HANSE Christmas Talk 2023 with Andreas Lau and Louis Kleeymeyer
This year, HANSE Interim has decided to take a new approach and replace the traditional Christmas cards and gifts with a donation to a special start-up. The promising start-up not only develops innovative technology, but also makes a sustainable contribution to people with disabilities.
The start-up: An accessible search function for everyone
The selected start-up has developed an impressive platform that offers people with disabilities an accessible search function. The approach is unique: a step-by-step filtering of information to avoid overwhelm. Each search query thus becomes an accessible and personalized experience that enables everyone to find exactly what he or she is looking for.
The Christmas interview with the founder of the start-up
To find out more about the motivation behind this support, our Managing Director Andreas Lau spoke to the founder of the start-up Unique United, Louis Kleemeyer. We gained some exciting insights that shed light not only on the start-up’s mission, but also on its connection to HANSE Interim.
Extract from the HANSE Christmas Interview:
How did you find out about the start-up and what particularly impressed you about the platform?
Andreas Lau: I became aware of the start-up at an event organized by MIT (Mittelstandsinitiative Rhein Kreis Neuss), at a pitch party for start-ups, because I was very impressed by the founder of the start-up, Louis Kleemeyer. And not just because he won first prize. I was also impressed by the company’s idea, which is characterized by its innovative barrier-free search function. The possibility of providing people with disabilities with an individual and accessible search immediately convinced me.
To what extent does the start-up’s mission match the values and goals of HANSE Interim?
Andreas Lau: The start-up’s mission to break down barriers for people with disabilities perfectly reflects our values. At HANSE Interim, we believe in inclusive management and social responsibility.
Why was it decided to forego Christmas cards and gifts to customers of friends of HANSE Interim this year and instead invest in this special start-up?
Andreas Lau: At HANSE Interim, we believe that it is important to make a sustainable and positive contribution whenever possible. This start-up’s accessible search function has the potential to improve the lives of many people, and that is in line with our understanding of social responsibility.
Can you please share with us what is most important to you personally about this project and what long-term impact you hope it will have?
Andreas Lau: It is particularly important to me that we can make a lasting difference in the lives of people with disabilities through this support. In the long term, I hope for a society that breaks down barriers and is accessible to everyone.
Louis Kleemeyer
Louis is 22 years old and has had a learning disability since birth. He is the founder and managing director of Unique United.
He is also Event and Inclusion Manager at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games and a mentor at Inklupreneur.
Louis has been an active volunteer for the social inclusion of people with disabilities for many years
What inspired you to set up this platform for people with disabilities, did you have any personal experiences?
Louis Kleemeyer: Personal experience with learning disabilities and successful IT training in May 2022 were the basis. The desire to create an inclusive platform that provides comprehensive support for people with disabilities drove the foundation.
The accessible search function enables easier navigation for people with different disabilities. Innovative technologies are used to provide a user-friendly experience.
Which target groups would you like to address with the platform, and how do you see the specific benefits for people with disabilities?
Louis Kleemeyer: Our target groups are primarily people with disabilities. Another target group is companies of all sizes.
The platform not only offers barrier-free access to sport, education, entertainment and travel, but also actively promotes inclusion. People with disabilities can search specifically for offers that meet their needs. Companies benefit from tailored advice and workshops to create an inclusive working environment.
How can companies and society as a whole help to break down barriers for people with disabilities?
Louis Kleemeyer: Companies and society can break down barriers through conscious integration, training and the provision of accessible resources. Raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities is key.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are interested in social innovation or creating accessible solutions?
Louis Kleemeyer: Entrepreneurs who strive for social innovation or accessible solutions should pay attention to authenticity and the needs of their target groups. An inclusive approach should be firmly anchored in the corporate philosophy.
How do you plan to use the external funding you have received and what ideas do you have regarding the use of our donation?
Louis Kleemeyer: External funding will be used as planned to improve and expand the platform. The vision is to continue to develop innovative solutions, reach more people and drive inclusion efforts forward. Donations will be invested in technology, training and outreach measures.
The interview was conducted by our Relationship Manager Özlem Kolsouzidis
If you are interested in Louis Kleemeyer’s start-up Unique United, please visit their website: unique-united.com
The entire HANSE Interim team wishes you a wonderful Advent season and a Merry Christmas!
With best regards
Your HANSE Interim Management
Andreas Lau
PS: You are also welcome to watch the full-length HANSE Christmas interview.
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