Go Germany
Gain a foothold in the German market faster
For international startups, we are the first point of contact on the ground. We open doors to a local network, first customers, and a strategy that actually works in the German market.
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Successful startups in the German market
In the words of the teams
“Getting a mentor who shares the same vision and is aware of the problem is really good. He wants to keep supporting us until we get a PoC.”
“Loggy became a more open product for German customers, thanks to several meetings and discussions with mentors.”
“Meeting in Metro as a great start for developing sales in Berlin.”
Quotes from the reflection sheets of the closing session, June 2026.
Reference · Completed program
GoGlobal Berlin
As a partner of StartSmart CEE, we co-developed the Booster GoGlobal Berlin program and guided established startups from Poland into the German market, through three months of mentoring up to the final Berlin Week.
Starting point
Five startups with proven success in their home market, but without access, network, or market knowledge in Germany, spanning foodtech, AI, energy, and logistics.
Our contribution
We developed a tailored market-entry strategy with each team and prepared for Berlin Week: legal, local positioning, access to funding, and B2B contacts.
Result
At the close, all teams presented at Polish Tech Night in front of partners and companies from Berlin's ecosystem.
Delivered together with StartSmart CEE, funded by the Polish agency PARP under the EU FENG program.
The cohort in detail
What the teams set out to do, and what came of it
At the kickoff in March, each team put its goal for the German market in writing. In the closing session, the founders answered the same question again. This comparison shows exactly what a market entry can realistically achieve in three months.
Cogita AI
AI for industry
Goal in March
One to three paid pilot projects with large manufacturers, a partner network of system integrators and machine builders, a repeatable sales approach for German industrial customers, and local credibility.
Status at closing
The team's own assessment: local visibility and trust reached around 70 percent, the go-to-market approach sharpened by around 30 percent. The paid pilot projects are still outstanding; the decision on further expansion follows after the program.
Biggest win
A one-hour conversation with one of the largest German grocery retailers, including insight into its key figures.
KlimaShift
Energy and refrigeration in retail
Goal in March
First pilot customers in retail, partnerships with distributors or integrators, and partners for installing the solution.
Status at closing
Cost framework and possible installation partners have been clarified, partner talks are underway. The proof of concept needs more time than planned. New insight: the fastest route to the customer runs through facility management companies already working on-site.
Biggest win
Winning the closing pitch and a mentor who continues to support the team through the first proof of concept.
Loggy
Logistics software
Goal in March
Build awareness for the tool and scale sales in Germany.
Status at closing
The product is noticeably better tailored to German customers thanks to the mentor sessions. The team identified concrete differences between the Polish and German markets and in user behavior.
Biggest win
Two things: a more mature product and a team that has visibly grown in presentation, marketing, and moderation.
Planeat
Foodtech
Goal in March
Build sales and partnerships in Germany and sharpen the offering for the local market.
Status at closing
German-language presentation, pricing, and offering are in place, along with deeper market research and first conversations. Key insight: in Germany, partnerships rarely form digitally, they form in person.
Biggest win
A meeting with Metro as the starting point for building sales in Berlin.
BioCools
Organic food
Goal in March
Market entry via a proof of concept with a smaller organic retail chain: validate demand, sell-through, and product-market fit in the German organic segment, then expand into further organic networks and specialty distributors.
Status at closing
Closing reflection to be added.
What we take away from this
Three truths about the German market
Sales cycles take longer than expected
Several teams were technically ready to execute, but the customer conversations simply needed more time. Anyone planning three months should treat the first pilot customer not as the starting point, but as a milestone along the way. How to measure growth after that is covered in our guide to the revenue growth rate.
A face-to-face meeting beats any email
German contacts respond cautiously to digital outreach. As soon as an in-person meeting happens, the quality of the conversation changes noticeably. That is exactly why a presence in Germany matters. If you don't have anyone in the country yet, an interim CEO can take on that role for a transition period.
The detour through partners is the shorter path
Whoever already works with the target customer opens doors faster than any direct sales effort: system integrators, distributors, facility management. Mapping this partner landscape was a core part of the work for every team.
More guides for companies that want to grow or expand into Germany: Growth & expansion.
Your start in Germany, without detours
On the ground
First contact on the ground
We are your point of contact in Germany, bridging distance, language, and local nuances.
Network
Access to the network
You meet the right partners, customers, and multipliers instead of starting from zero.
Strategy
Go-to-market strategy
We develop a concrete sales and market-entry plan with you, tailored to the German market.
BAFA-eligible
Your market entry can be funded too
The go-to-market consulting is eligible for BAFA funding, so part of the fee can be covered by public funds. We clarify your eligibility in the first conversation. Our guide to BAFA funding explains how the consulting grant works.
Ready for the German market?
Let's talk about your market entry, no obligation, on equal footing.
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