• Techstars METRO Accelerator @re:publica 15 at Station Berlin on 6 May 2015, 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (stage 11)
  • Panel discussion with leading METRO experts and cult chef Franz Josef Steiner, Josephine Mutzenbacher Berlin
  • Start-up programme seeks digital innovation for the hospitality and food tech sector

The Techstars METRO Accelerator will showcase its international start-up programme to the public at this year's Internet conference re:publica in Berlin. A special panel discussion will offer business founders, bloggers and multipliers insights into the three-month development programme. The discussion will take place on 6 May, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., featuring Gabriele Riedmann de Trinidad, Head of Business Innovation at METRO AG, Alexander Zumdieck, Managing Director METRO for the Techstars METRO Accelerator, and Franz Josef Steiner, chef and owner of Josephine Mutzenbacher Berlin restaurant. The Techstars METRO Accelerator programme reaches out to start-up teams from around the world that offer technological applications to support digitisation in the hospitality and food tech sector. Teams can apply online at www.techstarsmetro.com. The deadline for submissions is 3 August 2015.

"Companies in most sectors routinely use digital and technological innovations these days, but many independent restaurant, hotel and catering businesses are still in need of these types of applications. For example, numerous hospitality businesses in Western Europe do not have their own website," says Gabriele Riedmann de Trinidad, Head of Business Innovation at METRO AG. "We want to offer our customers in the gastronomy, hotel and catering sectors comprehensive support to help them develop innovative, technology-based services that will make them even more successful. As such, our commitment to the new start-up programme Techstars METRO Accelerator is a logical step for us." On 6 May, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the debate on stage 11 at the re:publica conference in Berlin will focus on the new programme and its positive impact on companies from the hospitality and food tech sector. "Every year, restaurateurs like us have to handle ever new tasks. For this reason, we welcome any innovative applications that can assist us in our core business," says Franz Josef Steiner, chef and owner of cult restaurant Josephine Mutzenbacher in Berlin. This year's re:publica marks the first time that the conference considers digital innovation from this new angle.

Starting in October, the Techstars METRO Accelerator will foster 10 selected international start-ups in Berlin. In order to optimally support them, METRO will make available to the founders the combined specialist knowledge of its experts from procurement, distribution, marketing, strategy, finance, law and communication. As one of the most renowned start-up networks worldwide, Techstars will contribute its internationally proven procedure for the development programme and a network comprising more than 3,000 mentors, investors and experienced members of the start-up community. Digital agency R/GA, another partner supporting the programme, will offer the teams exclusive multi-channel access to brand strategy and creation services. In addition, the founders will be supported financially for the duration of the programme.

"METRO is a long-standing partner of hotels, restaurants and catering businesses. We are pleased to have found two partners in Techstars and R/GA who will help ensure the success of the world's first start-up accelerator for this sector. Techstars' know-how related to business starts and growth, R/GA's branding and digital experience and METRO's knowledge of and access to hotels, restaurants and caterers make this a unique programme," says Alexander Zumdieck, Managing Director METRO for the Techstars METRO Accelerator.

From now until 3 August 2015, interested start-ups from around the world can submit their application for the start-up programme on the English-language website www.techstarsmetro.com. The teams have to complete an extensive questionnaire and have the option to upload a video. The entire application process will take place in English. The programme will be officially kicked off on 12 October. After three months of fostering, the teams will present their ideas to international investors, leading sector representatives and the public on a designated Demo Day in January 2016.

The programme organisers are looking for international technology start-ups in all phases of their growth. There is no age limit for applicants. Ultimately, the innovative business ideas should aim to provide added value for the hospitality and food tech sector. These could be solutions for all business areas - multichannel, food delivery and new applications to promote customer loyalty are just as conceivable as entirely new digital products or special services.

Participation in the Techstars METRO Accelerator offers start-ups a host of new opportunities: METRO / MAKRO Cash & Carry is a leading international cash & carry wholesale company which operates in 26 countries. The access to METRO's customers and the retail and wholesale company's 5,500 sales representatives offers the start-ups enormous potential. METRO's customers will profit in their turn from the technological innovations from the Techstars METRO Accelerator and can use the potential for their own business.

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