Start-ups are not consumers! Already in the start-up phase, entrepreneurs can no longer claim consumer protection regulations for themselves.

Consumer or Entrepreneur?

The gGmbH is an option for social entrepreneurs who want to serve the public without economic ulterior motives. A GmbH (limited liability company) only receives non-profit status if its articles of association fulfil certain requirements. It must be clear to you that you cannot derive private economic success from a gGmbH. Selflessness is the motto. You should also clarify the financing beforehand because it will be very difficult to find investors for your gGmbH.

Founding a Non-Profit Limited Liability Company (gGmbH) 

When you have founded your company, there are a few points that will help you to lead your company sustainably and successfully into the future. You should provide sufficient security for your employees and yourself. In addition, it is always advantageous for the development of your company and your personality to train and educate yourself and your employees sufficiently. Digital Foundation supports you and your company in taking all measures to start a successful and secure company management after the foundation.

The Checklist for Founders: 15 Steps to Your Own Company, Part III

The start-up process with all its formal requirements and processes can be overwhelming and daunting. For this reason, it is particularly important to approach your business start-up well informed. The focus here is on choosing the legal form, finding a name and the legally correct registration with the relevant authorities. Digitale Gründung is at your side so that you don't lose sight of the big picture. We can support you in setting up your business successfully.



The Checklist for Founders: 15 Steps to Your Own Company, Part II

No matter whether you plan to start your business full-time or part-time: You need to be clear about the steps you need to take before you actually start your business. This includes formulating a financial and business plan, balancing your private interests and meeting formal requirements. The most important thing is that you are thoughtful and informed on your way to self-employment. Digitale Gründung supports you in these forward-looking steps in a targeted and uncomplicated way.

The Checklist for Founders: 15 Steps to Your Own Company, Part I

By using your company name for goods and services, you can, even if unknowingly, infringe the trademarks or other trademark rights of third parties. Warnings and their costs can be the consequence. Often the change of your company name, i.e., the change of your start-up name, is the necessary way out. This usually has negative consequences from an external perspective, but also from a marketing point of view. In order to protect yourself from such unpleasant consequences, it is advisable to check the start-up name, the company and product names you have designed for possible collisions with existing trademarks before founding the company.

 Trademark Research Before Founding a Start-up

There are new eligibility guidelines for the Invest funding programme. They apply to applications from 06.02.2023 on and make things easier with respect to convertible loans. 

Convertible Loans and the New Invest Eligibility Guidelines

Since 1st of August 2022 you can establish a GmbH or UG (haftungsbeschränkt) online. The Federal Chamber of Notaries (Bundesnotarkammer) has developed a platform for the online incorporation of a GmbH or UG (haftungsbeschränkt) thanks to which you can establish a GmbH or UG (haftungsbeschränkt) subject to a two-stage identity procedure. With this procedure, you can skip the face-to-face appointment at the notary's office and replace it by a safe video call. You only need two mobile devices (computer/tablet and smartphone) on which you can download the free notary app. With this app and the special video communication system, it is possible for the notary to check your identity by reading the chip of your suitable identity document (eID-capable identity card/eID card for EU and EEA citizens/electronic residence permit). Furthermore, the online procedure also enables the notarial certification of applications to the commercial register.

The Online Formation and Registration of a Gmbh or UG (Haftungsbeschränkt)

Becoming self-employed with what? There are many professions for starting your own business. From an economic point of view, the most suitable business fields are those with little competition, but much demand. Whether and how much you will have to pay when becoming self-employed depends, among other things, on the type of business idea you have. As a sole proprietor, you can generally get started without start-up capital. However, funding is always helpful if you want to gain customers as quickly as possible.

Becoming Self-Employed: Step by Step to Self-Employment

Are you planning to dissolve a GmbH for reasons of age, insolvency or other motivation? Or do you possibly want to deregister your UG and thus end your self-employment?  Then the company can be deleted from the commercial register after the notarised resolution of the shareholders and its dissolution and liquidation. For the liquidation of the GmbH or UG, all outstanding payments and claims must first be settled and existing property must be sold.
 
There is no specific checklist for the liquidation of the GmbH or UG or a model for dissolution, as each company is individual. A capital reserve for the liquidation of the GmbH or UG can help to raise the costs of the liquidation of the GmbH or UG including the notary costs. It is important to consider the taxes still due, which must continue to be paid until the final cancellation of the GmbH or UG.

Liquidation of a GmbH or UG

You can form a GmbH online if you would like to start your business as quickly and easily as possible. Regardless of whether you are abroad or your shareholders cannot meet for an on-site appointment - with an online notary appointment including certification of the shareholders' agreement, the formation of a GmbH or other legal forms can be handled much more efficiently in the future.
 
First, however, you need to find an online notary who already offers the technical requirements for video conferences and can implement them professionally and legally.


Digital Foundation From August 2022 - With Online Notary

The digital archiving of incoming invoices, incoming mail or even private documents is being used more and more frequently in practice. It is important that requirements and legal provisions for digital archiving are observed. This includes, for example, the handling of documents that have to be kept for the tax office or other authorities. Easy to handle are electronic archiving systems as well as common DMS systems that can also archive large amounts of data securely and without problems.

Advice for Founders