20 pioneering startup ideas in front of investors – Berlin Startup Pitch 2025 at the Rotes Rathaus

On 20 March 2025, the Rotes Rathaus was transformed into the central stage for the capital’s most innovative young companies. At the Berlin Startup Pitch 2025, 20 promising startups presented their business ideas to high-calibre investors.

From a smart language learning app and digital education platforms to sustainable solutions such as the upcycling of textile waste or an operating system for green heating networks – the range of concepts is impressive. The participating startups have one thing in common: They are graduates of the Berlin Startup Scholarship, a funding programme financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the State of Berlin.

Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin: “Berlin is Germany’s startup metropolis and is one of the top three locations in Europe. We also owe this leading position to funding programmes such as the Berlin Startup Scholarship. We want to continue to strengthen the startup scene in Berlin – also with the network meeting in the Rotes Rathaus, where young companies meet potential investors. I am looking forward to the innovative solutions of tomorrow and wish all founders every success.”

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises: “Berlin is a hotbed of talent and innovation and we promote this very specifically with programmes such as the Berlin Startup Scholarship (BSS) or formats such as the Berlin Startup Pitch. Since 2016, more than 2,000 scholarship holders, including over 800 teams, have received the Berlin Startup Scholarship. Last year, the programme was also expanded to include a scholarship for female founders to support women specifically in the startup process. We want Berlin to become the number one centre of innovation in Europe. The 20 teams from the Berlin Startup Scholarship, who are demonstrating their wealth of ideas today, are making an important contribution to this.”

Dr Hinrich Holm, Chairman of the Board of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB): “The event offers up-and-coming pre-seed and seed teams the opportunity to make valuable contacts with investors and secure potential financing. IBB offers a wide range of financing options, including loans, grants and venture capital, to help young startups flourish. The Berlin Startup Pitch 2025 is a unique opportunity to tap into sources of funding.”

Dr. Stefan Franzke, Managing Director of Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BPWT): “Berlin continues to be one of the most popular startup hotspots in Europe - and our ecosystem continues to grow. As a startup hub and science metropolis, we stand for innovation and new technologies. Here, founders find good location conditions and an open society as well as access to venture capital. The dynamic growth has already catapulted us to number 1 in the Fintech sector.”

High-calibre guests and strong support for the start-up scene
The Berlin Startup Pitch is not only a showcase for innovative business ideas, but also an important meeting place for the startup community, business and politics. The Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, opened the Pitchday as the host. The Senate Department will be represented by the responsible State Secretary, Dr. Severin Fischer, to see for himself the quality of the companies that have taken advantage of the Berlin Startup Scholarship to date.

About the Berlin Startup Scholarship
The Berlin Startup Scholarship supports innovative business ideas at an early stage and is awarded via Berlin incubators. Through financial support, coaching and access to networks, the teams are given the tools they need to bring their ideas to market successfully.

IBB

IBB is the investment bank of the State of Berlin and part of the IBB Group. On behalf of the State of Berlin, IBB promotes and finances investment projects and is committed to improving the economic, ecological and social living conditions in Berlin and thus promoting sustainable development. In addition to the business areas of economic development and real estate and urban development, its portfolio was expanded in 2022 to include labour market promotion.

Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie – We work for innovation and growth!

The business development agency Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie is Berlin’s service provider for growth and innovation. Berlin Partner supports companies and investors in their move to Berlin and in their development in this city. Berlin Partner’s experts provide information on financing options, advise on finding suitable premises or qualified personnel and help build networks with partners from the world of science. The State of Berlin and more than 250 companies committed to promoting their city stand behind Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie as a unique public/private partnership. Berlin Partner is also responsible for marketing the German capital worldwide. www.berlin-partner.de

Contact:

Investitionsbank Berlin

Jens Holtkamp                                                          

Head of Corporate Communications                        

Tel.: 030-2125 2960                                                 

Email: jens.holtkamp(at)ibb.de           

Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie

Carolin Meltendorf

Head of Corporate Communications

Tel.: 030 46302-239

Email: carolin.meltendorf(at)berlin-partner.de

Berlin, 20.03. 2025