This post is also available in: German
Halle (Saale), 26.02.2025 – Conceptboard has secured a €10 million investment from Cipio Partners to drive expansion, further develop its collaboration platform, and enhance European data sovereignty. Simultaneously, an Advisory Board comprising three distinguished experts has been established to strategically support international growth.
Sustainable Growth through Targeted Product Development
Conceptboard provides a secure, GDPR-compliant online whiteboard designed specifically for public sector organisations and security-critical enterprises.
This innovative collaboration tool enables real-time visual teamwork, regardless of location, device, or work model. The fully privacy-compliant, ISO 27001-certified online whiteboard is tailored for hybrid teams, streamlining workflows with interactive features. Seamless integration into existing project management tools ensures smooth processes, while the highest data security standards guarantee protected and reliable teamwork.
The growth strategy enabled by this investment focuses on two key areas: advancing the product with new functionalities, including secure AI, and expanding into the European market. Many organisations face the challenge of driving digital transformation while complying with stringent regulations. Even with high security and data protection requirements, Conceptboard provides the ideal solution.
Digital Sovereignty for Europe
“The demand for GDPR-compliant collaboration solutions is growing rapidly. Public institutions, in particular, require alternatives to US-based providers,” says Helmut Schmitz, CEO of Conceptboard.
The company relies on European cloud hosting partners to provide a secure, fully GDPR-compliant platform.
Advisory Board with High-Calibre Expertise
Three leading experts are joining Conceptboard’s Advisory Board to provide strategic support. Their extensive experience in market expansion, scaling, and international business development will bring valuable insights to the company’s growth strategy:
Holger Heinen – An expert in digital sovereignty and IT infrastructures, serving on the advisory boards of several German start-ups. He has extensive experience in IT strategy development and implementation, helping companies strengthen their digital independence. His expertise spans both technical and organisational aspects of IT, making a significant contribution to Conceptboard’s strategic development.
Kay Iversen – A seasoned leader in B2B software (SaaS) and artificial intelligence (AI). As a four-time founder and CEO, he has successfully built and scaled multiple technology businesses. Recognised with the Thuringian Research Award for outstanding contributions to applied research, he brings deep expertise in go-to-market strategies, product management, and AI to support software companies in digital transformation.
Andreas M. Kleinknecht – A specialist in cloud technologies for the public sector. Until mid-2023, he was Senior Director at Microsoft Germany, overseeing public sector business, including education and healthcare. Previously, he served on Fujitsu’s executive team, responsible for the public sector. With extensive experience collaborating with government institutions and deep expertise in cloud technologies, he plays a crucial role in Conceptboard’s strategic direction.
Strong Statements in Support of European Independence
“Digital sovereignty is an absolute necessity given the current political landscape,” emphasises Holger Heinen. “Data leaks under the US Cloud Act must be prevented at all costs!”
Advisory Board member Kay Iversen adds: “Solutions like Conceptboard, which are both technologically advanced and 100% data protection-compliant, empower institutions to accelerate digital transformation while maintaining their independence.”
Andreas M. Kleinknecht sees great potential in the public sector: “Public authorities in Germany and Europe must realise how regionally hosted cloud solutions can enhance collaboration. Conceptboard optimises processes across organisations and strengthens trust in government institutions through digital sovereignty.”
Focus on the Public Sector and Security-Conscious Industries
Conceptboard serves organisations with high data protection requirements, including:
- Government agencies and ministries across Germany and Europe
- Security-conscious industries such as insurance, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and high-tech sectors
These organisations require secure and seamlessly integrable alternatives to US-based platforms.
Conceptboard’s clients include companies such as Vaillant Group, Siemens AG, Deutsche Bahn, SEW-Eurodrive, and EnBW. Banks such as LBBW and insurers like R+V Versicherung also use the platform.
Many public institutions rely on Conceptboard, including the city governments of Kiel and Munich, as well as over 100 other German municipalities and major cities. Numerous federal ministries and agencies, including DRV Bund and ITZ Bund, as well as several state ministries in North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, Baden-Württemberg, and Berlin, trust Conceptboard. Internationally, the UK Ministry of Defence and government entities in Finland and Sweden are also among its users.
Cipio Partners: Growth Capital for European Tech Companies
Cipio Partners is a leading investment management and advisory firm specialising in European growth capital and minority investments in technology companies. The firm focuses on European technology businesses in the growth phase, with revenues between €10 and €50 million, making initial investments of €5 to €15 million.
Founded in 2003, Cipio Partners operates from offices in Munich and Luxembourg. Its investment in Conceptboard underscores its commitment to digital sovereignty and secure cloud solutions in Europe.
Would you like to learn more about Conceptboard’s expansion strategy? CEO Helmut Schmitz is available for interviews.
Media Contact:
Anne Kolb, Marketing Team Lead
Conceptboard Cloud Service GmbH
Mansfelder Str. 56, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
+49 (0) 711 34202429 | media@conceptboard.com
About Conceptboard
Founded in 2010, Conceptboard Cloud Service GmbH is a leading provider of visual collaboration and secure digital workspace solutions. With locations in Halle (Saale) and Stuttgart, the German SaaS company develops intuitive, GDPR-compliant collaboration tools tailored to the needs of public institutions and security-sensitive enterprises.
About the Advisory Board
Holger Heinen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgerheinen/?originalSubdomain=de
Kay Iversen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-iversen-a0ba4a/?originalSubdomain=de
Andreas M. Kleinknecht https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-kleinknecht-a53942163/?originalSubdomain=de
