In our first article from the ‘Future Berlin’ column, we present you with some of the best start-ups making a wave in simplifying our city lives.
Many people are attracted by Berlin’s diverse nature, ample opportunities and quality of life. We can say that the city looks after us, with a number of wellbeing, eco-friendly, and FinTech start-up companies emerging. As one of the top three largest start-up hubs in Europe, Berlin offers a flourishing scene for the start-up community.
Here is our round-up of noteworthy businesses for the future that are designed to make our lives in Berlin easier, focusing on our communal goals of sustainability and a stress-free lifestyle. From wellness boosters and shopping assistants to eco-conscious mobility and innovative banking solutions, immerse yourself in the world of Berlin-based start-ups offering practical solutions.
Have you ever dreamt of having a meal planner, a shopping assistant and a home delivery service all in one place? Meet HelloFresh. The innovative meal-kit company has found the perfect at-home cooking solution for busy bees. Simply choose your dietary preferences and ideal meal schedule around your Berliner life, and let the app curate your weekly recipes and deliver the needed ingredients tailored to the T. All you have to do is follow the printed recipes and enjoy preparing the meals alone or in good company.
One of the biggest challenges Berliners, especially newcomers, struggle with is finding permanent housing, which often means frequent relocations from one sublet to another. With that comes the need to constantly move your belongings, and Tiptapp has found a sustainable and affordable solution to that. The innovative app connects you with real-time helpers in your area who can assist you with deliveries, shopping, moves, and recycling of items of any size. Tiptapp also has great environmental and social impact. By bundling transportation requests, the company has helped save 51 tons of CO2 emissions in the city and is also offering delivery services for second-hand furniture shops. Plus, the app has a community approach, encouraging residents to dispose of not only their own waste but also help with others’ and even sell their unwanted items.
While e-scooters may not be allowed yet in many European cities, Berlin’s progressive and environment-first approach has made moving on two wheels easier than ever. TIER, a start-up that you've probably already encountered amidst the city's vibrant streets, allows you to move from Brandenburger Tor to Kreuzberg or anywhere else around the city with ease. Simply download the app and book one of the nearest e-scooters or e-bikes, complete your ride, and then park it in a safe space, ending your journey. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and with rentable e-scooters and e-bikes, you’re making a positive impact on the planet.
From transport innovation to FinTech, Berlin’s start-up scene is making a splash, and online banking is no exception. In 2015, N26’s journey began as a checking account with Mastercard and has since developed into a fully-licensed, mobile-only bank with enhanced security across 17 countries. As an expat in Berlin, one thing you need to have is a banking system you can easily operate and trust. Luckily, N26 is available in English, and what the bank prides most in is its enhanced in-app security and ease-of-use - everything is done within the mobile app. And the best part is that there is no monthly fee, so you can make your favorite purchases anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. Plus, kudos to the founders, who are disrupting the FinTech industry as female entrepreneurs.
Getting your health checked shouldn't revolve around long queues at the doctor and far-out appointments. With the advancements of telemedicine, receiving expert advice about your health or simply referencing a troubling symptom is available at an instant. Ada, a telemedicine app that quickly becomes your personal health company, was established in Berlin in 2016. With the app, you can receive customized health advice and even book a remote consultation with a doctor. Ada leverages AI to provide you with a personal healthcare assistant on the go, and it’s available in seven languages.
There is a reason why Berlin attracts so many freelancers and digital nomads. It is not only a tech hub, but the quality of life and relatively lower prices to other European capitals make the city the perfect blend of work and leisure. It is precisely his fellow freelancers that Christopher Plantener had in mind when he created Kontist - a bank account specifically tailored to the needs of the self-employed. As an innovative FinTech start-up, Kontis boasts a range of useful features, including a business bank account, automated bookkeeping, and business tax returns. Think of it as the freelancer's finance assistant.
Speaking of sectors embracing personal assistants, the shopping industry is no exception. The internet is full of enticing products, but buying new doesn’t always have to be the first thought. Faircado, a sustainable ecommerce start-up founded in Berlin, browses for pre-loved and ethical alternatives to the products you want to buy. Anything from fashion to books to technology can have a second-hand alternative, and the platform allows you to increase the circularity of produced goods. Simply add the Faircado extension to your browser and begin saving time, money, and CO2 emissions with conscious purchases.
Holistic health is taking on new horizons with more and more people realizing the benefits of naturally sourced ingredients and supplements that boost our vitality. In Berlin, where a heavy emphasis is put on wellness, Sunday Natural, a sustainable and fairtrade supplements start-up, has embodied the philosophy of quality and purity, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients. All of their products and ingredients are locally sourced, free from pollutants and with minimum processing in-house, which results in fair prices for premium quality. You can support your health and development with Sunday Natural’s vitamins and probiotics, superfoods and tea, and aromatherapy and natural cosmetics. They also offer a range of bioactives, including adaptogens such as ashwagandha, as well as cholera and agaricus mushroom extract.
Another one on the mobility front, FINN offers a monthly car subscription service across Germany, allowing drivers to swap their owned cars for a more flexible option. This on-demand service not only eliminates the need for mandatory car upkeep expenses when you’re away for a month or longer, but it is also a great way to reduce CO2 emissions. Plus, insurance, tax, TÜV, and 24/7 customer and roadside support are included in the subscription, with the latest car models available. Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or need a car for urban convenience, FINN is the future of sustainable and flexible driving experiences.
Do you wish that there was a more sustainable way to take care of your home and your hygiene? Everdrop, a new start-up, offers a range of eco-friendly household products and natural cosmetics that are completely free from single-use plastics and unnecessary chemicals. From dishwasher tablets and laundry detergent to the Everdrop NATURAL CARE line, including natural hand wash and body wash, the company is dedicated to reducing CO2 emissions. Join the mission and treat your home and your body with love and care.
Berlin’s start-up community is growing fast, and we’re lucky to have such a wide array of innovations making our lives in the big city easier. Which one are you going to try first?
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