Lebenswelten

What Lebenswelten does

Lebenswelten e.V. is a Berlin-based registered non-profit association (eingetragener Verein) founded on July 21, 1982, by psychology students from Freie Universität Berlin to create job opportunities for people with mental disabilities during the psychiatric dehospitalization era. The organization provides a vertically integrated continuum of social-pedagogical and vocational inclusion services for adults with mental health conditions, physical and cognitive disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals with health impairments, spanning residential care (therapeutic communities, supported individual and apartment living), day facilities, vocational rehabilitation (IBT, JobMotor, IndiCo, SPEKTRUM Reha), workplace integration, and four wholly-owned inclusion enterprises (elkotec GmbH electronics assembly, Lebenswelten Restaurations GmbH catering including Humboldt Forum operations, SALDO JOURNALE Services GmbH payroll/accounting, and SPEKTRUM GmbH vocational training).

The group operates across 17+ facility locations in Berlin districts including Spandau, Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, and Prenzlauer Berg. Technology infrastructure consists of standard WordPress CMS with Cloudflare CDN and Wordfence security for the public-facing website, Google Analytics for web analytics, and Microsoft 365/SharePoint for internal operations. The SPEKTRUM Online-Akademie launched in 2021 offers 500+ online continuing education courses. Recent digital investment includes a 2026 WCAG 2.1 Level AA-compliant catering website.

The business model is primarily funded through German social security legislation (SGB II via Jobcenter/Arbeitsagentur, SGB IX for rehabilitation, SGB XII for social welfare) with commissioning authorities including Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Agentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter, and Berlin district offices (Bezirksämter). AZAV certification enables 100% Bildungsgutschein and AVGS voucher funding for eligible participants. Commercial revenue streams are generated through the four inclusion enterprises selling catering, electronics assembly, and payroll services to private and institutional customers. The organization holds DIN EN ISO 9001 quality management certification and is a member of Paritätischer Berlin, BAG Inklusionsfirmen, BIH, BAG UB, LAG Inklusionsfirmen, and Social Firms Europe CEFEC.

Name

Lebenswelten

Legal name

Lebenswelten e.V.

Website

https://lebenswelten.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lebenswelten e.V. is a Berlin-based non-profit founded in 1982 providing vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, residential care, and inclusion enterprises for adults with mental health conditions and disabilities, funded primarily through German public social security systems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development & Inclusive Employment (Job Training, Placement) (BPAGALAB), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Supported employment programs
• Social enterprise operations
• Residential mental health care
• Inclusive training services

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Social Services Funding (SGB II, SGB IX, SGB XII): The majority of services are funded through Germany's social security codes — SGB II (Jobcenter/Arbeitsagentur), SGB IX (rehabilitation and participation), and SGB XII (social welfare). Vocational rehabilitation measures (IBT, JobMotor), supported employment, and residential care are commissioned and paid for by public cost bearers such as Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Agentur für Arbeit, and Bezirke. This represents the primary revenue stream.
2. Social Enterprise Trading Revenue: The group's commercial subsidiaries — Lebenswelten Restaurations GmbH (catering/events), elkotec GmbH (electronics assembly), and SALDO JOURNALE Services GmbH (payroll/accounting services) — generate revenue from private and institutional customers in competitive markets. These operate as regular commercial enterprises on the general labor market.
3. AZAV Education and Training Vouchers: The SPEKTRUM Online Academy and IBT program are funded through Bildungsgutschein (education vouchers) issued by the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter, covering 100% of participation costs for eligible individuals under the AZAV certification.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Lebenswelten e.V. is a Berlin-based non-profit organization delivering social-pedagogical support, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and residential care services for people with mental health conditions and disabilities. The group operates a vertically integrated continuum spanning psychiatric stabilization, supported housing (therapeutic communities, individual supported living), vocational qualification (IBT, SPEKTRUM Reha), supported employment (JobMotor, IndiCo), and competitive employment through inclusion enterprises in catering, electronics assembly, and payroll/accounting.

Product overview

Lebenswelten e.V. is a Berlin-based social services organization founded in 1982 that operates as a unified platform-plus-modules structure offering vocational rehabilitation, employment support, and care services for people with disabilities and mental health conditions. The core portfolio includes: (1) Employment services via SPEKTRUM GmbH subsidiaries (SPEKTRUM Reha, SPEKTRUM NetzWerk, SPEKTRUM Online-Akademie), IndiCo coaching, and JobMotor supported employment; (2) Three social enterprises (elkotec GmbH electronics assembly, Lebenswelten Restaurations GmbH catering/hospitality, SALDO JOURNALE Services GmbH accounting/payroll); and (3) Care services including therapeutic shared living, supported individual living, day facilities, and Zuverdienst employment programs. The organization also provides internal support functions through Lebenswelten AKADEMIE (training), Qualitätsmanagement (quality), and Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement (health management). All services operate across multiple Berlin locations under the unified mission of promoting social and vocational inclusion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SPEKTRUM Reha: Vocational rehabilitation and integration services for people with psychosocial support needs
• SPEKTRUM NetzWerk
• SPEKTRUM Lebenswelten Online-Akademie
• IndiCo
• JobMotor
• IBT - Integriertes Berufliches Training
• Lebenswelten Catering

Products and services

• IndiCo Individual career coaching measure offering two programs (IndiCo-Klassik for job search support with 3-6-9 month options and IndiCo-JobAktiv for employment support during probation period). Free for clients holding an AVGS activation and placement voucher from job centers.
• JobMotor (Unterstützte Beschäftigung) Supported Employment program for (severely) disabled participants seeking integration into the general labor market. Includes 24-month qualification period in regular companies, weekly project days, and post-hire job coaching support.
• IBT (Integriertes Berufliches Training) Integrated vocational training program developed in 2007 by SPEKTRUM GmbH, recognized as a rehabilitation measure by Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Twelve-month program comprising a 3-month preparation phase and 9-month practical training phase.
• SPEKTRUM Lebenswelten Online-Akademie Online continuing education platform offering 500+ courses for health-impaired individuals. AZAV-certified provider with 100% funding via Bildungsgutschein issued by the Agentur für Arbeit.
• SPEKTRUM Reha Vocational rehabilitation services for people with psychosocial support needs and mental health issues, offering tailored qualification and integration programs with a high degree of individualization.
• SPEKTRUM NetzWerk Learning and work facility at Volkspark Prenzlauer Berg offering entry to professional life for people with health limitations, with work areas including IT service, office services, media design, textile workshop, gastronomy, and facility management.
• Lebenswelten Catering (Restaurations GmbH) Inclusion and training company in gastronomy, catering, and events employing people with and without disabilities. Operates Lebenswelten Catering & Events, Business Catering, and multiple outlets at the Humboldt Forum (Bistro, Bar, Forum Café, Berlin Café).
• elkotec GmbH (Electronics Assembly) Electronic assembly company with over 20 employees, operating as an inclusion enterprise serving long-term customers in the electrical industry with mounting of electronic assemblies, including all assembly work up to finished product and material management and shipping.
• SALDO JOURNALE Services GmbH Payroll and accounting services company certified to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, employing 40% people with severe disabilities. Offers payroll, bookkeeping, financial accounting, and project billing services primarily to nonprofit social welfare organizations.
• Therapeutische Wohngemeinschaften Therapeutic shared living communities for mentally ill adults post-hospitalization. Each resident has their own room with shared common areas and kitchens. Located across Spandau, Mitte, and Friedrichshain districts.
• Betreutes Einzelwohnen (BEW) Supported individual living arrangements for adults with mental illness, providing assistance with daily living, self-care, and maintaining independent housing.
• Intensiv Betreutes Wohnen Intensive supported housing for individuals requiring more comprehensive support services.
• Tagesstätten (Day Facilities) Day facilities for mentally ill adults offering structured daily activities and meaningful occupation. Open five days per week with varied weekly programs including activities, group events, and excursions. Includes Beschäftigungstagesstätte (employment day facility) and Psychiatrische Tagesstätte (psychiatric day center).
• Zuverdienst Low-threshold permanent employment program for mentally ill adults offering up to 15 hours weekly in tasks like mail preparation, cleaning, errands, and computer-based activities.
• Betreutes Apartmentwohnen Supported apartment living for adults requiring housing support.
• IFD Süd (Integrationsfachdienst) Integration support service for people with disabilities, providing professional guidance and workplace integration assistance.
• BEM (Betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement) Workplace integration management service for employers, supporting the reintegration of employees after illness.
• Lebenswelten AKADEMIE Continuing education institution offering cross-departmental training for employees and affiliated companies in organizational development, occupational safety, data protection, health promotion, and quality management.

Quantifiable outcome

• Participants in supported employment programs are placed into regular social-insurance employment and can receive ongoing job coaching during probation periods.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• KIEZquartier GmbHminorOthers · 1 January 2025Lebenswelten e.V. holds a shareholder stake in KIEZquartier GmbH, a local neighborhood development company, indicating a long-term investment in the Spandau district community where some of its residential facilities are located.
• AKTION MENSCHminorOthers · 1 January 2025Lebenswelten supported AKTION MENSCH's nationwide inclusion projects in 2025 by purchasing 'Glückslose' (lottery tickets) as Christmas greetings for employees, thereby contributing to funding for inclusive projects supported by AKTION MENSCH.
• Der Paritätische Berlin (Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband Berlin)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLebenswelten e.V. is a member of the Paritätischer Berlin, one of Germany's largest welfare associations. The membership provides institutional affiliation, advocacy representation, access to Paritätische Akademie training programs, and shared standards in social work quality management.
• Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Integrationsämter und Hauptfürsorgestellen (BIH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIH is the national association of Integration Offices (Integrationsämter) and Main Resettlement Agencies (Hauptfürsorgestellen) that support people with disabilities in employment. Lebenswelten's membership connects it to federal funding streams and policy development in disability employment.
• Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Inklusionsfirmen (BAG Inklusionsfirmen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLebenswelten e.V. is a member of BAG Inklusionsfirmen, the national umbrella organization for inclusion enterprises in Germany. Membership provides benchmarking, best practice exchange, and collective advocacy for the inclusion enterprise sector.
• Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Unterstützte Beschäftigung e.V. (BAG UB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLebenswelten e.V. is a member of BAG UB, which has promoted the Supported Employment model in Germany since 1994. The membership aligns Lebenswelten's JobMotor program with national standards for supported employment and connects it to the broader BAG UB network of practitioners.
• Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft Inklusionsfirmen (LAG Inklusionsfirmen Berlin)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLebenswelten e.V. is a member of LAG Inklusionsfirmen Berlin, the Berlin state-level association of inclusion enterprises, providing local networking, joint purchasing, and regional policy engagement.
• Kompetenzverbund Soziales und Gesundheit BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLebenswelten e.V. is a member of the Kompetenzverbund Soziales und Gesundheit Berlin, a Berlin-based network linking organizations in social services and healthcare for joint training, knowledge exchange, and referral pathways.
• Galerie ArtCru (Trägerverein Galerie ArtCru)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLebenswelten e.V. is a member of the supporting association of Galerie ArtCru, an art gallery that provides exhibition opportunities for artists with disabilities, reflecting Lebenswelten's commitment to cultural participation and inclusion beyond the labor market.
• Social Firms Europe — CEFECminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFEC is a European network of Social Firms, Social Co-operatives, and organizations working to create paid employment for people with disabilities and disadvantages. Lebenswelten's membership connects it to international best practices and European inclusion policy.
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziale Psychiatrie e.V. (DGSP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDGSP is an independent professional association for psychiatrically active professionals of all disciplines. Lebenswelten's membership ensures its social-psychiatric care services align with current professional standards and contributes to policy development in social psychiatry.
• PSAG Mitte (Psychosoziale Arbeitsgemeinschaft Berlin Mitte)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPSAG Mitte is the psychosocial working group for Berlin Mitte district, bringing together all facilities in the psychiatric care obligation network (psychische Pflichtversorgung). Membership ensures Lebenswelten's services are coordinated within the local psychiatric care system.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• AWO Berlin (Arbeiterwohlfahrt): Large incumbent welfare association offering a wide portfolio of social services including disability support, residential care, and vocational programs across Berlin-Brandenburg, with broader remit than Lebenswelten's specialist inclusion focus.
• Diakonie Berlin-Brandenburg: Protestant welfare association with extensive programs in disability inclusion, supported housing, and vocational rehabilitation across Berlin and surrounding regions - a broad incumbent operating in overlapping service categories.
• Caritas Berlin: Major welfare umbrella organization providing social services including psychiatric care, residential living, and employment support across Berlin - comparable as a broad public-funded social services incumbent operating in the same geography.

Direct peers

• Hephata Hessisches Diakoniezentrum: Social services organization running inclusion enterprises (catering, manufacturing, services), supported employment, and residential care for people with mental health conditions and disabilities - comparable vertically-integrated inclusion model albeit based in Hessen.
• Lebenshilfe Berlin: Berlin-based non-profit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through inclusion enterprises, residential services, and vocational programs - the most direct functional peer operating in the same city and same inclusion segment.
• FAW gGmbH (Fortbildungsakademie der Wirtschaft): AZAV-certified vocational rehabilitation and activation provider across Germany offering Berufliche Reha, supported employment and Bildungsgutschein-funded trainings - directly comparable to SPEKTRUM's IBT and IndiCo measures.
• CJD Berlin-Brandenburg (Christliches Jugenddorfwerk): Education and social services provider offering vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and inclusion programs - direct functional overlap with SPEKTRUM and JobMotor programs in the same region.
• Integra gGmbH (Würzburg): Social enterprise focused on integrating people with disabilities and mental health conditions into competitive employment markets, offering inclusion enterprises and supported employment - directly comparable to Lebenswelten's inclusion-enterprise plus supported-employment model.
• BBW Berlin-Brandenburg: Berufsbildungswerk offering vocational rehabilitation and training for people with disabilities in the Berlin-Brandenburg region - directly overlapping with SPEKTRUM Reha and IBT programs.
• Kolping Bildung Deutschland: Vocational education and labor market integration provider across Germany with AZAV-certified activation measures, Bildungsgutschein-funded courses, and supported employment programs - closely comparable to IndiCo and the Online Akademie.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lebenswelten-e-v-

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lebenswelten