Townster

Townster GmbH, registered initially in Berlin and later in Cologne, operated in the digital media sector with a focus on local search and community platforms. The company was founded in 2007 as a metropolitan magazine and information service. Originally, Townster functioned as a social network that included review features for local establishments like restaurants, hotels, and clubs.

In 2009, following financial difficulties, the platform was acquired for €37,827.77 by Schwetje Digital GmbH, an incubator led by OnVista founder Michael W. Schwetje and his former colleagues, Lars-Rüdiger Fink and Dennis Kämker. This acquisition led to a complete overhaul of the original concept. The new management team, which included Tina Dingel, previously with PayPal, and Lars Smidt from Metaversum, pivoted the business model. They transformed Townster into a city-focused magazine, blending elements of an information service, city guide, and a review platform, while diminishing the social networking aspect.

The revamped platform introduced features like a voucher system and a Facebook integration to provide personalized recommendations to users. It also launched an Android application for Berlin, allowing users to access coupons on the go. The business operated in the local digital media market, targeting city dwellers looking for curated local content, recommendations, and deals. Its revenue model appeared to be based on local advertising and partnerships, such as the voucher offerings. Despite these redevelopment efforts and initial traction, Townster ceased operations. The platform went offline in late 2011, and the company was officially dissolved in early 2012.

Keywords: Townster, local search platform, city magazine, local community, restaurant reviews, local recommendations, Berlin startups, Cologne startups, Schwetje Digital, Michael W. Schwetje, Tina Dingel, Lars Smidt, Dennis Kämker, defunct startup, digital media, local advertising, voucher system, OnVista founder, city guide, Bewertungsplattform