Startplatz
Accelerator and hub
A startup hub with locations in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Guided Tours
Guided Tours in Cologne
Our guided tours take you behind the scenes at some of the most exciting startups. Meet founders, understand their business models and make valuable connections in Cologne. Cologne connects insurance companies, startups and research through organisations such as InsurLab Germany. A visit can explore how insurers approach AI and digital services, and how technology teams work with regulatory and operational requirements.
Choose a focus
Explore industries in Cologne
AI
AI in insurance and applied innovation
SaaS
Software for small and medium-sized businesses
GreenTech
Circular economy
Health
Digital therapeutics and health insurer integration
HR
Small and medium-sized businesses meet new ways of working
Mobility
E-commerce and last-mile delivery
FinTech
InsurTech and applied FinTech
Ecosystem organisations
InsurLab Germany
InsurTech hub
The federal de:hub for InsurTech, connecting insurers, startups and research, with AI among its focus areas.
Digital Hub Cologne
Digital hub
A city-funded initiative connecting corporates and startups.
Companies in the local ecosystem
DeepL
AI / machine learning
AI-based translation products developed by a company founded in Cologne.
1NCE
IoT
Global IoT connectivity at a flat rate.
Vytal
CleanTech
Digital reusable packaging system.
Buynomics
AI pricing
AI platform for pricing and commercial decision-making.
Eyeo
AdTech
Developer of Adblock Plus.
Selected clients
Deutsche BörseTelekomKPMG
How it works
A format built around your team
Spend a day in the ecosystem: visit three to five carefully selected startups, sit down with founders and see how agile teams work. The program is shaped around your topics and can end with a group dinner. Expect candid exchange and first-hand insight.
What the format can include
- A curated program
- Direct conversations with founders
- Insider perspectives
- Networking lunch
What your team takes away
- A grounded picture of your industry in the ecosystem
- Three to five relevant startup connections
- Concrete starting points for pilots, procurement or investment
- A shared language for the topic across your team
Who it’s for
- Board members and senior executives
- Innovation and strategy leaders
- Department and business-unit heads
- Corporate venture and M&A teams
A typical agenda
09:00
Kickoff and context
A short introduction to the day and the topics you have brought with you.
10:00
Startups 1 and 2
On-site visits. Speak directly with the founders: no stage and no slide deck.
12:30
Lunch with founders
Continue the conversation over a relaxed lunch.
14:00
Startups 3 to 5
Visit more startups, selected around your priorities and the city's strengths.
17:00
Reflection
What does this mean for your organization? We make sense of the day's takeaways together.
19:00
Optional group dinner
An optional evening finish with more time for conversation, if a group dinner fits your programme.
Format and logistics
- Group size
- Best for 6 to 15 participants
- Duration
- One day, with an evening dinner on request
- Format
- On-site visits to 3 to 5 startups, curated around your topics
- Cities
- Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and other cities
- Lead time
- 3 to 4 weeks for curation
- Language
- German or English
About this format
Frequently asked questions
How many startups will we visit?
Usually three to five in a day, selected around your topics and the city's strengths. We focus on the startups most relevant to your team, not simply the loudest names.
Who chooses which startups we visit?
You set the topics and questions. We curate the right founders from our network, built over many years.
Which cities can host a Safari?
We organize Safaris across Germany, including Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf.
How many people can take part?
Small groups of 6 to 15 work best, leaving room for real conversation.
How much does a Startup Safari cost?
Each Safari is put together individually. Tell us the topic, city and group size, and we will prepare a tailored quote.
Explore with your team