International Founders Award 2026 – Grand Finale
Join us for the Grand Finale of the International Founders Award 2026 in Frankfurt.
The International Founders Award celebrates and supports international founders building innovative startups in Germany. This year, we bring together around 100 guests from the startup ecosystem, including international founders, investors, corporates, mentors, and ecosystem builders.
The event will feature inspiring keynotes, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and the final pitch session with eight outstanding startup finalists founded by international entrepreneurs.
What to expect
An afternoon and evening full of inspiration, startup stories, investor insights, and meaningful connections.
Our program will include:
Keynotes from inspiring international founders
Panel discussions with VCs, business angels, and ecosystem leaders
Startup pitches from eight selected finalists
Award ceremony
Networking with founders, investors, partners, and the wider startup community
Food and drinks
Panel Highlight
The Investor’s View: What VCs and Angels Look For
In this panel, leading investors and business angel representatives will share their perspective on what makes startups investable, how founders can build trust with investors, and what international founders should keep in mind when fundraising in Germany and beyond.
Agenda
1:30 PM – Doors Open & Startup Exhibition
Meet international founders, discover innovative startups and connect with the ecosystem.
2:00 PM – Welcome & Opening
Official opening of the International Founders Award Grand Finale.
2:15 PM – Panel Discussions
Interactive panels with founders, investors, corporates and ecosystem leaders on funding, partnerships and building from Germany.
5:00 PM – Final Startup Pitches
Nine outstanding startups founded by first-generation migrant entrepreneurs pitch live on stage.
6:45 PM – Founder Interview / Stage Conversation
An inspiring conversation while the jury deliberates.
7:20 PM – Award Ceremony
Announcement of the winners of the International Founders Award.
7:45 PM – Get-together, Food & Drinks
Networking with founders, investors, partners and the wider startup community.
9:00 PM – End of Event
Who should attend?
This event is for founders, investors, startup supporters, corporates, accelerators, business angels, and everyone who wants to support international entrepreneurship in Germany.
Come and meet some of the most promising international startup founders, connect with the ecosystem, and celebrate global talent building from Germany.
We look forward to seeing you in Frankfurt!