Networking over a meal: VC Lunches organized by the HTGF Investment Team 

What began in Hamburg in 2021 is now an established fixture in the German venture capital ecosystem: VC Lunches. The idea was simple: bring together investors from VCs, CVCs, family offices, and active business angels in a relaxed atmosphere—without an agenda. Pure networking, but with a clear goal: exchange beyond the major hubs of Berlin and Munich. Topics range from deal flow and investment trends to private matters. 

The first VC Lunch took place on July 9, 2021, at Café Paris near Hamburg City Hall – under Covid-19 restrictions and with just 14 participants. The initiator and organizer in Hamburg is Johannes Weber, now a principal at HTGF. Today, around 35 investors meet regularly in Hamburg, supported by partners such as DTCP and T. Capital. 

The following year, Maurice Kügler and Johannes Dierkes launched the format in the Rhineland as a self-funded event in a Cologne brewery. Now held every three months, VC Lunch Cologne has become THE established industry gathering for investors in the Rhineland and, with up to 100 participants regularly attending, the largest of the VC Lunches organized by the HTGF Investment Team. Thanks to sponsors such as Gateway Uni Cologne and KölnBusiness, it was possible to create a relaxed atmosphere for informal exchanges in a larger space with bar tables instead of restaurants. 

Münster and central Germany also have their own editions. In Münster, Christian Arndt and Ann-Christin Kortenbrede (Gründerfonds Ruhr, formerly eCapital) have been organizing lunches with around 20 guests since 2023. Martin Möllmann of the Berlin team has been bringing together investors from central Germany since 2023, so far in Leipzig, Erfurt, and Halle—permanent partners are Spinlab, Occident, and SI Ventures, and depending on the location, local partners such as bm-t or Investforum Halle are also involved. “With our VC Lunch in central Germany, we bring together the growing scene in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia and create an active exchange between the various investors,” says Martin. “It’s simply a great platform for the participants.” 

The VC Lunches are more than just lunch. They are a platform for deal flow. They strengthen regional ecosystems and create connections that would not otherwise arise. What began as a small group in Hamburg is now a growing community in several regions – and proof that networking is not only alive and well in the big hubs. On LinkedIn, participants are always full of praise for the events, which have developed into a permanent platform for exchange. 

Interested in joining us next time? Contact Johannes Weber, Maurice Kügler, Johannes Dierkes, Christian Arndt, or Martin Möllmann on LinkedIn to secure an invitation.