FAQ Foundation & Start-up Service

Why should I do a start-up consultation?

The founding of a company is often accompanied by a large number of uncertainties and critical decisions that are groundbreaking for the success of a start-up. The Universität Hamburg's start-up service team is made up of experienced founders and experts who support you in making decisions, point out new opportunities and perspectives, and point out potential sources of error. In this way, the start-up advisory service helps you to avoid common mistakes, to take advantage of suitable funding and, all in all, to start up more successfully.

How does a start-up consultation at Universität Hamburg work?

After requesting a start-up consultation, you will be assigned a start-up consultant within 48 hours, with whom you can discuss the challenges of your start-up project in a confidential initial meeting. These may include unanswered questions about the business model, financing, the market or the team. Afterwards, your start-up advisor will help you in several 1:1 sessions to systematically overcome your challenges and, if necessary, help you with the application for funding programmes.

For enquiries that go beyond the area of expertise of your start-up advisor, your start-up advisor will draw on the broad network of experts in the Hamburg start-up ecosystem to support you in the realisation of your project.

How can I prepare for the counselling interview?

Think about your questions in advance and send them to your start-up advisor so that he or she can prepare for them. If you already have an idea and a pitch deck or other written form of your idea, have it ready at the first meeting.

Where does the start-up consultation take place?

The initial consultation takes place virtually between you and your dedicated start-up advisor and is therefore location-independent. In individual cases, the counselling can also take place physically, taking into account the COVID-19 regulations of the Universität Hamburg.

How much does the start-up consultation cost?

The Universität Hamburg's start-up advice service and all other services provided by the Start-up Service are free of charge throughout.

Do I have to be enrolled or employed at Universität Hamburg?

No, enrolment or employment at the University of Hamburg is not required to participate in the start-up consultation. However, a connection to the Universität Hamburg or one of the universities in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region is desirable. Participation in the start-up consultation is also possible as a mixed team from different universities in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region.

Do I have to be registered in Hamburg?

No, the local residence does not necessarily have to be in Hamburg. However, there should be a personal proximity to the Universität Hamburg. This is the case, for example, if you are a student or employee of the Universität Hamburg or if you intend to locate the headquarters of the future start-up in Hamburg.

Do I have to have a business or computer science focus?

No, a business or computer science focus is not a prerequisite. The start-up advisory service is aimed at people from all disciplines who are interested in starting a business. If necessary for the implementation of the idea, the start-up service team also supports networking with complementary co-founders.

Do I have to have a co-founder?

No, a co-founder team or co-founders are not absolutely necessary in order to take advantage of the start-up consultation. In the course of the counselling, the start-up advisors can even help with the search for co-founders.

Does my idea necessarily have to have a digital or technical focus?

No, a digital or technical focus of the idea is not mandatory. In principle, however, the idea should be innovative or based on scientific findings or scientific methods.

Does my idea have to have a scientific or research background?

Yes and no. The Universität Hamburg's start-up advisory service is geared towards science-related and innovative start-up projects. When founding a company with a traditional business model (e.g. classic craft, trade, or service), we recommend the Beratungsangebot der Handelskammer Hamburg.

Do I have to have an innovative idea?

Yes and no, it is also possible to participate in the start-up consultation if you do not yet have an innovative idea. Our start-up advisors will support you with creative techniques to find ideas and network you with (prospective) founders and other players from Hamburg's start-up ecosystem.

Will the start-up advice help me find co-founders?

Yes, the start-up services offered by the Universität Hamburg also include co-founder matching, e.g. via dedicated matchmaking events. In addition, the Universität Hamburg's start-up advisors are experienced in the search for co-founders and provide support in finding the right approach.

Does the start-up consultancy help me to network in the Hamburg start-up ecosystem?

Yes, the Universität Hamburg's start-up service is very well networked in the start-up ecosystem of the Hamburg metropolitan region and organises networking events itself. In addition, the start-up advisors at the Universität Hamburg will help you identify suitable events for your start-up.

Will the start-up advice help me finance my idea?

Yes, the start-up advisors at the University of Hamburg have a good overview of public and private funding opportunities. They support you in identifying and applying for suitable state and regional funding programmes and connect you with investors and business angels from the Universität Hamburg's broad start-up network.