How can an idea flourish and grow into a concept, then a project, and finally a business? How can the Berliner Startup Stipendium serve as a catalyst for founders? And what are the key steps to bringing a product to market?
Climbers Marta and Manuela combine passion with purpose: through their sustainability-focused startup, they were accepted into the Berliner Startup Stipendium and began piloting their idea within the climbing community. They built the world’s first climbing route made from mushrooms!
Later, they gained support from accelerators and successfully took part in several startup awards. In this session, we’ll talk with them about the ups and downs of their startup journey — and about what it’s like to build a business in the field of sustainable materials.
If you’re curious about how to build your startup step by step, this session is for you.
💡 What You Will Learn
- How a step by step strategy builds trust when founding a company
- How media coverage and grant applications play a crucial role in the early days of your startup
- Why finding your first customer is challenging even with strong backing and how to tackle it
A big thank you to the SIBB Incubator for sponsoring this event! The program supports founders in the fields of cybersecurity, trustworthy AI, and deep tech.
Apply by May 4 at sibb.de/incubator
🧑🏫 Speakers
Marta Agueda Carlero & Manuela Garcia
Co Founders of MAD Material
- Building a deep tech startup using mycelium fiber to replace hard plastics
- Developed the first climbing route made from mushrooms
- Featured in Climbing Magazine and winners of multiple pitch competitions
- Supported by Berliner Startup Stipendium and selected for Be Visioneers by Mercedes Benz and Vision Lab by Earlybird
- Awarded third prize at the Singa Newcomer Award Berlin and funded through Transfer Bonus by IBB
moderated by: Etta Dannemann in her role as head coach
Etta Dannemann moderates the event in her role as Startup Coach at the SIBB Incubator. As a solopreneur, trainer, and architect by education, she loves creating new things — but even more, supporting others as they build and grow. Etta is passionate about empowering women in tech, helping them turn their ideas into action and leave their unique mark on the world.
🎯 Who Is This Event For
- Aspiring female founders who want to learn from founders further along in their journey
- Founders planning to raise a funding round and looking for practical tips and insights
- Founders interested in finding out whether the Berliner Startup Stipendium is right for them
