Her heart beats for Düsseldorf's start-up scene: Ella Gemünd runs Techhub K67 which is located in Kasernenstraße. Born in Frankfurt to Rhineland parents, she moved to the city four years ago - and has found her new home here.

Düsseldorf in three words
Compact. Ambitious. International.

Düsseldorf is an attractive location for start-ups because...
Firstly, there a many established companies based here, either directly in Düsseldorf or in the surrounding area - and that's essential for B2B start-ups! Government, which also distributes a lot of funding, is on site, too. Secondly, the city is compact and is characterised by short distances and good connections. Thirdly, there is now a lot more on offer in the area that founders can take advantage of.

Founders can network well in Düsseldorf because…
There are numerous opportunities for networking. For example, various regular meetups organised by the universities. Get-togethers organised by associations such as the Startup Village. Thematic events such as the Digital Demo Day, the Innovation Award or certain trade fairs. Then there are always events initiated by companies, such as the Venture Capital Stammtisch organised by Tigges and PwC. We have many events taking place that cater for specific target groups, such as Venture Ladies NRW, which is not exclusively but mainly aimed at female founders and investors. And, of course, major events such as the Startup Week, which has developed into a really great initiative. I can recommend to just open the online events calendar and to check what's on. If you want to, you can find an exciting event taking place almost every evening.

In Düsseldorf I find inspiration…
Starting at the Lohauser embankment and then along the Rhine towards Kaiserswerth. It's very idyllic and quiet there. It's a great place to go jogging, inline skating or for a walk.

Here in Düsseldorf I get in a good mood
Good food is the main thing that puts me in a good mood. I usually need something sweet. You're most likely to find me at Pure Pastries or Nordmanns Eisfabrik.

Here in Düsseldorf I meet interesting people
Here at the K67 tech hub – and I am not saying that because I feel obliged to! You can find a very broad mix of exciting people here – some, who are still in the early stages of founding a company or family entrepreneurs in the umpteenth generation. And there are also always some great creative characters to chat to. •

INTERVIEW TOM CORRINTH
PICTURES MICHAEL LÜBKE, MAX UNKENHOLZ

Why Düsseldorf?