Entrepreneurs from Lyon visit Leipzig University

In the framework of the ISLYE (International Soft Landing for Young Entrepreneurs) Programme of the Arqus Alliance, the French start-up “natuco” visited SMILE, the start-up initiative of Leipzig University, from 1st to 6th March 2022.

The ISLYE programme aims to encourage student entrepreneurs to engage in international exchange, for example through mobility offers like the visit of “natuco” in Leipzig. The entrepreneurs are supported in developing their internationalisation strategy in the form of partnerships with incubators such as SMILE.

In Leipzig, the two Lyon-based entrepreneurs had an immersive and collaborative week. In addition to exploring the city, the entrepreneurs met various local start-ups and founders to discuss topics such as production, target groups, marketing, sales, financing/crowdfunding, and possible synergies. Among them were the SMILE-supported start-ups “natürlicht”, “Heldenküche” and “greenhub”. The German-French start-up team of “natuco” was also able to present their product to potential buyers. At the “Saturday Market” in Plagwitz, they were able to talk to interested market visitors and promote their stylish worm composter. About their time in Leipzig, they say: “The mobility has helped us in many ways to develop our project, to concretise our entry into the German market and to develop potential collaborations with German start-ups. We would highly recommend it to everyone thinking about mobility”.

The “natuco” team, namely Felicia Gruner and Jérémy Villevieille, was part of the first ISLYE mobility cohort (2020) and had already participated in an “online mobility” at the time. During this, the founders were supported by SMILE and academic assistants. Parallel to the Leipzig visit, “natuco” ran a very successful crowdfunding campaign, which ended on 9th March and generated over 100,000 euros.