Blog

Perspectives and knowledge for ambitious people on their path to entrepreneurship.

What is Franchising? Definition, Principles & How It Works

Franchising is one of the most successful expansion and business models in the world. Companies of all sizes use it to build and grow brands more quickly. At the same time, it offers founders a realistic opportunity to achieve entrepreneurial success with an established concept. In this way, the model brings together two perspectives: system development by the franchisor and local implementation by the franchisee. The following provides a well-founded, practical introduction to the fundamentals and mechanics of modern franchising.

Article

Franchising Compared

Anyone looking to start their own business faces three fundamental options: taking on a franchise, developing their own concept, or buying an existing company. Each model offers specific opportunities, challenges, and risk factors. Making a well-informed decision requires understanding the core differences — both structurally and operationally.

Article

From Fast-Food Myth to Modern Franchise Model

Many people still associate franchising with global fast-food chains. This perception, however, falls short and does not do justice to the diversity of modern franchise systems. The franchise sector has evolved considerably over recent decades: today it spans virtually every industry and offers business models for a wide range of target groups, company sizes, and market segments.

Article

The Mom Test in Practice: How to Get Honest Feedback

How do you apply the Mom Test in practice? This article provides real-world conversation examples, phrasing suggestions, and guiding questions to help you get reliable answers — rather than polite agreement — in customer interviews.

Article

The Feedback Illusion: How Founders Avoid False Validation

Many founders confuse approval with market demand. This article explores the psychological mechanisms behind the "feedback illusion" and shows how targeted conversation techniques and an open feedback culture can lead to genuine insights.

Article

The Mom Test: Validating Business Ideas Properly Instead of Sugarcoating Them

Honest feedback is vital for founders – and yet it is rare. The Mom Test shows you how to ask customers the right questions, so that even friends and family can no longer lie out of politeness. This article introduces the method and explains how it transforms the quality of your market validation.

Article

What is a Startup, Really?

Not everyone is cut out for the dynamics of a startup. This article helps you realistically assess your own founder profile – with a focus on mindset, risk appetite, and the key characteristics of successful startup entrepreneurs.

Article

Common Mistakes When Starting a Business

Many startups fail due to avoidable mistakes – such as scaling too early, team issues, or a lack of customer focus. Find out what the most common pitfalls are and how to avoid them.

Article

Startup – From Idea to Customer: How to Solve a Real Problem

Many founders build products the market doesn't need. Here you'll learn how to identify real customer problems, test your hypotheses, and find out through targeted conversations whether your idea is truly relevant.

Article

The First 100 Days as CEO – Starting Successfully After a Business Acquisition

The first 100 days as CEO are decisive for long-term success following a business acquisition. This phase is where you set the course for your leadership role, build trust, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Mistakes made during this sensitive period are difficult to correct later on. This article provides a strategic roadmap for a successful start — covering everything from handover planning and team communication to building trust with stakeholders, achieving quick wins, and developing an integration roadmap.

Article

Founding a Startup: Opportunities, Risks and First Steps

What sets a startup apart from a traditional business – and how do you get started on the right foot? This article explains what a startup really is, what opportunities and risks are involved, and which first steps lead to a successful launch.

Article

What Does Buying a Business Really Cost? A Practical Cost Overview

Acquiring an existing business is widely regarded as one of the most effective routes to self-employment – yet many prospective buyers underestimate the true costs involved. Beyond the purchase price, factors such as equity, debt financing, investor participation, public funding, and advisory and ancillary costs all play a central role. This article provides a realistic overview of the key cost components and financing models – including public grants and investor capital – and uses a practical example to illustrate what a typical budget framework looks like when acquiring an SME.