We bring together the best qualities of the startup world and the corporate world.
Our vision is to create a dynamic platform that unlocks the full potential of emerging companies by leveraging and promoting GS1 standards. By providing funding, mentoring, and networking, we accelerate the innovation cycle and foster the adoption of innovative products and services based on these standards—creating relevance and added value for our community.
Our mission is to give your ideas wings, so they can reach their full potential.
Founding pioneers and innovation drivers: Our experts for your success.
I look forward to supporting young startups with advice and hands-on help. It is important to me to leverage the standards and the excellent network of GS1 Germany in this process.
Experience I bring:
Access to a national and international deep tech network.
There is an entrepreneur in most people; often it takes many “fortunate coincidences” to recognize this and pave the way. Passion, dedication, and perseverance form the foundation of a good entrepreneur. Success will follow naturally.
Experience I bring:
Born in 1975 in Tehran; fled Iran to Germany in 1998.
Motivating, empowering, and strengthening people in their visions.
butterfly & elephant is a fascinating initiative that provides young, innovative entrepreneurs with the momentum they deserve for their great digital ideas—especially in an often slow-moving analog environment.
Experience I bring:
I unleash my magic to open doors to partners, clients, and investors.
Startups radiate a unique combination of innovation, creativity, dynamism, and courage that is truly contagious. It is challenging but also incredibly inspiring and exciting to support this with experience and inventions, turning growth potentials into success. The country needs more entrepreneurs!
Experience I bring:
Extensive experience in transformation and digitization across diverse industries, with a special focus on “People & Culture” and a highly multifaceted network.
Knowing that emerging companies can benefit from my experience and that I can support the development of tailored and innovative growth strategies is a great motivation for me – especially since both sides can always learn from each other.
Professional Experience:
A keen sense and deep understanding of the nuances and dynamics that define a successful business model, combined with the ability to analyze complex structures and develop innovative solutions.
butterfly
The butterfly symbolizes transformation, development, and growth. Our accelerator will be a place where startups evolve and transform into successful companies. The name element "butterfly" embodies this idea of change, development, and metamorphosis.
elephant
Elephants symbolize strength, stability, and community. They are also known for supporting and caring for each other as well as other animals. The name element “elephant” emphasizes the idea of mutual support and building a strong community of startups, mentors, and investors.
The combination of these two symbols in one name highlights the diversity of experiences and perspectives present in our accelerator program, as well as the idea that growth and success arise through change and collaboration.
Green is the color of life, growth, and vitality. It stands for development and also symbolizes new beginnings, harmony, and balance. In many cultures, green is regarded as the color of hope, representing the start of a new chapter and paving the way for personal growth and progress.
Our name. Our passion.
As of October 1, 2024, Benjamin Birker will take over as Managing Director of butterfly & elephant. For him, it means:
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
Seize opportunities or create possibilities — that has always been my philosophy. Now, I’m excited to bring my experience to butterfly & elephant to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs while being inspired myself. It’s also the perfect chance to further spotlight GS1 and create even more value within the community.
My superpower: creativity flavoured with energy.
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