23. August '24
Two people sitting at a table, one holding an orange notebook and pen, the other using a laptop. They’re smiling at the camera. The background features a whiteboard with some writing and a black door, hinting at their collaborative project for Hochschule Coburg.
Two people sitting at a table, one holding an orange notebook and pen, the other using a laptop. They're smiling at the camera. The background features a whiteboard with some writing and a black door, hinting at their collaborative project for Hochschule Coburg.
Two men stand close together outside, smiling at the camera. The man on the left wears a white button-up shirt and brown pants, while the one on the right is in a white T-shirt and dark pants. They’re in front of a brick building with windows, possibly part of Hochschule Coburg.
Two men stand close together outside, smiling at the camera. The man on the left wears a white button-up shirt and brown pants, while the one on the right is in a white T-shirt and dark pants. They're in front of a brick building with windows, possibly part of Hochschule Coburg.
A man in a white shirt and blue pants is speaking on an outdoor stage with a microphone at Hochschule Coburg. He stands before a brick building, flanked by two screens displaying the numbers 27,000 and 86,000.
A man in a white shirt and blue pants is speaking on an outdoor stage with a microphone at Hochschule Coburg. He stands before a brick building, flanked by two screens displaying the numbers 27,000 and 86,000.
by Cindy Dötschel-Langbein
Sebastian Stadler, who is studying computer science at our university, is about to found his own company. Thomas Nick, Coordinator for Start-up Support at Coburg University of Applied Sciences, is accompanying him on his journey.
Sebastian Stadler is enrolled as a computer science student at Coburg University of Applied Sciences. He wants to develop a management platform for sports clubs and found his first start-up based on this. Thomas Nick, Coordinator for Start-up Support, supports him in this.
Sebastian, you have a business idea and have not yet founded a company – what are your next steps?
Sebastian: At a very early stage, I took my idea to “Pitch & Beer”, the startup event organized by Zukunft.Coburg.Digital in Rödental, and presented my idea. I really enjoyed pitching. I have not yet founded a company. I had hoped for – and received – further impetus and feedback from the event. My idea is to develop a communication and community platform for sports clubs. I’m currently in the validation phase, so I’m in close contact with regional sports clubs to identify their challenges and problems.
And how did you hear about Thomas’ offer, Sebastian?
Sebastian: I first became aware of the “Pitch & Beer” event. I thought that the event would be a good opportunity to present the idea outside of my mind and talk about it. Then came the message on mycampus that made me aware of Thomas Nick. In the interview, he and his colleague Elena Friedel talked about their offers – so I got in touch with him.
How was Thomas able to support you?
Sebastian: Thomas gave me feedback for the pitch and advised me. He showed me what I need to pay attention to in the early phase and what I should focus on. We also talked about short and long-term goals. Thomas has given me a lot that I can now put into concrete terms.
How does a consultation with you work, Thomas?
Thomas: That depends entirely on how far along the students are. Most people come to me with an idea and have not yet clarified the questions surrounding it. Anyone interested in founding a company is welcome to come to me at any time – even if you don’t have an idea yet but would like to start up, you can come along to brainstorm together.
Sebastian, for example, came to me when his idea was still in its relative infancy. In this case, I first ask the students about their motivation, their goal and their life circumstances. I then inquire about their idea and whether the associated service can solve a problem and whether there is actually a need for it. We evaluate this together and compare what other competitors are offering. We work our way forward step by step and try to develop a prototype with commercial benefits from the problem. At the end, we draw up a business and financing plan and also calculate the hourly rate. The company is only founded when the person is ready for it.
How have you been able to support Sebastian so far?
Thomas: Because there wasn’t much time left before “Pitch Beer”, the initial focus was on getting Sebastian “ready” for the pitch. We are now working on idea validation – Sebastian should first of all talk to at least ten sports clubs to find out what the actual problems are in terms of club management, communication and sponsorship. This will enable him to determine the exact needs of future customers. However, there is still a long way to go before the club is actually founded.
And what’s next for you after the pitch, Sebastian?
Sebastian: The focus is on finding a co-founder – ideally someone with business and marketing expertise who is familiar with day-to-day club and team life. I am also in close contact with potential users and supporters. At the moment, there is still a lot of communication and little technical work to do. I’m still working on fleshing out my idea so that I can then start developing the platform with a clear plan.
Thomas, how can students who are interested in the topic of start-ups reach you?
Thomas: The easiest way is to make an appointment with me by email. It doesn’t matter whether you want to start your own business or are just pursuing or developing an idea. I’m always happy to help you. You can contact me at any time. I will also be at the COnnections job and career fair at Campus Design on November 13. I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas with people from Campus Design who are interested in starting a business!
