Berlin’s Startup Ecosystem Shines at German Startup Awards Ceremony

Berlin's Palais am Funkturm hosted the seventh German Startup Awards, where 700 distinguished guests from business, politics, science, and the startup ecosystem gathered to celebrate Germany’s most visionary entrepreneurs. The Startup-Verband’s annual gala honored winners across nine categories, showcasing the nation’s innovation strength and entrepreneurial spirit.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the ceremony, stating, "Without them, it doesn’t work." He stressed Germany must become "faster, simpler, and more digital," highlighting startups’ essential role in economic progress. Verena Pausder, Startup-Verband chair, declared, "Germany can do startups, Germany can innovate—we just need to do it, and we need role models like tonight’s winners."

Berlin’s tech scene claimed significant recognition. Julie Lepique’s femtasy won Founder of the Year for pioneering audio-erotica content. Judith Dada of Visionaries Club and Simon Schmincke of Creandum took Investor of the Year for their early-stage tech investments. Ali Abderrahmane’s health tech startup won Impact Entrepreneur for enabling cancer patients to access clinical trials via its digital platform.

Other winners included Ruth Bosse of Munich’s Ark Climate for climate solutions, Christian Nistel of Osnabrück’s Droidrun for AI-powered app interactions, and Dr. Jarek Kutylowski of Cologne’s DeepL for AI-based translation. Prof. Dr. Ann-Kristin Achleitner received the special award for her decades-long contributions to the startup ecosystem as a professor, investor, and board member.

The awards process involved nearly 500 nominations evaluated by a high-profile jury. Partners SAP, Commerzbank, Deutsche Börse, and PwC Deutschland supported the categories. The event underscored Berlin’s central role in Germany’s startup landscape, driving national innovation forward.