Zebra Embassy

We're excited to introduce the people behind Zebra Embassy ! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing insights into the journeys, expertise, and passions that each team member brings to the table, starting with our founders. First up, meet Dr. Philipp Naegelein — co-founder and a driving force at Zebra Embassy!

Make or Buy: 5 Reasons to Partner with Consultants on Large Public Funding Applications When it comes to securing significant public grants, one question often arises: should you manage the application process in-house or bring in external expertise? Here are 5 reasons why working with consultants can be a game-changer: 1️⃣ Time Efficiency: Stay focused on your core business while experts handle the complexities of grant applications. 2️⃣ Maximizing Potential: Consultants ensure no opportunities are missed and that your application is as strong as possible. 3️⃣ Higher Success Rates: With specialized knowledge and experience, consultants can significantly improve your chances of approval. 4️⃣ Regulatory Compliance: Avoid costly mistakes by staying on top of complex regulations with the help of professionals. 5️⃣ Strategic Alignment: The right consultant will align with your business goals, ensuring a smooth and strategic approach to the funding process. What’s your take? Have you worked with external experts for large funding applications, and would you recommend it?

Every startup needs a well-thought-out public funding strategy. With over 2,000 funding programs in Germany alone, navigating the landscape can feel overwhelming. Having a clear strategy in place is key to making the most of the opportunities available at each stage of growth. We’ve created an overview that breaks down how to approach funding based on your startup’s development phase. 👉 Timing is crucial, and getting it right can make all the difference. What has your experience with public funding been? Are there any aspects you think we should add to our overview?

Is public funding really worth the effort? 🤔 We’ve created a clear matrix to show the balance between effort and potential return across various funding programs. It’s no secret that the application process can be time-consuming, but the right funding can be a game-changer, especially for tech startups. Low effort, low return or high effort, high return? The decision often comes down to your resources and timing. But what else should companies consider when navigating public funding? Is there anything missing here? Check out the overview - are there other factors you'd consider?

Every German Startup and Scaleup Needs a Public Funding Strategy. We’ve just released ‘The Missing Piece of the Puzzle’, our whitepaper designed to help you navigate the complexities of public funding and effectively combine it with VC funding. Especially if you’re in tech, this could be a game-changer for you. The funding landscape is changing, and relying on just one source may no longer be enough. By blending public funding with venture capital, you can unlock new opportunities, reduce risks, and fuel growth in ways you hadn’t thought possible. Interested? You can download our whitepaper for free at Papermark (https://lnkd.in/ej4UxfKY).

It’s great to see the #StartupMonitor2024 highlighting key trends in our ecosystem! One insight that caught our attention: 54.4% of startups now prefer public funding as their top capital source. This underscores how crucial public funding has become, especially for early-stage startups. Back in 2018, #BITKOM reported that 66% of startups avoided public funding due to heavy administrative burdens, complex processes, and extensive paperwork. While public funding is now highly preferred, many startups still face these same challenges. Have things changed since 2018? Or do the same obstacles still stand in your way?

Today, on #WorldMentalHealthDay, we want to give a shoutout to our wonderful colleague Conny Marx! Conny recently shared some heartfelt thoughts on mental health in the startup world, and it really struck a chord with us. As a company, we believe that taking care of our mental well-being is incredibly important, especially in the fast-paced startup scene and amongst founders. Thank you, Conny, for shining a light on this important topic! Let’s all take a moment to reflect on how we can support each other in prioritizing our mental health. 💙

⏰ Time is Running Out to Claim Up to €1 Million in R&D Tax Credits for 2020! Did your company invest in research and development in 2020? ⏰ The opportunity to retroactively claim the Forschungszulage for that year closes at the end of 2024. That's up to €1 million you could reclaim for your innovation efforts! At Zebra Embassy, we specialize in guiding German start-ups and scale-ups through the process of securing public funding for technological innovation. Our expertise can help you navigate the complexities and maximize your R&D benefits. Don't leave money on the table. Act now! Get in touch with us if you need help and make the most of this opportunity.

🦓 Team Offsite Recap: Connecting, Collaborating & Creating! 🦓 In mid-September, the Zebra Embassy team came together for a fantastic 3-day offsite at Landhaus Selchow, just outside Berlin. As a remote-first company with team members around Munich, Karlsruhe, Berlin and Sweden, these in-person moments are essential for building trust, deepening relationships, and sparking new ideas. A huge thanks to Offside for organizing the offsite and for taking great care of us with absolutely delicious food! 🥗 We delved into insightful sessions on startup financing, the R&D tax credit, and strategic topics shaping Zebra's vision. These deep dives aligned our goals and left us feeling inspired and focused. But it wasn't all work! We enjoyed baking pizzas together, playing games in the evening, and winding down with yoga sessions. 🍕🧘♀️ It was an enriching experience that not only strengthened our team spirit but also reminded us of the power of collaboration and shared purpose. 🦓 How does your team stay connected and inspired in a remote-first world? We'd love to hear your experiences!

We had an incredible time at Bits & Pretzels 2024! We met so many inspiring people, engaging in amazing conversations, and leaving with fresh ideas on how to grow startups sustainably and make a real difference. This was indeed an unforgettable event. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us and share insights on the future of tech, funding, and growth. The innovative solutions and meaningful connections we discovered have left us energized and motivated. At Zebra Embassy , we believe in the power of collaboration to drive change. Bits & Pretzels once again proved that remarkable things happen when great minds come together. Our team at Bits: Dr. Philipp Naegelein, Ina Barner, Julian Aschermayr