Know-How

When start-ups are founded, there is often talk of vesting. But what exactly is behind it - and why is it particularly important for start-up teams?

A business idea alone is rarely enough - many start-ups are created as a team. But as soon as it comes to dividing up the company shares, it often becomes difficult: Who gets what percentage? What is fair? And how can conflicts be avoided later on?

If you want to set up a company in Germany, you usually have to register your business. It is mandatory for most self-employed people and marks the official start of your business. But how does the registration process work, what documents do you need and what do you need to pay attention to?

The step towards your own start-up usually begins with a crucial question: Which business idea suits me - and also has potential on the market?
Many founders start out full of energy, but do not know how to develop a viable concept from their interests, experience and skills.

A business plan is more than just a document for the bank or investors - it is your roadmap to self-employment. It helps you to structure your idea, recognise risks and convince investors or funding bodies. But how do you actually write a business plan?

One of the most frequently asked questions when starting a business is: "What do I actually pay myself?" The founder's salary is a sensitive issue - too high and it jeopardises your liquidity, too low and it can threaten your motivation and even your private existence in the long term.

In digital product development, sooner or later every tech team is faced with a decision: Build vs. buy - in other words, whether to develop a software solution in-house (build) or use an existing product (buy). The decision is often more complex than it seems at first glance.

If you are founding a start-up or investing in one at an early stage, there is one topic that is often underestimated but can make the difference between success and failure in the long term: cap table hygiene. This refers to the conscious and structured handling of the distribution of company shares - from founding to subsequent financing.

Imagine you have a great business idea - perhaps an app, a platform or a tool - but you don't know how to programme. No problem! Many successful tech founders didn't have any technical expertise to begin with. The key is to build a strong development team that you can trust to realise your vision. But how do you do that if you're not a "techie"?