THURSDAY GATHERING #58 Entrepreneurship with Purpose
TO REGISTER GO TO: venturecafeberlin.gatherus.app
Can entrepreneurship create both economic value and meaningful impact? This edition of Thursday Gathering explores different approaches to building ventures that are driven not only by growth and profitability, but also by purpose, sustainability, and long-term societal value.
Bringing together entrepreneurs, educators, investors, students, and innovation leaders, the evening examines what motivates founders, how ideas become ventures, and whether purpose and profit are truly opposing forces. Through thought-provoking conversations, live startup feedback, and impact-focused pitches, participants will gain fresh perspectives on what it means to build a business in today's rapidly changing world.
A Different Way of Entrepreneurship: Brain over Capital or Brain Equals Capital
17:15 – 18:00
Prof. Dr. Günter Faltin, pioneer of idea-driven entrepreneurship and founder of the Tea Campaign, argues that a strong concept—not funding—is the true starting point of a successful venture. In this interactive conversation, he revisits the principles behind his entrepreneurial philosophy and explores what "brain over capital" means for founders today.
Speakers:
Prof. Dr. Günter Faltin, Stiftung Entrepreneurship
Holger Holland, Berlin College of Business and Technology
Startup Mentor Stage: Short Startup Pitches with Live On-Stage Feedback
18:00 – 18:30
Three founders from BCBT, Traveling U, and the wider startup community pitch their ventures live and receive immediate feedback from an experienced panel of mentors. This interactive format offers practical insights into venture building, fundraising, strategy, and impact creation.
Speakers:
Prof. Dr. Günter Faltin
Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg
Holger Holland
Dr. Valdrin Dervishaj
A Different Way of Entrepreneurship: Purpose over Profit or Purpose Equals Profit
18:30 – 19:15
Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg offers a complementary perspective to the evening's first session, exploring whether purpose and profit are competing priorities or mutually reinforcing forces. Drawing from her experience as an entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, she examines how founders can build ventures that create both impact and economic success.
Speakers:
Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg
Dr. Valdrin Dervishaj
Pitching for Impact: Sustainable Pre-Seed Ventures in Action
19:15 – 20:00
Hosted by ESCP Business School, this pitch session showcases a new generation of impact-driven startups tackling sustainability challenges across sectors. Ventures including BobaFuel, BioXar, al’véol, GearUp, and Dorée will present their solutions, business models, and visions for creating positive environmental and social impact. Discover emerging founders and explore how entrepreneurship can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Speaker:
Matthias Mrozewski, Associate Professor for International Entrepreneurship, ESCP Business School
🎟️ Free & open to all
Full agenda will be announced at venturecafeberlin.org