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Revolutionizing Workplace Nutrition: The Launch of Linde Digital’s Social Snack Bar

In today’s fast-paced work environment, maintaining a healthy diet and fostering social responsibility is challenging. Recognizing this, Linde Digital has launched the Social Snack Bar. It was developed in close strategic partnership with Venionaire Capital, who proudly holds a stake in Linde Digital. This innovative app simplifies employee access to snacks and meals at work while promoting healthy eating and social responsibility.  

  

What is the Social Snack Bar? 

The Social Snack Bar allows companies to create a virtual snack store for their employees. Employers simply upload photos and descriptions of available snacks, transforming the workplace into a convenient digital marketplace. Employees can browse the selection, check available quantities, add desired snacks to a cart, and complete their purchase—all within the app. Moreover, the Social Snack Bar isn’t just a digital vending machine. It empowers companies to promote healthier lifestyles and demonstrate a commitment to social causes. 

  

A Win-Win for Employers and Employees 

One standout feature is its seamless integration with existing company systems. Employers can set up meal vouchers or subsidies directly in the app. This allows employees to see their current balance and make informed purchases. This feature is particularly beneficial for companies encouraging healthier eating habits. 

Furthermore, the app’s backend automates several processes. It generates a list of consumed snacks and forwards it to payroll. This ensures that snack costs are accurately reflected in salary calculations without manual effort. Additionally, the app manages inventory by automatically creating a shopping list based on real-time data, simplifying the restocking process. Best of all, companies can access these benefits for just 1 Euro per user, with a flexible monthly contract. 

  

A New Level of Social Responsibility 

The Social Snack Bar also offers a unique way to engage in corporate social responsibility. Employers can assign tags to individual products, setting lower prices for healthier snacks. They can also add a small donation to a charitable organization for every healthy snack purchased. “The key to this approach is that employers can assign tags to individual products,” explains Benjamin Jentzsch, Managing Director of Linde Digital and Linde Verlag. “For example, the price of healthy snacks can be set lower, and the company can also add a small donation to a charitable organization. This creates an extra incentive to promote healthy eating, social responsibility, and the well-being of the workforce. The accumulated donation amount is displayed in the app.” 

 

A Partnership for Innovation 

Since 2022, Linde Digital GmbH, a subsidiary of Linde Verlag, has been developing new digital business models. The Social Snack Bar is one of their latest innovations. It was developed in close strategic partnership with Venionaire Capital. Together, we create tools that address business needs and contribute to a healthier, more socially responsible work culture. 

  

Looking Ahead 

As companies explore ways to enhance employee well-being and promote social responsibility, the Social Snack Bar stands out. It’s more than just providing snacks—it fosters a healthier, more connected, and socially responsible workplace. The Social Snack Bar’s launch marks an exciting step forward in workplace innovation. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on companies and their employees. 

Austrian Fund of Funds: Austrian Economics Minister Kocher proposes Fund for Startups

Economics Minister Martin Kocher has introduced a notable proposal: an Austrian Fund of Funds for Venture Capital. The idea follows the intention of ÖVP, to strengthen Austria’s position across all economic sectors. Berthold Baurek-Karlic, CEO of Venionaire Capital, sees potential positive developments for Austria as a business location in this proposal. 

How would it work? 

Institutional investors such as pension funds, banks, and insurance companies—holding a combined total of around 280 billion euros—are being encouraged to contribute to a fund supported by the government with favorable conditions. An initial capital allocation ranging from 500 million to 1 billion euros from institutional investors is being considered. The ministry suggests government guarantee elements, where the public sector would protect investors from a certain portion of potential losses. Minister Kocher also mentions potential tax incentives, which could make these investments appealing even for individuals through tax exemptions. These measures, according to the minister, pose minimal risk to the state but could greatly benefit young companies. 

Insights from the CEO of Venionaire Capital 

The idea is not new; it was introduced over 6 years ago. It is a project that the Austrian government has never delivered, while other countries in Europe successfully did. Moreover, the start-up scene has been calling for such a fund for years. “It took the government years to come up with FlexKap; a few changes to the Limited Liability Companies Act would have been enough. A fund of funds would have had a much greater economic benefit than a new company act. Why was it not implemented as planned?

The market would become more attractive for international funds (as they would likely open offices in Austria), which would make follow-up financing easier for domestic start-ups and fewer companies would move away,” says Berthold Baurek-Karlic, CEO of Venionaire Capital and Austrian Business Angel of the Year 2023. If these start-ups were kept in the country, there would be more new jobs and tax revenue for the state. “At the moment, we are just a great exporter of talent, it’s a crying shame,” says Baurek-Karlic. 

Timing of the Proposal: Strategic Considerations 

It’s likely no coincidence that Martin Kocher is revisiting this proposal now, with elections just a month away. While the start-up community generally welcomes the idea, there’s a clear sense of frustration. Back in 2020, then Minister of Economic Affairs Margarete Schramböck promised to launch a similar fund “within days.” The initiative was included in the government program, and politicians frequently praised the concept. Yet, as of late August 2024, the situation remains unchanged: another announcement, but no action.  

Read the original article of DerStandard from Andreas Danzer in German here: https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000234161/wirtschaftsminister-kocher-schlaegt-fonds-fuer-start-ups-vor-was-das-dem-staat-bringen-wuerde?ref=article  

Venionaire & European Super Angels Club feiern Exit: STS Digital erwirbt flovtec

STS Digital, ein auf den außerbörslichen Handel und das Market Making von digitalen Vermögenswerten spezialisiertes Unternehmen, übernimmt flovtec, einem in der Schweiz ansässigen Market Maker für digitale Vermögenswerte.

Erwartungen übertroffen: European Venture Sentiment Index auf höchstem Stand seit Ausbruch des Russland-Ukraine-Konflikts

Wieder mehr Risikokapital für Start-ups: „European Venture Sentiment Index“ stellt Investment-Trendwende in Aussicht

NEWS #2 – Austrian Venture Club Dubai: Bridging the Gap Between Europe and the Middle East

In a significant stride towards fostering stronger economic ties between Europe and the Middle East, the Austrian Venture Club (AVC) was officially launched on November 13, 2023, in Dubai. The prestigious event took place at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort, led by Lukas Tremmel. The partnership between Austria and the renowned Al Habtoor entrepreneurial family, owners of the iconic Hotel Imperial in Vienna, undoubtedly emphasized the magnitude of this collaboration. 

The Vision of Austrian Venture Club 

The Austrian Venture Club, serving as the Venture Arm of the Austrian Business Council in the United Arab Emirates, gathered around 60 successful Austrian expatriates for a vibrant exchange of ideas and networking at the exclusive Al Habtoor Polo Resort. Mohammad Sultan Al Habtoor, expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, stated, “As an entrepreneur, I am happy to support fellow entrepreneurs. The concept of the Austrian Venture Club immediately appealed to me, and it is an honor for us to provide our facilities for this purpose.” 

Notable guests included His Excellency, the Austrian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Mag. Johannes Brunner, the Economic Delegate at the Foreign Trade Center of the Austrian Economic Chamber in Abu Dhabi, and representatives from the Austrian Business Council. The club’s declared objective is to facilitate closer connections between investors in the Middle East and Austria/Europe. 

A Visionary Bridge: Baurek-Karlic as Ambassador for AVC Dubai 

Venionaire Capital’s CEO, Mag. Berthold Baurek-Karlic, took pride in being one of the keynote speakers at the inaugural event. Furthermore, alongside fellow speakers like Yvonne Winter (Flynow), Camillo Schobesberger (G42, Sandstorm VC), Jakob Kisser (Lawyer), Philipp Peischl (PKE), Markus Raiser (IFZA), and Pascal Haider (Cheeer.com), Baurek-Karlic laid the foundation for future ambitious projects. During the event, he introduced the World Venture Forum, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. 

Collaborative Future Projects 

Baurek-Karlic, as the Initiator and Master Mind behind the World Venture Forum (WVF), expressed his excitement about the enhanced connection with the Middle East. Moreover, as the appointed Ambassador for the Austrian Venture Club Dubai in Austria, he sees this as an opportunity to contribute to the bridge being built between the two regions. “We are delighted to be part of this bridge. The establishment of the Austrian Venture Club in Dubai provides numerous points for synergies, especially in connection with the World Venture Forum. We see countless opportunities to further strengthen and propel the European startup ecosystem,” commented Baurek-Karlic. 

The Significance of the Austrian Venture Club 

The visionary founders of the Austrian Venture Club have created a platform that will undeniably strengthen economic relations between the Middle East and Europe. This milestone marks a significant step in promoting business opportunities between Austria and the Middle East. The club aspires to act as a catalyst for investors and entrepreneurs from both regions, paving the way for new collaborations and innovative ventures. 

The launch of the Austrian Venture Club in Dubai is not just a celebration of a new chapter but a testament to the potential for growth and collaboration between two dynamic regions. Venionaire Capital, through its active participation and support, reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and also fostering meaningful connections in the global venture ecosystem. As the Austrian Venture Club begins its journey, the anticipation of groundbreaking projects and mutually beneficial partnerships looms large, promising a future marked by shared success and prosperity. 

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