Entrepreneurship Summit 2025: Keynote speech by Prof. Günter Faltin

Summary

In his keynote speech at the Entrepreneurship Summit, Prof. Dr. Günter Faltin talks about why entrepreneurship today requires less capital but more clarity, creativity and conceptual strength. He shows that successful start-ups do not arise from complex business plans, but from well-thought-out bundles of ideas that are tested step by step. He particularly emphasises the role of entrepreneurship as a creative force that combines economic, social and ecological responsibility.

Key insights for founders

1. Entrepreneurship begins with a strong concept
   It is not capital, but a clearly thought-out concept that is the most important factor for success.
   
   
2. Ideas consist of assumptions that need to be tested
   Entrepreneurship means testing assumptions early on, rather than spending a long time planning in silence.
   
   
3. Entrepreneurship is about creation, not just founding
   It is about consciously developing new solutions to real problems.
   
   
4. Sustainability is at the heart of modern entrepreneurship
   Economic success and social impact are not mutually exclusive.
   
   
5. Anyone can learn entrepreneurship
   Entrepreneurship is not a question of talent, but a question of approach.

About the speaker

Prof. Dr. Günter Faltin is one of the best-known thought leaders in entrepreneurship in the German-speaking world. He established the field of entrepreneurship at the Free University of Berlin and founded the Entrepreneurship Foundation in 2001. With his book ‘Kopf schlägt Kapital’ (Head beats capital), he had a lasting impact on the understanding of concept-based entrepreneurship. Among other honours, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his commitment.