f/p design supports startups from the first idea to market launch and scaling. we combine industrial design and product development, ux/ui, brand strategy and communication to turn complex ideas into clear, feasible and distinctive products.
our programs are designed for teams from pre-seed to series b and beyond. the scope can be adapted to your stage, technical requirements and budget.
talk to our startup design team
our startup design programs
design workshop
we structure opportunities, user needs, requirements and technical constraints. together we develop initial concepts for physical or digital products and define the next practical steps.
- 3–5 half-day workshop sessions
- tailored to your team and product stage
- programs from approximately €3,000
product development package
we transform a validated idea into a feasible, recognisable and market-ready product. the package can include industrial design, product architecture, interfaces, ux/ui, prototyping and design support through implementation.
- intensive collaboration from 2 weeks to 3 months
- physical and digital product development
- programs from approximately €8,000
brand development package
a strong product needs a professional and memorable identity. we develop naming, positioning, visual identity and the essential communication tools for investors, customers and teams.
- brand strategy and corporate identity
- presentations, digital applications and website direction
- 4 weeks to 6 months, from approximately €30,000
design coaching & education
we help startups establish design capability inside the company—from efficient processes and methods to design dna, innovation, brand management and human-centred design.
- single-day sessions or long-term programs
- coaching for founders, product teams and design teams
- programs from approximately €3,000
experience that helps you move faster
more than 150 startups have been supported through our work with the technical university of munich and f/p design. our three operating studios in munich, berlin and kyoto are connected with an international network of local design hubs.
funding and flexible payment arrangements may be available depending on the program, location, team and business model. we clarify the suitable framework together before the project begins.
apply for a startup design program
additional design references
these industrial design references illustrate how physical product ideas can be given a clear design direction; they are not presented as startup-specific commissions.
what does a startup need before product design?
a useful starting brief explains the customer problem, intended users, the product idea, the development stage and the biggest unanswered questions. finished engineering drawings are not essential for an early design strategy or concept engagement. we can help teams distinguish hypotheses about users and form from technical or commercial assumptions that still need evidence.
a design scope matched to the development stage
an early-stage venture may benefit from a workshop, concept exploration or visual prototype. a more mature startup may need refinement around ergonomics, design language, interface concepts and presentation to internal decision makers or investors. the agreed scope should identify tangible outcomes and checkpoints rather than promise a complete market launch from a single design sprint.
from first prototype to an integrated product identity
physical product appearance, interface design and brand identity influence how a new offer is understood. our industrial design, ux/ui design and brand design can be brought together when appropriate, without assuming that every startup needs all three at once.
questions to prepare for an initial conversation
what problem does the product solve? who will use it, and where? what evidence exists that the need is real? which constraints are fixed and which are negotiable? who owns technical development and manufacturing? which decision needs to be made after the next design phase? these answers help define a realistic first project.
frequently asked questions
can a startup begin without finished technical drawings?
yes. early concept and design-strategy work can help define intended users, form and the key questions to resolve before further development.
is a complete design package always necessary?
no. the project can begin with a focused workshop, a concept phase or a specific prototype-related design task, depending on your stage and resources.
what should a founder prepare before contacting f/p?
describe the user problem, target group, technology maturity, key constraints and the next decision you need to make. a short brief is enough to begin a conversation.
