The People Behind Firstsoft
From our own experience, we have seen how much overpriced software and unused licenses exist within German SMEs. With a background in strategy consulting and a strong network, we founded FirstSoft – with the aim of making it simpler, fairer, and more honest.
Speed
Digital delivery, usually within minutes of payment.
Transparency
Real prices in the shop instead of "price on request" and a callback in three days.
Audit-proof
Complete proof of each license, compliant with the jurisprudence of the ECJ and the BGH.
How it all began
We met during our studies – and quickly realized that we saw the same blind spot in an entire industry: German companies, especially SMEs, regularly pay exorbitant prices for software licenses, while at the same time, already paid-for licenses lie unused in thousands of companies.
We saw how much money was literally lying dormant – on both sides. We didn't want to just keep observing that.
From this observation, a conviction was born: German SMEs deserve fair, transparent access to software. So we founded FirstSoft.
Our advantage lies in the combination of our experiences. Valentin brings insights from his time as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group and Deloitte. Simon contributes his network from the Cusanuswerk Foundation. We were additionally supported by professional exchanges with professors from the London School of Economics, RWTH Aachen University, and TU Munich.
We didn't want to be just another dusty old licensing company. Modern structures, fast support, no nonsense – we get things done.
This is exactly the mindset we bring to an industry that tends to be outdated: clear processes, direct communication, and genuine human support instead of waiting loops.
Advisory & Mentor Board
Experienced minds from science and practice support FirstSoft with their expertise – from legal frameworks and corporate strategy to technology. Their independent perspective helps us to make well-founded decisions and continue to grow.
Prof. Dr. Ralf Lemke is a professor at RWTH Aachen University and supports FirstSoft as an advisor with his many years of experience in science and strategic development. His perspective on digitalization and innovation guides us in the further development of our company.
Dr. Thomas Scheidtweiler represents the entire network of the Cusanuswerk, which has always supported us and accompanied us on our journey. As Secretary-General of the Cusanuswerk, he contributes his many years of experience and extensive network to our development. As proud alumni, we are particularly grateful to the Cusanuswerk and its alumni network for their continuous support and connection.
Ben Spoek is a PhD candidate in Building and Indoor Climate Technology at the E.ON Energy Research Center and supports FirstSoft as an advisor with his expertise in energy technology and applied research. His background – a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, a Master's degree in Energy Technology, and practical experience at ETH Zurich – brings a technical and interdisciplinary perspective to our ongoing development.
Titus Köttgen studied at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and currently works at McKinsey & Company. With his expertise in strategy and management consulting, he supports FirstSoft as an Advisor.