Regional Hidden Champions network internationally

Asia, India, or Africa – all over the world, in the most diverse industrial sectors, there are so-called Hidden Champions, translated as secret winners or unknown global market leaders. By definition (Source: Wikipedia), these are relatively unknown companies that are market leaders in their industry or business sector. This is precisely the focus of the Association of Hidden Champions e.V., VDHC, in Cologne, an interest and membership association for medium-sized companies that operates internationally from Germany, supporting and networking them globally. ID Managing Director Tobias Butscheid attended the first MeetUp on March 27.

Approximately 20 dedicated entrepreneurs and decision-makers gathered at the first MeetUp in Cologne, hosted by the Association of Hidden Champions, to learn how to strengthen their business relationships worldwide. After a brief introduction, the Chairwoman of the VDHC Board, Bienvenue Angui, (see linkedin.com/in/bienvenue-angui-4983b5140) delivered a keynote speech. Subsequently, association colleague and Managing Director Georg Türk explained how the member networking platform functions. Currently, over 300 companies are involved, including 10% from abroad.

The association’s objectives include:

• Dissemination of know-how and opportunities for implementing the “Hidden Champions” corporate strategy
• Popularization of Hermann Simon’s Hidden Champion strategy among SMEs
• Intensification of globalization while observing the principles of fairness and equality
• Economic, political, and social action “at eye level” in an international context

The core of the network is economic networking within the international SME sector to navigate and operate successfully in international markets (focus areas: Europe / Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, India). The participants of the Cologne MeetUp provided valuable impulses and engaged in intensive discussions. The association gratefully received the insights from the discussions to implement them practically and advance topics of interest to Hidden Champions (or those aspiring to become one).

Those interested in attending the next VDHC MeetUp can find information on the association’s website.