Success stories from Bremen and Bremerhaven
Real start-ups, real stories – news, tips and insights for your journey
In our success stories you can read the stories of our founders, get tips on founding and growing a business and learn about new programmes from the Starthaus.
Browse around or filter according to your interests. Have fun reading!
If you would like to read your own founding story here, please contact us.
Erfolgsgeschichten aus Bremen und Bremerhaven
Astroflex Power: New ESA BIC Northern Germany Startup Rethinks Solar Power for Satellites
Europe’s satellite industry is preparing for a new generation of constellations – and with it, a new approach to spacecraft power systems. With Astroflex Power, ESA BIC Northern Germany welcomes a startup that aims to make satellite solar arrays lighter, simpler and far more cost-efficient. Founded by two experienced satellite engineers from the European Space Industry, AstroFlex Power is developing flexible solar arrays that replace today’s rigid, heavy panel systems. The goal: enable scalable, affordable and sustainable power generation for future satellite missions.
To the article at Aviaspace BremenTOOLTIP: New ESA BIC Northern Germany Startup Brings AI to Space Manufacturing
The European space manufacturing sector is welcoming a new digital innovator. TOOLTIP GmbH has joined ESA BIC Northern Germany with an AI-powered solution that simplifies one of the most complex steps in producing space hardware: planning and tooling CNC-machined components. With its software TOOLTIP AI for Space Parts, the Lübeck-based startup helps engineers quickly assess whether a component can be manufactured and which cutting tools are best suited – directly from 3D CAD models. The focus lies on demanding space materials such as titanium, aluminium alloys, CFRP and nickel-based superalloys, commonly used in satellite structures, engine mounts and payload interfaces.
To the article at Aviaspace BremenMaking Nature Investable: Nature One Joins ESA BIC Northern Germany
The emerging natural capital market is gaining momentum as nature becomes recognized as a measurable and investable asset class. While over half of the global economy depends on nature, its value remains largely absent from financial and policy decisions – creating systemic risks and inefficiencies. Nature One, a Nature FinTech startup recently incubated at ESA BIC Northern Germany, is addressing this critical gap by transforming how companies, investors, and governments understand and value natural assets.
To the article at Aviaspace BremenLiving beyond the final border
When it comes to space exploration, architecture is not the first discipline that comes to mind. Yet, LIQUIFER Space Systems has been pioneering the design of habitats for life beyond Earth. Since 2019 established in Bremen, Germany’s “City of Aerospace” as Co-Founder Barbara points out, has redefined how we think about living and working in orbit and beyond. Their participation in the ESA BIC Northern Germany incubation programme marks a decisive step in turning visionary design into flight-ready reality.
to the article at Aviaspace BremenStart-ups in Bremen: Now even more visible
There is a lot going on in Bremen - together with the local start-up network Starthaus Bremen and Bremerhaven created the interactive Start-up Map. The map shows the entire startup ecosystem, including interesting companies, universities, supporters and programmes.
Discover the Start-up Map BremenSmart-Satellite Design for New Space Economy made in Bremen
For many years, space missions were reserved of states. Recently, billionaires like Elon Musk, Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos have caused a stir with their private ventures into space. Now the Bremen-based start-up Astrait wants to make the obstacles for missions into space so low that they can even be realised by medium-sized companies.
read moreHow start-ups set themselves up for financial security
Financial problems have brought some start-ups to an early end. No wonder, given the abundance of issues that start-up founders have to deal with. After all, a good idea is not enough for success. The topic of finances is a constant companion along the way and can pose major challenges. We have summarised some information and tips for you.
Read the tipsHow start-ups achieve product market fit
Great business idea, investment secured, great team and still failed? Several factors are important for the success of a start-up. In this article, we look at the product market fit of your business idea and give tips on how to avoid the most common mistakes in your start-up.
See our tipsFocus on your product development
Even the best product is no use: If customers don't understand it, find it appealing or can't use it, your start-up is doomed to failure. Good news: You can work on your product strategy and development. We'll show you how it works.
Read the tippsMeet outside the box
From the conference table to the kitchen table – beyond the ordinary: 'Meet outside the box' is the slogan of the Bremen-based start-up meetreet. The up-and-coming platform brings companies together in extraordinary locations. Here, special seminar houses, co-living concepts and unique hotels find a sustainable place. The start-up already counts more than 300 creative accommodations on the platform, worldwide.
Where the journey leadsAiming high: Start-ups take off with the incubator ESA BIC Northern Germany
Tailor-made support to successfully bring your own idea to the market - or into space? That's possible in Bremen with the ESA BIC Northern Germany incubation programme. Start-ups from a wide range of sectors can apply. Inge Heydt from the Starthaus explains for whom the incubator is suitable and what is behind it.
Read the InterviewStart-up fails: Are these your end opponents too? This is how you defeat them!
We often read headlines about the quick and great successes of start-ups in the media. But many of them have to give up their business again - some before they become big, others in the course of the first years. We introduce the most common reasons for the failure of start-ups and present possible solutions.
To the fails and tips
