Around 60 female entrepreneurs, founders, executives and networking partners came together at the invitation of the Regensburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the Female Founders Programme at OTH Regensburg. The focus was on discussion, networking and practical knowledge relating to start-ups, financing and funding opportunities. The meeting also highlighted the importance of female founders to the region’s innovative strength.
To kick off the event, Prof. Dr Carina Braun, Vice-President of OTH Regensburg, spoke about the challenges many women face on their path to self-employment. Feelings of uncertainty and periods of finding one’s bearings are often part of this journey. This makes strong networks all the more important – networks that highlight role models, share experiences and open up new opportunities. There is a great need for action: currently, only one in five start-ups in Germany is founded by a woman. “Encouraging more women to start their own businesses is far more than just a question of equality. It is a question of our capacity for innovation and our future viability,” said Prof. Dr Carina Braun.
Young female founders need financial support and a robust network
Prof. Dr Sevim Süzeroglu-Melchiors, Professor of Digital Entrepreneurship and Finance, then highlighted just how crucial the framework conditions are for successful start-ups. In her keynote speech, she explained the importance of early-stage funding and a robust network. “Female founders are Germany’s largest untapped start-up resource,” said Prof. Dr Süzeroglu-Melchiors.
The Female Founders Programme at OTH Regensburg, which is funded by EXIST-Women, supports women on this journey. Since 2024, nine start-ups have already emerged from the programme. In addition, an EXIST start-up grant has been secured.
Leonie Bechtold, project manager for the Mobility & Logistics technology cluster and AIR Artificial Intelligence Regensburg at TechBase Regensburg GmbH, provided an overview of the funding landscape. She explained the key requirements for applying for funding and highlighted how companies can develop their ‘institutional readiness’ in order to make successful use of funding programmes. In addition to traditional research methods, artificial intelligence is also playing an increasingly important role in identifying suitable funding opportunities.
From an idea at university to a business
Julia Specht illustrated how an idea can develop into a successful business through her own start-up story. The civil engineer recounted her journey from OTH Regensburg to founding Spexcopters. A spray drone she developed as part of her Master’s thesis initially gave rise to a business idea and eventually led to the creation of a company specialising in drone-based surveying and inspection. Today, Spexcopters is a subsidiary of Otto Lehmann GmbH in Neutraubling. “It’s worth believing in your own ideas and having the courage to break new ground,” says Julia Specht.
During the networking session that followed, it became clear just how great the need is for forums where female entrepreneurs and start-up founders in the region can exchange ideas. The Women Entrepreneurs’ Breakfast provided a platform for this, where contacts could be made, experiences shared and new collaborations initiated.
The organisers, Julia Pirzer and Theresa Engl, therefore draw a positive conclusion. The event impressively demonstrated just how much innovative drive, courage and entrepreneurial potential there is amongst the female founders and entrepreneurs in the region, and what an important role visible role models play for the next generation of female founders.
