On March 26, 2025, an information event on the topic of start-up financing took place at the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society with relevant speakers from business and start-up support. Numerous participants interested in founding a company accepted the invitation from the start-up office and took the opportunity to find out about various financing options.
The event kicked off with an exciting keynote speech entitled "The money is on the street - why it's worth starting a business NOW!" Prof. Gösta Jamin, Professor of Finance and Banking, impressively demonstrated why the current economic conditions offer numerous opportunities for innovative founders.
"From the idea to financing: How banks help start-ups get off the ground" - with this presentation, Sven Birkner from VR Bank Rhein Neckar eG explained how banks finance start-ups and what requirements must be met for debt financing. While start-ups are supported by structured financing options, start-ups are often dependent on alternative sources of financing, as banks initially find it difficult to evaluate innovative business models.
Venture capital offers start-ups capital in the growth phase, which is often linked to company participation. Heiko Merz from ISB-Investitions- und Strukturbank Rhineland-Palatinate described how start-ups can convince investors and which criteria play a role in this, such as team quality, market potential, technological innovation and traction. The role of business angels as a link between pre-seed financing and venture capital was also emphasized.
Business angels not only offer start-ups capital, but also mentoring, networks and industry expertise. Niklas Duffner from PALATINA Business Angels Rhein-Neckar e.V. presented the role of business angels in early-stage financing and explained how start-ups can convince investors. Market potential, a viable business model and a strong team are crucial.
Crowdfunding is an alternative form of financing that includes various models such as donations, rewards, loans and equity investments. The presentation showed how start-ups can use crowdfunding to raise capital, test their idea on the market and build a community. Important success factors are a convincing campaign, active marketing and strong network building. Due to the absence of Bernhard Lorig from IDEENWALD due to illness, this presentation was taken over by Prof. Christina Stadler, Head of the Start-up Office.
After the specialist presentations, the "Market of Opportunities" offered participants the opportunity to talk directly to representatives from banks, business angels and the university's start-up office. The individual consultations were used intensively to discuss financing options for specific start-up projects and to make valuable contacts.
The positive response to the event underlines the great interest in the topic of financing and confirms the relevance of practical formats to support start-ups. The start-up office at Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences will continue to offer further events in the future in order to provide those interested in setting up their own company with the best possible support.
