Company: Big Kreativ (sole proprietorship)
Founders: Conrad Schuman & Stefanie Ku
Date of establishment: June 12, 2024
Industry and business: Creative production spaces, events, and innovation centers

What drives you? What is your motto? "
Instead of seeing what is, imagine what can be."

What is your start-up about and what makes it special? "
Big Kreativ offers a versatile space for creative productions, community events, and tech meetups. With impressive acoustics, historic charm, and forward-thinking design, we create an inspiring environment for connection and innovation. More than just a venue, Big Kreativ is a hub for turning ideas into reality."

What are your first successes?
Successful execution of creative meetups and concerts. Securing a growing customer base by renting out event spaces for unique productions. Launching the first Future Proof Meetup to promote the community around future technologies.

What is your professional background?
We combine years of experience in creative direction (extensive experience in advertising agencies), event planning, project management, music production (founded a music agency in San Francisco), and education (course developer and community leader).

What prompted you to start your own business?
The vision for Big Kreativ began with the desire to create a space where creatives, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and communities could thrive together. Inspired by the innovative and artistic spirit of Wiesbaden and drawing on the collaborative energy and groundbreaking ideas of our hometown of San Francisco, we set out to create a center that brings ideas to life and celebrates both creativity and action.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?
Big Kreativ was supported by the local creative community, found collaborative partnerships in Wiesbaden's startup ecosystem with technology and creative professionals, and gained mentors from the Chamber of Commerce and Heimathafen – their advice, encouragement, and events were crucial in shaping our foundation.

How did you experience your first days as founders?
The first days were a whirlwind of excitement and challenges. Balancing logistics, marketing, vision building, and actually getting down to work to build the space taught us the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and community support. It was exciting to see the first events come to life and equally rewarding to hear positive feedback from customers and participants.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Challenge: Gaining visibility in a competitive market. Solution: Building community relationships, customer referrals, and hosting events such as 'Future Proof Meetups' to showcase our space and create lasting connections.

How do you draw attention to your business? What is your best marketing idea?
We use regional directories, targeted advertising, Google My Business, and partnerships with organizations. Hosting meetup events has proven to be effective in organically increasing awareness.

How did you finance your start-up?
Big Kreativ was financed through a combination of personal investments and business income.

What dream would you still like to realize?
We want Big Kreativ to develop into a dynamic innovation center that brings together forward thinkers, creative minds, and entrepreneurs.

If we had more time, we would...
take the group on adventures and retreats to expand our minds.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to other founders?
Take the group on adventures and retreats to broaden our minds.