Founded in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, he was able to secure important support through the Rhineland-Palatinate start-up grant and winning the Pioniergeist competition. The support of his business administration professor at the HWG LU, who accompanied him both professionally and mentally, was also essential. In his contribution, Gianluca emphasized the importance of a solid foundation for self-employment. For him, good legal expenses insurance and a reliable tax advisor are just as important as perseverance and composure. His advice to other founders: "You have to stay cool in the face of any obstacles that come your way. And perseverance is very important."
Jonas Deichelmann, founder of 8devs GmbH, took the audience on his journey, which began during a semester abroad in the USA. There, the entrepreneurial spirit sparked during a hackathon in Silicon Valley and his desire to found his own company. Back in Germany, he developed his first start-up idea as part of a practical project at Worms University of Applied Sciences. Two early projects in the healthcare sector failed - but instead of giving up, he and his team developed innovative software solutions for the digitalization of emergency services and occupational safety. With products such as the first-aid book app, the NeoDiary app and the RetterTool app, 8devs supports professionals, parents of premature babies and companies in making their work more efficient and safer. Jonas also reported in detail on how to apply for the EXIST start-up grant and gave practical tips. One important lesson from his experience: all agreements should be recorded in writing - you shouldn't rely on verbal promises. And although there is a concern that ideas could be copied, exchanging ideas with others is essential in order to receive valuable feedback.
The 1,2,3 GO competition was then presented - a funding program that supports those interested in founding a company with coaching, mentoring and a strong network on the way to setting up a business.
The event made it clear that successful start-ups are not only based on a good idea, but also on perseverance, strategic planning and the ability to learn from setbacks. Starting a business means leaving your comfort zone, remaining curious and constantly developing. It takes courage, staying power - and the willingness to learn from every experience.
A big thank you to Jonas and Gianluca for their candid insights, inspiring stories and valuable learnings, which made the Start-up Tuesday a real highlight.
