Leipzig has emerged as a prominent hub for startups in fields such as energy, smart cities, and health tech, with the accelerator SpinLab playing a pivotal role in fostering this growth. Founded in 2014 by Eric Weber, SpinLab has become a key player in supporting entrepreneurial ventures by providing resources and connections to a network of corporate partners. The city also benefits from its strategic location in Europe and a robust infrastructure supported by institutions such as HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. These factors create a fertile ground for startups seeking growth opportunities in specialized sectors.
How did SpinLab begin?
SpinLab was established in response to the absence of comparable accelerator programs in mid-sized German cities like Leipzig. Its origins are intertwined with a creative opportunity presented by Spinnerei, an old cotton mill, which sought to expand beyond its artistic roots. Eric Weber capitalized on this chance to combine Spinnerei’s creative foundation with HHL’s entrepreneurial expertise. Over a decade, SpinLab has developed into an independent accelerator with a global outlook, producing notable alumni such as Mementor, a startup in sleep medicine acquired by ResMed, a leading global sleep technology firm.
What makes Leipzig stand out?
Leipzig’s ecosystem is characterized by its concentration on energy, digital technologies, and life sciences. The city is home to major energy players like the European Energy Exchange and VNG, along with vibrant academic institutions. This mix allows startups to access critical resources, including skilled workers and angel investors. Initiatives like Invest Region Leipzig (IRL) further enhance the city’s appeal by offering support for new businesses in navigating legal and cultural landscapes, thus encouraging long-term commitments to the region.
SpinLab has contributed to creating a strong startup landscape in Leipzig by helping over 190 startups raise €400M and generate thousands of jobs. Unlike many accelerators, it operates across multiple locations, including RootCamp in Hannover, which focuses on agricultural bioeconomy, and ExciteLab in Dresden for semiconductors and robotics. This distributed model strengthens its corporate and resource partnerships, enabling it to cater to diverse industries.
Leipzig’s approach to fostering startups mirrors trends seen in other ecosystems worldwide, such as Berlin and Munich. While these cities are also major hubs, Leipzig differentiates itself through its highly specialized sectors. This aligns with a broader global trend where cities focusing on specific industries, rather than size, gain relevance. For example, Leipzig’s focus on energy and health tech positions it uniquely in Europe.
Looking ahead, Eric Weber emphasizes the importance of specialization for maintaining global relevance. As industries like fusion energy and cell therapies grow, cities like Leipzig that support emerging technologies are likely to gain prominence. SpinLab and IRL aim to build on this by attracting international startups and ensuring a sustainable support network for their growth. With tailored grants, vocational training, and close industry-academia collaboration, Leipzig is poised to remain a competitive destination for innovation.
The comparison to other startup ecosystems highlights the strengths of Leipzig’s strategy. Unlike broader generalist approaches seen in larger cities, Leipzig’s targeted focus on specific growth areas ensures it remains globally competitive. SpinLab’s role in creating a structured network for startups, combined with IRL’s efforts in fostering partnerships, demonstrates how regional policies can effectively drive innovation.
The insights from SpinLab’s decade-long journey underline how mid-sized cities can become entrepreneurial hotspots by creating specialized ecosystems. This approach not only drives local economic growth but also allows such cities to compete on a global scale in emerging fields.
