OUR TEAM new

MEET OUR TEAM

We are an international and multi-lingual team motivated by our own experiences of building a new life abroad.

MIRIAM MUELLER

Miriam Mueller is the managing director of Startcon GmbH and founded the company in 2008. She is a certified translator and a sworn interpreter for French. She lived in France for several years where she initiated German kindergartens and schools, and later did the same for French institutions in Germany.Miriam has a talent for bringing people together, developing and pushing things forward. Startcon grew out of a small language school, which soon expanded to include relocation services. To-date, she has developed this into an allround service for foreign professionals: from visa services to recognition of degrees and language exams to job placement. In the meantime Miriam was active as co-founder, managing director, mentor and consultant of other companies, which still exist today.

HELEN NEUMANN

hn@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Helen Neumann studied in Paris and Mexico with a focus on intercultural approaches and theories. After her studies, she participated in an advanced training program in art history and helped set up international art galleries in Cologne and Berlin. She has been part of the Start team since its foundation, helping build up the relocation and immigration department. She has travelled extensively throughout Asia and Europe and just came back from a 6-month journey through West Africa.

Familiar with and enthusiastic about the special characteristics of Berlin, Helen knows how to welcome newcomers to her favorite city.

HELEN NEUMANN

hn@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Helen Neumann studied in Paris and Mexico with a focus on intercultural approaches and theories. After her studies, she participated in an advanced training program in art history and helped set up international art galleries in Cologne and Berlin. She has been part of the Start team since its foundation, helping build up the relocation and immigration department. She has travelled extensively throughout Asia and Europe and just came back from a 6-month journey through West Africa.

Familiar with and enthusiastic about the special characteristics of Berlin, Helen knows how to welcome newcomers to her favorite city.

LISA WOHLGEMUTH

lw@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Lisa Wohlgemuth studied English with additional courses in Law and Psychology in the beautiful city of Leipzig. She has lived, worked, and studied in several countries to deepen her intercultural competence and language skills. Having started her professional life as an interpreter and translator, Lisa moved to Berlin in 2012 and has been supporting Start Relocation ever since. Her main scope of activities includes visa applications and residence permits, finding new homes for clients, and communicating with German authorities. She also specializes in supporting foreign doctors in obtaining state permission to work in Germany.

LISA WOHLGEMUTH

lw@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Lisa Wohlgemuth studied English with additional courses in Law and Psychology in the beautiful city of Leipzig. She has lived, worked, and studied in several countries to deepen her intercultural competence and language skills. Having started her professional life as an interpreter and translator, Lisa moved to Berlin in 2012 and has been supporting Start Relocation ever since. Her main scope of activities includes visa applications and residence permits, finding new homes for clients, and communicating with German authorities. She also specializes in supporting foreign doctors in obtaining state permission to work in Germany.

DEBORAH SCHMITZ

ds@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Deborah Schmitz studied political and social sciences in Freiburg, Buenos Aires, New Delhi, and Cape Town. Her interest in different ways of life has also led her to Spain, Ireland, and to a kibbutz in southern Israel. After her studies, she worked for a social start-up before joining Start Relocation in 2015. She supports our international candidates with great enthusiasm. Together with Helen Neumann, she manages immigration. 

DEBORAH SCHMITZ

ds@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Deborah Schmitz studied political and social sciences in Freiburg, Buenos Aires, New Delhi, and Cape Town. Her interest in different ways of life has also led her to Spain, Ireland, and to a kibbutz in southern Israel. After her studies, she worked for a social start-up before joining Start Relocation in 2015. She supports our international candidates with great enthusiasm. Together with Helen Neumann, she manages immigration. 

portraet_Katja_4323.jpg

EKATERINA ANFEROVA

ekaterina@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Ekaterina Anferova comes from Russia, she studied history and culture of Islam in St. Petersburg, and later pursued Contemporary Iranian Studies in Tehran. Having lived and studied in different regions of Russia, in the US, and Iran, she is well-versed in the difficulties of adapting to new environments and the importance of intercultural dialogue in everyday life. A native Russian speaker, Ekaterina is fluent in English and Farsi, has intermediate knowledge of Arabic and French and is learning German. At Startcon, she is supporting the Immigration and Placement teams with her skills that are well-suited for the company’s expansion into new business fields. In her free time Ekaterina enjoys walking in nature, reading and calligraphy.

portraet_Katja_4323.jpg

EKATERINA ANFEROVA

ekaterina@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Ekaterina Anferova comes from Russia, she studied history and culture of Islam in St. Petersburg, and later pursued Contemporary Iranian Studies in Tehran. Having lived and studied in different regions of Russia, in the US, and Iran, she is well-versed in the difficulties of adapting to new environments and the importance of intercultural dialogue in everyday life. A native Russian speaker, Ekaterina is fluent in English and Farsi, has intermediate knowledge of Arabic and French and is learning German. At Startcon, she is supporting the Immigration and Placement teams with her skills that are well-suited for the company’s expansion into new business fields. In her free time Ekaterina enjoys walking in nature, reading and calligraphy.

GUDRUN GOPAL

Gudrun is originally from Bonn. She studied Interpreting and Translation and International Relations in Germersheim, Strasbourg and Rome and then lived and worked in Mexico. After returning to Germany, she worked for over 15 years in the insurance/reinsurance industry in middle management in Frankfurt, Zurich, Milan and finally as a portfolio manager in London. The last 12 years she lived in India with her Indian husband, ran her own language school there and worked as an accredited language examiner for the Goethe Institute. At Startcon, Gudrun is responsible for the recognition projects for health professions, including the extensive document management.  She is fluent in 14 languages.

GUDRUN GOPAL

Gudrun is originally from Bonn. She studied Interpreting and Translation and International Relations in Germersheim, Strasbourg and Rome and then lived and worked in Mexico. After returning to Germany, she worked for over 15 years in the insurance/reinsurance industry in middle management in Frankfurt, Zurich, Milan and finally as a portfolio manager in London. The last 12 years she lived in India with her Indian husband, ran her own language school there and worked as an accredited language examiner for the Goethe Institute. At Startcon, Gudrun is responsible for the recognition projects for health professions, including the extensive document management.  She is fluent in 14 languages.

MATHEUS RAMALHO

Matheus Ramalho is from Sao Paulo, SP, in Brazil. He studied Economics and obtained his Master’s degree in Industrial and Technological Economics from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). He gained his professional experience in the banking sector as a broker in the stock exchange and credit analyst. Later, he worked as an employee or self-employed in several companies, where he helped in the organization of microdata and in the selection of econometric models.

He is responsible for recruiting, interpreting, recognition and entry. Through his own experiences of resettlement in a new cultural and linguistic area, he meets the newcomers with a great deal of empathy, understanding and commitment.

MATHEUS RAMALHO

Matheus Ramalho is from Sao Paulo, SP, in Brazil. He studied Economics and obtained his Master’s degree in Industrial and Technological Economics from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). He gained his professional experience in the banking sector as a broker in the stock exchange and credit analyst. Later, he worked as an employee or self-employed in several companies, where he helped in the organization of microdata and in the selection of econometric models.

He is responsible for recruiting, interpreting, recognition and entry. Through his own experiences of resettlement in a new cultural and linguistic area, he meets the newcomers with a great deal of empathy, understanding and commitment.

KATHARINA BRÜNING

kb@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Katharina is originally from Bonn, studied International Tourism Management in Breda and completed a Master’s degree in Internationalization at the University of Barcelona. She studied and worked in the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil and Spain for 12 years. In 2019 she came to Berlin. Katharina worked in various areas: Project Management, Export and most recently as a teacher at a vocational school in Barcelona. Other countries, cultures and languages ​​have always fascinated her. In addition to her mother tongue German, she also speaks English, Spanish, Catalan, French and a little Portuguese and Dutch. Now she coordinates the flat search for our international customers and supports them in their relocation process.

KATHARINA BRÜNING

kb@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Katharina is originally from Bonn, studied International Tourism Management in Breda and completed a Master’s degree in Internationalization at the University of Barcelona. She studied and worked in the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil and Spain for 12 years. In 2019 she came to Berlin. Katharina worked in various areas: Project Management, Export and most recently as a teacher at a vocational school in Barcelona. Other countries, cultures and languages ​​have always fascinated her. In addition to her mother tongue German, she also speaks English, Spanish, Catalan, French and a little Portuguese and Dutch. Now she coordinates the flat search for our international customers and supports them in their relocation process.

LISA LIEBE

Lisa Liebe was born and raised in Berlin. After graduating from high school, she studied Protestant theology and history at Humboldt University, with a focus on Latin and ancient Hebrew. After finishing her studies, she combined her aspiration for working with people with her passion for languages: In 2015, she decided to train as a teacher, prioritizing intercultural skills. She worked for five years in a bilingual kindergarten in Berlin-Friedrichshain after that. Further jobs in day care centers and a facility for mentally handicapped adults followed. Now she takes care of the coordination in relocation and integration. In her spare time, Lisa loves to spend time in Berlins many bookstores and museums.

LISA LIEBE

Lisa Liebe was born and raised in Berlin. After graduating from high school, she studied Protestant theology and history at Humboldt University, with a focus on Latin and ancient Hebrew. After finishing her studies, she combined her aspiration for working with people with her passion for languages: In 2015, she decided to train as a teacher, prioritizing intercultural skills. She worked for five years in a bilingual kindergarten in Berlin-Friedrichshain after that. Further jobs in day care centers and a facility for mentally handicapped adults followed. Now she takes care of the coordination in relocation and integration. In her spare time, Lisa loves to spend time in Berlins many bookstores and museums.

HENA LARIOS

Hena Larios comes from Colombia and studied anthropology and political science in Bogotá. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Humboldt University in Berlin. She has worked in public administration of war victims and prevention of forced recruitment of children in Colombia. She has been living in Germany since 2019 and has gained work experience in supporting and accompanying asylum seekers*. Since 2021 she is an employee of Startcon GmbH in the field of immigration and supports with a lot of know how and commitment professionals from third countries in the extensive document management.

HENA LARIOS

Hena Larios comes from Colombia and studied anthropology and political science in Bogotá. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Humboldt University in Berlin. She has worked in public administration of war victims and prevention of forced recruitment of children in Colombia. She has been living in Germany since 2019 and has gained work experience in supporting and accompanying asylum seekers*. Since 2021 she is an employee of Startcon GmbH in the field of immigration and supports with a lot of know how and commitment professionals from third countries in the extensive document management.

Home & Kita Search Berlin

ANJA KÖHLER

relocation@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Anja Köhler studied Interior Design and worked several years in this field in Berlin, Tokyo and Los Angeles. In the past 20 years she moved with her husband and later with her two kids 12 times within Germany and other countries. Having relocated together with her family several times, she understands the bureaucratic obstacles and emotional difficulties very well. It is her personal matter to help new “Berliners” to get to know the city and to find the best suitable home.

Home & Kita Search Berlin

ANJA KÖHLER

relocation@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Anja Köhler studied Interior Design and worked several years in this field in Berlin, Tokyo and Los Angeles. In the past 20 years she moved with her husband and later with her two kids 12 times within Germany and other countries. Having relocated together with her family several times, she understands the bureaucratic obstacles and emotional difficulties very well. It is her personal matter to help new “Berliners” to get to know the city and to find the best suitable home.

BEATE JASSNER

relocation@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Beate Jassner studied business administration and worked several years for real estate companies. She is also trained in intercultural competence. Living in the US and in China with her family, she understands perfectly how much a move affects each family member. No matter from where and which age, Beate supports our Berlin newcomers to feel home soon. She loves to explore the city with her clients and to find the most suitable apartment, house, school or kindergarten. Taking care of all the bureaucratic necessities she makes the transition as smooth as possible.

BEATE JASSNER

relocation@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Beate Jassner studied business administration and worked several years for real estate companies. She is also trained in intercultural competence. Living in the US and in China with her family, she understands perfectly how much a move affects each family member. No matter from where and which age, Beate supports our Berlin newcomers to feel home soon. She loves to explore the city with her clients and to find the most suitable apartment, house, school or kindergarten. Taking care of all the bureaucratic necessities she makes the transition as smooth as possible.

BORIS PRESSMAR

relocation@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

BORIS PRESSMAR

relocation@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

PEDER IBLHER

pi@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Peder Iblher is the managing owner of Startcon GmbH. In communication, web and design he also works at his network agency Blu Dot. He grew up in Hamburg and studied in Braunschweig, Barcelona and Berlin. Interculturalism and cosmopolitanism characterise his interests both privately and professionally. He speaks fluent English and Spanish as well as French. Peder holds his protective hand over Startcon GmbH and is responsible for the company’s marketing and corporate design. In his leisure time, he devotes himself to his family, plays drums in a band or writes on his blog.

PEDER IBLHER

pi@startcon.berlin
+49 (0)30 – 75 56 22 68

Peder Iblher is the managing owner of Startcon GmbH. In communication, web and design he also works at his network agency Blu Dot. He grew up in Hamburg and studied in Braunschweig, Barcelona and Berlin. Interculturalism and cosmopolitanism characterise his interests both privately and professionally. He speaks fluent English and Spanish as well as French. Peder holds his protective hand over Startcon GmbH and is responsible for the company’s marketing and corporate design. In his leisure time, he devotes himself to his family, plays drums in a band or writes on his blog.

DENISE FRITZSCH

Denise has a commercial education and is a registered nurse. She is from Urberlin and has been responsible for the financial area at Startcon since 2021. Denise loves music and is a passionate record collector.

DENISE FRITZSCH

Denise has a commercial education and is a registered nurse. She is from Urberlin and has been responsible for the financial area at Startcon since 2021. Denise loves music and is a passionate record collector.

FRIEDERIKE GRAVEKARSTENS

Friederike Gravekarstens lives and works on the North Sea. After her apprenticeship as an office administrator, she completed her business management degree in 2017. Since December 2021, she has been supporting both the Accounting and Immigration teams at Startcon with great dedication. In the Accounting area, she is responsible for the implementation of the new software to advance the digitization. In her free time, Friederike enjoys spending time in nature with her dog and her family.

FRIEDERIKE GRAVEKARSTENS

Friederike Gravekarstens lives and works on the North Sea. After her apprenticeship as an office administrator, she completed her business management degree in 2017. Since December 2021, she has been supporting both the Accounting and Immigration teams at Startcon with great dedication. In the Accounting area, she is responsible for the implementation of the new software to advance the digitization. In her free time, Friederike enjoys spending time in nature with her dog and her family.