Founding a takeover: The underestimated path to self-employment

Impulses, insights and optimism at a joint event organized by VBKI, HWR Berlin, Wirtschaftsrat 1. FC Union e.V. and Nachfolgezentrale Berlin

Text: Annette Kusche | Policy Officer

How can entrepreneurship be rethought - beyond the classic start-up? This question was the focus of the event "Start-ups: The underestimated path to self-employment", hosted by the VBKI together with the Wirtschaftsrat 1. FC Union e.V., the Nachfolgezentrale Berlin and the EMF Institute of the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR). Around 200 guests, including numerous students, entrepreneurs and representatives from politics and business, came to the auditorium of the HWR Berlin-Schöneberg on October 16.

Thinking entrepreneurship further

After the welcome address by HWR President Prof. Dr. Jens Hermsdorf, who referred to the close link between science and practice at his university - more than half of the 2,500 students are completing a dual course of study - Prof. Dr. Jörg K. Ritter, member of the VBKI Executive Board, opened the evening and introduced the topic, for him it is clear: "The takeover foundation is an underestimated but highly effective way to secure and further develop entrepreneurship," emphasized Ritter.

Figures, opportunities and potential

In his speech, Michael Biel, State Secretary in the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, emphasized the economic policy importance of the topic: In Berlin there are currently 8,500 companies willing to hand over their businesses, nationwide there are 772,000 companies, and there are around 38,500 start-ups every year - and the trend is rising. A growth of up to six percent in new start-ups is forecast for the coming year. "We need to promote takeover start-ups more and make them better known - they secure jobs, maintain expertise and safeguard the business location," says Biel.

Despite the tight budget situation, funds have been earmarked in the 2026/27 double budget for the continuation and staffing of the business succession programs. There is a particular focus on supporting female founders, who are still underrepresented.

"Founding is sexy - succession is effective"

Prof. Dr. Birgit Felden, Director of the EMF Institute at HWR Berlin, provided insights from research and teaching. She compared a start-up to "buying a plot of land", while a takeover start-up is "more like a well-tended allotment garden": "There are structures, experience and potential here that can be developed further with fresh ideas." Nevertheless, start-ups often remain the more glamorous model. Felden warned: "80 percent of start-ups close in the first three years - the takeover start-up is usually more sustainable and successful."

Practical experience

In the subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Jörg K. Ritter, entrepreneurs reported on their practical experiences.
Daniel Heidrich, managing owner of EBK Krüger GmbH & Co. KG, pleaded for more courage and personal responsibility in the younger generation: "I had nothing to lose - the key is to keep asking yourself: Are we doing the right thing and are we doing it right?"
Dirk Nasner and Nicholas Stephens, Managing Partners of S&F Innotech GmbH, told of a successful handover that became a friendship. "Trust, patience and letting go are the basis for every successful succession," said Nasner.
Helene Andreas, Board Member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, pointed out the importance of fit and chemistry: "The relationship between the transferor and successor determines success or failure."

Dr. Christian Schuchardt from the Succession Center Berlin added: "Over 1,100 succession seekers are currently facing around 300 company owners willing to hand over their businesses - 150 specific cases are currently under review. "More visibility and exchange is needed to bring the right partners together."

Optimism and next steps

In summing up, Christof Alois Sagasser, member of the Economic Council of 1. FC Union e.V., emphasized the inspiring mix of practice and perspective: "Companies are there - their potential must be maintained and nurtured. It is crucial that the human chemistry is right."

At the end, Ute Weiland, Managing Director of the VBKI, announced that the topic would be pursued further - among other things with an innovative event format: a "Blind Match Party", where potential successors can get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.

The evening ended with optimism, concrete ideas and numerous new contacts: The takeover foundation is not a sideshow - but a central building block for the future of Berlin as a business location.