To better support startup founders in the future, the startup center of Stadtsparkasse München is expanding its service offerings. Two new network partners are also supporting the initiative: Baystartup and UnternehmerTUM. With them, in addition to sponsorship activities, joint events and collaborative support for startups are planned. Exchange with sparring partners from the business world – around 30 to 40 percent of companies in Munich are customers of Stadtsparkasse – media support, and access to new financing options should round out the offering.
The expansion of the Munich founder award is also part of Stadtsparkasse’s plan to expand its role as a startup bank. The award, which SSKM has been presenting since 1997, previously consisted of a public choice award for the best startup. For several years, Munich residents have voted online for their favorites. In the future, a second category will award the best rising company as chosen by a jury. This should contribute to improved recognition and support for tech startups.
Stadtsparkasse’s startup center has advised Flix, Airup and Happybrush
The startup consulting services of the startup center have been an integral part of Stadtsparkasse München’s offerings for over 30 years – though under a different name at first. On average, 500 inquiries per year result in around 120 financings, with an increasing number of requests from startup founders. In 2024, this number has increased significantly. In the first quarter alone of this year, 200 inquiries were received, according to Stadtsparkasse. For comparison: in 2023, there were 480 inquiries in total. The founders are thus following examples like Flix, Airup, Happybrush, Awake, Carvia, Spyra, and Greenforce. They all once started as business clients of SSKM or still are today.
Stefan Schindler, head of the startup center, explains:
“As a city savings bank, we have been the first point of contact for 200 years when someone wants to become self-employed, for example with a carpentry business, a hairdressing salon, or a tax advisory firm.”
The financial institution wants to continue to serve as this first stop for startups in all sectors. With additional support for startups, especially in the tech sector, the bank aims to actively accompany the economic transformation with topics such as digitalization.
Board member Stefan Hattenkofer, who is responsible for business and corporate customer relations, adds:
“Our goal is to establish Stadtsparkasse as the heart of the Munich startup scene and to underline our role as the city’s startup bank. These investments and innovations are more than an engagement with our corporate clients. They are an engagement in the future of our city.”
