The selection and support process for the venturenauten
Here you'll find key information on who we support, what we offer, and how we work
On this page, we want to help you to understand whether we're the right fit for you, how to apply, what we’re looking for — and how we decide together whether our support makes sense for you.
What we stand for
We walk alongside people with big ideas – right at the moment when they want to take a bold step, but still need a spark, encouragement, or additional resources. We believe in the power of beginnings. In unconventional thinking. In ideas that can shift things – both personally and for the world around us. We believe in you and your growth, even if your path so far has been anything but conventional.
Our goal isn’t just to support individual ideas – it’s to set something larger in motion: Those who receive support today can become catalysts for others tomorrow. That’s how movements begin. That’s how change happens.
Our Vision & Mission
We create spaces for creative courage and bold ideas. Venturenauten sees itself as an open space for empowerment: A place where people meet, learn from one another, and move things forward together.
Our vision is a living community where:
- knowledge and resources are shared freely,
- people support one another,
- personal growth and social change go hand in hand.
Whether mentor or maker — the boundaries blur here.
Today you spark ideas in others. Tomorrow, they spark ideas in you. And the cycle continues.
Who we support — and how
We accompany driven, curious people on their individual paths and with projects that create social value. That could meana gifted young pianist who gets access to talent programs and competitions. Or an activist building an inclusive theatre that advocates for the needs of people with disabilities. Whether you’re taking the next personal step in life or you trying to spark change in the world through creative ideas — we’re open to bold, heartfelt, and unconventional endeavors.
You’re a good fit for us if you:
- identify with our vision and values,
- have a concrete idea and are excited to sharpen your goals together with us,
- are pursuing a project focused on personal development and/or social impact,
- already have a clear sense of what you need and what you already have in place,
- can imagine becoming a long-term part of the Venturenauten community — and one day supporting others yourself.
We support you personally and practically — with human closeness and professional tools. By tools, we mean:
- Personal coaching with empathy for you and passion for your project
- Subject-matter expertise and hands-on experience from our mentors
- Access to a valuable network of contacts, funders, and investors
- Access to spaces in Tbilisi and Berlin
- Financial support of approx. €5,000 per grant
A support period can last up to 12 months and may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
Our selection process — step by step
1 — First contact & orientation
You might discover us through our website, community events, or personal referrals. Send us an email briefly introducing yourself and your project. If we see a potential fit, we’ll send you a link to our questionnaire.
2 — Fill out the questionnaire
By completing the questionnaire thoughtfully, you help us better understand your idea and allow us to assess whether our criteria are broadly met.
3 — Personal matching conversation
In a confidential conversation (in person or online), we’ll talk about:
- your motivation und Vision
- your project ideas and goals
- your expectations for the collaboration.
We listen, ask questions — and explore whether we’re a good match. The atmosphere is open and supportive. After the conversation, we reflect internally whether we’d like tomove forward. You’ll also have time to consider whether we’re the right fit for you.
4 — Decision & feedback
Our team brings together its impressions and makes a decision:
Green → We move forward together: a dedicated member of our team becomes responsible for accompanying your journey.
Yellow → Some questions remain open: we continue the conversation. If things develop positively, support may still be possible.
Red → It’s not the right fit at this moment: you receive respectful feedback and, where possible, pointers toward alternative funding or support opportunities.
5 — Agreement
If everything aligns, we put our shared goals and commitments in a Letter of Intent (LOI). This includes your contribution, your goals, our form of support, the duration, and the financial framework (up to €5,000), all laid out transparently.
6 — Implementation & accompaniment
One person from our core team becomes your primary contact and accompanies you closely throughout the implementation phase.
Together, you decide how and when to stay in touch, how you want to collaborate, and how to keep the process moving, reflecting, and evolving. This includes open communication and regular feedback. If useful, you may also receive your own project page on our website.
7 — Reflection & wrap-up
At the end of the support period, we reflect together:
- What was achieved?
- What worked well — and what didn’t?
- Would you like to remain part of the Venturenauten community — for example, as a mentor?
We also conduct an internal retrospective within our team so we can continue learning and improving.
8 — Visibility & knowledge transfer
If you agree, we document and share your project — for example, on our website or in our newsletter. The scope and form of this documentation are defined together in advance in the LOI.
All insights are archived internally and remain accessible to you as well.
We believe in people. In ideas. In the next step. With you?
Get in touch
Want to know if we can support your idea, talk about your vision or ask us something else?
We would love to hear from you.
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