The advisory board supports Munich Startup in bringing relevant stakeholders closer to the platform, further developing its reach and content, and expanding networking within the ecosystem. In addition, the board provides guidance on integrating key stakeholders from universities, industry, and SMEs, particularly in the context of the City of Munich's entrepreneurship strategy and for events such as the Munich Startup Festival.
Arno Eggers, Head of Munich Startup, puts the appointment of the advisory board into context:
"The Munich startup ecosystem is currently undergoing a period of change. With the advisory board, we ensure that our services and support for founders are continuously developed and that both Munich Startup and Munich as a whole remain relevant."
Five experts from the startup ecosystem
The advisory board consists of five members from different areas of the startup ecosystem. Flora Geske, Darius Göttert, Svenja Lassen, Matthias Notz, and Robert R. Richter were appointed for the 2026/2028 term.
The advisory board meets at least three times a year. The focus of these meetings is on current developments in the ecosystem, the analysis of platform data, the strategic direction of Munich Startup, and the preparation of events and competitions.
Perspectives from the investment industry and startup hubs
Svenja Lassen, journalist and business coach, brings in particular the perspective of Business angels and female investors into the work of the advisory board:
"A strong startup ecosystem thrives on diverse perspectives that work together to create impact. As a member of the advisory board, I contribute the views of business angels and investors and advocate for greater diversity, better access to capital, and closer collaboration among all stakeholders."
For her, the advisory board will be successful "when diverse teams have better access to capital and Munich continues to gain strength as an open, networked and future-proof startup location".
Robert R. Richter, CEO of Plant1He sees the added value of the committee in its close connection to operational practice. He brings the perspective of a startup hub, Werk1, with direct insight into the challenges faced by founders, teams, and investors. The goal is to identify and dismantle concrete obstacles, such as those related to bureaucracy, internationalization, financing, and attracting talent.
Richter emphasizes that Munich has the opportunity to position itself as a European scale-up city. In his view, the success of the advisory board is evident in measurable changes: faster processes for founders, more international teams at the location, better access to capital, and closer collaboration between key players in the ecosystem.
Classification and outlook for 2026
With the establishment of the advisory board, Munich Startup is creating an additional structure to more closely align the further development of the portal and the Munich startup ecosystem with current needs. At a time when the framework for founders, investors, and support structures is undergoing significant changes, the board will provide guidance and strategic impetus.
