We are looking for your solutions. Join us if you are
Benefit from our partners in Duesseldorf
Duesseldorf is an emerging start-up hub in the heart of Europe. Together with our local partners, we can help you successfully enter the market.
The City of Duesseldorf offers a wide range of services to facilitate your market entry in Germany and Europe.
Tech.Hub.K67 is your address for workspace, collaboration, networking, exchange and the ability to focus on your business.
What ERGO is seeking for?
ERGO, one of the largest insurance companies in Germany and Europe, wants to become digital leading in the insurance market. To offer the best possible digital solutions for our customers we are looking for tech driven partners in the world.
Fostering innovation
ERGO is on a mission to rethink the business through innovation. We are seeking for visionary scaleups.
Simplicity & efficacy
We are on a pursuit of simplicity to deliver efficacy. Support us with optimized processes and reduced complexity.
Customers & employees
We drive solutions with valuable impact for our partners, employees and customers.
International growth
ERGO is investing into its international presence, particularly in Asia. We seek partners for scaling internationally.
Why should you join us?
As one of the leading digital insurers, we are the gateway to scaling your visions in Europe. Welcome to our hometown of Duesseldorf.
Gateway to Europe
We provide access to a strong insurance ecosystem in the German and European markets.
Mentoring
Our mentors and business units work closely with you to scale your service or product.
Tailored support
We identify your growth objectives and tailor support to meet your specific needs.
Government support
Benefit from the business-friendly environment and support of the City of Duesseldorf.
Office space
Our partner Techhub K67 provides you with office space and a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Global network
Our network can also provide you with effective support for your international growth.
ERGO ScaleHub Member
We proudly present the startups and scaleups of our accelerator program.
FAQ
What is the ERGO ScaleHub programme about?
The programme has 3 phases:
- Phase 1: Scale-ups apply on their own initiative or respond to specific calls for proposals. Partners are then selected in a scouting process and invited to participate in the programme.
- Phase 2: The aim of this phase is a proof of concept. ERGO business units and scale-ups work closely together on solutions and are supported by the ERGO ScaleHub team and local partners in Duesseldorf as part of a comprehensive programme. For the POC phase, the scale-ups will be provided with office space in the Duesseldorf Tech.Hub.K67, as well as opportunities to network with the Duesseldorf start-up scene.
- Phase 3: If the POC is successful, scaling opportunities and possible internationalisation within the ERGO network will be examined and implemented.
An application form will be available on this website from the end of June. Until then, you can apply informally with your presentation via scalehub@ergo.de. Please specify how your solution can help us and what concrete need you fulfill.
ERGO is looking for solutions along the entire value chain of an insurer as well as all support functions (e.g., HR, Finance). ERGO is looking for scale-ups, i.e., companies that have already successfully completed the proof-of-concept phase with regard to their product and initial financing(s). Their innovation demonstrably offers added value, and first customers are already on board.
The duration of the programme is not fixed. The goal for participants is a proof of concept, which should be achieved as quickly as possible. This can be the case after three, six, or even nine months. We have designed the programme so that ERGO business units and scale-ups can work on solutions with the greatest possible focus. The maximum duration of the programme is nine months. During this period, the jobs in the Techhub are guaranteed.
ERGO wants to use digital technologies to strengthen its profitability and resilience. To achieve this, the company wants to become a digital leader. Specifically, ERGO is looking for solutions that:
- Improve the customer experience
- Strengthen the omnichannel approach
- Simplify processes and products
- Help to expand embedded insurance
The programme is intended to further support this approach.
It is a condition for ERGO that the co-operations contribute to its strategic goals. Duesseldorf is not an absolute must, but it is a great opportunity. Here, together with our partners, the state capital Duesseldorf and the Tech.Hub.K67, we can offer a service environment that creates many advantages. Above all, this should strengthen the cooperation between ERGO and the scale-up through an on-site presence.
Definitely, yes! ERGO has worked with more than 80 start-ups and scale-ups since 2017, developing digital solutions with them and integrating them into business unit processes. As a cooperation manager between business and scale-up, ERGO's Scouting Unit has earned a reputation as a real carer for successful business integrations. With the new ERGO ScaleHub, ERGO wants to familiarise itself with an even larger portfolio of digital solutions and make them usable for its customers and employees.
What can I expect from the programme?
The scale-ups are brought together with the business units of individual ERGO companies. The cooperation always starts with a specific challenge or the search for solutions on the part of the business unit. The aim in the first step is a proof of concept.
During the POC phase, the project teams are supported by programme managers and scouts from the ERGO Scale Hub. They are there to facilitate onboarding and help keep the focus on business topics.
Scale-ups also have the opportunity to access the internal mentoring network to receive customised expertise on specialist insurance topics and general topics such as feedback on business models and financing.
For the duration of the POC, the scale-ups have access to subsidised office space in Duesseldorf at Tech.Hub.K67. This also includes access to events and networking activities. The focus is on networking with other scale-ups, VCs, and representatives of the insurance industry. You can present your company, gain visibility, and reach other potential investors and customers.
The business development department of our partner, the state capital Duesseldorf, provides support in arriving in Duesseldorf and Germany. This includes arranging contacts for visas, providing contacts for legal and tax matters, organising trade fair participation, arranging contacts with national/international partners/companies, and a real estate service.
If required, the scale-ups are put in contact with the CVCs of ERGO and Munich Re, among others, as well as other private and state financing partners.
After a successful POC in a core market, the ERGO ScaleHub also provides support in networking with ERGO units in other countries and other partners from the international venture client network. The international network of the state capital Duesseldorf can also be utilised for scaling.