Powered by visionary leaders
Our team is a dynamic collective of visionaries— founders, startup coaches, professors and regenerative innovation pioneers—all driven by a shared passion for shaping a sustainable future.
We collaborate with accomplished leaders from diverse fields, creating an inspiring environment where cutting-edge expertise and creativity meet. Together, we foster bold ideas, ignite innovation, and empower each other to make a lasting impact. Join us on this exciting journey and be part of something truly transformative!
The Venture Studio Team
Mujib Bazhwal
Founder & CEO
I'm a passionate entrepreneur with immense enthusiasm for technology and a deep joy in inspiring and leading people. My purpose is to create something truly enduring that can drive meaningful and positive change on a global scale. I'm committed to building innovative solutions to improve the lives of billions, making a lasting impact on the world.
Maria Ida Palmieri
Director of Growth and Operations
A regenerative growth hacker with a heart for social impact. With a decade of experience in business development, management, and growth hacking marketing, I build and lead initiatives that empower, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
Sachin Lingegowda
Innovation manager and Venture Builder
I work with founders at the stage where an idea is still more conviction than company. I build ventures from the ground up, and I'll get excited about almost any technology as long as it's pointed at something worth solving. EXIST sits with me if you have any questions.
Genefer Baxter
Program Manager
A regenerative growth hacker with a heart for social impact. With a decade of experience in business development, management, and growth hacking marketing, I build and lead initiatives that empower, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
Giorgia Mann
Program Associate
I support our programme work from the inside: coordinating sessions, keeping founders and mentors in sync, and handling the operational detail that decides whether a cohort feels chaotic or well run. If you're in the programme and you need an answer, I'm the direct line.
Micaela Welpmann
Communication Manager
I look after how Zukunft.Gründen shows up in the world: what we publish, how we talk about the founders we work with, and what someone takes away from five minutes on this site. I work with press, partners and our own teams to keep the story accurate and worth someone's attention.
Timo Collmer
Systems & Automation Intern
I'm usually the first to notice that two of our systems don't talk to each other, and then I make them. I'd rather write our internal tooling than buy it, and I automate the work that would otherwise eat a founder's week. If you have been to the Gründerhaus, hope you liked the setup I made.
Denise Müller
Startup Coach and Consultant
At the HfWU Startup Campus I work with students on the step most ideas never survive: becoming an actual company. With the Venture Studio I support the signature programme on ecosystem building and on defining how we measure our impact.
HfWU Startup Campus Team
Andrea Fuhrer
Events and Spaces Manager
With a passion for organization and a background in hospitality, I bring order, warmth, and efficiency to any space. I'm a dedicated listener and problem-solver, ensuring smooth operations and a positive experience for everyone. My enthusiasm is contagious, always on the move!
Catharina Wörz
University Centre Manager
Ideas weaver and kaleidoscope with a passion for innovative concepts. With strong organizational skills and heartfelt dedication, I help talents shine. I have a creative flair, a keen eye for detail, and versatile aptitudes.
Prof. Christian Arndt
Co-founder ZuG - HfWU Startup Campus
Enthusiastic about leveraging co-creative approaches, data analysis, and sound economic principles to foster knowledge and create meaningful change. Co-Initiator of Zukunft.Gründen, Co-lead of the "Future.Economics" Bachelor Program and the university's Center for Sustainable Development.
Prof. Dr. Erskin Blunck
Co-founder ZuG - HfWU Startup Campus
Business Developer and Network Creator by nature in the fields of academia, entrepreneurship and international relations. Change agent towards sustainable business models. Co-Initiator of Zukunft.Gründen. I help purpose-driven ventures succeed and create positive impact.
Our Team Values
Authenticity
We bring our authentic self to every situation.
Ambition
We are ambitious, we push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Passion
We find purpose in what we do.
Collaboration
We create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Curiosity
We maintain a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement.
Positivity
We focus on the good and find opportunities in challenges.
Empathy
We transcend the self to connect with others.
Humility
We demonstrate confidence, without arrogance or self-importance.
Trust
We foster an environment where people feel safe and secure
Work With Us
At Zukunft.Gründen, we are happy to welcome creative minds and visionary leaders who want to work day-by-day with us, to develop future entrepreneurial leadership and innovation. Look to our job openings or send us a spontaneous application. We’ll be happy to hear from you!
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