Every September, the German Founder Prize honors particularly exemplary achievements in the development of innovative business ideas and the establishment of new companies. The partners Stern, Sparkassen, ZDF, and Porsche present one of the most important honors that startup Germany has to offer.
Last Tuesday evening, the founders of Friendly Captcha from Wörthsee were able to accept the prize in the Startup category. This award goes to founders whose companies are one to three years old and who have been exceptionally successful in the market. Benedict Padberg and Guido Zuidhof developed a security puzzle for internet browsing that offers maximum data protection. Friendly Captcha’s solution is particularly relevant for industries such as insurance, banking, online retailers, energy providers, and online platforms. Laudator Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Porsche, commented:
“A revolutionary IT idea from the heart of Germany with global market potential. We are proud of you, especially because your startup in security checks is already the number two in Germany after Google.”
Happybrush received the award in the Rising Star category for its sustainable oral care solutions. The jury grants this award to founders whose companies have achieved extraordinary growth and have the potential to become market leaders. In addition, the nominated companies must be between four and at most seven years old.
Happybrush founders Stefan Walter and Florian Kiener have set out to bring fresh momentum to the rather conservative world of oral care. With its broad product spectrum, the startup bridges the gap between consumer goods, technology, and sustainability. Happybrush develops effective and sustainable oral care products with interchangeable heads made from wood fiber-based residues from wood production in Scandinavia, plastic-free packaging, and bristles made from renewable resources. ZDF director general Norbert Himmler said in his laudatio:
“The two founders took a very close look at an occupied niche. And then did everything a little differently and especially better. And with that, they are on a growth trajectory.”
German Founder Prize: Edurino also in the final
Among the three finalists per category was another young company from Munich. The educational technology startup Edurino also made it to the final round. With its approach to playful, digital knowledge transfer, Edurino was able to impress in the Startup category, but had to concede to Friendly Captcha.
All award winners and finalists receive individual consulting tailored to their needs from Porsche Consulting. In addition, board members of the German Founder Prize take on mentorships for the young companies. They also receive media training from ZDF and access to the German Founder Prize alumni network.
