Felix Kalkum is up for a challenge: as the new Managing Director of BurdaSolutions and Group CIO, he is following in the footsteps of Gerhard Thomas. What’s to know about the physician who has been fascinated by program…
From fair trade organic coffee to carbon neutral cosmetics, as a long-term strategic partner and investor, TEC - The Enabling Company is increasingly focusing on founders who see sustainability not just as a short-term trend, but as an integral part of their business.
Together with CorpPearls, The Enabling Company recently organized a networking event at the Frizzforum Berlin that was entirely dedicated to the topic of sustainability. The idea: to engage in a dialog with visionaries who share the same mission. They see the 'enable' in their name as a clear mission to enable startups to grow and make sustainable decisions.Under the motto "Enabling Positive Future," the event brought together aspiring founders with investors and seasoned entrepreneurs who are passionate about sustainability.
Social responsibility is becoming increasingly important to them, although it is not the only criterion.
"We are fully aware of our role as an investor and pursue the ambition to invest in the future of our society and our planet. It's important for us to invest in startups that have a clear purpose and a deeper meaning that aligns with Burda's values."
Vanessa Danielczik, Head of New Business at TEC - The Enabling Company
The involvement of The Enabling Company goes far beyond the provision of growth capital. If a start-up meets the Burda fit, it not only opens the door to funding, but also to the comprehensive media services of BurdaVerlag (Burda Publishing) as part of the media-for-equity model. The cooperation focuses on companies and start-ups that offer high-quality consumer goods that at the same time interest and inspire the readers of our media brands. In turn meaning that our own target groups must match those of the start-ups. For The Enabling Company, this means avoiding greenwashing and putting start-ups' activities to the test.
"We know from surveys and tests that our readers are more environmentally and socially aware than average and therefore very interested in sustainable products. Sustainability initiatives need to be concrete. We know how important this topic is to our readers - the contribution we make has to be real".
Matthias Kohtes, CEO of TEC - The Enabling Company
One example is the investment in OYESS, a skin care company that stands for sustainability, high quality ingredients and animal welfare. OYESS produces various cosmetic products (lip care, hand cream, body lotion) in a climate-neutral manner and without animal testing. The start-up, which was awarded the German Sustainability Prize, shows that they take sustainability seriously. Together with The Enabling Company, OYESS plans to expand its portfolio. With products that will continue to inspire the target groups of Burda brands such as Instyle and freundin.
Through investments like these, The Enabling Company increases consumer awareness of sustainability. As Matthias explains, consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and the demand for sustainable products continues to grow.
"For us, investing in sustainability is a business opportunity to position ourselves through our brands while contributing to social transformation."
Matthias Kohtes, CEO of TEC - The Enabling Company
