Baystartup has had a new dual leadership since June 1, 2025: Barbara Dombay has been appointed as CEO, complementing Carsten Rudolph, who has led Baystartup since 2009. Together, they now oversee the strategic development of the network, which sets key impulses for the startup ecosystem in Bavaria.
Barbara Dombay is well versed in the structures and requirements of the startup scene. Since 2012, she has been part of the Baystartup team and has been instrumental in building the company’s investor network during this time. This network now comprises approximately 400 business angels and over 200 venture capital investors and has established itself as the primary point of contact for early-stage financing in Bavaria. Since 2015, Baystartup has mediated a volume of over 650 million euros in seed financing according to its own figures.
An instinct for successful financing
Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Baystartup, comments on the changes in management:
“Barbara Dombay has been instrumental in shaping Baystartup over the past years. She understands the needs of founding teams and investors firsthand and has developed an instinct for how successful financings come about. With her network and experience, she is a key contact for startups seeking capital – and a real asset to our management team.”
And Barbara Dombay, CEO of Baystartup, is also pleased about her new position:
“After more than ten years at Baystartup, I look forward to continuously expanding our offerings to support startups and adapting to changing market conditions. Baystartup brings together people from innovation, capital, and industrial environments – exactly the constellations that startups need for growth and successful development.”
Focus on strategic development
In her new role, Barbara Dombay will share responsibility with Rudolph for key strategic areas. These include targeted expansion of the investment ecosystem, stronger networking of startups with medium-sized enterprises and industry, as well as the development of growth programs for startups.
Dombay brings extensive experience from the technology and innovation sector to these tasks. Before joining Baystartup, she held various positions in marketing, sales, and business development. She studied business administration at Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg and at Université Jean-Moulin-Lyon III in France.
