MEMBER STORIES
Our members
The VBKI is growing and growing. Here we introduce the "newcomers" to our VBKI members in loose succession. A warm welcome!
Economic Council 1. FC Union e.V.
"We connect soccer with people from business, politics, culture and beyond."
Dr. Dirk Fischer, Chairman of the Executive Board
The Wirtschaftsrat 1. FC Union e. V. sees itself as the business network for 1. FC Union Berlin. With over forty members, primarily from the SME sector, it has been a permanent fixture in the close-knit environment of the soccer club since 2004. The Economic Council sees its task not only in supporting and promoting the economic and sporting development of 1. FC Union Berlin and intensifying relations between its members. Members are also offered a platform that enables them to establish and maintain direct contact with representatives from the worlds of business, culture and politics. As a business network, it promotes the economic interests of its members as well as those of 1. FC Union Berlin, with which it is closely associated through its many commitments. Nevertheless, as an independent association, it retains its independence and is not a committee of the club.
In this sense, the Economic Council is the fan club of entrepreneurs who feel connected to 1. FC Union Berlin and want to support it through their commitment, be it in cash or in kind, but also through their diverse support in Berlin and beyond. It is also a development association that supports 1. FC Union Berlin and its environment through a variety of measures. The Economic Council is also a network that is dedicated to intensifying the economic and personal contacts of its members, but also wants to offer them a platform to sustainably expand their contact base. And finally, the Economic Council is a workshop of ideas that has advanced and wants to continue to advance 1. FC Union Berlin and its environment with new ideas. Because standing still is a step backwards.
Personal interests
We want soccer for people. And with this in mind, we connect soccer with people from the worlds of business, politics, culture and beyond.
We are a member of the VBKI because...
because soccer from south-east Berlin is also an economic factor that deserves to be heard.
Contact us
Phone: +49 (30) 65 66 88 33
VAN HAM Art Auctions GmbH & Co. KG
"This community enables us to expand our network, utilize synergies and deepen our passion for art and culture together"
Dr. Katrin Stangenberg, Director of the VAN HAM
representative offices in Berlin and Hamburg
VAN HAM Kunstauktionen is one of the most successful German auction houses. Around 20 international LIVE auctions and over 40 curated ONLINE ONLY auctions take place here every year. Its broad expertise lies in modern and contemporary art, old masters through to 19th century art and decorative arts, as well as jewelry and watches.
The art historian and first female auctioneer in Europe, Carola van Ham, founded the auction house "Kunsthaus am Museum" in her home town of Cologne in 1959. In 1996, her son Markus Eisenbeis took over the family business and today employs around 70 people. With the Berlin representative office in the well-known Bleibtreustraße in Charlottenburg, VAN HAM has had a foothold in the lively art metropolis since 2022. The previews of the auction highlights are accompanied by an exciting supporting program and are already a permanent fixture on the Berlin art scene. At the regular expert days with the experts from Cologne, works of art from all departments, decorative arts, jewelry and watches are examined free of charge and without obligation.
Katrin Stangenberg not only represents VAN HAM in Berlin, but has also successfully managed the representative office in Hamburg-Pöseldorf since 2015. She holds a doctorate in law and worked for twelve years as a freelance consultant, lecturer and author. For 17 years, she was an active board member of the largest circle of friends of an art museum (18,000 members), the Hamburger Kunsthalle. She deepened her passion for contemporary art by studying at the University of Hamburg.
Personal interests
Visiting art exhibitions (especially in Berlin), being in nature as much as possible (mountains + sea), good food (preferably home-cooked)
We are a member of the VBKI because...
... we attach great importance to the exchange with other companies. This community enables us to expand our network, exploit synergies and deepen our passion for art and culture together. This inspiring environment not only contributes to the development of our company, but also demonstrates our commitment to a vibrant and liveable capital city.
Contact us
Berlin Representative Office
Bleibtreustraße 48, 10623 Berlin
+49 (0)30 62 20 34 96
berlin@van-ham.com
www.van-ham.com
Head office Cologne
Hitzelerstraße 2, 50968 Cologne
+49 (0)221 92 58 62 0
info@van-ham.com
www.van-ham.com
Mitition GmbH Mittelstandsbeteiligungen
"Entrepreneurs invest in companies"
Dr. Dirk Pramann, CEO, and Johannes Erfurth, CFO
Your life's work is in good hands with us - we continue successful company successions with a high level of personal commitment and allow these success stories to continue to grow.
At Mitition GmbH Mittelstandsbeteiligung, we not only contribute capital, but also our many years of personal experience as committed entrepreneurs and the solid network we have built up over the years.
Our aim is to take successful entrepreneur-led companies to the next level - through innovative perspectives, increased profitability and strategic development as well as the targeted recruitment of specialist staff. Our own personnel consulting company is an important factor in this.
We particularly benefit from company successions in the 10 to 50 million euro annual turnover range, as this is where we see particular potential for our growth strategies. The industry focus is of secondary importance - what matters is the potential that we recognize and want to promote together with our partners.
Personal interests
Sailing and supporting the German Olympic sailing team
We are a member of the VBKI because...
... we greatly value networks in which we can share ideas and knowledge with other entrepreneurs and discuss developments.
Contact:
Dr. Dirk Pramann, CEO
Phone: +49 30 859946122
E-mail: d.pramann@mition.de
Georgenstraße 23, 10117 Berlin
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company (Berlin) GmbH
"We are bringing the splendor of Berlin's golden era back to the present."
Torsten Richter | Multi Property General Manager,
The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin/Hotel am Steinplatz, Berlin
The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin on Potsdamer Platz is a symbol of the transformation of the metropolis of Berlin and a tribute to the glamorous 1920s with all its international influences. The architecture of the building and the interior design form a harmonious unit and represent a modern interpretation of the Art Deco style. Like no other building in the capital, it combines the golden Berlin of the 1920s with the vibrant present and invites you to enjoy unforgettable experiences and extraordinary memories.
In addition to 303 guest rooms and suites, the hotel houses two restaurants, a bar and The Lounge. The POTS represents modern German cuisine, while The Lounge pampers its guests with selected tea flavors and its own menu. The Curtain Club is one of the best bars in the city and, together with ISHI by Henssler, rounds off the luxury hotel's culinary ensemble.
A modern wellness area and the exclusive Club Lounge on the 10th floor invite guests to relax. Coupled with excellent service at the highest level, the Berlin Ritz-Carlton has established itself as a leading cultural and social meeting place in Berlin over the last 20 years and attracts people from all over the world.
Personal interests
Traveling, discovering new restaurants, sports: triathlon, diving, skiing, skydiving
Contact:
Berenberg
"The VBKI offers a unique platform in Berlin with events at the highest level."
Carolin Lukas | Wealth Management Consultant in Berlin,
Oliver Meinschien | Team Leader in Hamburg and Berlin
Berenberg was founded in 1590 and is today one of the leading private banks in Europe. Our main focus is on independent advice. As Germany's oldest private bank, we are active in wealth and asset management, investment banking and corporate banking. We are headquartered in Hamburg and have a strong presence in the financial centers of Frankfurt, London and New York.
In the Wealth Management division, we dedicate ourselves to the complex and responsible task of advising wealthy private clients, entrepreneurs and foundations. We bring special expertise and award-winning advisory quality to meet their needs. We continuously develop our special Berenberg competence teams for entrepreneurs, foundations and family offices in order to offer them tailor-made solutions. In addition to personal advice, professional asset management is a key service that we offer.
Our office is located in the well-known Cumberland House, which is renowned for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Our presence in Berlin enables us to offer our services and expertise in the German capital and to be closer to our clients in this vibrant metropolis. Here we continue our values and maintain the personal advice and professional asset management that characterize Berenberg. We look forward to providing our clients with first-class service at the Cumberland House in Berlin and to supporting their financial goals and needs in the best possible way.
We are a member of the VBKI because...
...because this membership enables us to expand our network and enter into meaningful discussions. The VBKI offers a unique platform in Berlin with events at the highest level. Through this dedicated network, we want to raise Berenberg's profile and strengthen the perception of our company in Berlin's vibrant business landscape.
Contact:
MotionLab.IndustrialTech Verwaltungs GmbH
"We are really excited about this new membership!"
Tayla Sheldrake | Managing Director of MotionLab.Ventures
MotionLab.Ventures is the new investment arm of MotionLab.Berlin - the hardtech innovation center and makerspace that is home to over 75 early-stage hardtech startups. The new investment arm MotionLab.Ventures aims to expand the support MotionLab.Berlin currently provides by not only investing financially in climate-driven hardtech startups, but also providing valuable knowledge and networking support. Our main focus is on supporting hardtech startups in the DACH region that are working on technologies that contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. We focus on the following areas: industrial production, energy generation and distribution, agriculture, logistics and transportation, cooling and heating.
Personal interests
As someone who was born and raised in the rainbow nation of South Africa, I love immersing myself in nature - there's nothing quite like the African bush (safari). I actively support various wildlife organizations and have even helped relocate rhinos and giraffes to new parks. But despite the great contrast, I have found a wonderful home in Berlin and often explore the various culinary experiences and the modern art scene.
We are a member of the VBKI because...
...because we are already looking forward to the upcoming events and everything that is yet to come."
FRÖBEL Bildung und Erziehung gGmbH
"Together for the best education, upbringing and care of children"
Jeanett Tschiersky, Head of Division Berlin and authorized signatory
FRÖBEL is Germany's largest nationwide non-profit provider of daycare facilities. FRÖBEL currently operates over 220 crèches, kindergartens, after-school care centers and other facilities in twelve federal states. More than 5,000 employees work together to provide the best education, upbringing and care for around 20,000 children.
With multilingual facilities and family-oriented flexible opening hours, we are a good partner for companies of all sectors and sizes: We support public authorities, ministries, industrial companies, small and medium-sized enterprises and scientific institutions with places or daycare centers close to the company.
Personal interests
...traveling with the family, riding motorcycles, spending time with friends, and much more....
I am a member of the VBKI because...
...because activities are more fun together
Contact:
Jeanett Tschiersky
Tel. 030 21235-109
E-mail: jeanett.tschiersky@froebel-gruppe.de
WebID Solutions
"Different ideas are the key to the sustainable development of new future opportunities"
WebID has been making a significant contribution to Germany's digital progress since 2012. As the first national online ID service provider, the company patented AMLA-compliant video identification, opening up a segment that has now established itself as a fundamental sector of the digital progress industry. The company is currently driving digital progress with its online ID product TrueID, among other things. With over 20 million successful transactions (as of August 2023), the encrypted database technology is the largest system of its kind in the world and allows users to quickly and easily renew an existing identification and store it in the WebID Wallet, for example. Today, large companies with global finance relevance such as Trade Republic and Allianz, as well as national authorities, rely on the high security standards of WebID's data protection-compliant product portfolio. Looking to the future, the company recently responded to increasing demand in markets such as eCommerce, mobility, eGaming and telecommunications and announced its global expansion.
Personal interests
Enthusiastic movie and Negroni lover who is fascinated by the art world, especially in the Metaverse.
I am a member of the VBKI because...
I am convinced that the exchange of different ideas is the key to the sustainable development of new opportunities for the future.
Contact:
Irena Anna Neumann,
Corporate Communication Manager global
Phone: 0151 42227433
Mail: irena.neumann@webid-solutions.de
Website: www.webid-solutions.de
World Health Summit/ WHS Foundation GmbH
"Involving the business sector alongside civil society, politics and science to achieve global health in the long term"
The World Health Summit in Berlin is one of the world's most important strategic conferences for global health and brings together leading representatives from science, politics, industry and civil society every year to set the course for a healthier future. The World Health Summit positions global health as a central political issue and health as a human right. As an independent forum, the World Health Summit promotes exchange and cooperation between stakeholders from all areas of society. The World Health Summit stands for a sustainable and science-oriented approach to the further development of global health, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The topics are therefore interdisciplinary, science-based and cross-sectoral.
Personal interests
Global health in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, international, intersectoral networking in the field of health.
I am a member of the VBKI because...
the healthcare industry, for which Berlin is a particularly strong location, is an important player in achieving the goals of global health. Entering into a close exchange with strong partners from Berlin's healthcare industry via the VBKI is an important opportunity for the World Health Summit to sustainably integrate the business sector alongside civil society, politics and science for the goal of global health.
DRK Clinics Berlin
"It doesn't work without networking"
Dr. Christian Friese, Chairman of the Management Board, and Cornelius Held, Managing Director
The DRK Kliniken Berlin is a non-profit group of companies with four hospitals, a hospice and an inpatient care facility, whose sole shareholder is the DRK-Schwesternschaft Berlin e.V. (German Red Cross Nurses' Association). In over 30 specialist departments, 26 certified centers, eight certified organ centers, three central emergency departments and with numerous outpatient services, over 200,000 patients are treated by around 4,000 employees every year: this makes the DRK Kliniken Berlin one of the largest employers and most important healthcare providers in the capital.
We are a member of the VBKI because...
Healthcare does not work without networking.
Contact:
DRK Kliniken Berlin, Spandauer Damm 130, 14050 Berlin
Secretariat of the management: +49 30 30355015
Paritätische Akademie Berlin gGmbH
The exchange with other designers in our city is an important part of our joint success
The Paritätische Akademie Berlin has been offering professional and academic training for specialists and managers in the social and healthcare sector for over 25 years. In addition to numerous seminars and courses in the fields of business administration, law, leadership, management, organizational development, digitalization, innovation management and much more, the academy runs Bachelor's and Master's degree courses for managers and specialists in the social economy in cooperation with universities.
Personal interests
We are a member of the VBKI because...
strong networks and exchanges with other designers in our city are an important part of our joint success. Especially in times when all companies are facing similar challenges, this exchange is of the utmost importance.
Contact:
Paritätische Akademie Berlin gGmbH
Tucholskystr. 11
10117 Berlin
c.yueksel@akademie.org
Phone: 030 / 275 8282-01
female.vision e.V.
"Strong network for a living and working environment at eye level".
The non-profit association female.vision e.V., founded in Berlin in 2019, is committed to diversity-based justice and a working and living environment at eye level, regardless of age, gender, origin, skin color, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, religion and ideology. For this to succeed, we need framework conditions and rules that create space for an appreciative approach to diversity
Our range of services includes consulting in the areas of feminist leadership culture, diversity management and HR strategy, as well as event conception, organization of events and communication and public relations for NGOs and companies. We offer lectures, training and workshops on diversity and equality and a broad network in politics and business as well as in the press and media landscape in order to make topics in the field of female leadership, diversity and equality visible and to bring them forward together.
Personal interests
Annette: I am an incorrigible optimist, always keep my eyes on the half-full glass and practice mindfulness in my professional and private life. Against the backdrop of the question of what skills and competencies our children need to master the diverse challenges of the future, I am interested in educational reform approaches. Walking our dogs as well as playing tennis and skiing keep me active in my life.
Katja: My great interest in music, art, culture and media determines my professional and private life. I am also interested in technology and future topics in my private life. In addition to everything to do with plants and gardens, I love traveling - preferably by train - to get to know other cultures and perspectives. In general, I think it's important to keep moving, whether I'm doing sport or traveling, because: Think less - Dance more!
We are a member of the VBKI because...
the VBKI offers a framework for diverse exchange and networking with Berlin entrepreneurs. Change can only succeed together, which is why we are delighted to be part of a strong and committed network and to find allies on the path towards a living and working environment on an equal footing.
Blacklake GmbH | Blacklake Management Partner
"The VBKI is the perfect platform"
Blacklake Management Partner is a consulting firm focused on the real estate industry. Founded by six experienced partners, we support management, owners and companies in the areas of transformation, transaction, investment and restructuring.
The real estate industry is under considerable pressure to change: ecological imperatives, digital revolutions in companies and buildings, ever-changing user behavior, demographic change, the uncertainties of the financial and capital markets and increasing geopolitical tensions are examples of the many and complex challenges facing companies in the real estate industry. Our services include
- Strategic management consulting
- M&A and transaction consulting
- Portfolio consulting, portfolio optimization and project development
- Temporary management and assumption of supervisory board positions
Personal interests
We are a member of the VBKI because...
we were both also active VBKI members in our previous roles, who enjoy an intensive exchange with Berlin's urban society, business and culture, and of course Berlin politics. The VBKI is the perfect platform for this with its diverse range and exciting formats
Contact:
Blacklake GmbH, Unter den Linden 40, 10117 Berlin
- martin.rodeck@blacklake-partner.de,+491773137480
- schulz-wulkow@blacklake-partner.de,+491702727007
Gentz und Partner Rechtsanwälte mbH, BERLINTAX Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH
"Simply useful
networking"
The focus of my work lies in the conception and structuring of asset and company successions.
I also act as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Advisory Board for medium-sized companies, from family businesses to listed stock corporations.
Personal interests
Global health in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, international, intersectoral networking in the field of health.
I am a member of the VBKI because...
I can use my network and my skills to benefit the association and my undertakings.
Gallery Thomas Fischer
"I am looking forward to the exchange with Berlin entrepreneurs"
Thomas Fischer, owner of Galerie Thomas Fischer
Thomas Fischer is a gallery owner in Berlin. Since 2011, he has been showing artists such as Irmel Kamp, Sebastian Stumpf, Brian O'Doherty, Joachim Bandau and Noi Fuhrer. In addition to drawing and sculpture, photography plays an important role in the gallery's program. A year ago, he moved his gallery to Mulackstraße in Berlin-Mitte.
Contact:
Gallery Thomas Fischer
Mulackstr. 14
10119 Berlin
030 74 78 03 85
mail@galeriethomasfischer.de
www.galeriethomasfische.de
Personal interests
Personal interests: As there is so much overlap between private and working life in the art world, Sunday is often the only day off from the gallery. I like to use it for bike rides to Brandenburg.
I am a member of the VBKI because...
I am delighted to have won the VBKI BERLINER GALERIEN 2022 prize. After this special award, I am now looking forward to exchanging ideas with the Berlin entrepreneurs who made this prize possible and award it annually.
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