The Münchner Technologiezentrum (MTZ) — as well as Munich Startup Part of the MGH GmbH — offers startups and the ecosystem office space and a strong network. We spoke with Cristina Mann, Administrative Director of the MTZ.
What does the MTZ do?
We welcome startups, i.e., innovative young companies, to our building. Currently, we have 114 companies with us, employing approximately 700 people.
From our back office, we offer tenants a wide range of services: First, we ensure that visitors and mail get to where they need to go. We also assist with cooperation with external agencies such as consulates, maintain constant communication with other technology centers, and establish international contacts. In this sense, we're like a spider in a web. In addition, we organize our own events with partners.
What are the strengths of the MTZ?
Everything here is technically up to date, and people feel at home. This is also evident in the fact that we don't have to advertise. Most of our tenants come by recommendation.
However, it must be made quite clear: We are not a cheapskate. We charge normal market prices. We are not allowed to offer our premises for less.
Our strength lies not in price, but in cooperation. We offer the opportunity to exchange ideas with companies that are in the same situation, even with companies from different industries. In practical terms, this means: If, for example, I need a tax advisor quickly, I just walk across the hall and ask my neighbor. People help each other a lot. Anyone who needs additional help, for example with financing, can BayStartUP who are also in our house.
“MTZ and BayStartUP complement each other perfectly”
You say that companies that want to join the MTZ must be innovative. What do you understand by innovation?
Let us take Sono Motorswho are our tenants. Among other things, the car the team is developing has naturally growing moss in its interior. Moss has existed, and cars have existed, too, but the combination of moss as an air filter in a car's interior is new. It's an innovation.
What space sizes does the MTZ offer its tenants?
Our offerings range from 26 square meters to an entire floor of 400 square meters. Next year, two large companies that currently occupy an entire floor and cannot grow further in the MTZ will be leaving us. We will then be welcoming four to eight new companies per floor. As a result, the number of companies in the MTZ varies from under 100 to as many as 120 or 130. This means that approximately 30-351 of our 11,000 square meters of total space changes every year.
What exactly does the collaboration with BayStartUP look like? How did it come about?
Before the current MTZ opened in the fall of 2008, BayStartUP and I realized that we would complement each other perfectly: I was looking for a consulting firm for the MTZ, and BayStartUP was looking for a new location. When the new technology center opened eight years ago, BayStartUP moved in with us.
BayStartUP is not only a tenant at our location, but they also advise our companies and organize events at the MTZ. This allows us to combine our networking efforts with those of BayStartUP.
“Munich startups are very market-oriented”
Why do startups need a business incubator?
Inexperienced founders, in particular, need access to knowledge. Most of the information can be gathered on their own, but it's very time-consuming. At the startup center, they simply walk down the hall and ask: "How did you do that?" The in-house network is a special added value.
What mistakes do you often see startups make?
One mistake is to believe that you have to solve all your problems on your own. There are countless ways to get the right information and solutions for free.
What makes Munich a special startup location?
For one thing, many large international companies are based here, which you can also meet at events. This allows you to quickly establish contacts and win these companies as customers.
The Munich startup scene itself is very focused. Munich isn't a cheap location, so companies try to get to market quickly. I don't have time to tinker in the garage for long; I have to develop my product quickly and find customers. Munich startups are therefore very market-oriented.
How do startups get in touch with the MTZ?
Across all channels: By email, via our website, or by phone. And if you need to move in quickly, you can move in within two days – with a rental agreement and everything else.
