Fuckup Night Dortmund

Successful entrepreneurs share the stories that no one else tells: their biggest failures.

At FuckUp Night Dortmund, people who’ve made it take the stage: they’ve built companies, weathered crises, and are successful today. And that’s exactly why they can speak openly about what went wrong along the way—the deal that fell through, the costly mistake, the product nobody wanted. In about twelve minutes each, they share what happened and what they learned from it—honestly, with a touch of self-deprecating humor, and without the glossy filters you’re used to seeing on LinkedIn posts.

Afterward, the audience asks questions: direct and unfiltered. And at the end, you’ll find yourself at the bar surrounded by people who’ve all come to the same realization: success isn’t a straight line.

It all started in Dortmund in 2015—the very first FuckUp Night in the Ruhr region. Since then, our stages have hosted big names like Christian Lindner, Wildling founder Anna Yona, and Urlaubsguru founder Daniel Marx. Now we’re writing the next chapter: at the Hansa Coking Plant, one of the city’s most impressive industrial landmarks. A stage with Ruhr region DNA for stories that have substance.

Here’s how the evening will unfold:

• Three successful speakers, three real stories about setbacks and comebacks
• Q&A—your questions, unfiltered answers
• Afterward: Networking and drinks at the bar

We’ll announce the lineup in the coming weeks—you’ll be the first to know at fun-ruhr.de.

You don’t need a startup or a business plan—just curiosity. Whether you’re a founder, an executive, a student, or simply a FAN of honest stories: Come on by.

Note on photo, video, and audio recordings: Recordings will be made at this event for documentation, reporting, and public relations purposes. This may also include wide shots and candid shots of the audience. If you do not wish to be recorded, please speak to our team on-site during check-in. fun-ruhr.de/photography-notice