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Entrepreneurship in the German Mittelstand

Entrepreneurship in the German Mittelstand

Mark your calendars for May 14th, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, as we gather at the FUCHS Festsaal (Room O138) of the University of Mannheim for an enriching Founder Talk! In collaboration with ifm Förderkreis, MCEI proudly presents Dr. Ernest-W. Droege, the esteemed CEO of Droege Group.

Droege Group, an independent investment company under full family ownership, stands as a beacon of entrepreneurship in the realm of business. With its unique family-equity business model, the group focusses on special opportunities and invests its own equity in medium-sized companies as well as strategically in buy & build transactions (majorities). Following long-term megatrends in areas such as IT, Pharma, Biotech, HR-/Outsourcing, E-Commerce, Agriculture, and more Droege Group has established itself as one of the largest family businesses in Germany & Europe, boasting a remarkable turnover of €12bn in 2023!

Dr. Ernest-W. Droege has been CEO of Droege Group since 2018. As CEO, Dr. Droege is responsible for the management of the Group, strategic business development and value creation projects. In addition to his operational duties, he is a member of the Supervisory Boards and Advisory Boards of various Group companies, including the Board of Directors of the listed ALSO Holding AG, a leading technology provider in the IT sector based in Switzerland. Dr. Droege studied business engineering at the University of Karlsruhe and at the ETH and University of Zurich. He completed his doctorate in economics at RWTH Aachen. After working in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, he joined the family owned Droege Group.

During the Founder Talk, Dr. Ernest-W. Droege will delve into the nuances of entrepreneurship within the German Mittelstand, drawing from his extensive experience leading Droege Group. Whether you're passionate about startups, investing, or SMEs, this event promises valuable insights for all attendees.

Following the enlightening discourse, we invite you to savor complimentary drinks and indulge in delectable finger food while networking, fostering new relationships, and solidifying existing ones. Engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and forge connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and learn!

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Sponsors

  • University of Mannheim
  • Institut für Mittelstandsforschung
  • Gründerverbund
  • ESF
  • Europäische Union
  • Baden-Württemberg - Ministerium für Finanzen und Wirtschaft
  • Absolventum