Christian M. Schmahl

The Importance of Data Management in Intercultural Management for Cross-Border Corporate Finance Projects 🌍💼 🚨Before we start: Even when it will take some time and important resources of your company, it will have a huge impact on your daily operations to implement a data management. Implementing it as early as possible! In today's globalized economy, cross-border corporate finance projects are becoming increasingly complex due to uncertain global risks and geopolitical changes. However, the success of these initiatives hinges not only on financial acumen but also on effective intercultural management. One of the key components that often gets overlooked is robust data management. 📊✨ Bridging Cultural Gaps with Data 📈🤝 Data management plays a crucial role in understanding the diverse cultural landscapes involved in international finance. By effectively organizing and analyzing data, organizations can gain insights into local market trends, consumer behavior, and regulatory environments. This knowledge enables teams to bridge cultural gaps and tailor their strategies accordingly, fostering better collaboration and communication among stakeholders from different backgrounds. 🌐💬 Enhancing Decision-Making Processes 🧠🔍 In cross-border projects, timely and accurate data is essential for informed decision-making. A well-structured data management system allows teams to access real-time information, facilitating swift responses to market changes and emerging opportunities. This agility is particularly important in intercultural settings, where misunderstandings can lead to costly delays. By prioritizing data management, organizations can enhance their decision-making processes and drive project success. 🚀📅 Ensuring Compliance and Risk Management ⚖️🔒 Navigating the complexities of international finance also involves understanding various legal and regulatory requirements. Effective data management helps organizations maintain compliance with local laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of financial penalties and reputational damage. By implementing a comprehensive data management strategy, companies can proactively identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans, ensuring smoother project execution. 🛡️📋 The relevance of data management in intercultural management for cross-border corporate finance projects cannot be overstated. By leveraging data effectively, organizations can enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and ensure compliance, ultimately driving success in the global marketplace. #DataManagement #InterculturalManagement #CorporateFinance #CrossBorderProjects #GlobalBusiness #finance #vc #pe #startup #scaleup

4

🚀#OMR highlights the push for #Transparency in #PrivateEquity    The OMR Conference features a panel discussing the increasing efforts to make the private equity sector more transparent and accessible. Panelists including Laura Schroeder Schröder from KKR, Lorenz Jüngling from Moonfare, and Georgia Hädicke explored themes covered in the session titled "Private Equity for the Masses – A Closed Industry Opens Up."    The focus on enhancing the visibility and accessibility of private equity, supported by both industry leaders and media, reflects a significant shift towards greater openness in the sector. This commitment is echoed by recent initiatives like our #PECConference, which also emphasized transparency in private equity. Laura Schröder's participation at both events highlights her prominent role in advocating for these changes.    Let's continue to make private equity more approachable and transparent! This is an exciting time to push the boundaries and set new standards!    #OMRConference #PrivateEquity #IndustryInnovation #Transparency

39

1 Kommentar

Another small step...    ...towards closing the #growthfinancing gap in DACH. I am really excited to announce that we raised €200m for our inaugural Armira Growth Fund I.    We are beyond thankful for all the trust and support received from our investors and existing portfolio firms osapiens, Wemolo, Workwise, and yoummday. This would not have been possible without our stellar team at Armira Growth and the broader Armira family that has supported our mission from day 1 across all dimensions (#NextGenGP).    Why should you as a scale up founder consider to partner with us?   ➢ As a small entrepreneurial team, we can move fast and deliver on our handshakes, from investment all the way through exit,  ➢ We will only back a few handpicked companies investing €10-50m each, and therefore have the bandwidth to support you every step of the way, with a true minority partnership mindset,  ➢ Our sparring across all strategic and tactical dimensions leverages a wealth of experience on what has proven effective (and more importantly what has not), and,   ➢ We provide unparalleled access to the #GermanMittelstand with our unique investor base of more than 100 entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial families.    We cannot wait to support the next generation of (not so) hidden #TechChampions and jointly shape many more entrepreneurial success stories! Florian Tappeiner Sebastian Johnston Max Berkemeier Anna Schulte Max Ammon Pieter Timmerman Tessa Bottenschein Sophie Mößmer Marco Giazzi Björn Thieme

1.378

128 Kommentare

How to measure success in restructuring key business units, functions or transformations? By Thomas Kessler Managing Partner at Integration Success GmbH and Atlantic M&A Partners | Pioneer in AI and M&A Integrations | I was recently pinged by Sofoklis Yiannacou, FCCA with a very interesting question following one of my posts: "How do you measure restructuring of key business units or functions or transformation?" My answer: Measuring the restructuring or transformation of key business units or functions requires a comprehensive approach that combines quantitative and qualitative metrics. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as: + Financial metrics (e.g., revenue growth, cost positions), + Operational efficiency measures (e.g., productivity rates, process efficiency and technological, service, and product differentiators), + Customer-related metrics (e.g., satisfaction scores, retention rates) provide a quantitative foundation. These are complemented by project-specific KPIs that track milestones, budget adherence, and timeline compliance. A perfect tool to drive performance in transformation is the GE 9Box Matrix. Maybe long forgotten and yet still tremendously powerful to drive success in transformations. My answer also has to highlight - the importance of the human-centric aspects - of restructuring! This involves explaining the changed purpose and ensuring people buy-in to the picture painted for the joint future. The success of your new strategic direction can be measured by tracking employee metrics like engagement scores, turnover rates, and time-to-hire for new positions. Additionally, qualitative assessments through surveys and interviews can gauge employee sentiment, cultural alignment, and adoption of new processes or technologies. Leadership effectiveness in guiding the transformation, fostering open communication, and addressing employee concerns is another vital human-centric factor to evaluate. Leadership effectiveness is also achieved if the leadership team is fully aware of its strengths, motives and desires. The use of psychometric tools like motivationfinder.com, and https://lnkd.in/giRU__bs have been tremendously helpful for my clients when used in transformation projects. By balancing hard metrics with these human-centric approaches, measuring the success of organizations is one approach that has proven to be massively helpful in the restructuring or transformation process. They help to measure, progress and adjust the course taken all while making informed decisions and adjustments to ensure success. What is your point of view on measuring success in restructuring key business units, functions or transformations?

10

Start-ups in Europe: a light at the end of the tunnel - finally!    This article by Nadine Schimroszik in Handelsblatt gives reason for hope for the tech ecosystem, as it summarises a development that has been tentatively emerging for some time: The number of new #start-ups in Germany is growing again, by 17 per cent, as shown by a comparison of the first quarter of 2024 with the same quarter of the previous year.   💡It is particularly interesting to see that most investments are being made in AI. An unmistakable sign that they continue to be a driver of innovation for the German startup ecosystem.   We recently came to a similar conclusion with my team, as part of our analysis of the German startup landscape. Our conclusion: more and more funding are being mobilised for ♻️ #Greentech business ideas that are based on AI-based technologies and have a positive impact on our planet. More info on our research at IRIS can be found in Startup Insider`s Investors Report 2024: https://lnkd.in/dU-5AMPz More info on Nadine’s insightful article here: https://lnkd.in/depicwGA

22

What are your thoughts for the German startup ecosystem in 2025? In my latest contribution to Business Punk, I shared some of my post November 6th thoughts on the topic [Link in Comments]. Here are my key takeaways: 🇺🇸 🛑 🇨🇳 The new #US administration will drive deregulation to strengthen its tech sector against #China's dominance. #Europe should closely monitor its global impact. 🇩🇪 📂 🤯 The German ecosystem faces structural challenges: #overregulation, a risk-averse culture, and a €30bn #fundinggap drive German success stories get capital outside the EU. 🚀 🧑‍💻 📈 Despite challenges, 2025 holds immense opportunities for German #entrepreneurs. The #earlystage ecosystem has shown resilience even during recessions, while emerging AI hubs like #Heilbronn, #Karlsruhe, and #Heidelberg are on a promising path forward. Personally, I think the transition towards #green economies and #cities has additional potential for the next generation of hidden champions made in Germany. #startup #politics #elections #innovation #tech

53

5 Kommentare

The Importance of a Strategic Approach to M&A Target Selection: Ensuring Long-Term Success   By Thomas Kessler  Managing Partner at Integration Success GmbH and Atlantic M&A Partners | Pioneer in AI and M&A Integrations | #MergersAndAcquisitions #StrategicAlignment #ExecutiveEngagement 💡🤝   The target selection process in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is critical to the success of any transaction. Here are the six core steps to ensure your company finds the right partner and generates sustainable value:   First, identify the strategic needs of your company. A thorough strategic analysis reveals where your company stands and what capabilities or resources may augment your positioning to achieve your long-term goals. This analysis forms the foundation for finding the right acquisition target.   Second, define a precise profile for the potential acquisition target. Ensure the candidate is not only financially attractive but also a good cultural and operational fit for your company. Clear criteria help to select the best options and streamline the selection process.   Third, identify a competent deal team. The skills and experience of your team are crucial to the success of the transaction. From due diligence to integration, you need experts in finance, law, tax, HR, technology, operations and change management.   Fourth, evaluate the post-acquisition value. Identify value drivers and associated synergies and strategize how you may realize them. This includes optimizing processes, accessing new markets, and leveraging technological innovations.   Fifth, identify potential issues and barriers as early as possible. These include regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and operational challenges. A proactive approach to problem-solving minimizes risks and prevents unexpected costs.   Sixth, develop a clear end-state vision for the integration of the target. A detailed integration plan ensures that all stakeholders work towards the same goal. The vision should include both short-term and long-term perspectives and provide a roadmap for implementation.   Answering these questions before moving forward with a target is essential to ensure the transaction's success and create long-term value.   What are your experiences in selecting acquisition targets? What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💡   #MergersAndAcquisitions #StrategicAlignment #CorporateStrategy #BusinessGrowth #Leadership

15

4 Kommentare

Networking can definitively bring added value! I am very happy that i could attend the CFO DACH meeting over the last 2 days hosted by the The Network Group It was a nice opportunity to catch up with other CFOs of the region and discussed various topics such as 🎯usage of AI in general for finance team (ChaptGPT as advisor for processes, Copilot utlisation by other companies…) 🎯AI applied solution on transfer pricing documentation (that could save time and quiet some money!) 🎯soft skill update on story telling, leadership, mental strenght/resilience, as well as some updates on ESG 🎯having many great conversations on day to day challenges and exchange of ideas with other attendees Overall a nice learning opportunity and a good way to catch up on the latest trend in the CFO world 😉 PS you can even see below that CFO meeting is not totally boring 😁

82

7 Kommentare

We analyzed and benchmarked the buyout portfolios of the 30 largest DACH HQ’d PE investors. A few insights stood out: 📍𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬: DACH HQ’d investors rarely invest outside DACH. Nearly half of DACH investors have ~90% of their portfolios within the DACH region. 🏭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬: The portfolio of the largest DACH investors is quite diversified. On average, the largest investors allocate 27% of their portfolio to Industrials, followed by 21% to Services and 16% to Consumer. 📈 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: EMERAM, Unigestion, Armira, Deutsche Private Equity, and Nord Holding stand out as the ones with fastest-growing portfolio (>20% CAGR  2019-22). 💼 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐃𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬: Allianz, Swiss Life, AGIC Capital, Gyrus Capital, and Partners Group lead with their portfolio holdings having an average EBITDA margin of over 20%. 🔗 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐝-𝐎𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭: Ufenau Capital Partners leads with 5-6 add-ons per asset in the last 5 years. Find all these insights and more in our 'State of DACH PE 2024' report: 💡 How has the share of Industrial entries changed in the last 5 years? 💡 Which regions in DACH are most popular for PE investment? 💡 Add-on activity in DACH vs. the Rest of Europe? Link to the full report: https://lnkd.in/edfes-Yw #privateequity #investors #pe #dach #germany #switzerland #austria

77

Embedded Finance is so much more than just installment loans or online payment. Here's a list of five great use-cases for #insurance. https://lnkd.in/dtEa9n9t

8

1 Kommentar

🔥 🤝 New Partner @ Tela Network: Matthias Isler, Fractional CTO 🔹 "As an entrepreneur, your most valuable resource is often time." - Matthias Isler 📖 Read about Matthias Isler on Tela Blog: https://lnkd.in/d5bS_DGA 👉 Matthias Isler in one sentence: Matthias is a passionate technologist and entrepreneur with expertise in building cloud-based startups, and experience in business strategy, digital marketing, and managing high-performance remote teams across various industries. 🤝 Add Matthias Isler on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d5QMcVUR ☕️ Follow Tela Network on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/dUEVryNw 💎 On Tela, every message pays you. Use Tela to reduce your inbox overload. 👉 You can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/d3gmiTzu 👋 Please consider sharing this post, and if you have any thoughts, let us know in the comments!

8

2 Kommentare

When it comes to bookkeeping in startups, scaleups and SMEs, there is no way around DATEV eG 📚 But how should reports such as SuSa, BWA and "Chefübersicht" be analyzed? Our Finance experts have created a detailed checklist to give you a better overview of your DATEV documents 💡 You can download it for free at the following link: https://lnkd.in/e25uwFB6 With the checklist, you will learn how to interpret reports correctly and create the basis for reliable accounting and controlling ✅ #datev #checklist #freedownload #accounting #controlling

36

2 Kommentare

I firmly believe in Europe. Peter Brors, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Handelsblatt, and I discussed some of the most pressing issues and opportunities facing Europe. Looking at the European economy right now, I feel a strong sense of urgency to heighten our ambition levels and leverage the tech-enabled transformative potential of the most crucial sectors. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: 1. Innovation and AI Europe’s top-tier AI research, exemplified by Mistral AI in France, showcases our digital transformation and economic growth potential. With their AI-driven defense technologies, companies like Helsing demonstrate how advanced tech can safeguard our democratic values. Communicating the benefits of AI effectively is crucial to alleviate public fears and ensure long-term competitiveness. 2. European Resilience Sectors that pose the greatest need for systemic change: climate and energy, industrials, defense, and security. These areas are where tech-enabled transformation can have a significant and lasting impact. Enhancing critical infrastructures and controlling key elements of future value chains is essential. Despite high energy costs and global competition, Germany's renowned innovation capability can re-establish value chains in new growth sectors like electronics, semiconductors, and batteries – and attract top-tier talent. We have seen time and time again that the future starts with founders. Let’s pave the way for them. 3. Beyond Bureaucracy We need to shift our focus from debates centered on prohibitions and regulations to a clear vision for our future. As a society and entrepreneurs, we should contribute to shaping a collective ambition for Europe. Key areas for immediate focus include commercializing our research, strengthening energy and defense resilience, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses. 4. Optimism for the Future Echoing George Bernard Shaw, progress relies on those who challenge the status quo. Our "unreasonable" entrepreneurs in Germany and Europe are the catalysts for future advancements. Let's embrace these opportunities and work together towards a thriving European future! 🇪🇺

393

12 Kommentare

Deal News | Axel Springer sells Finanzen.net Group We want to congratulate Axel Springer on the successful sale of finanzen.net GmbH Group consisting of three divisions: high-growth low-cost digital investment platform, also known as a neobroker, called Zero, a capital markets information platform called Finanzen.net, and a trading software platform for semi-professional retail investors called TraderFox. 👉🏻 Finanzen.net Group, a dynamic force in the German #financial services industry, has established itself as a market leader through its innovative and customer-focused approach. This success stems from a steadfast commitment to entrepreneurial innovation and a focus on customer-centric services. The Group democratizes investment opportunities through Zero, provides market intelligence via Finanzen.net and equips active traders with powerful tools through TraderFox. ✅ The OMMAX team conducted a commercial vendor due diligence, focusing on key areas, including market and competitive dynamics, customer performance, group integration, and business plan assessment. The completion of this transaction highlights our track record in shaping successful outcomes for leading companies in the #privateequity field through our core services in transaction advisory, digital strategy and execution. #deal #commercialduediligence #finance #neobroker #trading

14

Disney just agreed to pay $43.3 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that female employees in California were systematically paid less than their male counterparts over an eight-year period. I believe that is the kind of precedent that will help close the pay gap. But this is far from the only issue diminishing female income. Over the past months, I've been looking deeper into the issue, especially in Germany and the issues are wild: 1️⃣ Only 18% of all women in Germany invest their money 2️⃣ Those investing take a more risk-averse approach 3️⃣ Investing is still perceived as a male subject 👉 by the time women retire, if you exclude survivor's pensions, this leads to a 40% "Gender Pension Gap". But the times are changing. Younger generations are keen to close the gap and we want to help do our part across all age groups, so we are launching SheInvest.de, a new service to help women master stocks, ETFs and options in small groups.

16

4 Kommentare

When Client Interest comes First !

5

See you at Startup Nights 2024 | October 31 & November 1 | Winterthur #startupnights #sictic #sn2024 Topic: Prepare for funding - Things you should do before talking to any investor. Together with Thomas Dübendorfer

137

1 Kommentar

KfW-Report: Health-Start-ups erhalten besonders viel Kapital https://buff.ly/4e3ptl1 Health start-ups are receiving substantial funding, according to a KfW report, highlighting their growing appeal to investors. This trend underscores the sector's potential for innovation and societal impact. As the demand for advanced healthcare solutions rises, investors are increasingly drawn to the promising prospects these start-ups offer. The report suggests that this influx of capital is crucial for fostering new technologies and improving healthcare delivery. #HealthStartups #InnovationInHealthcare

1