You talk. But you no longer connect.
Every conversation follows the same pattern. Unspoken frustrations erode trust and make working together harder.
Founder mediation & conflict resolution · DE / AT
Great companiesneed strong founders.
And strong founding teams sometimes need support. When tension between co-founders threatens trust, collaboration or the future of your company, we help create space for clarity again.
Request a confidential conversation For bootstrapped, pre-seed to Series C teams
Online & in person in Germany and Austria
Online & in person in Germany and Austria
ImpartialConfidentialHuman-first
Katrin ZanklMediator · Conflict advisor · Legal background
For founders building companies together.BOOTSTRAPPED · PRE-SEED → SERIES CCONFIDENTIAL & IMPARTIALONLINE & IN PERSON · DE / AT
When things get complicated
You built this company together. What now?
When personal tension grows, trust and decisions become harder — and sometimes the future of the business is at stake. Does any of this sound familiar?
Who actually decides what?
Strategy, responsibilities, effort or equity create tensions that do not resolve themselves.
Can we still move forward together?
You are at a crossroads. Stay together, redefine your partnership or part ways — without further escalation.
A different kind of strength
Conflict does not mean failure. Ignoring it can lead there.
You do not need to know yet whether you will stay together or go separate ways. The first step is to speak constructively and make conscious decisions again.
The process · step by step
Less confrontation.
More clarity.
Not a one-size-fits-all formula, but a structured path to listening, understanding and making decisions together.
Understand
We uncover what is really going on — and the underlying needs behind each position.
Reconnect
A neutral, protected space makes it easier to listen and talk about difficult topics.
Decide
We explore realistic next steps — for a sustainable partnership or a respectful transition.
How we can work together
Every co-founder conflict is different.
An initial conversation can bring perspective. Sometimes a longer joint process is the right choice. We tailor the approach to your situation.
Founder Conflict Session
A confidential first session to understand the situation, explore possible paths and identify a next step. You can attend on your own.
ONLINE OR IN PERSON · BY ARRANGEMENTCo-Founder Mediation
A guided conversation for founding teams who feel stuck and want to rebuild communication and define workable agreements.
TAILORED ENGAGEMENTFounder Transition
Support through major changes, shifting roles or a possible separation — focusing on the human side of the transition.
INDIVIDUELLER RAHMENMediation is not legal advice. Seek independent legal counsel for contractual, equity or corporate law matters.
What a better conversation can make possible
Sometimes one conversation changes everything.
Three illustrative founder perspectives showing the kinds of challenges that can arise in founding teams.
“We spent months arguing about the same decisions. The breakthrough was understanding what we really needed to talk about.”
Example · Male founderFictional quote · B2B SaaS
“I did not want a personal conflict to put our startup at risk. An outside perspective could have helped us talk about the real issues sooner.”
Example · Male co-founderFictional quote · Tech startup
“We did not need to decide immediately whether to stay together. First, we needed a space where both perspectives could be heard.”
Example · Female founderFictional quote · Growth stage
Meet your mediator
Hi, I’m Katrin.
I am a trained mediator and conflict advisor with a legal background. I support people in finding their way back into conversation — especially when things feel stuck.
As the wife of a founder, I see the daily realities of building a company up close: responsibility, pressure and constant decisions. I also work with many female founders and understand the tensions between relationships, leadership and business.
I listen, stay impartial and create a safe environment for new perspectives and constructive next steps — without telling you what your answer should be.
Trained mediatorMSc Mediation & Conflict ResolutionLegal background
Talk to Katrin
Good to know
Frequently asked questions.
Can I reach out on my own?
Yes. You can begin with an individual conversation. Joint mediation requires everyone involved to participate voluntarily.
Is it confidential?
Discretion is fundamental to our work. We agree on the scope of confidentiality and data protection before starting.
Do you offer online and in-person sessions?
Both. Sessions can take place online or, by arrangement, in person in Germany and Austria. We agree on location and format individually.
What if separating is an option?
Mediation does not mean you must remain together. It can also help you clarify a respectful way forward. Legal arrangements should be handled with independent counsel.
How much does it cost?
We agree on the format, duration and fee before confirming an appointment. Longer mediation engagements are quoted individually.
The next conversation matters
You do not have to figure it out alone.
Clarity can start with a single conversation. Tell me confidentially what is happening, and we can explore the next step.
Request a confidential conversationOnline & in person · Germany & Austria