FRESH IDEAS FROM DÜSSELDORF
At the end of 2024, the Association for German Startups published its latest 'Startup Monitor' on the startup scene in Germany. Some of the trends listed are particularly encouraging for Düsseldorf’s ecosystem. For example, the share of sales to business customers rose to 74.7 per cent (2023: 70.4 per cent) - an important sign for Düsseldorf as a strong B2B location. Or the fact that, despite the economic challenges, even more German startups are committed to the 'green economy' or can be categorised as such (2023: 46.7 per cent, 2024: 48.1 per cent). This is also a focus in the state capital. All in all, Düsseldorf offers good conditions for founders to settle and grow here. The three successful examples we present in this issue are Bonoboo, Dein Schrauberplatz and ifactory3D.
REVOLUTION IN SOCIAL DONATIONS
Max Engel and Julia Hülder from Bonoboo help companies find the right social projects.
Many companies and private individuals would like to support social projects through donations, but do not know how to go about it. Julia Hülder (32) and Max Engel (31) want to change that. With their recently founded impact startup Bonoboo, they help companies to find the right social projects to support relevant donation campaigns together with end consumers.
To do this, the two founders have developed innovative AI-based software. ‘Today, companies in all industries need quick solutions to not only make a lasting impact, but also to easily measure and prove it,’ says CTO Max Engel. Non-profits of all sizes can register with Bonoboo for free and search for a suitable match with a company. The next step is to implement secure digital donation interfaces with the companies. There is also the option for end users to donate to a company or help decide where the company should donate - for example, directly during a payment process in the online shop. ‘With Bonoboo, we also want to help small NGOs and social projects find new donors and increase their visibility,' says CEO Julia Hülder. ‘Sustainability and modern technology should no longer be a contradiction in terms, neither at Bonoboo nor in the economy as a whole,' adds the committed Düsseldorf native. In order to change the world of donations for the better, the two founders want to reach as many other NGOs and associations as possible and convince companies to become part of Bonoboo. •
BONOBOO GMBH
C/O SPACES
NEUBRÜCKSTRASSE 1
40213 DÜSSELDORF
WWW.BONOBOO.IO
WORKSHOP AS A SERVICE
Dawid Schimmel and Cengiz Günes take the concept of community workshops to a new level.
Community workshops, where people come together to pursue their passion for tinkering with cars and motorbikes, have been around for some time. But Dawid Schimmel and Cengiz Güneş have taken the concept to a new level with the launch of “Dein Schrauberplatz”. ‘We have a mix of a subscription model, like in a gym, and a community workshop that several people share - similar to a co-working space. And the whole thing is available 24/7, rather than being tied to fixed opening hours as in the past,' explains Dawid Schimmel. Subscribers share tools, equipment and even their knowledge. ‘In this way, we're helping anyone who wants to follow their passion for tinkering - whether it's to save money, to be with like-minded people, or just to get their hands dirty. Anyone with basic tinkering skills can become a member. We believe that anyone can learn anything if they want to, especially in the right environment. That's what we're creating,’ adds Cengiz. Since its official launch in July 2023, “Dein Schrauberplatz” has seen a steady growth of 20 to 25 percent per month. In addition to the workstations for car and motorcycle mechanics, which can be booked individually, the pair are planning to expand their offering to include wood and metal work. ‘Since 1 February 2025, we have had another location in Düsseldorf, which is an important milestone for us. Other locations will follow in the next few years. Ultimately, we want to become Germany's largest rental workshop,' says Dawid. VIVID wishes them every success! •
DEIN SCHRAUBERPLATZ GMBH
AUFM ROTT 47
40591 DÜSSELDORF
WWW.DEINSCHRAUBERPLATZ.DE
3D PRINTING ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE
Martin Huber and Artur Steffen offer 3D printing on a conveyor belt
The COVID pandemic has given the 3D printing industry a real boost. Martin Huber and Artur Steffen saw this as an opportunity to develop their idea of sustainable, decentralised 3D production - and founded their start-up company iFactory3D in late 2020. At the heart of their business is 3D conveyor belt printing: 'Unlike conventional printers, which produce parts on a fixed printing plate, our conveyor belt printing system works with an inclined printing plane and a moving belt. This means that once objects are printed, they are automatically pushed off the conveyor belt, allowing for a continuous production process without human intervention,' explains CEO Artur. This allows customers, especially medium-sized businesses, skilled trades businesses and small companies, to scale up their production and save costs at the same time. The response so far has been very encouraging. Our technology is particularly exciting for industries such as orthopaedics and skilled trades, where customised products play an important role,' says CTO Martin. For example, an orthopaedic business owner who had no prior knowledge of 3D printing is now producing custom-fit shoe insoles for his patients on a daily basis - something he could not otherwise afford logistically or financially. A 30 metre long component was also printed in one piece using iFactory3D technology. The 3D experts are currently working on the third generation of assembly line printers, which will be even more powerful and user-friendly. •
IFACTORY3D GMBH
WANHEIMER STRASSE 43
40472 DÜSSELDORF
WWW.IFACTORY3D.COM
Text: Tom Corrinth
Pictures: Eugen Shkolnikov , Paul Muders, iFactory3D GmbH