Each unicorn originates from something distinct.
STARTUPLAND Returns to Cologne for RISE Week
Cologne is set to transform into a bustling startup hub once again as the second edition of STARTUPLAND takes place during the RISE week from November 3rd to 7th.
One of the highlight events is the STARTUPLAND 2, scheduled for November 3rd, 2025, at startplatz, Im Mediapark 5, Cologne. This event, running from 13:30 to 20:00, offers free entry with prior registration.
The event promises a diverse range of activities, including multiple stages and networking areas, providing opportunities for attendees to engage with the startup ecosystem. With a focus on community matches, the event aims to connect over 7,500 participants.
Although the speaker lineup for the November 3 event is not yet confirmed, related programming such as the “Women in Tech” evening on November 4, offers inspiring keynotes, networking, and empowerment sessions. The STARTUPLAND event is likely to include a mix of talks, panels, networking breaks, and opportunities for real conversations with the tech community.
In addition to the STARTUPLAND 2 event, the RISE week will also host dozens of startup, VC, and entrepreneurship events around STARTUPLAND. These events are designed to connect startups, investors, and companies, providing a platform for collaboration and growth.
Notable startups and companies participating in this year's RISE week include Staffbase, a platform for creating internal employee apps that has raised around 300 million US dollars from investors including General Atlantic and Insight Partners. In 2022, Staffbase generated 66 million euros in revenue and currently employs around 800 people.
Another participant is eGym, a company that has been digitizing the fitness world and recently introduced eGym Wellpass, a subscription-based health and wellness solution for businesses. eGym's recent investors include L Catterton and Meritech Capital, who injected 180 million euros, raising the company's pre-money valuation to over 1 billion euros.
The Reverse Pitch event at STARTUPLAND offers a unique platform for startups to interact with investors. During the Reverse Pitch, venture capitalists have 180 seconds to present their fund to the audience, providing startups with a first impression of the venture capitalists and their focus.
STARTUPLAND has been providing insights since 2007, making it a valuable resource for the startup community. Notable founders participating in this year's RISE week include Mario Kohle, founder of the Berlin-based green tech unicorn Enpal, founded in 2017, and Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, founder of the Munich-based unicorn company eGym, founded in 2010.
For those interested in job opportunities, job listings from startups and companies can be found on the job board at rise.koeln. For more detailed speaker information or a precise agenda, checking the official startplatz event page closer to the date or registering for updates is recommended.
[1] startplatz event page [2] RISE week event page [3] Women in Tech event page [4] RISE week Women in Tech event page
- Entrepreneurship and technology will be at the forefront during the STARTUPLAND event at startplatz, Im Mediapark 5, Cologne, offering opportunities for connecting with the startup ecosystem.
- The speaker lineup for the November 3 event may not be confirmed, but related programming like the Women in Tech evening will offer inspiring keynotes, networking, and empowerment sessions.
- A diverse range of activities, including talks, panels, networking breaks, and the unique Reverse Pitch event, will be available during STARTUPLAND 2.
- Job seekers can find opportunities with participating startups and companies on the job board at rise.koeln, as the RISE week will host various events for startups, investors, and companies.
- Leadership in industries such as finance, lifestyle, small-business, personal-finance, and wealth-management may find valuable insights at STARTUPLAND, which has been a resource for the startup community since 2007.
- The second edition of STARTUPLAND highlights the thriving startup scene in Cologne, coinciding with the RISE week from November 3rd to 7th, 2025.
- Acquiring wealth management services, property in home-and-garden, or making investments can be achieved through connections made during the RISE week events, where companies like Staffbase and eGym will be present.
- In addition to startups and companies, attendees can engage in sports, shopping, and travel opportunities throughout the RISE week, making it a well-rounded experience for both business and personal interests.
