First start-up award for internationals in Germany – looking for migrant entrepreneurs in Germany that are committed to make a positive impact. Whether you are starting your startup journey or already have an established company, this is the right place for you to get support and visibility.
We believe in the power of diverse voices in entrepreneurship.
That’s why we support the International Founders Award 2025 – Germany’s award for 1st generation migrant founders.
Founders can expect:
✔️ Mentorship
✔️ Visibility
✔️ A stage to tell their story
This is your opportunity to shine.
📢 Apply now for the International Founders Award 2025!
🏆 Finalists pitch live in Frankfurt
🎯 Mentoring, exposure & access to key players
📅 Deadline: August 24, 2025
Let’s make migrant innovation visible. More: 🔗 www.internationalfoundersaward.com
Mission
International Founders are not getting enough visibility: It’s already hard to build a company from the ground up. But the difficulties of someone coming to a foreign country without knowing the culture and language are by far more challenging. We will honor the founders who, despite all this, have the motivation and persistence to set up their company in Germany. And then support them with a broad network, mentors and visibility.
“The ecosystem here has great support opportunities for expat founders – you just need to network with other international founders living in Germany and it starts to come together!” – William Harris / International Founder based in Berlin
Who can apply?
At least one founder is an international founder.: „International Founders“: First generation migrants that were born abroad and have their own immigration experience. The international founder must have at least 20% equity in the start-up to be considered a founder.
Your start-up was founded in Germany | Your start-up is planned to be established in Germany. The head office of your start-up is located in Germany.
You need to be able to travel to Frankfurt in September 2025 for the Award Ceremony. The finalists will be responsible for covering their travel, food and accommodation costs, if applies.
The start-up has not been founded before 2020. As a start-up is a young company, it should not be older than 5 years.
If your start-up is selected to take part in the bootcamp the international founder needs to participate. As we want to support the international founder the participation in the bootcamp is necessary for them to benefit from networking and learnings.
