Startups are a central driver of innovation and mirror the innovative strength of an economy. These entrepreneurial companies distinguish themselves not only in their own high growth potential, but also foster and challenge the agility and innovation in well-established companies. Startups in Switzerland, which has held the top spot of the yearly published Global Innovation Index for the last couple of years, benefit from an attractive business environment with access to a talent pool formed in a business-oriented dual educational system. The for startups typical industries IT, life sciences and finances are strongly rooted in Switzerland and with numerous leading companies as well as the two Federal Institutes of Technology ETH Zurich and EPFL offer the ideal breeding ground for innovations in the fields of Fintech, Cleantech, Biotech, Medtech, Blockchain and various others.

EY startup makes a valuable contribution to the promotion of young companies and their spirit of innovation, true to our purpose of “building a better working world”.

Startups have an immense importance based on their innovative energy: On the one hand, the entire economy benefits when startups develop into large companies. On the other hand, startups are extremely important as innovation suppliers for corporates and medium-sized companies. EY wants to be a bridge builder between established companies – the carriers of the economy – and ambitious startups.

It is an exciting challenge to create and develop a company. I see it as my task to support young entrepreneurs on their way to success and to be a pivotal contact for them in all business and legal matters in the Rhine Ruhr region. I really enjoy supporting startups throughout their entire lifecycle, as well as using the right contacts to create EY approaches that deliver everything they need.

We are convinced that our region has enormous potential for a sustainable startup culture. And we believe that such a culture would bring benefits for every individual as well as for wider society. We want to provide platforms that are designed to connect young entrepreneurs with established players. Additionally, EY is, due to our multi-disciplinary approach and international network, an ideal partner to advise and support both startups and investors in all relevant fiscal, business and legal matters. In each phase of a company’s development, I am inspired by the commitment and vision of founders and I always enjoy watching how young startups create their ideas.

Startups have the opportunity to crack rigid systems, rewrite worn paths and change entire markets. Particularly in the field of digitization there are many spheres of action where we can benefit from new ideas. Startups are an important driver behind optimizing the economy in our Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.
The example of SAP, a former startup, illustrates the impact successful startups can have on a region. We at EY not only support startups in all phases of their life cycle, but we also offer them an outstanding platform to grow and access to our worldwide customer network through our global accelerator “EY Startup Challenge”. We live in an industrial region that is crucial for Germany and Europe, and through startups we promote the shift to an information society.

As an auditor, I have built up many years of expertise with startups – particularly in the transport and logistics sector as well as with technology-based companies (especially software, SaaS, eCommerce). What I appreciate about startups the most, are the impulses they offer with their innovative business models for “building a better working world”. At EY in Hamburg our aim is to enable the local & regional startup ecosystem to interact and network efficiently with each other. Furthermore we want to promote and support young entrepreneurs with our specialist expertise. We also aim to take cooperations between startups and medium-sized companies to a new level, adding value to both sides of the equation. As a team we are eager to be in mutual contact with innovative startups in order to exchange ideas about current and future challenges & trends.

As a tax adviser, I’ve been concerned with the fiscal and legal issues of German and international companies from a broad spectrum of industries for more than 12 years now. How do taxation law and startups go together? It’s simple: anyone who founds a company has to consider legal and tax matters. Ideally, tax optimization and risk management arrangements should be put on the right track at the very beginning, i.e. in the startup phase. That is why I provide young entrepreneurs with insights into tax-optimized company structures – without getting them bogged down in technical jargon. I find it very exciting to help startups develop their ideas; I see myself as a supporter and mentor, whether at pitching events, workshops or university initiatives.

FSO Transaction Advisory Services is a trusted provider of support to startups, VCs, private equity companies, banks, asset managers and insurers. We cover the entire life cycle of a startup – from developing a business idea to seed funding through to exits or IPOs. We connect startups with investors and strategists. Thanks to our comprehensive experience in developing innovative business models we can provide young companies with advice and support on important matters such as legal frameworks, company valuation, funding, finance and classic due diligence. All are crucial ingredients for every successful go-to-market.

In recent years, startups have been driving development both worldwide and in Germany. These young companies came up with many of the innovative business models and digital services that we take for granted in our everyday lives today. And they have also shaken up the so-called ‘Old Economy’, which was struggling to grasp the impact of digitalization and respond effectively to developments.
Ultimately, startups help create jobs for young people from all over the world, Berlin being a very good example. Today, Berlin is outstripping London in attracting startup investment and shows a net growth in jobs and population – resulting in increased tax revenue and benefits for the public. For me, it is only natural to support EY Startup, which is perfectly in tune with the EY motto: ‘Building a better working world’. This applies not just in Berlin, but everywhere where young entrepreneurs help make our world a better place.