Lauterbach's Lea Baumbach in the final of the Hessian Founder's Prize!

Lauterbach's Lea Baumbach in the final of the Hessian Founder's Prize!

An exciting chapter for the start-up culture in Hesse is emerging: this year, 156 applicants competed for the coveted Hessian start-up award. Netzfabrik Rudolf Baumbach GmbH from Lauterbach was also able to prevail among them. 29-year-old Lea Baumbach, the third generation to run the family business, impressed with her commitment and vision and won a place in the final. Her goal: to preserve her company's tradition of producing nets for fishing, sports and interior design while at the same time establishing modern, digital structures. This shows how important the combination of craftsmanship and innovation is, as az-online.de reports.

The Hessian Founder's Prize is not just a competition, but also a platform that aims to make the diversity of the start-up scene in Hesse visible. In the “Sustainable Succession” category, Lea Baumbach impressed the jury, which selected the best 12 from the 48 semi-finalists. The grand finale will take place on November 7, 2025 in Hofheim am Taunus, where the winners will be announced, as fuldaerzeitung.de writes.

A competition with advantages

The Founder's Prize has been awarded for over two decades under the patronage of Economics Minister Kaweh Mansoori. Aside from fame, competition brings numerous benefits. This gives participants access to a top-class network that not only ensures business contacts, but also offers media reach through social media presentations and reporting in print, radio and TV. The finalists also benefit from professional pitch training and a corporate video that optimally presents the business idea. [fuer-gruender.de](https://www.fuer-gruender.de/gruender Competition/datenbase/gruenderpreis-hessen/) has put together the details.

Lea Baumbach is aware of the importance of this small but fine competition. “It is a great opportunity to show a high level of commitment and innovation and to present the family businesses that make up a large part of the Hessian economy,” says Baumbach. In a time when tradition and modernity often have to be sustainably combined, she is the best example of having a good knack for change.

A look at the finale

With its decades of experience, Netzfabrik Baumbach is one of the best start-up projects in Hesse. Other participants, such as Daniel Berghold from Fulda with his project on natural fruit tree care, also show that there is a colorful and innovative start-up landscape in Hesse. Even though Berghold was eliminated in the semifinals, he expressed his gratitude for the experience he had gained and wished Baumbach every success in the final.

So it remains to be seen what surprises the finale has in store on November 7th. One thing is certain: The Hessian Founder's Prize will continue to make a significant contribution to strengthening Hesse as a business location and support young entrepreneurs in pursuing their vision.