Bekannt ohne Budget

Caro Gattermann founded Bekannt ohne Budget. She supports self-employed people and startup founders in publicizing their business with PR, SEO & content marketing without spending a lot of money on advertising or an agency.

What are your professional roots?

I studied “ Something with media” (Bachelor of Arts in Siegen in “Literary, Cultural & Media Studies” and Master of Arts in Media Studies) and then worked in several companies and agencies in marketing, social media and PR. In 2015, I stepped into the startup scene and spent 5 years managing corporate communications at STARTPLATZ, one of the oldest and largest startup accelerators in the Rhineland.

How did you come up with the idea of founding your own company?

I've always been a freethinker. During my studies, I didn't like the internships with 40-hour weeks and fixed tasks. I enjoyed the freedom and versatility of being self-employed. After a few years in a permanent agency job, I decided to take on a part-time job in the Startup Accelerator and expand my self-employment as a coach on the side. During my first parental leave, I then switched to full-time self-employment - and I still don't regret it :)

How important was external support?

Very important! In my almost 10 years in the start-up scene, I have repeatedly realized how important and helpful it is to have a good, large network. For example, for constructive feedback, contacts to important people or help in any area.

What was a big challenge in the past and how did you managed it?

Maintaining the business with a baby and toddler. Although it is made a little more difficult for the self-employed in terms of maternity leave and parental allowance, at least there is support in Germany so that you don't have to start from scratch.

You are active in the start-up scene, what makes it so special?

The people. I love working with inspiring, motivated people or just network with them. They're not just doing their 9-5 job, they're passionate about what they do. That has motivated me so many times myself.

What advice do you have for other founders?

Build up a good network right from the start! Go to meetups or other (start-up) events and talk about your idea as much as possible so that you get good feedback. Ideally, you should talk to your potential customers a lot and develop your products together with them.

This portrait is based on an interview with Caro Gattermann in June 2024 and was written by Vera Joosten.

Click here for the start-up's homepage.