STARTPLATZ is the meeting point and first port of call for innovative startups and companies at the heart of the Rhineland’s founder scene — founded in Cologne in 2012, and in Düsseldorf since 2015.
STARTPLATZ is opened in Cologne by Dr. Lorenz Gräf and Matthias Gräf (Gräf Holding GmbH) — as the answer to a simple question: where do founders, investors and talent meet in the Rhineland? It all started with 200 m² of coworking space.
STARTPLATZ grows beyond Cologne: a second location opens in Düsseldorf’s Medienhafen — today 1,700 m², right on the water.
Accelerator programs, an AZAV-certified AI Academy and a thriving community join the workspace — together shaping the Rhineland’s founder scene.
With 4,500 m² in Cologne and 1,700 m² in Düsseldorf, we are today North Rhine-Westphalia’s AI hub — the central hub for AI builders, founders and companies.
At the heart of the Rhineland’s founder scene — in Cologne’s Mediapark and Düsseldorf’s Medienhafen — STARTPLATZ is the meeting point and first port of call for innovative startups and established companies. The result is an ecosystem where old and new economy, science and politics exchange ideas, create synergies and learn from each other.
As NRW’s largest competence center for founders, we drive the Rhineland’s culture of innovation and establish the region as an internationally significant hub for innovation and digitalization. We support founders from the first idea to a product established in the market — for sustainable growth.
Members share more than a workspace — they share knowledge, wins and failures. We foster open exchange, so every idea gets its chance.
Only those who truly burn for their idea make it through the hard stretches. We create the environment that encourages exactly that.
People from the most diverse cultures, industries and backgrounds find a second home here — the foundation for fresh perspectives.
Everyone can make a difference; together we create change. STARTPLATZ stands for collaboration — from projects to a round at the foosball table.
Innovation is at the core of everything we do — carried by open exchange and entrepreneurs who burn for their ideas.
Coworking
Flexible workspaces and private offices in Cologne’s Mediapark and Düsseldorf’s Medienhafen — with the community right next door.
Conference rooms
Professionally equipped rooms for meetings, workshops and events — bookable online by the hour.
Accelerator
From the AI Accelerator and the NRW founder grant to Rheinland-Pitch — structured paths through every stage.
AI Hub
A builder community spanning Cologne and Paris. Open-source AI, devs, innovation teams — we build instead of just talking.
Events & Academy
250+ events per year and AZAV-certified AI training — from beginner formats to masterclasses.
Corporate
SMEs and corporations plug into the ecosystem — from the Business Club to tailor-made innovation programs.
Behind STARTPLATZ are founders Dr. Lorenz Gräf and Matthias Gräf — and a team supporting founders, members and companies at both locations. Regular networking events connect startups, companies and investors — low-threshold and across every stage.
Meet the team
One hour, one croissant, new faces. Open to all members — the most relaxed way to get to know the community.
When the weather plays along: grill on, drinks out, pitches up. The summer classic on the STARTPLATZ roof terrace.
Germany’s largest recurring startup pitch series. Startups present, investors listen, the audience votes.
Im Mediapark 5 · 50670 Cologne
Reception Mon–Fri 9–18 · Members 24/7
Speditionstraße 15a · 40221 Düsseldorf
Reception Mon–Fri 9–18 · Members 24/7
Drop by for a free trial day — in Cologne or Düsseldorf — and see the ecosystem for yourself.