It's About the Journey (and the Destination)

July 2025 Issue

Hey there!

This month’s Beam newsletter is packed with the good stuff: We’re pulling back the curtain on exactly how our Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) program works, from first call to funded company. Whether you’ve got a half-baked idea or just an itch to build, this is your blueprint.

You’ll also catch the latest from our portfolio companies (Sparrow is now live in 150+ sites!) and get your ears on some of the best logistics and tech podcasts we’re tuning into.

Quick reminder: Beam is a Berlin-based venture builder focused on launching competitive startups in the logistics space. We back bold operators, give them the tools and talent to move fast, and co-build companies with staying power.

Let’s dive in.

From First Hello to Funded Startup: The Beam Entrepreneur-in-Residence Journey, Step by Step

How do you go from “I think I want to start something” to “I just got my startup funded”?

At Beam, we’ve built a clear, step-by-step path to help entrepreneurs do exactly that. Our latest article breaks down what it really looks like to join our venture builder as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR)–from the first 30-minute call to pitching your startup for funding.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all accelerator. It’s a high-touch, high-support process built around deep industry research, experienced coaching, and real-world validation.

Becoming a founder doesn’t always start with a genius idea scribbled on a napkin. Sometimes, it starts with a call–a 30-minute chat with Beam’s Head of People. No pressure, no pitch deck. Just a conversation to see if there’s potential for you to co-build something real with us.

That’s how the journey begins for every Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) at Beam. And in our latest article, we break down what comes next.

Once we know we’re aligned, you’ll get access to a list of pre-vetted logistics problems–real pain points backed by research. You choose the one that sparks your curiosity. Then, you build a short deck, pitch your early thoughts, and complete a short assessment (LLM prompts, visual creation, outbound messaging). If all goes well, you’re in.

From there, the real work begins.

Over the next 6-12 months, you’ll validate the problem, talk to potential customers, and work closely with Beam’s team of experts to stress-test your assumptions. We’ll help you find a co-founder (or support the one you bring along), and together you’ll shape your business model, market strategy, and financial plan.

Once you’ve cleared all internal gate checks, you’ll pitch to Beam and BEUMER Group leadership for investment. If they’re convinced, your startup gets funded. You graduate from EiR to founder.

And if not? You still walk away with a validated concept, early traction, and everything you need to raise elsewhere.

This isn’t just startup theater. It’s a builder model with real support, real capital, and real logistics industry access. Our EiR program is how Beam helps ambitious operators become venture-backed founders–without going it alone.

Read about the venture builder journey here!

Startup Updates

Sparrow is now live in over 150 sites!

Spare parts used to be the forgotten corner of operations–messy catalogues, duplicate materials, and too much inventory collecting dust. Not anymore. In just six months, Sparrow has scaled from 100 to 150 manufacturing sites globally, with companies like Bayer AG and Mahle GmbH leading the charge. Why the sudden surge? Manufacturers are finally recognising the massive impact AI can have on operational efficiency, especially in this overlooked, data-rich domain.

Sparrow’s AI-powered platform is helping industrial teams clean up master data, reduce excess inventory, and prep for major ERP shifts like SAP S/4HANA. From pharma to food processing, the challenges are universal–and so is the potential.

👉 Read the full press release to see what’s driving the shift

Peripheral stimulation

Exponent (Stratechery + James Allworth) Ben Thompson and James Allworth dissect today's tech headlines–from the Indian internet boom to TikTok’s regulatory landscape–while blending strategic insight with sharp cultural commentary. Ideal for those who want technology explained through a clarity lens.

Listen here!

Logistics Business Conversations In these monthly episodes, Peter MacLeod interviews leaders across warehousing and supply chain–from robotics innovators at SEER to automation pioneers at Ocado–unpacking challenges like labor shortages, safety, and scalability. Perfect for staying ahead of the Industry 4.0 curve.

Listen here!

Leaders in Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast Alcott Global’s series connects you with top-tier value‑chain executives to explore leadership journeys, emerging technologies, and practical success habits. Great for professionals seeking inspiration and actionable insights from seasoned logistics leaders.

Listen here!