Over 20 people in Cologne and Düsseldorf working every day to make coworking, events, the AI Academy and our Accelerator happen. Say hello.
CEO & Founder · Creator of Allmeda
Lorenz is the founder and CEO of STARTPLATZ. He previously founded and chaired Globalpark, but missed a comprehensive incubator concept in the Rhineland — so he promptly built his own, together with all of his sons. Since then, Lorenz has been highly successful in the startup scene.
CEO · Memberships, Team Offices, IT
Johannes runs STARTPLATZ together with Lorenz. Active across many areas of STARTPLATZ since 2016, he knows the place and its members inside out. Whether it's rates, team offices or IT — Johannes has the overview and an answer to every question.
CFO · Accounting, HR & Team Lead
Alexandra leads not only the commercial management but also STARTPLATZ's accounting with dedication. For all HR matters she's the right person to talk to and is always there when questions come up. She also likes to surprise the team with a big plate of pastries or fresh fruit for everyone.
AI Accelerator
AI Accelerator
Office Manager · Reception & Coworking
Coworking & Offices
Conference & Event Space Management
Leonie is your contact for everything around events at STARTPLATZ in Cologne. She brings a lot of commitment and enthusiasm to planning and execution. Here you have your go-to for all questions about organising events.
Event Manager · Community Events & Rheinland Pitch
Paul is the creative mind behind the events at STARTPLATZ. As event manager he organises everything — from social community events to the Rheinland Pitch. Paul brings professionalism, positive energy and enthusiasm to every event and keeps STARTPLATZ a lively place for exchange and inspiration.
Marketing Manager
Leonie is the communicative interface between startups, partners and the public. Her goal: to make the pulse of the community tangible and carry it outward. With creativity and an eye for detail she brings the energy of STARTPLATZ into every piece of communication and strengthens its reputation as a home for founders.
Marketing · Dual Student
Nele enriches our team as part of her three-year dual study programme, specialising in marketing. Her enthusiasm and dedication promise an inspiring collaboration as she gains valuable experience developing and implementing marketing strategies at STARTPLATZ.
Marketing Trainee
I'm Lara. Sporty, curious, always up for something new. Big fan of good pizza, volleyball, and exploring AI in my role as Marketing Trainee at STARTPLATZ.
Head of Strategic Partnerships & Sales | Business Innovation
Julian leads STARTPLATZ Business Innovation – the area behind our B2B offerings: strategic partnerships, corporate innovation formats, business development and new growth opportunities. He builds long-term partnerships, spots business potential and brings people and ideas together around shared opportunities. From that he shapes clear concepts, collaborations and formats that create tangible, long-term and strategic value. When an idea is meant to turn into real collaboration, he's the right person to talk to.
Partnerships · Working Student
Strategy & Transformation Manager
Tom is Strategy & Transformation Manager at STARTPLATZ and helps shape a place where startups can truly grow. Through listening, offering impulses and bringing people together, he contributes to turning everyday hurdles into concrete improvements for members, founders and the team. A particular focus is AI — together with the team he works to make STARTPLATZ one of the leading AI hubs in NRW.
Sales Manager
Armin is our expert in sales and account management and nurtures our relationships with a wide range of partners and clients. He leverages synergies and makes sure every negotiation becomes a win-win. He's your contact for cooperation ideas.
CEO AI Academy
Jakow is the AI Academy Manager and an expert in artificial intelligence. He's responsible for implementing and advancing AI initiatives. With a deep understanding of technology and its impact on business, Jakow drives innovation and keeps STARTPLATZ at the forefront of the AI revolution.
COO AI Academy
Martin is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the STARTPLATZ AI Academy and responsible for operations. With a clear focus on efficiency and teamwork he keeps all processes running smoothly. Alongside operations he brings his marketing and sales expertise to drive the growth of the AI Academy.
Senior Manager Learning & Development
Duygu works as Senior Manager Learning & Development at the STARTPLATZ AI Academy. She is responsible for the smooth running of trainings and webinars. She brings her experience in designing and producing learning formats into shaping and optimising processes, ensuring high-quality education in the field of artificial intelligence.
Sales AI Academy · Corporates
As B2B Sales & Partner Manager at the STARTPLATZ AI Academy, I combine my experience from over 7,500 trained participants in AI and digitalisation topics with strategic partner management. My strength: making complex technical topics understandable and creating real value for companies.
AI Lecturer · Freelance Journalist specialising in AI
Maurice brings his expertise in media and communications management to the STARTPLATZ AI Academy. A long-time freelance journalist and blogger focused on artificial intelligence, he makes complex topics accessible and is committed to lowering the barriers to AI.
Sales Manager AI Academy · B2C
As an AI enthusiast from the very start, I know how much changes once you begin to truly understand artificial intelligence — and that's exactly what I want to share. At the AI Academy I support people in deciding for themselves whether AI training is the right next step. Talk to me and you won't get a sales pitch — but an honest assessment of whether our programmes really fit.
AI Lecturer
With a Master's in Business Informatics from TU Wien (focusing on artificial intelligence and knowledge management), Kastriot has a deep technical foundation. His greatest strength: explaining complex topics simply and clearly — even for people without a technical background. As an AI lecturer at the AI Academy he helps learners not just understand AI, but use it confidently. His training at TU and several scientific AI projects form the basis on which he continually brings theory and practice together.