With the Munich Founders’ Award, Stadtsparkasse München has been promoting the local start-up climate since 1997. 39 companies have received the award have now been preserved, including well-known names such as Flixbus or HappybrushThis year, Djoon and Air Up are two more winners, as in 2024, for the first time, there were prizes in two categories. A jury of experts selected the winner in the "Rising Star" category through a pitching competition. Customers voted online for the "Startup" category.
Stefan Hattenkofer, board member of Stadtsparkasse München, praised the winners:
"Djoon and Air Up exemplify the diversity and innovative strength of Munich's economy. Both companies impressively demonstrate how sustainability and entrepreneurial success can be combined. We are delighted to support these exceptional founders on their future journey."
Djoon, winner in the "Startup" category, was founded in 2021 and specializes in healthy, plant-based foods. The startup received the most votes in the online voting.
Martin Grellner, co-founder and CEO of Djoon, summarizes:
"We have succeeded – financed entirely from our own resources and without external investors – in building a strong brand and our own factory in Munich with a team of more than 50 employees. Our mission remains to revolutionize the chocolate market with better and more sustainable sweets – handmade in Munich!"
In the “Newcomers” category, Air Up The company has already achieved international recognition with its drinking system, which flavors water with fragrances. The expert jury from Stadtsparkasse München was also impressed.
Commenting on her victory Lena Jüngst, Co-founder and Managing Director of Air Up:
"As true Munich residents who have trusted the Stadtsparkasse since our early years, we are particularly pleased to have won the Founders' Prize. This award is not only a recognition for us, but also a sign of the strength and continuity of our partnership. Continuing this relationship now as entrepreneurs means a great deal to us. We have learned how crucial trusting partnerships are – especially for startups that must survive in both good and challenging times. It is all the more rewarding to be able to grow in our hometown of Munich alongside such a stable and trustworthy institution as we shape the future together!"
All winners of the Munich Founders' Award can look forward to extensive support. In addition to the awards ceremony, the winning startups will receive additional exposure through various Stadtsparkasse München channels. These include a TV feature on regional television and an episode of the SSKM Founders' Award podcast. Furthermore, the winners can present themselves at the Stadtsparkasse's Entrepreneurs' Day in February 2025 and undergo a personality analysis by a manager using the Profiling Values method.
