Heidrun Twesten has long been recognized as a pivotal figure in Germany’s entrepreneurial landscape, and her recent reflections on LinkedIn reaffirm her dedication to fostering innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Heidrun Twesten, Founder and CEO at Impacct GmbH, shared her experience attending the #Courage25 event in Berlin, an assembly of female investors and startup founders, emphasizing the importance of courage, diversity, and democracy in today’s society. Her post reflects not only her active role in shaping the ecosystem but also her belief in the transformative power of community engagement.
Heidrun Twesten’s observations begin with a clear acknowledgment of the relative accessibility for women in Germany to engage in meaningful gatherings of innovation and leadership. She notes that today it doesn’t take much courage to be part of such a community, yet she underscores the broader societal challenges where diversity and democracy often feel under threat. Through this framing, Heidrun Twesten highlights the critical intersection between entrepreneurship and civic responsibility, showing that her involvement is about more than business it’s about sustaining an ecosystem that values inclusion and forward-thinking ideas.
At #Courage25, Heidrun Twesten had the opportunity to reconnect with prominent figures in the German startup and investment community, such as Dr. Gesa Miczaika, Bettine Schmitz, Isabelle Canu, and Anna Kaiser, among others. She expresses her gratitude for the community’s collective energy, emphasizing how the movement of female founders and investors has grown into a formidable force despite statistical challenges. Heidrun Twesten’s recognition of both the power and the gaps in representation signals her commitment to nurturing a landscape where more women can participate and thrive in shaping Germany’s economic future.
A highlight of the gathering, according to Heidrun Twesten, was the presentation of stories and ideas that bridged innovation with practical economic application. She recalls Angela De Giacomo’s brilliantly told story and Tina Kluewer’s insightful talk on Germany’s economy, which included a call to action: the translation of academic research from universities into tangible economic impact. Heidrun Twesten’s reflection on these presentations demonstrates her understanding of the importance of connecting visionary ideas with real-world application, a principle that informs both her leadership at Impacct GmbH and her broader advocacy in the startup ecosystem.
Heidrun Twesten’s role at #Courage25 extended beyond participation; she moderated pitch sessions featuring a diverse group of female founders. These founders, leading ventures ranging from deep tech to sustainable innovations, include Lena Strobl of FiberFlow, Ida Milow of alteva, Jen Godderidge of atmo, Nina Heine of Shit2Power, and several others. Heidrun Twesten emphasizes the intelligence, creativity, and determination of these entrepreneurs, highlighting the potential that emerges when women are given platforms to present their ideas. By facilitating these sessions, Heidrun Twesten actively contributes to creating visibility and opportunities for underrepresented innovators in Germany.
The post by Heidrun Twesten also communicates an ongoing commitment to supporting startup ecosystems beyond Berlin. She notes her anticipation in collaborating with Impossible Founders in Hamburg, reinforcing her dedication to sustaining the momentum of innovation across regions. This geographic expansion reflects Heidrun Twesten’s belief that systemic change requires both local engagement and national coordination. Her approach is not just about mentoring individual startups but cultivating networks and resources that amplify collective success.
In her reflections, Heidrun Twesten also gives credit to the organizers and contributors who made the event possible, including Ina Schlie, Alexa Gorman, Ana-Cristina Grohnert, and Prof. Dr. Heike Marita Hölzner. This acknowledgment highlights another key aspect of Heidrun Twesten’s leadership: valuing collaboration and recognizing the effort behind community achievements. Her perspective reinforces that leadership is not only about personal influence but about empowering others and celebrating collective effort.
Heidrun Twesten’s narrative ultimately centers on courage not as an abstract virtue, but as a tangible action demonstrated through participation, support, and active engagement. Her post encourages others to recognize the power of community-driven initiatives, especially when they promote diversity and democratic values in entrepreneurship. By reflecting on her experiences, Heidrun Twesten invites readers to appreciate the ongoing work required to build an inclusive, innovative ecosystem where ideas can translate into meaningful societal and economic impact.
Through her leadership at Impacct GmbH, Heidrun Twesten exemplifies the integration of professional expertise with civic and community responsibility. Her participation in events like #Courage25 demonstrates how thoughtful engagement can inspire both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. By combining recognition of societal challenges with practical action moderating pitch sessions, connecting founders, and supporting initiatives Heidrun Twesten sets an example of leadership that is proactive, inclusive, and forward-looking.
In conclusion, Heidrun Twesten’s post is more than a personal reflection; it is a testament to the importance of courage, diversity, and collaboration in today’s entrepreneurial landscape. Through her efforts, Heidrun Twesten reinforces the potential of women-led initiatives, highlights the transformative impact of academic research applied to industry, and inspires a broader community to take action. Her engagement at #Courage25 and beyond reflects a vision where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand, and where leadership means fostering networks that empower others to succeed. Heidrun Twesten’s work is a reminder that when courage is paired with collaboration, meaningful change is not only possible but inevitable.
