Experience a high-energy gathering at Castle Blankenburg, where expert coaches work with you one-on-one to refine your strategy in a hands-on, dynamic setting. This event is designed to accelerate your progress with tailored guidance and interactive sessions. You'll not only sharpen your business model and market approach but also take part in a dedicated finance workshop, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to navigate funding opportunities with confidence.

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1. Reflect on your key learnings (for Speed Networking & Pitches)

👉 Take time to identify your biggest learning from the Validation Sprint:

• What did you validate or discard?

• What was unexpectedly valuable?
  → This helps you communicate clearly during speed networking and pitch sessions.

2. Clarify where you need expertise

👉 Review the areas where you still need support:

• Which kind of expertise or connections could unlock your next steps?

• Where would mentorship or deep dives really help?

→ These needs will be made visible on the Matching Wall and discussed during networking.

3. Prepare for Speed Networking

👉 Expect short, focused conversations.

• Practice a 1–2 sentence summary of your current challenge.

• Be ready for follow-up questions or offers of support.

→ Use the guiding questions as your anchor (you’ll receive these in advance).

4. Prepare your pitch for Demo Night

👉 7 minutes to tell your story. Focus on:

• For people who don't know you yet: your standard pitch

• at the end, please also keep two minutes for telling about your journey and development during the sprint including what you've learned and what you're planning next 

  → Followed by 7 minutes of peer feedback – openness is key!

5. Come ready for Friday's Expert Sessions

👉 The Deep Dive sessions on Friday will build on Thursday’s discussions.
→ Bring concrete questions and topics where expert input could move you forward.

6. Define your personal commitment

👉 Think ahead: “My next bold step is…”

• We’ll ask you to share this on Friday – use it as a way to stay focused and intentional.

You thought you already had access to our great network? Think again—this is our annual highlight event! Unlock the full potential of the Future Forest Forum, where you’ll not only connect with 400+ industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, but also secure a booth at our innovation fair to showcase your solution. Plus, you’ll step onto the big stage to pitch for the Future Forest Award, where a public vote decides the winner.

🗓️ Agenda 

You can always find the latest version of the program at www.futureforestforum.de. All Batch #4 startups will have the opportunity to pitch for the Future Forest Award on the main stage and showcase their solutions at the Innovation Fair on Saturday.

More details will follow soon.

🎯 Session goal:

🗓️ Agenda (May 06, 15:00–15:45 CEST)

💽 PDF

🎯 Session goal:
At the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to finance your nature-based or forest-related startup, understand the most relevant funding paths, and get your burning questions answered.

🗓️ Agenda (May 13, 15:00–16:00 CEST)
15:00–15:05 – Welcome & Context
with Susanne (Future Forest Initiative)

15:05–15:20 –
Lukas Hoyos, Referent Innovation & Strategy at Rentenbank:
Insights from a forest finance expert – from public funding to investor readiness

15:20–15:35 –
Bernd Brunke, Managing Director at Edelweiss Innovation:
Insights from a VC perspective

15:35–15:45 – Q&A to Lukas and Bernd

15:45-16:00 - Update from FFI

🔗 MS Teams

💽 Watch the recording here

🎯 Session goal:
To provide you with practical insights on how to integrate impact thinking from the start and navigate real-world startup challenges – by combining expert input on impact reporting with honest founder experiences and space for open Q&A.

🗓️ Agenda (May 20, 14:00–15:00 CEST)

- Ole Seidenberg from Skyseed (10')
- ImpactNexus (60')
- Q&A

🔗 MS Teams

Recording of the meeting available here. 

🎯 Session goal:
At the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the forestry market in Germany and Europe, know what drives potential partners like AARI Forest, and gain first-hand insights into the expectations and mindset of forest owners – helping you refine your business model and partnership strategy.

🗓️ Agenda (May 27, 14:00–15:00 CEST)
5' Intro FFI

30' Presentation Falk

afterwards: Q&A

🔗 MS Teams

Recording of the meeting available here