Wingman in every founding phase
Whether in the idea phase, during the founding phase or in the development and growth phase, Techniker Krankenkasse supports startups in all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, explains Johannes Kohl, Startup specialist at TK Pitch & People.
Pitch & People Episodes
PITCH & PEOPLE Episode 10: Johannes Kohl
"At every stage, there are points of contact with the social security system. This is precisely where we come in with practical advice to avoid costly mistakes and uncertainties."
The Socialpizza platform is the central point of contact: Under socialpizza.tk.de Founders can receive individual and legally sound advice, free of charge and regardless of their health insurance affiliation.
"This ensures that everyone receives the relevant information in a targeted manner and protects themselves from very unpleasant situations."
More than just advice: exchange, events and 1:1 sessions
In addition to online counselling The Socialpizza team regularly offers information sessions, workshops, and one-on-one meetings, both virtually and in person. These cover everything that concerns founders in practice, from whether starting a business full-time or part-time, to social security obligations for the first employees, and topics such as workations and international staff.
Furthermore, the TK Welcome Service helps startups bring specialists from abroad to Germany more quickly and integrate them into their teams. This saves young companies time and money, allowing them to fully concentrate on their mission.
Complex topics explained simply
TK sees itself as a partner that relieves startups of bureaucratic burdens.
"Founders should be able to concentrate on their mission; we want to create real added value. We take care of the issues that many female founders find rather unsexy."
supplemented Johannes Kohl in the interview.
This also includes typical questions such as: Which legal structure suits me best? When do I start paying contributions? Or: How do I insure my team abroad?
From Founder to Leader: Programs for Healthy Growth
But TK doesn't just provide support during the initial stages, but also during healthy growth. With programs like "From Founder to Leader," it helps early-stage startups develop leadership skills. For growing companies with around 100 employees or more, TK offers the "Level Up for Scale-ups" program – a leadership training program designed to build high-performance teams.
The program is conducted in collaboration with external experts. It is based on the concept of Purpose Driven Leadership and aims to help managers sustainably improve communication, feedback culture, and team structures.
Healthy teams, healthy companies
Besides leadership, health plays a central role. A fact that many don't consider, so... Cabbage:
"Health insurance companies have a legal mandate to promote health in companies. Founders in particular are often exposed to chronic stress, lack of sleep, or unhealthy eating habits. TK can provide targeted support here with offers on exercise, nutrition, relaxation, and addiction prevention."
Kohl draws a comparison to the Tour de France:
"A founder is like a driver. He needs a strong team of mental coaches, nutrition experts, and tech professionals to be successful. We want to anchor this mindset more firmly in the startup ecosystem."
A partner with energy and purpose
For Johannes Kohl, working with startups is far more than just sales activity.
"The energy at startups is incredibly positive."
Whether it's healthtech, AI, or sustainability, TK supports founders regardless of the sector. Its aim:
"We want to stand by their side as wingmen so they can focus on what really matters – their vision."
