German Founder Events
Connect with founders and entrepreneurs in New York's German-speaking community through events about starting, funding and growing a business. This guide brings together startup pitch nights, founder networking and entrepreneurship programs, from startups to creative practices, with a German, Austrian or Swiss connection.
Selected business opportunities and science and innovation forums for founders and professionals are also included. Find opportunities to meet founders, hear startup pitches, get investor feedback and learn how other entrepreneurs build their businesses. Check each listing and its official organizer page for the audience, registration requirements and venue.
Upcoming events
UN Procurement Seminar New York - Business Opportunities with the United Nations
· Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations
GACC New York and Germany's UN Mission host this October 20–21 procurement seminar exclusively for German companies. $515 / €450; register by October 5 for consideration for one-to-one meetings.
DWIH Future Forum 2026: Science for Society
· The New York Academy of Sciences · Online
DWIH New York and the New York Academy of Sciences bring German-US perspectives to science communication and public engagement. Free and open to everyone; advance registration required.
Fall Gala Dinner & Newcomer of the Year Award 2026
· Manhatta
German startups and SMEs pitch for the Newcomer of the Year Award, alongside a fireside chat with Celonis cofounder Alexander Rinke at GACC’s gala dinner.
CONSTRUCTING (unorthodox) PRACTICE - with Forty Five Degrees
· Wood Auditorium, Avery Hall, Columbia GSAPP · Online
Berlin’s Forty Five Degrees joins a Columbia symposium on founding and sustaining architecture firms; its panel starts at 4:45 p.m. Campus guest approval required; livestream available.
STEP USA University Pitch Night — November 2026
· German House
German startups pitch to prospective customers and partners and receive venture-capital investor feedback at German House. RSVP required.
STEP USA Pitch Night December 2026
· TBC
German founders expanding to the U.S. pitch their startups and receive investor feedback at STEP USA’s New York pitch night. RSVP required; venue to be confirmed.