Leading a startup to success requires more than just a good business idea. Deutsche Telekom has been committed to young companies for years and supports founders, whether early or late stage, as a partner for digitalization. This allows founders to benefit from Telekom's startup initiatives, for example, Techboost, the startup program of Deutsche Telekom.
The program has existed since 2017 and has been searching for young companies with cloud-based business models and interesting ideas for Telekom's business customers ever since. More than 350 startups are now part of the Techboost program, and the startup, also founded in 2017, Dataguard is one of them. Other successful startups from the Techboost community in Munich are Viond and E-bot7.
A particularly close collaboration has developed with Dataguard. Telekom has entered into a nationwide sales partnership with the startup, and since May, Telekom customers have been able to purchase Dataguard products directly from Telekom. Matthias Schievelbusch, the head of startup cooperation at Telekom Deutschland, about the Techboost program.
Techboost: Deutsche Telekom's startup program
Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Startups with a digital business idea need the right IT and suitable infrastructure to implement them successfully. But the right contacts are crucial. In addition to smart IT solutions, Deutsche Telekom offers founders exciting funding through various programs, such as Techboost: We are Deutsche Telekom's startup program. We offer startups with cloud-based business models a partnership on equal terms. Our startups receive credit of up to €100,000 for the Open Telekom Cloud. Furthermore, Techboost startups benefit from personalized support in sales, marketing, and communications, as well as access to the customer network. A dedicated partner manager accompanies each startup as a direct contact throughout the program.
What do you focus on when working with startups?
The Techboost program is primarily aimed at all young entrepreneurs with an innovative, cloud-based business model who want to get their business off the ground. Within the program, we focus on increasing the visibility and reach of startups. It's particularly important to us that this collaboration is a collaborative partnership: We help startups raise awareness of their business and, in return, we hope the startups will invest in the collaboration.
The target group always in sight
To be successful, a startup must…
...in addition to a good business idea and a well-thought-out business model, you should always keep your target audience in mind. Of course, having the right contacts can also contribute significantly to success.
Why does a good startup need a partner behind it?
It's stressful enough for founders, especially in the beginning. A partner with expertise, a network, and resources often serves as a springboard during the development phase.
What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
Many people make the mistake of confusing their business idea with a business model. For example, a technological innovation, no matter how great it is, may not interest any customer because the product doesn't meet a need. Therefore, the benefits for the target audience should be anchored in the business model.
“A partnership on equal terms”
What is the key to collaboration between startups and corporates?
For Techboost, a partnership on equal terms is the key to a sustainably successful collaboration, and this naturally applies to any other relationship between two companies. The more both parties invest in the collaboration, the stronger the positive results of the joint cooperation.
Last but not least: How can startups apply for your program?
Applying is quick and easy and takes just a few steps: Startups choose the program that suits them best – Techboost “Seed” for early stagers and “Grow” for late stagers. Then, conveniently, Application form Complete and submit the online application. We will review and evaluate whether the startup is suitable for the Techboost program before signing a contract in the final step.
