“Digital Hub” A miniature Silicon Valley for Bonn
Bonn · Young digital entrepreneurs might soon have a hip new home in Bonn.
From the outside, Cedric Teichmann and Jörg Haas appear to have little in common. One wears his shirt outside his pants, with a full beard and ponytail. The casual style of the young entrepreneur is common in the digital economy - Facebook founder Marc Zuckerberg likes to wear flip flops. The Bonn investor and owner of the Kameha Hotel is dressed in a classic business suit. Despite what appear to be differences on the surface, the business partners have a joint goal: They want to build in Bonn a center for start-ups of the digital economy, which would integrate new entrepreneurs with local companies which are already established. Simply put, it would be a modern office environment that can accommodate ten to 15 young companies. Local investors would stand by in an advisory capacity.
What would be the name of the creative workplace? “Digital Hub.” If all goes well, the first young entrepreneurs would move in this year. What is missing, however, is a location. Teichmann, the co-founder uses words like “funky”, cafes and game rooms when he talks about realization of the site. But despite the creative vibe, it’s a profit venture. The “Digital Hub” will act as a public company.
Established companies from the region who invest in the hub will also be partners. The future start-ups are expected to develop solutions for businesses in the region. Mentoring and marketing are considered part of the “generational contract.” Says Haas, “The start-ups of today are the mid-sized companies of tomorrow.” He emphasizes the importance of the project and the commitment of public institutions. The City of Bonn has pledged 150,000 euros.
The new location should be hip and around 1,000 square meters. “Something like the old Victoria swimming pool,” says Teichmann. There is already high demand from young entrepreneurs who want to move in. Between 25 and 50 start-ups are to be guided in the first three years. Whoever wants to be a part of the community has to apply. Quality controls will then occur regularly for members as the investment has to be justified.
Orig. text: Nadine Klees
