Becoming a founder doesn’t always start with a lightbulb moment in the shower. Sometimes, it starts with a venture builder like Beam–and a structured, supportive path that takes you from idea to investment. (And if you need a refresher on what a company builder is, skim through our handy guide!). If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to join Beam as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR), here’s your step-by-step roadmap.
Don’t forget: throughout this process, you’ll never have to go it alone. At every step of the way, you’ll have access to:
- Weekly coaching sessions with Beam’s venture development and research leads
- Ad hoc consultations with subject-matter experts from logistics, operations, and product fields
- Tools and resources to build, test, and iterate your early solution–even if it’s just sketches, mockups, or scrappy no-code prototypes
Step 1: The First Hello
You get in touch. We hop on a video call–just 30 minutes with our Head of People. No pressure, no PowerPoints. We’re just trying to get to know the real you: what drives you, what excites you, and whether you’re a good fit for Beam’s startup builder model.
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.
Previous founding experience is a big plus, but definitely not required. However, some existing career experience goes a long way–recent graduates, no matter how ambitious, aren’t what we’re looking for.
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!
Step 2: Picking a Problem Worth Solving
If the vibes are right, you’ll gain access to our list of pre-vetted logistics problems. These aren’t just random ideas–they’re real pain points we’ve already researched. You choose the one that sparks your curiosity. If someone’s already working on the same problem, that’s great! We’ll introduce you.
Step 3: Mini Pitch Time & Assessment
You’ll prepare a short deck outlining your thoughts on the problem and how you might tackle it. Then comes a second call–this time with our Head of Venture Development or Managing Director. Expect lots of deep dives, mutual grilling, and clarifying questions. Think of it as your test flight before takeoff.
After that, we’ll test your skills at using LLMs and creating visuals, charts, and outreach messaging based on your chosen problem.
Based on this pitch and the assessment, we’ll offer you a spot at our venture builder (or not)!
Step 4: Optional Deep Dive
If you’re applying to join an existing startup team, you’ll also meet them directly. Expect a more technical, in-depth conversation–typically 1-2 hours. This is where culture fit meets business vision.
Step 5: You’re In! Welcome to the Venture Builder
If all goes well, we pop the champagne and sign the paperwork. You’re officially an EiR. The next 6-12 months are all about validation:
- You’ll receive a monthly stipend of €2,500 to €3,500 (gross)
- You’ll get 24/7 access to our Berlin office
- You’ll tap into the BEUMER Group network
- You’ll meet potential co-founders, or bring your own
Your goal? Prove the problem is real and start building a scalable business model.
Step 6: Assemble The Team
First, we’ll help you get a co-founder. You don’t have to go it alone! And while you can’t just hire your friend to join you, 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.
Step 7: Get to Work!
This is the heart of the journey: turning a validated problem into a viable company.
With Beam’s support, you’ll begin by outlining the fundamentals:
- Conduct thorough market research to understand industry dynamics, competitors, customer segments, and potential pricing models.
- Define your unique value proposition–what makes your solution not just different, but 10x better.
- Draft and iterate on a business model that includes your revenue streams, unit economics, and potential for scale.
Next comes hands-on strategy work:
- Map out your go-to-market plan.
- What channels will you use?
- Who are your early adopters?
- How do you reach them efficiently?
- Build a basic financial plan, including:
- Forecasts
- Key assumptions
- Break-even points
- Early cost modeling
- Align your roadmap to key milestones that investors and Beam’s board will expect to see.
You’ll also:
- Start reaching out to potential pilot partners or customers to gather feedback and gauge real-world interest.
- Secure at least 8 letters of interest from reputable businesses eager to see your solution succeed.
We’ll check in on your progress and achievements with a series of internal gate checks–structured milestone reviews where Beam assesses your progress, pressure-tests your assumptions, and offers critical feedback. These gate-checks help ensure that when pitch day comes, you’re not just ready–you’re compelling.
Step 8: The Big Pitch
Once all your gate checks have been passed, it’s time to prep for the big event. Don’t worry–you’ll have a test run or two before the moment of truth. You’ll present your pitch as part of a “soft review” for the Beam team, giving you an opportunity to iron out the issues and refine your messaging.
Once your pitch feels like it’s got a fighting chance, we’ll set a date and you’ll pitch to the deciders: a board made up of Beam and BEUMER Group directors. This is the final test–can you convince them that your business is ready to fly?
If yes? You get funded. Your startup becomes real, and you go from EiR to founder.
If, for some reason, you don’t get funded, don’t panic–you’ve got all the material you need to go out into the world and search for funding elsewhere.
Step 9: Startup Mode, Engaged
First off, congratulations are in order! You’ve got a funded startup, and you’ve officially graduated from the Beam venture builder. Now, you transition into full-on founder mode. That means building out the team, launching your MVP (if needed), and executing your go-to-market strategy. Beam stays with you to support where possible, but you’re free from any gate checks or reviews. And with Beam behind you–and BEUMER in your corner–you’re not just another startup founder. You’re one with an unfair advantage.
FAQs Along the Way
Do I get paid? Yep–€2,500/month (gross) during validation, with potential increases.
Do you sponsor visas? Unfortunately, no. You’ll need your own work permit for Germany.
Can I propose my own idea? Absolutely–if it’s logistics-related, we’re all ears.
How long does the whole thing take? Typically 5–9 months from day one to funding.
Who should apply? Experienced professionals with startup chops. Most of our EiRs are around 37, but if you’ve got the skills and drive, we want to hear from you.
Have more questions? We’ve got more answers. Check out our full FAQ here!
Why Venture Builders Like Beam Work
Beam is part of the BEUMER Group, a global logistics giant with a hunger for innovation. That’s why we’re not just interested in building shiny apps–we’re focused on long-term disruption. As a venture builder, Beam offers you unfair access, strategic insight, and the chance to launch a startup with a real-world advantage.
It’s not about speed. It’s about impact. We’re not an accelerator–we’re behind our startups for the long-haul.
So, if you’re ready to go from entrepreneur-in-waiting to founder-in-motion, we’re ready to build with you.
Think you’re ready? Let’s talk. Your founder journey might just start here.
