SUCCESSFUL PREMIERE: "FUCKUP NIGHTS" IN VILLACH
Three speakers, honest stories about failure, and an inspiring evening of open exchange – the first Fuckup Night in Villach drew a full house and offered many new perspectives.
On the evening of Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, a new chapter of courageous honesty was opened on the campus of Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in the tpv Technology Park Villach. For the first time, the internationally renowned event series "Fuckup Nights" took place in the city on the Drau – and it was a great success.
The event was organized by The Failure Institute and supported by Mag. Dejan Stojanovic, who brought the successful format to Carinthia.
WHEN FAILURE BECOMES VISIBLE – AND EMPOWERING
Drei außergewöhnliche Persönlichkeiten betraten die Bühne, um von ihren größten beruflichen Niederlagen zu erzählen. Ihre Geschichten führten das Publikum nicht nur durch persönliche und wirtschaftliche Tiefpunkte, sondern zeigten auch eindrucksvoll, wie aus Krisen neue Chancen entstehen können. Ganz ohne Durchhalteparolen, aber mit viel Authentizität, Selbstreflexion und einer guten Portion Humor wurde an diesem Abend das Scheitern enttabuisiert.
Three exceptional individuals took to the stage to talk about their biggest professional failures. Their stories led the audience through personal and financial low points and impressively demonstrated how crises can lead to new opportunities. Without clichés or pep talks, but with authenticity, self-reflection, and a good dose of humor, the evening helped to destigmatize failure.
Fabian Gutbrod, founder of add-e.at, spoke about his rocky path and how his celebrated crowdfunding project almost ended in disaster in China. Michael Prünner, founder of neunweine.at, openly discussed his bankruptcy and how it became a turning point toward a more focused life. And Christian Redl, freediver and world record holder, shared very personal insights into his mental struggles and his return after a life-threatening underwater incident.
EYE-LEVEL EXCHANGE
After the talks, participants had the chance to chat with the speakers over pizza, beer, music, and casual networking. The atmosphere was open, inspired, and characterized by mutual respect.
The "Fuckup Nights Carinthia Vol. 6 – powered by Kärntner Sparkasse" not only brought a successful international event format to Villach but also sent a strong message about embracing a healthy culture of failure within the startup and innovation scene.
