And once again, we’re off on a long trip in the jet-black VIP bus.
Starting in Stuttgart with a photo op with Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut and a brief stop at Arena 2036, the tour then moved on to Mannheim, a true heavyweight when it comes to startups. Here, structural change was driven by the city through startup hubs.
I just got on here after we had another meeting with investors in Ulm at 7 this morning.
Over the past 15 years, Mannheim has invested 80 million in eight centers, 37 million of which came from grants. The structure costs approximately 1.5 million in grants annually; the city employs 30 people in its wholly owned GmbH and approximately five people directly in its economic development department.
Tax revenue from startups and their employees is, of course, significantly higher than the subsidies.
Managing Director Sommer: “We have incredible support from everyone here: the mayor, the city administration, and the city council.”
Great ideas guaranteed! Let’s go!
Pre-mafinex briefing
And here is what feels like the largest lobby in the world, located in an Innovationszentrum…
Relax before the pitch—swing included.
