Every year in September, the German Founders' Award recognizes particularly exemplary achievements in the development of innovative business ideas and the establishment of new companies. Partners Stern, Sparkassen, ZDF, and Porsche present one of the most important awards Germany's startups have to offer.
Last Tuesday evening, the founders of Friendly Captcha from Wörthsee received the award in the Startup category. This award is given to founders whose companies are one to three years old and have achieved above-average market success. Benedict Padberg and Guido Zuidhof developed a security puzzle for surfing the internet that offers maximum data protection. Friendly Captcha's solution is particularly relevant for industries such as insurance, banking, online retailers, energy suppliers, and online platforms. Laudator Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche, commented:
"A revolutionary IT idea from the heart of Germany with global market potential. We're proud of you, especially because your startup is already number two in Germany when it comes to security checks, after Google."
Happybrush received the award in the Rising Star category for its sustainable oral care solutions. The jury awards this prize to founders whose companies have achieved extraordinary growth and have the potential to become market leaders. The nominated companies must be between four and seven years old.
Happybrush founders Stefan Walter and Florian Kiener have set themselves the task of bringing a breath of fresh air to the rather conservative world of oral care. With its broad product range, the startup bridges the gap between consumer goods, technology, and sustainability. Happybrush develops effective and sustainable oral care products with brush heads made from wood fiber-based waste from Scandinavian wood production, plastic-free packaging, and bristles made from renewable resources. ZDF Director-General Norbert Himmler said in his laudation:
"The two founders took a very close look at a niche they occupied. And then did everything a little differently and, above all, better. And that's how they're on a growth path."
German Founders' Award: Edurino also in the final
Another young company from Munich was among the three finalists in each category. The education tech startup Edurino also advanced to the final round. With its approach to playful, digital knowledge transfer, Edurino impressed in the Startup category, but lost to Friendly Captcha.
All award winners and finalists receive individual, tailored consulting from Porsche Consulting. In addition, members of the German Founders' Award Board of Trustees act as mentors for the young companies. They also receive media training from ZDF and access to the German Founders' Award alumni network.
Further information on the German Founders’ Prize and this year’s award ceremony can be found here.
