You want market-ready innovation — we deliver startups all the way to business impact.
With our Venture Clienting Model, startups are not pitched — they are specifically selected, piloted, and integrated.
These companies already run Venture Clienting with ekipa — from search-field analysis to a validated proof of concept.
Venture Clienting makes Open Innovation tangible — and effective.
Venture Clienting changes how companies work with startups. Instead of collecting ideas or investing via venture capital, you become a targeted customer of market-ready startups — with a clear problem statement, measurable results, and the goal of integrating solutions permanently.
ekipa helps you implement this model in a structured way — no matter where you are today.
A structured process — with the flexibility innovation needs.
Define the challenge
Clear focus instead of actionism: together we identify relevant search fields and define clear requirements with the most important internal stakeholders.
Identify solutions & partners
We screen the global ecosystem and specifically select startups that fit your project in terms of both content and culture.
Validation & proof of concept
In structured pilot projects you test implementation, impact, and business value – accompanied by ekipa and clearly defined evaluation criteria.
Integration & further development
What convinces gets integrated: from follow-up projects to systematic integration into day-to-day operations – flexibly according to your needs.
ekipa connects network, methodology, and operational support.
We don't treat Venture Clienting as just a concept — we actively support you through implementation.
Whether as a single project or a strategic building block — we help you anchor real startup innovation in your company.
Germany's first funded Venture Client Program — developed by ekipa.
The program gives German companies of all sizes and industries a low-threshold entry into Venture Clienting: with clear structure and operational support.
- Funded by the State of Hesse, Germany
- Access to 22,000+ startups
- 100-day pilot phase
- Clear structure & operational support
- For German companies of all industries
Already part of the program
What partners say about working with ekipa.
We got to know startups we probably wouldn't have found otherwise. The collaboration – also with ekipa – was extremely important for us. I think we learned a lot on both sides.
I never thought so many exciting companies would come together here. We had never participated in an open innovation program before — so I'm absolutely delighted.
We met many great new companies here and believe we can really develop new products for our customers as a result. So it was definitely worth it.
See how the program turns pilots into measurable business impact.
Together with the State of Hesse we hosted the Venture Client Incubator and showcased how Venture Clienting turns real challenges into validated pilots.
Map your Corporate Venturing opportunity in 30 minutes.
- Sharpened analysis of your innovation priorities and integration constraints
- Concrete recommendations on the right engagement model — Public-Enabled Venturing or Venturing as a Service
- Transparent look at our methodology, references, and 200+ successful innovation projects
