For a generation that takes responsibility – The Young Founders Network in an interview

Munich Startup: What is the Young Founders Network and how does it help young founders? 

Nils Heck: The YFN is the largest network for young founders and aspiring entrepreneurs under 25 in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). It's certainly helpful to build a community with people who share the same interests and motivate each other. We offer very specific programs for young founders, such as our crash course in bureaucracy. There, participants learn how to start a business and what tedious paperwork is involved. We have an incubator where aspiring entrepreneurs are guided from idea to first product in eight weeks. It's not a business plan competition, but real implementation. Experienced founders mentor new founders through weekly workshops with concrete tasks, such as initial customer contact or needs analysis.

This collaborative work fosters motivation and leads to the creation of fantastic projects. The program culminates in a Pitch Night, where all participants compete for prize money. Those who want to practice pitching in general can also benefit from numerous topic-specific events. Additionally, the YFN provides free premium access to various AI tools and job communities. We even have our own mini-Wikipedia featuring the experiences of founders, which we've compiled and presented. 

Munich Startup: What kind of events do you offer? 

Nils Heck: We have three types of events. First, there are the chapter events in our respective cities, such as Berlin, Hamburg, or Stuttgart, which are open to all members. Then we have our annual reunion, where almost everyone from the community gets together for a weekend somewhere in Germany. And not to forget... our conference, which was attended by 750 young people last year. 

Munich Startup: Financing proves complicated for many founders; do you offer support in this area? 

Nils Heck: Yes, for example, through contacts with investors from our network. In addition, we have our own Young Founders Fund, which specifically invests in people under 26. But not only in the form of money, but also through targeted mentoring and the further development of the founders.

Munich Startup: What distinguishes the YFN from traditional business start-up consultancies? 

Nils Heck: Simply put, it's by young founders for young founders. We build exactly what we need, so our offerings are perfectly tailored to the target group. Everyone interacts respectfully and as equals, since everyone is either in the same situation or has experienced it before. And of course, there's the enormous networking effect, which is also quite helpful in your personal life. Furthermore, even after a successful launch, you remain part of the network as an ongoing business and enjoy various benefits. You only automatically leave the network upon reaching the age of 26.

Munich Startup: What kind of people attend these meetings? What is the average age? Do you have to have already founded a company to become a member? 

Nils Heck: The average age is 20 to 21. We're a very diverse group of people. The ideas are varied, ranging from delivery services for farmers to the next AI app to social startups. What's special about YFN is that every young person interested in starting a business is welcome. School students, university students, and even some apprentices participate. The only qualification for members is the desire to create something new. If that's the case and you're in contact with the right people, it often leads to founding a company automatically. We support you through this entire process, from the initial idea to the startup itself. 

Munich Startup: Who finances the YFN? Who provides the money for the events? 

Nils Heck: Foundations play a major role. Especially the Bertelsmann Foundation, which recognized our potential and wanted to support us back when we were still sleeping in an old supermarket warehouse. Now we're the largest startup initiative in Germany. We also collaborate with entrepreneurs who would have really benefited from something like the YFN back then.

Infobox

The Young Founders Network (YFN) is a non-profit organization supporting young people up to the age of 25 in Germany who are interested in starting their own businesses. This support is provided through training courses, events, and networking opportunities. Since 2021, the network of aspiring founders and experienced entrepreneurs has grown steadily and currently comprises approximately 1,500 members from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). From its first meeting in Oppenheim in an old Rewe warehouse with 50 young people, the YFN has developed into a nationwide organization with a presence in major startup hubs such as Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt, as well as in other locations.
seven other German cities and is represented in Austria and Switzerland.

Munich Startup: Are there any comparable initiatives? 

Nils Heck: There are certainly comparable projects, such as START and FFI. However, these are not competitors in the strictest sense. We work together to create optimal added value for the community. 

Munich Startup: How do students interested in starting their own business find you?

Nils Heck: The first option is quite simple: via Google. Just type in YFN and you'll find us. However, most new members join through contacts, via word of mouth. We also have a project, "Startup in Schools," where we send our members to schools and conduct a double lesson on the topic of entrepreneurship. After initial contact, you apply on our website. You answer questions about yourself and mention any projects you're currently working on. We check if the vibe is a good fit, then there's a 15-minute onboarding call. And just like that, you're a member! 

Munich Startup: Are there certain obligations as a member? 

Nils Heck: There are no official fees or anything like that. It's entirely up to you how much you want to contribute to the YFN. In principle, though, the more ideas, commitment, and work you put into the network, the more everyone benefits – in the form of contacts and inspiration. 

Munich Startup: As a final question, for all young people from smaller towns and remote villages where there is no local chapter: Is it still possible to become part of the YFN community? 

Nils Heck: Absolutely. Absolutely. That's why we've introduced an online chapter where events are digitally supported. In addition, there are of course the two main events, where there are always budget-friendly accommodation options with other members, or we sleep together in halls or universities. Just bring your sleeping mat and sleeping bag, and we'll manage.