First steps

NullAlkohol brings together non-alcoholic beverages from a wide variety of producers and makes them easily accessible through an online store. At the same time, the startup develops its own drinks that embody a modern, conscious lifestyle. Inspired by Scandinavian pioneers, founder Desiree Lex is bringing a breath of fresh air to the German market. The clear message: “Non-alcoholic is sexy.”

With the KiddyTrip digital platform, families can rediscover their local area in a fun way – through interactive treasure hunts that get children moving, teach them new things and encourage shared experiences. 

At their “Confiserie Harmonie”, master confectioners Ariane Hensch and Sven Walton use the finest seasonal ingredients to create exquisite little tarts, modern cupcakes and sophisticated small cakes. Each product, lovingly handcrafted, speaks for itself: a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Judith Huppertz and Christoph Verstraeten, both qualified violin makers, set up a violin-making workshop in the centre of Aachen in November 2015. Aged 28 and 29 at the time, they are among the youngest violin makers to have already established their own workshop.

With her shop “fairTEilBAR” in Münster, Janis Matheja has created a particularly sustainable space. That’s because fairTEilBAR sells only food that is still edible but would otherwise have ended up in the trash. Customers can purchase the food based on the “pay what you think it’s worth” principle.

Using vegan and sustainable products, master hairstylist and barber Ronja Neugebauer focuses on bringing out her clients’ natural beauty. Under the motto “Authenticity: The desire to be, not to appear,” both women and men find a place at the “AuthenticHairdesignBielefeld” salon where they can take a moment to focus solely on themselves in complete peace and quiet.

With her fashion label, Andrea Rosemann bridges the gap between ready-to-wear sizes and custom-made pieces. Her women’s clothing, available in a variety of styles, is suitable for all occasions—from casual to business — and is manufactured in Germany.

Laura and Matthias Biere run the traditional Ullrich carpentry shop in Herne. Under the motto “Old values, with a new look,” they bring customers’ furniture dreams to life. What sets their business model apart is its circular economy approach: old or damaged furniture is refurbished and, at the customer’s request, combined with high-tech materials. Here, traditional craftsmanship meets sustainable practices.

Classic cars are more than just a hobby: The team at HECC—High End Classic Cars in Dorsten—is dedicated to preserving cars as cultural heritage. Founder Andreas Mayer and his team passionately restore these vintage treasures. Their collection ranges from classic cars from the 1950s to modern classics.

In April 2015, trained chef Anthony Sarpong opened his first restaurant, which includes a cooking school, in Meerbusch. In 2017, he was even awarded a Michelin star for his culinary skills.