Aspiring Founders Meetup #9 by Employed.World
Are you an aspiring founder in Berlin who sometimes feels overwhelmed by the journey of launching a startup or becoming self-employed? You’re not alone.
Employed.World is here to create a safe, supportive space for people—especially those affected by layoffs—who want to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Whether you’re exploring a self-employment initiative or building your next big thing, we’re building a community that offers know-how, networks, and access to help you go further, together.
Important: Our meetup is within the amazing Venture Café Berlin Thursday Gatherings, please ask or look for the session event room on the reception/check-in and navigate to the room quickly after grabbing your drink :) Then we come back after our event to the network with the beautiful Venture Café community!
🌟 Our Inspiring Founders/Speakers:
1. Matinuch O. | Co-founder @ HeyOtters
Talk Title: Delulu to 1st €200k: How we Got Funded, Featured, and Frankly, famous.
Description: My startup's honest journey to inspire new founders—especially migrant and female entrepreneurs—with direct, real-world advice for navigating the German startup scene. Let's talk about turning ambitious ideas into real success, even with the challenges.
2. Igor Ranc | Founder @ Handpicked Berlin
Talk Title: The power of distribution and curation
Description: I will present the idea behind Handpicked Berlin and how I grew it to the largest tech newsletter in Berlin with almost 11,500 subscribers and 60% open rates, and also share my thoughts on the future of newsletters.
3. Dr. Valdrin D. | Co-Founder @ Berlin College of Business and Technology
Talk Title: How to Start an Educational Institution in Berlin on Bootstrapping
Description: In this talk, I will share practical insights from my experience as Co-founder of Berlin College of Business and Technology on how to establish a private educational institution in Berlin with limited financial resources. The session is particularly valuable for aspiring entrepnuers, academic leaders, and early-stage founders interested in understanding regulatory, operational, and strategic considerations when bootstrapping in the education sector.
4. Ricardo Brito | Coach
Talk Title: The (Slightly Chaotic but Totally Worth It) Adventure of Becoming a Solopreneur
Description:
In a world of layoffs, AI disruptions, and shrinking safety nets, and a craving for more meaning people are asking: Should I go solo and build my own business?
In this short, honest and warm talk Ricardo Brito (coach, author, and solopreneur) explores the quiet revolution behind solopreneurship and what it really takes to make it work. Expect personal stories, honest reflections, and a few uncomfortable questions.
You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of whether this path fits you, and what to do before making the leap.
5. Supporter: Enrico Kalinka & Pascal winter
Independent insurance broker | Expert for Expats
Enrico will be presenting Win Insurances at the meetup: "Your experts for insurance and investments as an expat. We help you develop customized concepts – whether as an employee or founder – to secure and shape your future."
WIN Insurances is supporting transparent and English speaking access to legal and other insurance needs for private, self employment as well as business insurances in Germany for our community.
🗓️ Agenda
17:00 – 17:15 – Check-in, Grab a drink and navigate to the event venue
17:15 – 17:30 – Welcome Intro
17:30 - 18:00 - Audience interaction and co-founder matching session
18:00 – 19:15 – Talks
19:15 – 19:30 – Closing
19:30 - Open Networking with Venture Café Thursday Gathering
💼 Support for People Affected by Layoffs & Pursuing Self-Employment
Employed.World is here to help with:
Business coaching (funded by the Agentur für Arbeit for people on ALG1 & ALG2)
Registering as self-employed or founding a business
Navigating German taxes (with expert tax advisors)
Visa challenges for international founders
Applying for the Gründungszuschuss or other startup subsidies
Connecting you to founder-friendly coworking spaces, VCs, and communities
Discount to Co-working space like CIC Berlin
Deals on Tech softwares/tools
📸 Photos & Videos:
We’ll be capturing moments from the event. If you’d prefer not to be photographed or filmed, just let one of our team members know on-site.