WHU Start-up Receives Award From Filippas Engel Foundation

Not all students have the same starting opportunities in the education system from the outset; a lack of social mobility continues to be a problem in Germany. This is exactly where the social start-up Legmon, founded by WHU alumnus Michael Linke (MSc 2022) and his team of volunteers, steps in. With the help of a mutually supportive community and numerous volunteer mentors, Legmon aims to break down barriers, ensure equal opportunities, and make social background as irrelevant as possible. For this work, Legmon e. V. has now been awarded the Filippas Engel Foundation's prize in the main category, along with the associated prize money of €5,000, and the alumni prize of €1,500. “The award is a truly special recognition for our entire volunteer team, which works every day to promote equal opportunities and social mobility in Germany,” said Michael Linke. “Many young people are unable to reach their full potential due to their social background, and knowing that we can reverse this to some extent and that our commitment is seen and appreciated feels great!”

This year, Filippas Engel awarded nine different projects from across Europe. Innovation and sustainability play a key role in selecting the winning projects. 

Legmon's volunteer work is mainly based on three pillars: a mentoring program, workshops, and digital educational content, creating a dedicated community with a unique network. All support services are free of charge so that all students can afford them. Many successful mentors, some of whom come from difficult backgrounds themselves, and success stories at Legmon show how social barriers can be overcome and how life can be shaped according to one's own ideas and desires. In addition, the Legmon e. V. association helps arrange internships, university places, and scholarships to give students new perspectives.

The Filippas Engel Foundation also awarded this year's main prize to the start-up SheLeads, founded by WHU student Theodora Both (MSc 2027). The network is committed to making young women more visible in the business world. SheLeads is planning a mentoring program, school partnerships, and a digital platform for better networking.

About Filippas Engel Foundation

The Filippas Engel Foundation is dedicated to European youth. Every year in September, the Filippas Engel Foundation awards prizes to young Europeans who have made a lasting and exceptional contribution to others in the social, environmental, or cultural sphere. The foundation is named after Filippa Sayn-Wittgenstein, who died in a car accident at the age of just 21.

If you would like to learn more about WHU alumnus Michael Linke and his start-up Legmon, you can find the detailed interview “Five Questions for Legmon” here.