Company: Big Kreativ (sole proprietorship)

Founder Conrad: Schuman & Stefanie Ku

Founding date: June 12, 2024

Industry and company: 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 is special about it?

"Big Kreativ offers a versatile space for creative productions, community events and tech meet-ups.

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 center for turning ideas into action."

What are your first successes?

Successfully hosting creative meetups and concerts.

Securing a growing customer base by renting out event spaces for unique productions.

Launching the first Future Proof Meetup to foster 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 music agency in San Francisco) and education (course developer and community leader).

What was the catalyst for you to start your own company?

The vision for Big Kreativ began with a 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 with a nod to 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 has been supported by the local creative community, found collaborative partnerships in Wiesbaden's startup ecosystem with tech and creative professionals, and enlisted mentors from the IHK and Heimathafen - their advice, encouragement and events have been crucial in shaping our foundation.

How did you experience the first few days as founders?

The first few days were a mixture of a whirlwind of excitement and challenges.

Balancing logistics, marketing, visioning, and getting hands-on to actually 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 clients and participants.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Challenge: Gaining visibility in a competitive market.

Solution: Building community relationships, client referrals and hosting events such as 'Future Proof Meetups' to showcase our space and create lasting connections.

How do you raise awareness of your business? What is your best marketing idea?

We use regional directories, targeted advertising, Google My Business and partnerships with organizations.

Hosting meet-up events has proven to be effective in raising awareness organically.

How did you fund your start-up?

Big Kreativ was funded through a mix of personal investment and business revenue.

What dream would you still like to realize?

We want Big Kreativ to develop into a dynamic innovation center that brings together forward thinkers, creatives 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 founders?

Take the group on adventures and retreats to expand our minds.