We're not quite ready to raise external capital yet. What resources are available to help me and my startup prepare for an investment in the future?

It's definitely a good idea to start exploring the topic of venture capital early on. NEXT MANNHEIM offers a variety of events throughout the year.

Unfortunately, I'm not available for any of the upcoming dates. Could you let me know about future dates?

Yes, of course. Email us at mafinex@next-mannheim.de or simply use our contact form below.

Angel in Residence

Q: My startup idea isn't in the tech field. Can I still get feedback?

Sure! You can present your startup idea and get honest feedback. Even if you don’t have a specific idea yet, stop by and just tell us what you’re working on right now. Through the NEXT MANNHEIM ecosystem, we can quickly connect you with others interested in starting a business and with relevant experts.

The NEXT Mannheim program for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and business angels with growth ambitions.

NEXT MANNHEIM’s “Angel in Residence” Program to Support Startups and Founding Teams

Ready for a revolution in your startup life?

Mannheim is the first city to launch the groundbreaking „Angel in Residence“ program. Driven by a mission to support innovative projects and entrepreneurial visions in the region, this initiative promises to deliver invaluable benefits to both individual startup teams and the entire regional startup scene.

For one year, an experienced business angel and startup visionary will make his expertise, programs, and connections available to startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business angels in the region. NEXT Mannheim hosts and organizes this program to inject new, external momentum into the ecosystem.

Following the great success of Christoph Räthke as our first “Angel in Residence,” we are pleased to welcome Frank Petry as the second “Angel in Residence” at NEXT Mannheim.

More about the offers

Frank Petry – Angler-in-Residence

Frank Petry is an ecologist, economist, serial entrepreneur, and experienced angel investor. Among other things, he invests in startups such as Complero, holds various roles at venture capital firms (GP/LP, board), and leads a group of companies that focuses globally on innovation, corporate governance, business development, and financing—from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

As part of the European tech ecosystem, Frank is connected to numerous communities. He is currently working with StartupSW in southwestern Germany to build a platform designed to sustainably improve the conditions for founders and startups in the region—an initiative he has already implemented in a similar form in several European countries. He also supports initiatives such as Oasis in London.

He advises governments, institutions, and political parties on innovation and startup topics and serves as an advisor or mentor for programs such as Techstars, Founders Institute, Startupbootcamp, and Next Big Thing. He also regularly appears as a speaker or panelist at international events such as Slush, The Next Web, TechChill, CeBIT, and the Hannover Messe.

Business angel Frank Petry is here to help you

With expertise, experience, methods, and—if everything falls into place—capital as well.

Angel's Office Hours

In this intimate setting, you’ll have the opportunity to present your business idea directly to Frank. These sessions are worth their weight in gold, because Frank analyzes and evaluates your plans with the precision of an experienced business angel. He can tell you whether your idea has the potential to conquer the market or whether you should go back to the drawing board. This direct and honest feedback is often the key to future success.

Business Angel Academy

This is where your journey into startup investing begins. At the Fund the Future Angel Academy, you’ll learn how successful business angels think, act, and invest.

The Academy provides exclusive insights into getting started with angel investing, the most important financial instruments, and the fundamentals of making smart investment decisions.

Through interactive workshops and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn how to approach your first or next investment—and meet experienced investors and like-minded individuals from the region who, like you, want to actively support innovative startups with capital, expertise, and their networks.

I want to be part of it

Meet Frank at our events

Frank is part of our startup community, so he’ll be a guest at many of our events—from after-work beer get-togethers and investment workshops to the MEXI Awards. Check out our event calendar for an overview of the various events where you can meet our Angel in Residence.

Go to the calendar

Sure! You can pitch your startup idea and get honest feedback.

Even if you don’t have a specific idea yet, come by and just tell us what you’re working on right now. Through the NEXT MANNHEIM ecosystem, we can quickly connect you with others interested in starting a business and with relevant experts.