The Garching Technology and Startup Center – gate for short – has been around since 2002. The incubator offers a good working environment, especially for tech startups. For example, metaio before its purchase by Apple The incubator also boasts a large partner network — ranging from B for BayStartUP up to Z like Center for Digitalization Bavaria (who, by the way, are located in the gate).
We spoke with gate Managing Director Christian Heckemann.
Please introduce yourselves briefly!
The gate is a startup center funded by the Free State of Bavaria, located directly on the Garching research campus. This allows us to offer startups unique proximity to the Technical University of Munich and other research institutions, such as the Max Planck Institutes. This is a unique selling point, as many of our young entrepreneurs either have a connection to TUM or value the easy opportunity to recruit students as employees.
Free coaching
In addition to the location, there are a number of other advantages: Startups can receive free coaching from an experienced business consultant and take advantage of the workshops and seminars on offer. Last but not least, the community of over 50 tech startups makes gate a popular address.
What do you focus on when working with startups?
We focus on the somewhat later, more mature phase of startups for whom it makes sense to rent their own office. The company must be established and have a compelling business model in the technology sector. Ideally, they already have their first paying customers.
“A few good components do not make a Formula 1 car”
“To be successful, a startup must…”
...do many things right. As trivial as it sounds, a few good components don't make a Formula 1 car. 
Only those who manage to optimize many different parameters simultaneously and consistently will be successful overall.
Why does a good startup need a business incubator behind it?
Because of the inspiring atmosphere that comes with the collaboration of young, innovative companies and because of the mutual exchange that we, as a startup center, like to encourage through regular events and meetups. It's not uncommon for startups to collaborate with each other.
Sometimes this even leads to a new startup, as is the case with terraplasma medical, a joint venture between two gate tenants.
Cooperation between more than 50 tech startups
In addition to the coaching already mentioned, as a business incubator we also offer startups a number of convenient services, such as a reception area with a mailroom, conference rooms of various sizes, a bistro and our own server room.
What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Our business coach at gate, Andreas Preen, has in his helpful article already compiled a few “typical” errorsthat occur repeatedly and could therefore actually be avoided.
What characteristics make the Munich startup scene so special?
In the greater Munich area, we have all the ingredients for a successful startup ecosystem, such as two top universities with excellent entrepreneurship programs, several incubators, large companies with an interest in startups… and an increasing number of events aimed at networking the startup scene in Munich.
If you want a place in the gate, you should register early
Last but not least: Who do startups approach when they want to talk to you?
The easiest click on the “Apply” button on our website and send us some information about your startup. Since we're operating at full capacity as a startup center, it's helpful for young companies to contact us early so they don't have to wait too long for new space to be allocated.
