Find your co-founder and launch your data-driven venture

H_Ventures is a startup-readiness program for entrepreneurs.
Build your team, take your entrepreneurial first steps and feel that “Yes, I can!”

Registrations are now open
for the 3rd edition starting this fall.


Yes, you can

H_Ventures is a 9-week startup program that gives first-time founders the knowledge and the connections to build a viable team and start data-driven businesses.Sponsored by the Hessen Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transportation and Housing and powered by Goethe University Frankfurt and TechQuartier, this program was created to empower professionals and students with diverse backgrounds to launch ventures using data, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).Up to 25 ventures will be accepted to the program.

Start your
business today

H_Ventures is ideal for data scientists from all backgrounds who want to start a data-driven business in Hessen and who are looking for new team members while working on business models.It’s also the perfect place for students, future founders and entrepreneurs to experience how to build a business while being part of a team and learning about artificial intelligence (AI). No data science or startup experience is necessary. Just a strong desire to help build a business that uses data technology.

"H_Ventures offers a unique blend of founder matching with a fantastic hyperfocus on what really matters for your specific idea. It gave me the motivation to focus on innovation and my clients all while working with simply amazing people.”

Denys Sobchyshak
Participant in 2022

I have a venture idea

Glad you’re here. We are looking for data experts who are already building a venture business or have an idea using AI, machine learning and big data in all areas of business.This program will help you build and grow your team, refine your product vision, and develop your data-driven business model.

I want to join a team

We have the perfect opportunity for you to join a team, become a co-founder and learn hands-on what it takes to launch a data-driven business. You do not have to be a data scientist, a student or originally from Germany. Teams need people from all backgrounds and areas of expertise who are creative, driven and excited to work together.From marketing to medicine, your area of study and background isn’t as important as your enthusiasm for technology and building solutions.

“H_Ventures is an amazing program for anyone who wants to validate an idea, make progress, or join a team. In one week, we learned more about business than I had learned over the last year. It is not always easy, but perfect for anyone who wants honest feedback and tips from real experts.”

Yannik Freund
participant in 2022

H_Ventures Edition 3 starts in September 2023

Virtually & In-Person

For 9 weeks, you will have access to virtual networking events, workshops, keynotes, and input sessions. Participating in live events in Frankfurt will offer you many opportunities for in-person contacts and self-paced virtual activities.

1.

13 Sept - 01 Oct

Team Formation

Start with ideation & building your team– virtually & in-person

Get a crash course in building a solid team and find your new co-founders with the help of HR experts.The Team Formation Phase includes virtual evening sessions and three in-person events in Frankfurt, team building exercises, instructions on working in Agile teams and matching events.At the end of the program, a guided team readiness check will help you find who your team needs to thrive.

2.

06 - 17 Oct

Bootcamp

Meet founders, mentors, and coaches across Hessen– in-person

The one-week Bootcamp is an intense, hands-on learning experience in-person at TechQuartier. You will join us for a whole week with full days of the program.The program gives you the opportunity to work with experienced serial entrepreneurs and experts who are using AI, machine learning and big data. Moreover, you will learn what it takes to start and grow a successful business and get the chance to pitch your idea to a panel of investors.

3.

30 Oct - 26 Nov

Incubation & Validation

Be mentored & coached by experts in their fields– virtually & in-person

After the Bootcamp, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the four-week incubation and validation period.This is where you'll put everything you've learned into practice and work on developing your business further.In addition, you will have access to networking opportunities, online educational sessions and investors.

What you get with H_Ventures

  • Find or join your team

  • Accelerate your idea in 60 days

  • Get free training, network access and mentoring from experts

  • Meet other founders and entrepreneurs in Hessen

  • Build and test your ideas with investors

  • Learn about fundraising, business modeling and product readiness

  • Tackle HR and legal considerations

  • Explore the potential of AI in many sectors

  • The chance to work in a hybrid structure with virtual meetings and many live events across Hessen

  • Earn a Certificate of Achievement

Help to form and complete your team.

Guidance for launching your data-driven venture.

Help to develop a data-driven business model.

Exclusive resources from business experts.

What we expect from you

  • Be a team player

  • Enjoy working in diverse and interdisciplinary teams

  • Participate in all surveys by Goethe University Frankfurt

  • Have an open and tolerant mindset

  • Be respectful and friendly towards your team members and coaches

  • Bring enough time and mental capacity to focus on the program

  • Commit yourself fully to your team and challenges

  • Be motivated and passionate about entrepreneurship

  • Be ready to travel across Hessen to multiple live events

Meet our Speakers and Board of Innovation

Our Board of Innovation is made up of program jury members and mentors who will host input sessions to challenge and support the development of your venture ideas.

  • Alexander Grau, Startup Program Lead DACH, OVHcloud

  • Bastian Willers, Growth Lead & Hacking Consultant, Unlock Growth

  • Björn Lefherz, Revenue Lead & Funnel Expert, Unlock Growth

  • Dr. Sebastian Schäfer, Managing Director & Co-Founder, TechQuartier

  • Dr. Arndt Schwaiger, Advisor & Business Angel

  • Dr. Joerg von Hagen, Geschäftsführer ryon

  • Dr. Kevin Bauer, Junior Professor, University of Mannheim

  • Dr. Mark Redshaw, Investment Director, Evonik Venture Capital

  • Dr. Michael Chromik, Tech Lead, DB Netz AG

  • Fabian Müller, COO stratworx

  • Florian Faller, Communications Manager & Venture Scout, Futury

  • Friedhelm A. Schmitt, Founder & Co-CEO Fincite

  • Ingo Franz, Founder and Managing Partner, Vectorpilot

  • Kristian Schneider, Methods & Innovation Coach, R+V Versicherung

  • Lea Vajnorsky, Consultant-Executive, Russell Reynolds Associates

  • Kristian Schneider, Methods & Innovation Coach, R+V Versicherung

  • Lea Vajnorsky, Consultant-Executive, Russell Reynolds AssociatesLevente Szabados, Senior AI Consultant, Co-Founder Neuron Solutions

  • Manuel Söldenwagner, Patent Attorney & Partner at Eisenfuhr Speiser

  • Max von Vopelius, Patent Attorney, Eisenfuhr Speiser

  • Ottó Werschitz, Co-Founder & CMO, Neuron Solutions

  • Rolf Pfeiffer, Managing Partner, Bernotat & Cie. GmbH

  • Sarah Gronwald, Ecosystem Manager, TechQuartier

  • Sebastian Heinz, Founder & CEO statworx

  • Thomas Funke, Co-Founder & CEO, Tomorrow University

  • Thorsten Lambertus, Managing Director DEEP

  • Tobias Kehl, Project Lead, AI Startup Rising

  • Tom Debus, Co-Founder, Ferris Labs AG & Integration Alpha

Founding Partners

Dr. Sebastian Schäfer

"Too many promising venture ideas fail because either the right founding team is missing, or the team is dysfunctional and lacks the necessary skills and experience. With H_Ventures we build on our years of matching experience and take the team formation process to a new level. “

Dr. Sebastian Schäfer
Co-Founder and Managing Director of TechQuartier

Network Partners

Questions?

Need more information or have questions?
Send us a message!**

Cristian Frigo

Cristian Frigo
Innovation Manager, TechQuartier

Sebastian Schäfer

Sebastian Schäfer
Managing Director, TechQuartier

Maja Sen-Gupta

Maja Sen-Gupta
Marketing Manager, TechQuartier