we are step one
business & project consulting
interim management
BUSINESS & PROJECT CONSULTING.
INTERIM MANAGEMENT.
At the heart of our work is a passion for entrepreneurship and leadership. We empower early-stage startups and SMEs to achieve product-market fit, secure first customers, and scale effectively. With expertise in refining use cases, developing monetization strategies, and driving operational excellence, we take a hands-on approach to solving complex challenges and fueling growth.
Our mission is to guide startups and SMEs from concept to market, securing their first customers, optimizing operations, and building scalable, sustainable business models.
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We create impact on product, people and process.
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We specialize in product-market fit, operational excellence and innovation.
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We believe in the power of connection and collaboration.
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We help people grow and businesses thrive by providing awareness, knowledge, experience, and network.
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we are step one.
WHAT WE DO
We dive deep into your business needs, identifying key challenges and opportunities. From refining your business concept to scaling operations, our approach is strategic, agile, and focused on achieving early and sustainable traction.
We offer tailored support for your company’s unique needs, from consulting on an hourly basis to taking on interim leadership roles such as CEO or COO. Whether you need an ‘entrepreneur in residence’ to drive a specific project or a strategic partner to guide your business through early growth, we define the roles and tasks together.
THE CHALLENGES OF CONSULTING FOR STARTUPS AND
SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Traditional consulting often falls short for early-stage startups and SMEs. With an entrepreneurial mindset, we understand the unique challenges founders face, offering customized solutions that are not only strategic but also practical and execution-ready.
INTERIM MANAGEMENT
TEMPORARY DOES NOT MEAN LESS IMPORTANT
Interim management is more than a stopgap—it’s an opportunity for strategic intervention. From operational turnarounds to bridging leadership gaps, our interim management services are designed to keep your business moving forward, providing expertise when you need it most.
Interim managers are ideal for bridging leadership gaps, driving restructures, navigating digital transformation, or advancing key projects quickly without long-term commitments.
HOW WE DO IT
FROM PROJECTS TO TURNAROUNDS
Our approach is agile and tailored to your needs. We identify key insights, validate ideas through real-world application, and translate them into actionable plans. Whether you’re refining a new product or scaling an existing one, we provide the strategic and operational support necessary to thrive.
REACH OUT, IF YOU WANT
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​refine your product-market fit or business strategy.
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validate a new market opportunity.
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scale your operations efficiently.
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sparr over an idea, develop a plan, or drive execution
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to exchange thoughts over a coffee or apero.
WHO WE DO IT FOR
RECENT PROJECTS WE’VE WORKED ON
SWISS STARTUP
We were contracted by a Swiss startup targeting the beverage industry with a novelty health drink. Scope: product market fit, market entry and supply chain setup and negotiations.
SMJ
We are very pleased to have successfully supported the acquisition of SMJ by a Swedish group of companies. we are step one was mandated to lead the sales negotiations with the buyer and to supervise the due diligence on the seller's side. PR release.
STEALTH
STARTUP
Business consulting for a stealth startup in the field of healthcare with the task to validate a new business opportunity. Aligning team and resources, competitor analysis, market potential and feasibility.
AINO
We worked as a COO-CFO for a family-run occupational health company in Berlin during the pandemic. We were tasked with the development, planning and operation of vaccination lines in up to seven locations simultaneously, which provided up to 1,200 vaccinations per day in one location with a total personnel responsibility for over 90 employees.
VERTICAL
DEVELOPMENT
We were tasked with development and implementation of structure, processes & framework to prepare the enterprise for rapid scaling. Additionally we supported with client negotiations regarding legal and data handling disputes in coordination with external legal as well as facilitating HR processes.
SYL INSTITUTE
Developing a MVP with health, mental health, bio-/neurotrackers and supplement modules. Negotiations with leading medical laboratories, supplement manufacturers & health tech companies.
UCC
Project consulting for a BaFin regulated security token offering (STO). Development and implementation of project timeline and budget. Coordination of design, IT and marketing department as well as external agencies. Development of marketing and distribution strategy, supervision of asset creation.
WHO WE ARE
WE ARE STEP ONE
