Success stories

How 2 Leading Universities Are Revolutionizing Their Entrepreneurship Programs (And How You Can Too)

Your university's startup support system isn't broken. But it could work better.

Imagine every student founder finding exactly what they need. Every mentor connection clicking perfectly.

Every resource being used to its full potential.

Not just a dream. Two leading universities in Germany are already making it happen.

Let's see how RWTH Aachen University and Zeppelin University transformed their entrepreneurship programs from good to exceptional.

Plus, 5 steps you can take today to modernize your startup program before your support systems reach a breaking point.

The Growing Pains of University Entrepreneurship Programs

Running a university startup program in 2024 feels like steering a speedboat with bicycle handlebars.

Your tools aren't matching your ambitions. Your students expect Netflix-level accessibility, but you're still working with DVD-era systems.

And while European universities are set to launch over 157,000 startups in the next decade, most support programs aren't ready for this surge.

Why Traditional Program Management Is Holding You Back

Let's be honest – your current setup probably looks like this:

Important updates scattered across forums, emails, and university portals. Student inquiries piling up faster than you can respond. Mentor connections happening more by chance than design.

Meanwhile, you're spending precious hours updating spreadsheets instead of actually helping founders grow.

Yes, these challenges are more common than you think.

This isn't just inefficient, it’s – it's actively preventing promising startups from reaching their potential.

What Modern Student Founders Really Need

Today's student founders aren't just looking for basic business advice. They want:

Instant access to resources (not buried in email threads)
Real-time connections with mentors and co-founders
Clear pathways to funding opportunities
A support system that moves at startup speed

They're digital natives expecting digital solutions. When they hit a roadblock at 2 AM, they want answers now – not "during office hours next Tuesday."

The gap between these expectations and traditional support methods isn't just frustrating – it's pushing potential founders away from university programs altogether.

Want to know how leading universities are bridging this gap? Let's look at RWTH Aachen's transformation...

Building a Digital Hub: RWTH Aachen University's Success Story

When RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany’s premier technical institutions, faced the challenge of scaling their startup support, they didn't just adapt – they revolutionized their entire approach.

RWTH Innovation GmbH, the central technology transfer unit of RWTH Aachen University, leads the charge in transforming academic knowledge into real-world impact. Through their platform Collæb – a digital ecosystem designed specifically for Aachen's startup community – they're revolutionizing how university entrepreneurship programs operate.

From Scattered Resources to Centralized Excellence

Before collæb, RWTH's entrepreneurship landscape looked familiar: Brilliant ideas getting lost in administrative mazes. Valuable resources hidden in departmental silos. A growing startup community with no central meeting point.

Then came the shift.

Christian Schöndeling, Community Management & Start-up Coach at RWTH Innovation Aachen recalls:

Building Collæb wasn't just about creating another platform – it was about unifying Aachen's entire startup ecosystem. Now our community members have a single destination for everything from first idea to market entry.

By creating a digital ecosystem, they transformed how 8,000+ entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners connect and collaborate. Instead of navigating multiple platforms and endless email chains, their entire startup community now lives in one dynamic space.

How collæb Became Aachen's Entrepreneurial Epicenter

The numbers tell a compelling story: 600+ active startups, 89 new ventures in 2022 alone, and over 60 successful grant applications.

But the real magic? How they got there.

collæb didn't just digitize existing services – they reimagined the entire founder journey.

From workspace bookings to mentor connections, from funding applications to skill development programs, everything flows through one intuitive platform.

They built a dynamic hub where all entrepreneurship programs live under one roof. Need to update a program detail or add a new resource? Changes happen in minutes with LoftOS, not weeks – no IT ticket required.

For example, their 3-month ideation program, once buried in bureaucracy, now guides founders from first spark to viable venture. Their Collective Incubator Academy transforms theoretical knowledge into practical startup skills.

Key LoftOS Features That Transformed Their Program

Here's what sets collæb apart:

Smart Resource Distribution: Instead of static directories, they created dynamic service listings where founders can instantly find and access support – from coaching sessions to workspace bookings.

Information Architecture: Their program pages do more than inform – they guide. Whether it's their ideation program, latest events, or comprehensive guidelines to find the perfect co-founder, every resource is exactly where founders expect to find it.

Community Management: By organizing members into focused groups, they ensure everyone gets relevant updates and opportunities, without the noise. All while being part of an active community where collaboration and peer learning happen naturally.

The result? A thriving ecosystem where finding support is as natural as having an idea.

Ready to see another approach? Let's look at how Zeppelin University tackled one of entrepreneurship's biggest challenges – co-founder matching...

Mastering Co-founder Matching: Zeppelin University's Approach

How do you solve the entrepreneur's eternal challenge: finding the perfect co-founder?

Nestled in the innovative Lake Constance region, where Germany borders Switzerland, and Austria, Zeppelin University has earned its reputation as one of Germany's top higher education institutions. Known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong ties to industry, ZU isn't just teaching business – they're a research-oriented university actively shaping the next generation of founders.

For Zeppelin University, watching brilliant ideas stall because founders couldn't find their missing puzzle piece wasn't an option.

Why Traditional Matching Methods Don’t Work

Think about the usual co-founder search:

Networking events where conversations barely scratch the surface. Spreadsheets full of outdated contact info. "Matchmaking" sessions that feel more like speed dating gone wrong.

It's not just inefficient – it's actively discouraging potential founders. When a technical genius with a breakthrough innovation can't find a business-savvy partner, everyone loses.

How BodenseeLinked Changed the Game

Let's talk about BodenseeLinked, Zeppelin University's LoftOS-powered platform and answer to the co-founder conundrum.

Zeppelin University took an ambitious approach: unifying the entire Lake Constance region's entrepreneurship ecosystem in one platform.

Instead of having each institution run isolated programs, BodenseeLinked became the central nervous system for the region's rich entrepreneurship landscape. Every higher education institution contributes their expertise, making it a powerhouse of opportunities for founders.

Samuel Böhni, Project Lead at Bodensee Linked tells us about their experience after switching to LoftOS:

When we envisioned BodenseeLinked, we wanted to unite the Lake Constance region's entrepreneurial potential. Our matching platform has broken down barriers between institutions, creating a powerful network where founders find exactly the connections they need. It's become the backbone of our regional startup ecosystem.

Their platform does more than list available co-founders – it creates meaningful connections based on complementary skills and shared visions.

Using LoftOS’s advanced matchmaking system, they didn’t just connect co-founders – they strengthened the entire regional startup ecosystem by breaking down institutional silos.

Key LoftOS Features That Transformed Zeppelin University

Through strategic use of LoftOS's matching algorithms and event management tools, Zeppelin University transformed regional co-founder matching from a challenge into an opportunity.

Their approach shows how the right platform can turn ambitious visions into reality.

This is what they did:

Strategic Matching: Platform users input their specific needs and expertise, ensuring connections are based on genuine compatibility, not just availability.

Regional Focus: By concentrating on the Bodensee ecosystem, they create partnerships that can actually meet and build together.

Active Community: Regular events and workshops turn digital matches into real-world collaborations

The result? A thriving network where:

Technical innovators find business strategists
First-time founders connect with experienced mentors
Ideas find the perfect mix of skills to become reality

Want to replicate these successes in your program? Let's break down the digital transformation process step by step...

Breaking Down the Digital Transformation Process

Let's get practical.

After studying how universities like RWTH Aachen and Zeppelin University modernized their programs, we've identified four key steps to digital transformation that any university can follow.

Here's your roadmap to streamlining your entrepreneurship program.

Step 1: Unify Your Communication Efforts

First, think about your current communication flow. How many platforms do you juggle daily?

Important updates scattered across emails, university portals, and spreadsheets. Sound exhausting? It is.

It’s time you create one central hub where all program communications live. Not just another channel – a replacement for the chaos.

Both universities discovered that centralization isn't about adding another platform – it's about eliminating the need for others.

Here's how to bring that order:

Create one central place for all program updates
Establish clear communication channels for different groups
Set up automated event reminders and deadline notifications
Keep resource libraries in one searchable location

Real impact: RWTH's collæb platform reduced communication overhead by centralizing all updates in one platform, ensuring no opportunity gets lost in transit.

Step 2: Automate Administrative Tasks

Manual matchmaking is like trying to solve a thousand-piece puzzle in the dark. You know the pieces fit somewhere, but finding the right connections takes forever.

Start with the basics:

Replace those endless spreadsheets with a dynamic database
Let participants create detailed profiles
Set clear matching criteria

Then watch the magic happen.

Zeppelin University's BodenseeLinked showed how powerful automated matching can be:

Co-founders find each other based on complementary skills
Mentors connect with founders who need their specific expertise
Industry partners discover relevant startups

The result? Connections that used to take months now happen in days. More importantly, they're better matches – based on data, not just gut feel.

Step 3: Enable Self-Service Support

Ever calculated how many hours you spend answering the same questions?

From "How do I apply for this grant?" to "Where can I find mentor resources?" – these repetitive queries eat up time you could spend on high-impact activities.

Program managers, like many workers, spend at least a quarter of their week doing basic, repetitive tasks. That's two full days that could be spent mentoring founders, building partnerships, or developing new initiatives.

The solution? Setting up a self-service knowledge base where founders can:

Access structured learning paths at their own pace
Find answers to common questions instantly
Download templates and resources independently
Track their progress through different support stages
Connect with relevant resources automatically

This isn't just about saving your time – it's about empowering founders. When they can access support 24/7, they move faster, learn deeper, and build stronger ventures.

Here's where digital tools make the difference.

LoftOS comes with features like Programs, where you can create structured pathways for everything from ideation to market entry. Think of it as your startup program's operating system, guiding founders through each stage while you focus on what matters most.

Need something more specific?

Custom Modules let you build exactly what your community needs – whether it's a founder resource library, a mentor database, or a startup toolkit repository.

The result? Your founders get better support, faster. And you? You get your time back.

Step 4: Centralize Your Ecosystem

Connecting your startup ecosystem feel like hosting separate parties in different cities?

Today's founders need more than occasional meetups and LinkedIn connections. They need an always-on community where every interaction builds meaningful relationships.

RWTH Aachen’s collæb used LoftOS’s Groups to create spaces where different players in the startup scene – from life science innovators to digital pioneers – can find their tribe. They also create dedicated spaces for each new startup batch, ensuring focused discussions and relevant connections.

This approach means:

Founders connect with peers in their field
Industry experts easily find relevant startups
Knowledge sharing happens organically
Support becomes more targeted and effective

The beauty of digital communities? They're always active, always accessible, and always evolving. No more waiting for the next networking event to make that crucial connection when you can have batch-specific spaces where cohorts grow together.

The One Platform Approach: Why It Works

Still juggling five different tools to run your startup program?

We get it. You didn't sign up to be a digital acrobat – you're here to launch the next generation of founders.

Every time you switch tools, you're not just losing time. You're losing potential unicorns who got frustrated with the process and gave up.

Leading university programs figured it out: One platform that handles everything from co-founder matching to resource sharing isn't just convenient – it's transformative.

LoftOS gives you exactly that. A place where:

Students find resources without hunting through email chains
Mentors connect with the right founders automatically
Your entire ecosystem thrives in one dynamic space

The best part? No complex setup. No IT department needed. No more waiting months for simple changes your team can do.

Want to see how your program could look? Try our University Entrepreneurship Platform template for free and start building your startup hub in minutes, not months.

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Success stories

2 Continents, 1 Platform: How StAfrica is Building a Startup Community Across Continents with LoftOS

Meet StAfrica - Startup Germany-Africa

Meet StAfrica Startup Germany-Africa, the startup community that's igniting a new era of economic collaboration between Germany and Africa.

Backed by Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, StAfrica is on a dual mission: to make Germany irresistible to African startups and to pave the way for German SMEs into Africa.

Born three years ago from a glaring disconnect between the two regions, StAfrica has evolved into a bustling economic bridge.

So, how did this audacious initiative come to life? We sat down with Materne L. Mateso, a Project Lead at StArfrica, to get the scoop on how LoftOS is fueling this pioneering project.

The Catalyst - Awakening Cross-Continental Potential

Before StAfrica build a startup community, the startup and entrepreneurship dialogue between Germany and Africa had its gaps. Materne and his team saw these not as roadblocks but as areas ripe for innovation and untapped potential.

Enter Materne and his team, who saw this not as a roadblock but as untapped potential.
Amidst Africa's green transition and other global shifts, they knew it was time to light a fire under this dormant relationship.

Backed by key players like the Ministry of Economics and Climate Change and the University of Koblenz, StAfrica set out on its quest: to turn this missing link into a bustling economic highway.

The Problem - Can Building a Digital Startup Community Connect Continents?

In the fast-paced startup scene, StArfrica envisioned building a digital startup community hub where German and African entrepreneurs could connect, network, learn, and explore each region's startup landscape and business opportunities.

Sounds simple, right? Not so fast.

They faced a big hurdle — how to seamlessly blend networking with e-learning. And it wasn't just any hurdle; it was like trying to mix oil and water. They needed a one-stop shop that could do it all.

So, they turned to Innoloft with a challenge: Could a single platform meet StAfrica's lofty goals, or would they have to go back to the drawing board? And if so, would it fulfill the unique needs of StAfrica's ambitious project?

The LoftOS Solution - Building a Startup Community to Bridge Divides and Build Connections

When StAfrica needed a stable platform to power their first-of-its-kind German-African Startup community, they found their match in LoftOS.

What really clinched the deal were two key features: our 'programs' for e-learning and our 'events' module. These became Materne's daily go-to's, so essential that he joked about losing sleep if they ever went down.

StAfrica took it to the next level with our 'programs' feature, enabling them to host e-learning entrepreneurship courses tailored to their unique needs. This also transformed their platform into a hub for online learning, enabling knowledge exchange efficiently and effectively.
And when it comes to organizing exchange trips for startups between African countries and Germany, guess what? LoftOS is right there, making it all possible.

Materne explained how these cross-country exchanges are organized through the platform:

We have visits from African startups coming to Germany and vice versa. It's all coordinated on the platform, from sending out applications to reviewing them. The physical work is there, but it’s now all digitalized entirely.wh

Let's dive a bit deeper and see how LoftOS is making Materne's work easier.

The Result - A Startup Community Where Tech Meets Tangible Impact

Let's get into the numbers. LoftOS's 'programs' feature has become such a cornerstone for StAfrica, accounting for 60% of their platform activities with more than 150 daily users. And let's not forget our 'events' module — it's responsible for facilitating 20% of StAfrica's event-related tasks.

As you can already imagine, this has led to a significant increase in the efficiency of Materne's workflows.

Materne sees another layer of value in using LoftOS for StAfrica.

The startup community has become the first port of call for African startups landing in Germany, and Materne sees LoftOS as more than just a tool; it's a trust-builder. Startups from both Germany and Africa are flocking to the platform, not just to network, but to network effectively.

Both sides sign up to the platform, get vetted by the StAfrica team, display projects, share offers, and even industry news. All while our intelligent matchmaking system makes sure that when these companies meet, it's not just a handshake; it's a meaningful connection.
On the cost-saving front, Materne and his team are eyeing the next frontier: moving their successful in-person incubator programs online via LoftOS.

Why? Two words: cost and reach.

These programs have been a hit since 2021, with their second cohort alone pulling in 230 applications, accepting 116, and graduating 17. Imagine turning this success online — digital incubators would mean fewer overheads, broader reach, and a decreased need for on-ground staff.

So, what's the big takeaway? LoftOS isn't just a platform; it's the future of meaningful, scalable connections in the startup community world.

Why did StAfrica Choose LoftOS?

When StAfrica was on the hunt for a platform, what ultimately won them over were two things: communication and cost-efficiency. Materne couldn't say enough about our quick responses. He recalls:

Any challenge we ever had, it was easy to talk to them and the communication channels are very open.

And it's not just about speed; it's about effectiveness. "If the person you're talking to can't solve your issue, they swiftly communicate your needs to the IT team," Materne adds.

But the perks don't stop there. Materne also highlighted how LoftOS has been a cost-saver for them, especially when it comes to training. "Instead of flying someone over for two or three weeks, we can now deliver two weeks' worth of training right on the LoftOS platform. That brings the costs really down and helps a lot on the cost-saving side," he notes.

3 Quick-Fire Questions about LoftOS for Materne

Q: What's one LoftOS feature you couldn't live without?
Tough to pick just one! But if I had to, I'd say it's a tie between 'programs' and 'events.' The 'programs' feature is a lifesaver for our e-learning courses, and 'events' keeps everything organized. Oh, and let's not forget 'chat groups' for seamless communication.
These features are my bread and butter.

Q: Any advice for organizations or institutions looking to try LoftOS?
If you're a program manager, know that LoftOS is an incredibly flexible tool to build a startup community. LoftOS is all about efficiency too. I can't even imagine going back to the old way of doing things. In short, LoftOS makes your life easy and helps you hit your targets without breaking a sweat.

Q: How would you describe LoftOS to someone who's never heard about it before?
In one word? Awesome. LoftOS is more than just a platform; it's a flexible tool that adapts to your project's unique needs. It's designed to be intuitive, so you can shape it to fit your goals right out of the box.

The StAfrica Experience - Where Vision Meets Reality

The StAfrica story is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, innovation, and the right digital tools come together. It's a tale of breaking down barriers and building bridges — literally and figuratively.

If you're a project manager at a research institute, economic development agency or startup program looking to build a community, this could be your story too. LoftOS isn't just a platform; it's a catalyst for change, a tool that can elevate your project from concept to reality, just like it did for StAfrica.

LoftOS isn't just a platform; it's a catalyst for change, a tool that can elevate your project from concept to reality, just like it did for StAfrica. Ready to transform your institution's goals into tangible results?

Check out our platform templates and start creating yours for free today.

Success stories

How innomatch is Revolutionizing Lower Saxony's Startup Scene with Our Software Solution for Government Agencies

Introducing startup.niedersachsen

At the heart of Lower Saxony's burgeoning entrepreneurial scene lies startup.niedersachsen, a government-backed organization committed to fueling innovation and fostering business growth.

Its mission? To create a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem where startups and potential investors can seamlessly connect.

To achieve this, they leveraged the power of LoftOS to create innomatch, a networking platform that blossomed into a full digital community, experiencing substantial growth within a single year tailored to meet the unique needs of startups and investors alike.

Through innomatch, startup.niedersachsen set out to transform a disjointed ecosystem into an integrated network of thriving startups, eager investors and cooperating corporates, with the help of a software solution for government agencies.

To gain insider insights into this exciting transformation and understand how startup.niedersachsen utilizes LoftOS to reshape the startup landscape of Lower Saxony, we had an enlightening conversation with Kevin Bruns, one of the key players at startup.niedersachsen.

The Catalyst - A Software for Government Agencies to Streamlined Collaboration

Kevin enthrallingly describes the genesis of innomatch as a journey instigated by a simple yet powerful vision: to create a platform that would catalyze connections between startups, investors, and companies in Lower Saxony.

Just over a year and a half ago, the team at startup.niedersachsen was approached by a prominent association representing the economy of Lower Saxony. Their message was clear and compelling — Lower Saxony's startups needed a platform to facilitate connections, a place to exchange ideas and experiences and to connect with potential investors.

Recognizing the gap and the growing need for a more cohesive and expansive networking platform, startup.niedersachsen had a vision. The idea was clear and compelling; what they needed now was the right platform to bring this vision to life.

Identifying the need was just the first step, an inkling of a grand idea. The challenge that lay ahead for startup.niedersachsen was sourcing the perfect platform to turn this ambitious idea into a tangible reality.

The Problem – Juggling Inefficacy and Complexities

Upon joining startup.niedersachsen, Kevin was immediately confronted with an array of disparate, homegrown platforms. The team realized these were simply too localized to effectively serve the diverse and widespread startup community of Lower Saxony, illustrating a common challenge in public service software applications.

Despite their best efforts, some of the smaller platforms failed, reinforcing the need for a centralized approach.

Kevin, reflecting on their decision, stated,

I think the move to centralize things from a Lower Saxony perspective was a positive one, not only for efficiency but also because it established a neutral platform, operated by the state with no vested investment interests or profit-oriented intention

This neutrality truly emphasized their commitment to promoting a flourishing startup ecosystem in Lower Saxony.

But this was just the beginning.

At the same time, working with government entities is not for the faint of heart. Is often a tricky terrain. As Kevin pointed out, creating software for government bodies comes with a labyrinth of regulations and complexities. Furthermore, convincing those in the governmental sphere to trust in new software is no easy task.

Trust is paramount, but with LoftOS, they found a partner that had previously navigated these bureaucratic waters successfully.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of a platform’s sustainability. Smaller centers with limited staff could close down swiftly, leaving users in the lurch. This understanding underscored the need for a robust, reliable platform like LoftOS, capable of standing the test of time.

The LoftOS Solution - A Centralized Regional Platform for Innovation

Upon identifying the challenges faced by startup.niedersachsen, the Innoloft team sprang into action, armed with a solution designed to revolutionize the innovation ecosystem of Lower Saxony.

The LoftOS platform, with its robust marketplace and inbuilt chat functionality, offered an ideal solution that hit the sweet spot of the organization's needs, allowing not only startups but all players in Lower Saxony's innovation scene to exchange ideas seamlessly.

This inclusive, centralized, and easily accessible platform stood as a haven of streamlined communication and connection, its marketplace providing a hub for interaction and its chat function expediting the process of idea exchange.

Kevin also points out the significant impact of our group function introduced. With this, the need for frequent individual calls was practically eliminated, replaced by a group communication system that ensured the simultaneous engagement of multiple companies.

The reduction in time and effort was considerable; previously, 20 separate sales calls would perhaps only reach a fraction of the companies. Now, a single group message could engage up to 50 companies, an impressive boost for scaling. An impressive boost for scaling with the help of digital tools for public administration.

This praise was echoed by the Minister for Economic Affairs, Olaf Lies, who quoted innomatch, powered by LoftOS, as the "platform of all platforms in Lower Saxony," a testament to its transformative influence on the startup landscape, and a shining example of innovative digital government solutions.

The Result - A Vibrant Startup Network in Lower Saxony

The implementation of LoftOS has brought about a transformative shift within startup.niedersachsen, with the growth of innomatch serving as a prime testament to this.

Today, user registration and active engagement have soared, with the platform expanding to over 2,500 users in less than a year, and 126 newly founded startups in Lower Saxony alone in 2022.

A testament to the effectiveness and appeal of LoftOS as a leading software solution for government agencies.

On top of that, Kevin mentions that since getting on board LoftOS they have experienced the following:

Subscriber Growth: The innomatch newsletter, a key communication channel, has attracted over 1,200 subscribers, affirming the platform's appeal and its capacity to engage and retain users effectively.
Greater Visibility: innomatch has not only fostered a more streamlined and efficient process but has also amplified startup.niedersachsen's visibility significantly. At a major fair in Hannover, for instance, Kevin comments, a whopping 70% of discussions revolved around innomatch, reflecting the buzz and interest it has generated as a government technology solution.

Why did startup.niedersachsen Choose LoftOS?

startup.niedersachsen chose LoftOS as their platform of choice for several key reasons, as articulated by Kevin. Primarily, the competitive pricing strategy of LoftOS was highly attractive to the organization.

Plus, LoftOS's proven capability to effectively collaborate with government entities served as a significant advantage, showcasing its strength as a government IT solution.

This was bolstered further by LoftOS's strong commitment to data security - a vital consideration for any digital platform. Kevin recalled a past incident where they had to abruptly discontinue using another software due to data security concerns, underscoring the importance of this aspect.

The fact that LoftOS is German-based, adhering to stringent data protection laws, was a notable plus point that significantly influenced their decision.

LoftOS's intuitive design and flexible customization options allowed startup.niedersachsen to swiftly and painlessly import its extensive startup map database, providing a comprehensive overview of the startup ecosystem in Lower Saxony.

2 Speedfire Questions about LoftOS for Kevin

Q: What's one LoftOS feature you couldn't live without?
Groups and the Speed Dating function. It wouldn't work without it.

I got a lot of networks joining innomatch today because of these functions. But of course, when we've got a big event lined up, we use the event module, and we get 100 to 200 new users a day. Of course, that's big, highlighting the platform's versatility as a software solution for government agencies.

Q: Any advice for businesses looking to try LoftOS?

LoftOS is a great tool to build a community, to reach out to people and connect them. But be prepared to work with it. It's not going to walk on its own.

And...one more thing: don't build a platform on your own. It's way better to get a company that specializes in platforms like Innoloft than building software on your own. Otherwise, you’ll just drown.

The innomatch Experience - Empowering Connectivity with LoftOS

The innomatch journey with LoftOS sheds light on the transformative power of the right digital platform in revolutionizing a regional startup ecosystem.

It has seamlessly bound together all stakeholders - from startups and investors to everything in between - into a dynamic, interactive 'platform of platforms’ for the Lower Saxony region.

Now, it's your turn to experience the magic! Don't wait around while the world innovates.

Jumpstart your innovation journey with our easy-to-use regional innovation network template. Unleash the potential of your ideas, engage with your community, and bring your visions to life. Just like startup.niedersachsen did.

Join the innovation revolution and start using LoftOS today!

Success stories

Building a B2B Network in the Hearing Aid Industry: LoftOS's Role in Audoora's Success

Meet Audoora

Audoora, the brainchild of Nils Sonnenfroh and Sebastian Garcia Dennemark is a pioneering B2B network and marketplace in the hearing aid sector hailing from Cologne.

Originally conceived in 2020, Audoora came into being out of the need to improve the mainstream hearing aid industry by providing a more streamlined and transparent process for everyone involved. From manufacturers and audiologists to customers, Audoora's mission is to develop a B2B networking platform that simplifies the journey of finding and selecting the perfect aid.

In a matter of 3 years, they digitalized processes that relied on outdated product catalogs and sending orders via fax back and forth, which was (you guessed it!) incredibly time-consuming.
However, not everything was smooth sailing.

We chatted with Nils to learn more about how Audoora harnessed the power of LoftOS to build their B2B network and digitize their vision.

The Catalyst - Uncertainty Meets Creativity

Just as Audoora was poised to revolutionize the hearing aid industry, a series of unprecedented events threatened to silence their fight for change. With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting their business operations and unexpected industry politics jeopardizing relationships with manufacturers, Audoora found themselves in dire straits.

Suddenly, by autumn 2021, their dreams of innovation were left without the support of their manufacturers, their lifeline in the market and crucial for their B2B network development, leading many to believe that Audoora had met its end.

A storm of uncertainty was brewing, and Audoora found itself in the eye of the tempest looking for a solution.

Nils tells us, they thought they'd run out of cash if they didn't change something.

The Problem - Putting Knowledge at the Forefront

As you can imagine after raising funds and hiring a full-fledged IT team having no cash inflow meant Audoora had to get creative.

They began seeking out opportunities within the industry, leveraging their IT skills to provide services to other businesses, which led them to gather lots of expertise crucial for their B2B network.

Acquiring this deep, domain-specific knowledge was paramount, as the hearing aid industry is traditionally a highly niche and specialized field.

Audoora now faced a significant challenge: To put this knowledge to work in a meaningful way that would not only demonstrate their continued relevance in the business but also create a robust and valuable network. They needed a platform, a hub, where they could consolidate all the collected information, providing a one-stop resource for everyone involved in the hearing industry.

The question now was, how could they efficiently and effectively do all of this, ultimately saving their business and creating a thriving community?

The LoftOS Solution - A Centralized B2B Network

Audoora’s goal of transforming the industry was well on its way, but they needed a unified platform that could help them do more than just revolutionize the way hearing aids were bought, sold, and distributed but also a one-stop hub for all stakeholders to share important industry information.

This is where LoftOS came into the game.

By integrating LoftOS into their workflow, Audoora was now able to consolidate all their accumulated knowledge into a single, B2B centralized network . This provided a seamless, user-friendly portal for all industry stakeholders to access critical information such as updated product catalogs, clean product data, online courses and invaluable industry news.

The Result - A One-Stop Shop for the Hearing Aid Industry

But LoftOS did more than just build a B2B network to simplify Audoora's processes.

In just under one month, LoftOS equipped their IT department with the tools to automate the collection and dissemination of industry news and events. This enabled Audoora to keep their new B2B network up-to-date in real-time, feeding essential information directly into their new platform, significantly enhancing their value proposition in the hearing aid industry.

This enabled Audoora to keep their network up-to-date in real-time, feeding essential information directly into their new platform, significantly enhancing their value proposition in the hearing aid industry.

Features like the LoftOS's "Events module" became an invaluable resource for Audoora, as they now host monthly events that provide insights into the most pressing issues in the industry.

For instance, the recent shift towards Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aids, which bypass the need for a medical exam, prescription, or fitting by an audiologist, has been a topic of much discussion.

LoftOS not only provided Audoora with a lifeline during a challenging period but also propelled them further than they had imagined possible.

if we wouldn't set LoftOS half a year ago, we wouldn't be here anymore - Nils Sonnenfroh

The foresight to adopt LoftOS significantly improved Audoora's image within the sector, making them the go-to platform for innovative thought leaders in the industry.

Why did Audoora Choose LoftOS?

When asked why LoftOS, Nils explained that it was all about putting the consumer first.
Audoora's primary goal is to ensure that their customers are the most satisfied in the market. They wanted to achieve this by offering a broad spectrum of products and services.

Through its collaboration with LoftOS, Audoora is able to offer its users all these services online, at their convenience, making the process of hearing aid comparison and acquisition smoother than ever before, transforming the traditional hearing aid market into a consumer-centric one.

3 Quick-Fire Questions about LoftOS for Nils

Q: What's one LoftOS feature you couldn't live without?
The 'Pages' module. You can create your own pages and set up everything the way you want it. It has the deep integration features we needed. The perfect use-case example is our hearing aid comparison tool. Everything is done for you, you just have to take care of the content.

Q: Any advice for businesses looking to try LoftOS?

LoftOS is an adaptable platform that requires your active involvement to truly shine. It's crucial to engage your users and create captivating content. Beyond its basic functionality, LoftOS's infrastructure allows for custom modules, so with a bit of engineering, you can tailor it to fit every need.

Q: How would you describe LoftOS to someone who's never heard about it before?

LoftOS lets you build easily and fast any kind of business platform you want. You can also really individualize it yourself if you want to have special functionalities.

The Audoora Experience - Empowering Connectivity with LoftOS

The journey of Audoora with LoftOS paints a vivid picture of how the right software can transform a business, and build a B2B network from scratch that can bind an entire industry and its stakeholders - from manufacturers, and wholesalers, to health insurance companies, audiologists and the end-users.

This dynamic platform has allowed Audoora to streamline its processes, provide valuable content to all its users, and foster an environment of connectivity, improvement, and mutual assistance. It has shifted the focus from a business-centric to a consumer-centric model, meeting needs and exceeding expectations.

Ready to transform your business? Start your journey with LoftOS today and experience the power of connectivity, just like Audoora did.

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