Startplatz
Accelerator and hub
A startup hub with locations in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Explore a city
HR & New Work in Cologne
North Rhine-Westphalia has a strong base of small and medium-sized businesses. In Cologne, see how established companies adapt startup methods.
At a glance
The HR Safari in Cologne explores Small and medium-sized businesses meet new ways of working through STARTPLATZ Cologne, A Cologne scale-up and REWE digital. Designed for HR executives and CHROs and Talent development and learning leaders.
Local perspective
Small and medium-sized businesses meet new ways of working
North Rhine-Westphalia has a strong base of small and medium-sized businesses. In Cologne, see how established companies adapt startup methods.
Local examples and perspectives
- STARTPLATZ Cologne
- A Cologne scale-up
- REWE digital (optional)
A sample day
09:30
Mindset and methods
A workshop on agile ways of working. See how startups use Scrum, sprints and OKRs in practice.
11:00
Visit a scale-up
Visit a fast-growing tech company. How do they recruit and retain more than 100 developers a year?
13:00
Lunch with HR leaders
Discuss how to grow a culture while keeping the founder spirit alive.
15:00
Talent strategy workshop
Explore remote work, equity models and developer experience, and what corporates can adapt.
17:00
Reflection and transfer
A facilitated session to build a concrete 90-day action plan.
What your team can explore
- Which recurring part of working life is changing, and who is affected?
- How can employees help shape the solution and see its results?
- What skills, leadership routines and safeguards are needed to make the change last?
A route shaped around your question
We select relevant organisations and conversations around the question your team brings. The final route depends on the topic, availability and the people who can contribute.
Plan a conversation →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.
“Cologne's InsurTech scene is surprisingly deep. The exchange at InsurLab was on equal footing and extremely valuable for our own digital strategy.”
About the topic
Questions about HR Safari
Is this a team event or a learning format?
Both. The Safari combines inspiration with practical knowledge transfer.
How many people can take part?
Groups of 8 to 20 work best, leaving room for an open exchange.
Can we combine this with an offsite?
Absolutely. Many clients use the Safari as the centerpiece of a two- or three-day offsite.
Explore with your team