Is Düsseldorf a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Düsseldorf has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Düsseldorf gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Düsseldorf

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Düsseldorf offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Düsseldorf's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by a mix of public and private initiatives. Notable players include the state-owned NRW.Bank and programs like Gründungsstipendium NRW, which offers grants to innovative ideas. Venture capital firms such as High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and accelerators like digihub also invest in early-stage startups. However, challenges persist. While seed funding is available, securing later-stage growth capital can be difficult compared to major hubs like Berlin or Munich. Bureaucracy associated with government funding can also be a hurdle for founders. Despite these challenges, the ecosystem is seen as improving, with efforts to enhance networking and access to investors.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Düsseldorf has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Düsseldorf has a thriving startup ecosystem, ranking 8th in Germany and 49th in Western Europe. The city is an international business hub with a growing entrepreneurial activity, particularly in IT, healthcare, ecommerce, and manufacturing. There is a strong presence of coworking spaces, with numerous options available across the city. Düsseldorf also hosts various tech events, including conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities like Startup Week and Future Tech Fest. The ecosystem supports both early-stage and more mature startups through a mix of funding sources, accelerator programs, and initiatives from the city's Office of Economic Development and organizations like StartupDorf. While standardized programs exist, there are also efforts to provide personalized support and connect founders with relevant stakeholders and mentors.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Düsseldorf can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Düsseldorf, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Düsseldorf is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Düsseldorf offers a strong talent pool for startups, supported by numerous educational institutions in the Rhine-Ruhr region, including Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. These provide a steady stream of skilled graduates. The city benefits from a diverse workforce with expertise in areas like enterprise software, advertising technology, retail innovation, digital marketing, and international business development. The startup ecosystem is strengthened by initiatives like STARTPLATZ and the close proximity and collaboration between startups, universities, and established corporations, fostering entrepreneurial growth.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Düsseldorf can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Düsseldorf boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Düsseldorf offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring extensive infrastructure and support systems. The city provides numerous co-working spaces and business centers, offering flexible workspace. Accelerators like digihub and SpielFabrique are active. Support includes networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and assistance with financing and investor pitches. The Office of Economic Development has a dedicated Start-Up Unit that offers advice, helps connect startups with experts, and assists in finding suitable office or lab space. They also facilitate connections with national and international corporates. Government initiatives, such as the NRW startup grant and programs like EXIST, provide funding opportunities. The city actively promotes entrepreneurship and aims to create a pro-business environment. Resources like the Startup-City Düsseldorf portal act as central guides to the ecosystem and available support. These resources collectively help startups thrive by providing necessary tools, connections, and financial assistance.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Düsseldorf. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Düsseldorf Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Düsseldorf provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Düsseldorf face several challenges. Competition exists within the growing startup scene and from established companies in the economically strong Rhine-Ruhr region. While Düsseldorf offers a high quality of life, the cost of living can be high, potentially impacting talent acquisition and retention compared to some other German cities. Regulatory hurdles and bureaucracy in Germany can be complex and time-consuming for startups, particularly regarding registration, compliance, and navigating tax regulations. Accessing capital and international networking can also be areas needing improvement compared to major hubs like Berlin or Munich.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Düsseldorf or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Düsseldorf offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash