Founded in Munich in 2008 as the German Entrepreneurship, the Start2 Group has evolved into a global force supporting startups across four continents. With branches in Germany, the United States, South America and Asia, Start2 Group is committed to fostering innovation and cross-border collaboration for startups and corporations alike.
Start2 Group’s international journey began with the German Accelerator program, supported by the German government to scale German startups primarily in the U.S. Over time, the company expanded its focus beyond Europe and the U.S. to help startups enter critical markets in South America, Southeast Asia, India, China, South Korea and Japan. This shift culminated in the company’s rebranding as Start2 Group to better reflect its growing international operations.
Japan is pivotal to Start2’s strategy, acting as a bridge for cross-border innovation between Germany and Asia. Through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Start2 facilitates German startups’ ability to access the Japanese market while offering Japanese startups a pathway into Germany and Europe.
“We don’t just help startups enter new markets; we connect them with potential corporate partners and customers, validating their solutions for expansion,” said Claus Karthe, CEO Asia. Start2’s programs enhance innovation and collaboration between two of the world’s most advanced economies.
We don’t just help startups enter new markets; we connect them with potential corporate partners and customers, validating their solutions for expansion.
Claus Karthe, Chief Executive Officer Asia at Start 2 Group
A significant aspect of the group’s operations is connecting startups with multinational corporations. Through cross-border innovation, they align startups with the right corporate partners, providing scaling opportunities while helping corporations meet their digital transformation needs.
“With many corporates aiming to digitalize, working with startups is the fastest way to innovate. If you want to move fast, you move with a startup,” Karthe said.
Start2 Group’s global network fosters strategic collaborations benefiting both startups and corporations, allowing corporations access to market-ready solutions while startups validate their ideas and enter new markets. This dynamic drives innovation and creates competitive advantages for both parties.
