You don't just rely on assumptions – you use real customer feedback.
No lectures. You work directly on your own startup.
We connect you with companies, pilot customers and experts.
“I have an idea that could make the world a better place — but no clue how to turn it into a company.”
Uncertainty, isolation, lack of entrepreneurial experience.
We help you validate your problem with real people — not behind closed doors.
“I've been working on my concept for months, but I've never talked to a real potential customer.”
Fear of launching, no access to pilot customers.
Through our network, you'll find the right people to talk to and the right pilot customers.
“I've built my product, but nobody is buying it.”
Looking for growth capital, no investor network, unsure about valuation and pitching.
Your pitch is built on real market results — not castles in the air.
Four out of ten startups fail because they solve a problem nobody has. That's why our program doesn't start with your idea, but with the problem. You get out there, have structured conversations with potential users — and let your target group decide what the problem is.
A problem validated through real conversations — and the certainty that you're working on something people really need.
You develop your vision, put a concrete mission into words and test your mission statement directly in conversations with potential customers. Experienced mentors and coaches from our network support you along the way.
A tested mission statement, a team with complementary strengths and at least one mentor by your side.
Build, measure, learn — repeat. As often as it takes until your approach demonstrably works. At the same time, you work on your unique selling points, impact and financial planning. The goal: market validation based on evidence, not assumptions.
A validated business model, clear positioning, an impact logic, a financial plan and a compelling pitch deck.
You develop your first market-ready product and build your brand. Our B2B network includes companies from the Ruhr area and the Rhine-Ruhr region that are actively looking for innovative solutions — whether as a pilot project, test customer or partnership.
A working first product, first customers or pilot partners, legal protection and a professional brand.
You get an overview of bootstrapping, public funding programs, business angels, venture capital and crowdfunding. Because you've already had dozens of conversations during the program, you don't walk into investor meetings with hopes — you walk in with evidence.
A clear financing plan, a well-practiced pitch based on real market results — and ideally your first concrete commitments.
No costs, no equity: we cover meals and accommodation for the mandatory sessions in Duisburg. After the program, you stay part of the community, for life.
Four out of ten startups fail because they solve a problem nobody has. That's why our program doesn't start with your idea, but with the problem. You get out there, have structured conversations with potential users — and let your target group decide what the problem is.
A problem validated through real conversations — and the certainty that you're working on something people really need.
You develop your vision, put a concrete mission into words and test your mission statement directly in conversations with potential customers. Experienced mentors and coaches from our network support you along the way.
A tested mission statement, a team with complementary strengths and at least one mentor by your side.
Build, measure, learn — repeat. As often as it takes until your approach demonstrably works. At the same time, you work on your unique selling points, impact and financial planning. The goal: market validation based on evidence, not assumptions.
A validated business model, clear positioning, an impact logic, a financial plan and a compelling pitch deck.
You develop your first market-ready product and build your brand. Our B2B network includes companies from the Ruhr area and the Rhine-Ruhr region that are actively looking for innovative solutions — whether as a pilot project, test customer or partnership.
A working first product, first customers or pilot partners, legal protection and a professional brand.
You get an overview of bootstrapping, public funding programs, business angels, venture capital and crowdfunding. Because you've already had dozens of conversations during the program, you don't walk into investor meetings with hopes — you walk in with evidence.
A clear financing plan, a well-practiced pitch based on real market results — and ideally your first concrete commitments.
You start with your email address and then answer our questions about your team, idea and impact at your own pace. Finally, you upload your Value Proposition Canvas as a PDF. You can also attach a pitch deck if you like.
We review all applications and ask promising teams for some further input. This lets us see how you work and how well you understand the problem. You'll have several weeks to complete it. That's all we're revealing for now!
If your submission is convincing, we'll invite you to a final online interview. Before admission, we really want to get to know you personally and make sure our mutual expectations match.
Shortly after the interview, you'll receive a final yes or no. Before the program starts in Duisburg, we invite you to a joint online kickoff to give you a deeper look into the program.
So you know how we evaluate your application, we make our criteria transparent.
Are you solving a real social or environmental problem that noticeably affects people?
What positive impact will you create if you succeed, and how can it be shown?
Do you have the skills or lived experience needed to tackle the topic successfully?
Do you have enough time to take part in the program?
You're open to feedback, take advice and adapt your idea when conversations with customers point in a different direction.
Why do you want to solve exactly this problem, and why now, with us?
You're at the beginning of your journey. The exact solution, target market or branding aren't the focus at this point. It should at least be plausible that someone will pay for your solution later on. Above all, we want to see that you're seriously driving your startup forward while staying open to feedback. In the end, it's the overall picture that counts for our selection!
About five months, five fixed on-site dates: the batch comes together at Villa Anthropia in Duisburg for the kickoff, three Community Weeks and the batch closing.
Kicking off the batch together: getting to know each other, Theory of Change, Product & Traction and Team Effectiveness
Product & Traction, Team Effectiveness & Resilience and peer exchange
Minimum Viable Branding, Team Effectiveness and peer exchange
Product & Traction, Team Effectiveness & Resilience and peer exchange
Celebrating what we've achieved together: pitch event, outlook and of course a closing party
Between the in-person dates, we offer online formats: workshops with experts or input from other founders. Participation is voluntary – you take away whatever fits your stage. You'll get the dates during the program.
Batches
Startups
Community members
Free for startups
Have you shown as an active participant in your batch that you want to be part of the community for the long run? Then after these first six months it's: Welcome Home! You stay on as a permanent member of the community.
As an Impact Factory community member, our doors are always open to you. Join our workshops, events and networking formats again and again, or connect with other startups and contacts from the supporter ecosystem.
Here we answer the most common questions about the program, the application process and the Impact Factory.
Please note: because we are changing our program structure, some information may temporarily be out of date. Write to us if anything is unclear.
You'll find us at Villa Anthropia on the Haniel Campus in Duisburg-Ruhrort.
%20-%20Kopie%20-%20Kopie.png)
