Our Jury Members 2026

Danny Jäckel grew up in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and has strong ties to the region, not least because of his passion for beach volleyball and kitesurfing — preferably along the Baltic Sea coast. Since 2015, he has been part of the Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern mbH (MBG MV) team, joining directly after completing his dual study program in Business Administration and working for two years in corporate client advisory at a regional cooperative bank. Most recently, he successfully completed a distance-learning master’s degree in Business Consulting alongside his family and professional commitments.

For more than seven years, he has also served as a volunteer lecturer for the seminar series “Entrepreneurial Thinking and Action” at Wismar University of Applied Sciences. In his role as Investment Manager, he is particularly distinguished by his strong enthusiasm for supporting and advising startups.

Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MBG MV) supports regional businesses through equity and silent partnership investments to help finance economic projects. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit in the long term from stronger market positions and enhanced economic performance. In particular, the organization offers various financing solutions for innovation-driven companies, startups, and commercial enterprises.

Riko Zimmermann is an experienced investment manager at ROKA1825 GmbH. In this role, he is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of 20 startups and companies, as well as proactively identifying new investment opportunities. With a business administration background specializing in entrepreneurship and startups, along with professional experience at companies such as Mercedes-Benz and DB Management Consulting, he brings extensive expertise and experience in business development.

His core expertise lies in identifying and supporting innovative business models. Thanks to his strategic mindset and ability to recognize opportunities, he has established himself as a trusted partner for emerging companies in the region.

Herr Knüppel completed a foundation program in Business Administration before graduating in Law from University of Rostock with a specialization in Corporate Law. He began his professional career as in-house counsel at an IP asset management and investment company.

Mr. Knüppel also worked as an authorized signatory for an investment fund, where he supported research-oriented spin-offs and research institutions. Since 2015, he has been a partner at KLOPSCH & PARTNER Rechtsanwälte, focusing particularly on business law, contract law, IT law, business succession, as well as advising startups and investors.

In 2018, the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Bar Association awarded him the title of “Specialist Lawyer for Commercial and Corporate Law.” In 2023, he also successfully completed the specialist lawyer training course in IT law.

Wirtschaftsförderung Landkreis Rostock GmbH (WLR) is the primary point of contact for investors as well as companies interested in establishing or relocating their business operations within the Rostock district. The Rostock district offers excellent location conditions for existing businesses, external companies, and startups or new business founders.

Wirtschaftsförderung Landkreis Rostock GmbH advises companies on suitable business locations, available commercial sites and properties, infrastructure and connectivity, provides information on funding opportunities, and facilitates connections with relevant partners and networks.

Silvia Kohlmann completed her high school education in the United States and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from University of Rostock and Polytechnic University of Valencia.

She took on business consulting responsibilities for the Galileo satellite navigation project at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne and later moved into international project and financial management at BASF in Tarragona, Spain. She was subsequently appointed to the Rostock Research Harbor, where she managed maritime R&D projects in the field of international space applications. Since 2015, she has served as Managing Director of envitecpro GmbH. The company advises SMEs, associations, universities, and municipalities in South America on circular economy solutions. In this role, she has initiated and implemented numerous projects in Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, and Peru focused on waste recovery and the use of renewable energy sources.

In 2023, she accompanied Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck and Federal Minister Cem Özdemir on official government visits and represented German industry at meetings and panel discussions in Brazil and Colombia.

Due to her many years of expertise and commitment, Ms. Kohlmann was appointed to the Future Council of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania by the Minister-President. She has also been honored as a Business Ambassador of the state government and recognized as a “KlasseFrau” in business.

She regularly publishes articles in professional journals, speaks at international conferences, and actively promotes the visibility of Eastern Germany as well as female founders and entrepreneurs.