If you’ve got questions about Beam or becoming an entrepreneur-in-residence, you’re in the right place! These FAQs should provide a good starting point for the common questions.

For a detailed breakdown of how the founder journey looks like at Beam, check out our EiR journey guide here!

What exactly does Beam do?

Beam is a startup builder, meaning that it builds startups (makes sense, no?). Unlike an incubator or accelerator, Beam creates startups from scratch–it researches the initial problems to be solved, hires the right people to solve them, and then supports and guides these entrepreneurs as they build their company. Finally, the teams of entrepreneurs pitch their company to a board made up of Beam BEUMER Group directors, and if they’re successful, they’ll receive the funding needed to spread their wings and fly. 

What does it mean to be an Entrepreneur in Residence at Beam?

• As an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Beam, you’ll be tasked with solving a non-obvious problem in the logistics space. We term this “validating” the problem–proving that it truly is a problem in need of solving. Don’t worry–we’ve already started the research and pre-validated the problems a bit, so you’ll be able to hit the ground running. 

• With your problem in mind, you’ll have the freedom to develop your own business model and business plan. Depending on the scope of the problem, you can take (unfair) advantage of having a direct connection to the BEUMER Group (think: connections, networking opportunities, sage wisdom). 

• At Beam, you’ll get advice and coaching on business development–and have access to our network of experts. You will receive our support in finding suitable co-validators/co-founders. We encourage you to also tap into your own network and propose a potential co-validator with your application.

• You’ll have round-the-clock access to our office and meeting rooms. You can work together with like-minded entrepreneurs in an atmosphere that makes you want to succeed.

• Remember: This is not a job! Joining Beam as an entrepreneur-in-residence means you are paving the way towards becoming a co-founder of a startup. You will receive a monthly remuneration of 2,500 € (gross) for the duration of your validation (3-4 months) so that you can fully concentrate on your validation.

Are Entrepreneurs-in-Residence paid? 

Yes! You’ll receive 2,500 € (before tax) per month for the duration of your time at Beam. That monthly remuneration can also increase as you meet certain performance criteria!

Does Beam assist with obtaining a visa and a working permit in Germany?

Unfortunately not! Your monthly remuneration and the short total duration of the contract between you and Beam don’t meet the qualifications for a German visa or working permit.

What happens after I get in touch with Beam regarding an opportunity?

• The first step is a video interview with our Head of People. The goal of this call is to get an understanding of who you are as a person. Think more in terms of values, mission and motivation. No need to prepare anything for this call!

• If it seems like you’ve got a shot at success as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, we’ll give you access to our current problem-validation opportunities. You’ll have the freedom to choose a problem you’d like to tackle. If there’s an entrepreneur-in-residence already working on the same problem, we will make sure you meet them and see if you can imagine working together.

• Finally, you’ll prepare a mini-pitch deck based on the problem you’ve chosen, and you’ll present this to our Head of Venture Development or our Managing Director (depending on which problem you’re working on). In that discussion, we expect you to ask as many questions as possible about the problem, possible solution-visions, what has already been done on the subject, and how Beam operates in general. Though we still want to woo you at this point, you should also make it worth our while!

• If you’re applying for a startup, the next step after the initial call is to talk to the startup team in a further in-depth interview.

How long are the meetings?

The video-call interview with our people operations manager will last around 30 minutes. The meeting with the validation lead of the problem of your choice depends on you, but it usually goes between 30-45 minutes.

The startups define the second interview themselves, usually ranging from 1-2 hours. 

How many interviews will I have?

You can expect a minimum of two interviews (as listed above). However, we may also book an extra session or a call for a consultation if needed!

What does the perfect resume for Beam look like?

We’re looking for talented experts who have a track record of notable professional and personal achievements, who can present a continuous lust for learning, and who are great storytellers. A professional network in the startup scene is an added bonus.

We’re definitely looking for those with some experience under their belt already (and previous founder experience is a huge plus). Unfortunately, that means that recent university graduates often don’t make the cut. But they’ve got their whole lives ahead of them, so they can apply a little later on! 

Our program skews a tiny bit older than the typical Berlin startup scene (for reference, the average age of an EiR is 37), so we’re not the right fit for those seeking those wild, devil-may-care days of a young, reckless startup. (We do have some beer in the fridge and a ping-pong table across the street, though–we’re not monsters). 

How do you choose who joins the program?

We choose our colleagues based on skills, strengths, potential, culture, team fit, and shared values–not just based on experience! We want to make sure to find a near-perfect match based on core competencies rather than resumes alone, so dark horses are welcome. 

To reduce subjectivity, we have multiple stages in the application process. That way, the decisions made at Beam are based on a team effort,  including the perceptions, opinions, and judgment of multiple people with diverse backgrounds. This is true for entrepreneurs-in-residence and employees alike!

Is there a deadline for my application?

We are always looking for strong candidates, so there’s no deadline!

Do I get to pick my own co-founders?

Yes and no. While you can’t just hire a buddy to join you in your soon-to-be startup, you’ll play a major role in deciding who sits beside you. Beam helps you figure out what roles you need to fill, where to find candidates, and helps with the hiring process, but you’ll be a part of all interviews and deliberations, and no one will join you without your explicit approval. 

What happens next if I get accepted for Beam’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program?

First things first: you celebrate! Pop the prosecco and drop a classic “I am thrilled to announce…” post on LinkedIn. 

Next, we’ll sign all the necessary paperwork and get the ball rolling. Once legal’s taken care of, you’ll get to work deciding on a business model and plan for your chosen problem, and we’ll start the discussions on getting you the personnel support you need to succeed. 

Do I get to pick which problem I want to work on?

Yes! We’ll provide you with the problems, and you choose which one piques your interest the most. 

What if I have my own idea for a startup? 

We love the initiative, and we’re always open to discussing a potential problem to be solved. When it comes time to pick your problem, let us know what you’re thinking, and we’d be happy to think it over (as long as it’s related to intra-logistics, of course)! 

What kind of support do I get in Beam’s startup builder?

In addition to the monthly stipend, you’ll get a wide variety of material and nonmaterial support, including: 

• Office space in our beautiful Prenzlauerberg office
• Access to any digital tools or subscriptions you may need
• On-demand insights from our Head of Research 
• Regular coaching and upskilling sessions 
• Insider access to Beam’s vast business network
• Hiring and personnel support from our Head of People
• Regular gate-checks to ensure that you’re on the right track

How do I get funding for my startup?

To get funding for your startup (thereby “completing” the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program), you must accomplish the following:

• Create and develop a rock-solid business plan, including a detailed financial outlook, competitor analysis, market analysis, go-to-market strategy, and expansion plans
• Successfully pass all of Beam’s gate checks, each with their own criteria
• Secure at least 8 letters-of-interest from established, reliable organizations
• Pitch to a governing board composed of BEUMER Group and Beam directors

How long is the program? 

There is no set duration for the program, but successfully securing funding typically takes between 5-9 months. The time spent in the program is highly dependent on factors like the problem you choose to work on, how complex your solution is, whether or not you hit your KPIs, and whether or not you’re required to build an MVP.

Why is Beam focused on building logistics startups?

Beam is a subsidiary of logistics giant BEUMER Group, so naturally we try to stick to that world a bit. BEUMER originally was a huge producer of CDs, but with the advent of Spotify (sorry, Tidal and Apple Music), CDs became a thing of the past, and BEUMER had to pivot to stay competitive. 

This shift into logistics informs our business outlook–if there are going to be future changes in the business model, we want to be informed, creative, and ahead of the curve. That’s why Beam puts half its focus on intra-logistics, and the other half on logistics models in general. 

Our aim is to disrupt BEUMER’s business model through innovation and dynamic shifts in how they operate. If we’re successful, the startups we’re building will go on to contribute significantly to the future of BEUMER–and the field of logistics as a whole. 

What is the “unfair advantage” and how does it work?

The unfair advantage isn’t just one specific thing–it’s a whole package of ways to reach success, both big and small. 

First, you’ve got the fact that any startup at Beam has a potentially massive client right at their doorstep: BEUMER themselves. Play your cards right, disrupt in the right direction, and your exit is as good as signed. 

Another advantage is that Beam is part of a large, family-owned company, so we think long-term. We’re not looking for sexy, shiny solutions to passing problems. We’re looking for business models and innovations that disrupt the industry for years to come. There’s no pressure to reach profitability immediately–we’re playing the long game, and we give you the space to do things right.

In addition to getting immediately put on BEUMER’s radar, you’ll also get the chance to flip through Beam’s list of stakeholders and other big contacts–the movers and shakers of the logistics world. We’ll make the introductions–you just have to wow them with your expertise and novel business model.