Munich Startup: Please briefly introduce yourself and the Life Science Factory.
Martin Strehle, Venture & Community Manager of the Life Science Factory MunichThe Life Science Factory offers life science startups everything they need from a single source: Fully equipped laboratories with service and coworking spaces are available at our Munich Neuherberg location in cooperation with Helmholtz Munich. Our Göttingen location also offers a prototype workshop. The Life Science Factory's international startup community is united across both locations and is supported by our needs-based program of coaching, workshops, and networking events.
Our flexible usage models are specifically tailored to the dynamic needs of startups. Flexdesks in coworking spaces and lab benches can be canceled monthly or expanded as needed. This model allows for rapid adaptation to team growth with short lead times, and we easily accommodate new employees.
Regardless of whether a team is just starting out or is already scaling up – at the Life Science Factory everyone will find the right infrastructure, expertise and community to realize their visions.
Life Science Factory: Support with regulatory challenges
Munich Startup: Why did you choose Munich as your second location?
Martin Strehle: Munich offers a strong Life science ecosystem with excellent research institutes, relevant players from industry, innovative start-up projects, and a high demand for laboratory space. Munich already has a supportive start-up environment, into which we can integrate very well with our experience from Göttingen. The location promotes the potential for scientific spin-offs and strong ties to a global community.
Munich Startup: Why does a good startup need you behind it?
Martin Strehle: We offer startups a flexible usage model with fully equipped labs, particularly with support for regulatory challenges. Our programs provide startups with relevant industry insights and start-up support, as well as access to valuable contacts and tailored investor matching. We have experience with this needs-based concept since 2019 and understand the diverse requirements and needs of startups.
Biggest mistake? Losing sight of the market
Munich Startup: What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
Martin Strehle: The biggest mistake is to focus exclusively on the product or technology and lose sight of the market perspective. A great product isn't enough. What's crucial is developing a clear business strategy early on, emphasizing the real added value for the target audience, and consistently focusing on the needs of the customer groups.
Munich Startup: The trend of the year is…!
Martin Strehle: The acceleration, simplification and scaling of processes in drug research and development, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence.
Munich Startup: Which Munich startups can we meet at your venue?
Martin Strehle: Currently, startups such as Deep Piction, a cellular imaging platform with AI technology, is renting space from us. Ovo Labs, which develops therapeutics to improve egg quality, is also located here.
Munich Startup: Last but not least: Who do startups approach when they want to talk to you?
Martin Strehle: You are welcome directly at me as Venture & Community Manager.
