“Munich offers a very strong ecosystem for startups. Through its recognized universities, a high-quality talent pool is available, which helps local startups when scaling up. Also, there are multiple very good innovation centers that help the bright minds to develop their ideas into businesses. We work closely with them and they do an excellent job in supporting the local ecosystem.”
Frederike Rohr, Director of Health and Head of Munich of Plug and Play
“Munich is the perfect location for us. So many large companies are located here. Plus, with more than 100,000 students at the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich and the Munich University of Applied Sciences, we have access to an unbelievable talent base.”
Bastian Nominacher, Co-Founder of the Munich-based Unicorn Celonis
“Munich has proven its worth as a location for us. We can find an incredible number of qualified employees here. The high quality of living makes the city and Personio attractive as an employer – even to applicants from other parts of the world.”
Hanno Renner, CEO of the HR-Startup Personio
Ecosystem Highlights
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1625 verified startups
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141 VC Investors
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51k startup employees
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308 corporates
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1.3B€ of VC Investment in 2020
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139 VC Rounds in 2020
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19% Munich’s share of Bavaria’s GDP
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33705€ per capita of purchasing power in 2019
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#1 most livable city in the world (2018)
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#1 student destination in Germany
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63% of startups in Munich describe their location as “excellent” or “good”
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20% of Munich startups cooperate with scientific institutes
Bavaria’s capital city Munich is one of Europe’s top science and technology hubs, boasting an active Startup community, industry-led cooperation, significant flows of venture capital, and multiple Startup accelerators. Numerous global players and leading German technology companies have headquarters based in Munich, making it easier than ever for Startups to partner and do business with a variety of technological industries. As a global industrial player, Munich Hub connects Startups with multinationals like Microsoft, Google, and Intel, as well as 30% of DAX companies such as BMW, Siemens, Allianz, and Adidas. On top of that, Munich is a “Top-5 Life Quality” city globally and Germany’s most livable city according to the Mercer Research 2016. The Munich metropolitan area is home to 5.8 million people and has the strongest economy of any German city. By following this link, you will find some info that gives you a taste of what the Munich Ecosystem is all about.
Noteworthy Content:
Contact
Land & Start
SETTLING IN THE CITY
Residence Requirements
When moving to Munich to take up permanent residence (staying for more than three months), you must register your address within two weeks of your arrival. For more information, contact details and opening hours click here.
Taxes
For an overview of the German Tax System follow the links below.
- Taxes;
- German Income Tax;
- Types of Tax (pages 16 and 17);
- Taxes for the self employed.
Insurance
You should note that Health Insurance is mandatory even for the self employed people. Check important information like this through the following links and know all about insurance and security provisions in the city.
- Insurance and personal health;
- Company insurance and social insurance (page 18 to 20).
STARTING YOUR BUSINESS
Who you need to talk to
- Do you need advice on starting your business in Munich? Our local entrepreneurs can help you. Find relevant people on this list and contact them to get support and the best insights about the city as a tech hub.
Business Registration
- Here, we show you step-by-step what to do when starting self-employment. And make sure you also read this guide for support on the same topic. For more info, contact the Munich Business Startup Office (MEB)
Accounting
On this page, you can access useful information on accounting standards in Germany.
Useful contacts and links
- American Chamber of Commerce in Germany;
- Bavarian Industry Association;
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria;
- Department of Labor and Economic Development;
- Federation of German Industries;
- GründerRegio M;
- Invest in Bavaria;
- Munich Technology Centre MTZ;
- United Nations World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator;
- Business Startup portal of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWi);
- Munchen Startup Assistance;
- LinkedIn Munich Startup;
- Facebook Munich Startup;
- Startup Ecosystem Canvas.
Business Location
There are plenty of sources you can check out to get the best recommendations of workspaces in Munich. They are all below.
Access to capital
| Advice about Capital | Major VC’s in the country |
|---|---|
| For an overview of investors, business angels, venture capital, and crowdfinance, follow this link. It’ll help you meet the necessary support for your business financial needs. | Check the Investors section with a filter by Venture Capital). |
| Angels | |
| Check the Investors section with a filter by Angels). |
Access to talent
In Munich you can find the best minds in Tech and there are several organisations to help you do so, by recruiting them for your startup. Check them out at Job Offers, Honeypot or AngelList.
Education
Munich has 16 universities and colleges in total, with three internationally ranked universities with many degree offers, from which come the best professionals – the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the Hochschule München – University of Applied Sciences (HM).
Tech Ecosystem
Hot startups & scaleups
From Healthtech to Enterprise Software to Transportation startups from Munich have much to offer. Check out the most interesting companies of this vibrant ecosystem.
New companies
Munich is a hub buzzing with innovation. Proof of that are the newest startups of the city. Check out the freshest companies from the Bavarian capital.
Markets
Diversity and Inclusion
“One Mission”. This is the name of a Munich initiative that wants to bring diversity to the city’s startups and tech scene. That goal starts by fostering female entrepreneurship. For the LGBTI*, Munich is also very inclusive, with many programs and organizations supporting the community. Equality is a guarantee when stepping into the city and promoting it is a priority among the innovation ecosystem. For other diversity oriented programs, check the following links: BWS Networking; Women Start Up!; Inclusion at Technical University of Munich.
Munich in the Media
UnternehmerTUM and the City of Munich open Munich Urban Colab
After a construction period of two years, the Munich Urban Colab officially opened its doors in the heart of Munich. This globally unique initiative for smart city solutions, spearheaded by UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s leading center for business creation, and the City of Munich, brings together a wide range of forces under one roof.
founders@unibw: The Entrepreneurship Program of Bundeswehr University Munich
Bundeswehr University Munich launched a new program in 2019. With ‘founders@unibw,’ the team wants to support entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. We learned more about how they want to do that in our interview with Rafaela Kraus, vice president of entrepreneurship and the department of applied sciences, and Nadine Chochoiek, head of founders@unibw and consultant for entrepreneurship and technology transfer. Read everything here.
Orbem: “We Combine Imaging With AI”
The Munich startup Orbem links imaging technology, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with artificial intelligence. This allows the international founding team at the Gate startup center to integrate affordable and fast MRIs into an array of application scenarios. Orbem launched with a product for the poultry industry.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY
Munich is the city where tradition and innovation match perfectly. It’s a place of high-tech cars and mind-blowing art, but it also has the finest beers and the most beautiful sights. Bet on more than just a trip to Munich. This is the ideal city to make a living for – social barriers don’t exist and strangers share happiness together, in the green parks, in the large venues or even in the cosy taverns. Economically speaking, you won’t regret your decision either. More than being a business leader, Munich has the lowest unemployment rate (3,3%) in Germany. Dive deep into the city’s life and be happy.
City Map
ACTIVITIES & CASE STUDIES
In Munich, the best practices concerning innovation and entrepreneurship start right with “Munich Startup”, the official startup portal for the city. The programme is the best way founders have to set up their business in the region, to network with potential partners and to get investment. Other opportunities for those wanting to grow in the city also come with the incentives given to entrepreneurs. In fact, there is no shortage of competitions to encourage the development of the best solutions and innovations in the tech scene. The shot, of course, is also yours.