Munich Startup Festival 2026: those building the future speak here
Bernd Heppel
You should mark July 22 on your calendar – if you haven’t already – because this year’s Munich Startup Festival is taking place then. Backstage will transform again into the meeting place of the Munich startup scene – with founders, investors, talent, and everyone who wants new ideas and real connections. To get an insight, we’re presenting a first selection of speakers to you today.
Patrick Owomoyela is a TV expert, moderator, and former professional footballer. At the Munich Startup Festival, he speaks at 2:50 PM as a speaker.
Bastian Nominacher is co-founder and co-CEO of Celonis, the global market leader in process intelligence. In addition to his work at Celonis, Bastian Nominacher is active as an angel investor in the startup ecosystem.
David Baumgartner is a serial entrepreneur, impact investor, board member, consultant, endurance athlete, and adventurer. He founded several international food companies including dean&david, a company he led as CEO for almost 20 years and turned into the market leader in “Healthy Fast Casual” in Europe. Now he is dedicating himself to a new challenge: creating a sustainable world by supporting early-stage startups offering solutions for better nutrition, sustainability, travel, and longevity.
Irene Klemm, co-founder and co-CEO of Edurino, is passionate about the intersection of education and technology. She proves that screen time is not just “gaming” and can demonstrably prepare children for the future – when done right. With a combination of real figures, a smart stylus, and a playful learning app, she has created a platform that has already delighted over 500,000 families.
At 3:15 PM, Daniel Krauss, co-founder, CIO, and CHRO of Flix SE, will speak on a panel at the Munich Startup Festival. In his roles, Daniel Krauss leads the technology and human resources departments of the company. Together with his co-founders, he built Flix into an international transport service provider. Krauss is also active as an investor and board member of companies.
Katja Ruhnke is an entrepreneur, investor, and author. After a decade in the cultural sector, she founded CK Venture Capital GmbH in 2019 together with her sister, focusing on investments in impact-driven startups. Her portfolio now includes 21 companies. In recognition of her work, she was named Business Angel of the Year in 2023 by the Business Angels Network Germany (BAND). Since April 2025, she has been chair of BAND and advocates for improved early-stage financing conditions and greater diversity in the startup ecosystem.
Innovative founders, leading investors, industry experts, and inspiring thought leaders: the Munich Startup Festival brings the most important minds of the startup ecosystem to the stage. Look forward to exciting insights, practical experience, and fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship, innovation, financing, technology, and growth. On the festival’s homepage, you can learn about all the speakers who will enrich the festival on July 22, 2026 with their ideas and stories.
Don’t have a ticket yet? Then head over to our festival homepage and secure your spot!
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