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Entrepreneurial zeal evident from Darius Göttert's early days

Young entrepreneur Darius Goettert establishes a supportive network for start-up leaders - thriving within Munich's urban landscape and unafraid to embrace risk-taking.

Business acumen shown from an early age by Darius Göttert
Business acumen shown from an early age by Darius Göttert

Entrepreneurial zeal evident from Darius Göttert's early days

In the latest episode of the video podcast Pitch & People, Darius Goettert, a self-proclaimed 'venture builder,' shares his entrepreneurial journey and vision for fostering a culture of commonplace entrepreneurship.

Goettert's entrepreneurial skills were ignited early, when as a student, he founded a small business in Wittenberg that transformed records into designer watches. This initial foray into his business set the stage for his future endeavours.

One of Goettert's most notable achievements came during his time on 'Die Höhle der Löwen' (The Lion's Den), a German equivalent of Shark Tank. It was here that he learned the intricacies of scaling a team from five to thirty, a valuable lesson he carried forward in his subsequent ventures.

Goettert is perhaps best known for his flagship project, FORA, a hacker house in Munich designed for young founders to live, work, and grow together. FORA offers more than just a place to reside, with full board, a gym, an ice bath, sessions with investors and mentors, making it an all-encompassing hub for budding entrepreneurs.

In addition to FORA, Goettert is also the founder of the Young Founders Network, a community of over 1,200 young founders between the ages of 15 and 26. This network, supported by the Bertelsmann Foundation, meets twice a year at Code University in Berlin. The supporters of this initiative include entrepreneurs, business leaders, and various partners from the startup ecosystem, all committed to nurturing young entrepreneurial talent.

Recognising the challenges newcomers face in the Munich business ecosystem, particularly the high cost of living, Goettert is also working on alternative models for affordable housing. One such project is InCommunity, which allows students to live with senior citizens in affordable apartments, fostering intergenerational dialogue.

Looking ahead, Goettert plans to establish his own fund in five years, providing capital to young founders as an initial investor. He believes that security comes from skills and networks rather than a buffer of capital, a philosophy that has guided his career thus far.

Goettert moved to Munich at 16 and graduated with a degree in international business. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a vision for a world where entrepreneurship is not exotic but commonplace.

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