WELCOMING OUT
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersHamburg, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
WELCOMING OUT firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WELCOMING OUT
- Legal name
- WELCOMING OUT gUG (haftungsbeschränkt)
- Website
- https://welcoming-out.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where WELCOMING OUT is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hamburg
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
WELCOMING OUT business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Patron Sponsorship: Organizations become PATRONS of WELCOMING OUT by providing annual financial sponsorship (relative to their available resources). This is the primary funding mechanism for the initiative.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Patron Sponsorship - Variable annual financial contribution |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
WELCOMING OUT product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WELCOMING OUT provides a unified, recognizable visual allyship symbol distributed as free physical merchandise (buttons, stickers) and digital assets to individual allies, combined with paid educational offerings and an annual organizational patron sponsorship program. The symbol functions as a pre-emptive psychological-safety signal intended to make environments visibly welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals before they come out.
Product overview
WELCOMING OUT operates as a single unified initiative rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Its core offering is the W.O. Symbol — a recognizable visual marker that allies display (via buttons, stickers, digital assets) to signal safety and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals considering coming out. The portfolio includes: physical merchandise (buttons, stickers) available free or for purchase; digital downloads (social media graphics, email signatures); educational offerings for organizations; a supporter gallery; and a patron network for organizational partners. The offering functions as a coordinated program rather than a modular software product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- W.O. Symbol Merchandise (Buttons and Stickers) Free and paid physical merchandise (buttons, stickers) bearing the W.O. allyship symbol, intended for individuals and organizations to visibly signal LGBTQ+ allyship in workplaces, events, and public settings.
- W.O. Digital Asset Downloads Digital downloads of the W.O. allyship symbol for use in online profiles, workplace intranets, presentations, and social media, enabling digital display of allyship by individuals and organizations.
- WELCOMING OUT Educational Offerings Structured educational offerings for organizations and communities on LGBTQ+ allyship, the use of the W.O. Symbol, and creating psychological safety, supporting patron sponsorship and broader inclusion initiatives.
- PATRON of WELCOMING OUT - Annual Sponsorship Annual organizational sponsorship of the WELCOMING OUT initiative, granting patron status within a network of 100+ organizations and access to use of the W.O. Symbol across internal and external channels.
Companies that use WELCOMING OUT
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
WELCOMING OUT technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
WELCOMING OUT partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
87 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Aidshilfe HamburgcoreAidshilfe Hamburg has been a contact point since 1984 where all people are equally accepted without wanting to change them. They support the free development of gender, sexual, and socio-political orientation. Ronny Griepentrog, member of the supervisory board, actively supports WELCOMING OUT.
- OTTOcoreOTTO actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility through their queer employee network MORE*. Katy Roewer, OTTO Board Director Service & HR, represents the company as patron.
- BeiersdorfcoreBeiersdorf engages exceptionally for Diversity & Inclusion and sees it as their responsibility to contribute to positive social change. They are proud PATRON OF WELCOMING OUT, raising their voice for respect, tolerance, and more community.
- Hamburger Sparkasse AG (Haspa)coreAs a bank for all Hamburgers and attractive employer, Haspa stands for diversity and equal opportunities. Anchored in the Charta der Vielfalt and their values, they actively support WELCOMING OUT.
- Handelskammer HamburgcoreHamburger Handelskammer is the first German Chamber of Industry and Commerce to have their community welfare contribution determined. They actively support diversity and equal opportunities as central concerns.
- Feuerwehr HamburgminorFeuerwehr Hamburg supports WELCOMING OUT to demonstrate that the diversity of the fire department stands for the safety of a diverse society and is committed to their well-being.
- HSV (Hamburger Sportverein)coreHSV stands for lived diversity beyond their club boundaries, which they want to make even more visible. 'Raute ist Vielfalt' (The diamond is diversity). Cornelius Göbel, Chief Culture & Marketing Officer, represents HSV.
- Hamburger Sportbund (HSB)minorHSB is the voluntary association of sports clubs and associations in Hamburg with approximately 557,000 members in 857 member organizations. They support WELCOMING OUT to demonstrate openness, respect, and tolerance.
- Airbus Operations GmbHminorDr. Anna Elisabeth Bauch, Head of Engineering Cabin Modules & Systems, and Arnauld Douay, Project Manager, represent Airbus as patrons supporting the initiative for safe spaces for queer people.
- Techniker KrankenkasseminorTK supports WELCOMING OUT as part of their commitment to a fair and discrimination-free working environment, equal opportunities, development opportunities, and respect for all.
- KampnagelcoreKampnagel is Hamburg's international cultural center for culture and art. Amelie Deuflhard, artistic director, supports WELCOMING OUT as part of their commitment to diversity and safe working environments.
- Magnus Hirschfeld CentrumcoreThe Magnus Hirschfeld Centrum has over 40 years of experience since 1983 advocating for human rights, diversity, and societal acceptance. They offer confidential and free counseling for LGBTQ* persons in difficult life situations.
- Lübecker CSD e. V.minorAs organizer of Christopher Street Day in Lübeck, they fight daily for visibility, solidarity, and safe spaces. They support WELCOMING OUT to help more people feel welcomed.
- H&M GermanyminorH&M supports WELCOMING OUT as a valuable partner to jointly promote the visibility and acceptance of different life worlds and strengthen their corporate culture.
- Inditex (ZARA, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, etc.)minorAs one of the world's largest fashion companies, diversity is a key pillar of Inditex's corporate culture. Fashion means the possibility of expressing oneself and breaking traditional gender boundaries.
- edding GroupminorPer Ledermann, CEO, and Patricia Siebel, CR-Manager, represent edding Group as patrons. Their corporate values 'Authenticity' and 'Truly Caring' align with the initiative's goals.
- DLA PiperminorVerena Grentzenberg represents DLA Piper as patrons. The law firm supports creating safe work environments where nobody needs to pretend, particularly important in traditionally conservative legal professions.
- Publicis MediaminorPublicis Media actively supports an inclusive and supportive working environment. Nina Fallaschek, Director Marketing, represents the company, emphasizing their motto 'Viva La Difference'.
- Hamburg Commercial BankminorDiversity is firmly anchored in HCOB's identity. Their 'Code of Diversity' developed by employees serves as a guide for lived diversity, fairness, and equal opportunities.
- Gilead Sciences GmbHminorGilead believes an open and inclusive corporate culture is the foundation for trust, collaboration, and long-term success. Martin Flörkemeier and Florian Krupp represent the company.
- Jobcenter MünchenminorJobcenter München sets a sign for diversity and mutual appreciation with their WELCOMING OUT patronage, aiming to provide a safe and fear-free coming-out environment for colleagues and customers.
- Helmholtz MunichminorAs a health research center, Helmholtz Munich carries responsibility for excellent science and for the people who make it possible. Dr. Michael Frieser represents the organization.
- Schwartauer WerkeminorWith over 1,000 employees (#TeamSchwartau), Schwartauer Werke lives diversity in all its facets. Florian Brombach, HR Director, and Vanessa Krabiell, Head of Corporate Communications, represent the company.
- E. Breuninger GmbH & Co.minorFor Breuninger, diversity is not a trend but a central part of their corporate culture. Jan Hellmann, Head of HR, and Rocio del Valle Fernandez, Senior Expert HR Governance, represent the company.
- AWO Hamburg (Arbeiterwohlfahrt)minorSolidarity, diversity, and tolerance have been core values of AWO for over 100 years. Alexander Kleinow represents the welfare association.
- AXA Konzern AGminorAXA creates spaces where employees can be themselves and be heard. Nina Weigel, Corporate HR Director, has her own WELCOMING OUT as an ally.
- LichtBlick SEminorMandy Schwerendt, CCO, emphasizes that Diversity & Inclusion is not a 'Nice-to-have' but a central part of how they work and act.
- ver.di HamburgminorSandra Goldschmidt, District Manager, has accompanied ver.di Hamburg's Rainbow working group since 2015, which has been fighting for equality for queer members for decades.
- Carl GroupminorCarl Group wants to make a strong statement for respectful interaction and encourage authentic self-presentation even in the work environment. Jonas Fürste represents the company.
- StröerminorStröer has many faces and unites perspectives from different segments, subsidiaries, and employees. Alexander Stotz, CEO Ströer Media Deutschland GmbH, represents the company.
- Landor (part of WPP)minorLandor & Fitch knows that diverse cultural backgrounds and LGBTQIA diversity lead to a more inclusive work environment and better creative solutions. Imke Schuller represents the company.
- Hamburger EnergienetzeminorEngagement for the energy transition also means offering perspectives for people. Gabriele Eggers and Michael Dammann from the management represent the company.
- Hamburger Fußball-Verband e. V.minorThe football association for all football clubs in Hamburg with a large sporting community. Jana Steen, Education Manager, and Christian Klahn, Treasurer, represent the organization.
- Hamburger Sportjugend (HSJ)minorThe independent children's and youth organization within HSB. Pia Wilke, Managing Director, represents the organization which advocates for a democratic, open, and diverse society.
- ElbkinderminorElbkinder is a Kita (kindergarten) provider with tens of thousands of people: employees, children, and their families. Dr. Katja Nienaber, Managing Director, and Marina Jachenholz, Works Council Chair, represent the organization.
- ChocoversumminorOver 100 people from diverse backgrounds work at Chocoversum. Stephanie Schaub, Management, and Nadja Gutjahr, Head of People & Culture, represent the company.
- ParshipMeet GroupminorMarc Schachtel, CEO, represents the dating app company that advocates for a societal climate of understanding and free development of individuals.
- bonprixminorDr. Richard Gottwald, CEO, and Kirstin Hahne, Manager Diversity, Equity & Belonging, represent bonprix which views WELCOMING OUT as an excellent addition to their diversity activities.
- Ipsos in DeutschlandminorDr. Christoph Preuß, CEO, and Dr. Markus Eberl, Chief Analytics Officer, represent Ipsos which publishes the annual Ipsos LGBT+ Pride Report in over 20 countries.
- Common Purpose DeutschlandminorLena Meyer, Managing Director, represents the organization that supports leaders in taking social responsibility and advocates for a democratic, pluralistic society.
- Hamburg Messe und CongressminorUwe Fischer, CEO, and Ellen Teichmann, Chief Corporate Development Officer, represent the organization whose core business is connecting people from different countries, cultures, and life realities.
- Hamburg Tourismus GmbHminorMichael Otremba, Managing Director, and Soleij Mahina Reif, Marketing Manager, represent the organization for which diversity is not a bonus but the benchmark.
- Hamburger OriginaleminorNils Julius & Ann-Marie Nappari, CEO & COO, represent the diverse and cross-industry value community that reflects Hamburg's colorful diversity.
- hvv Hamburger Verkehrsverbund GmbHminorAnna-Theresa Korbutt represents the public transport association which stands for future-oriented thinking that puts people at the center.
- Hamburg LeuchtfeuerminorHamburg Leuchtfeuer remains a safe space for queer people. Melanie Fischer, Hospice Manager, and Michael Thomsen, Managing Director, represent the organization.
- Metropolis KinominorMartin Aust, Managing Director of Kinemathek Hamburg e.V., represents the cinema which is founding site of the traditional Lesbisch-Schwule Filmtage (now Hamburg International Queer Film Festival).
- Dialoghaus Hamburg gGmbHminorAndreas Heinecke represents the organization which for 22 years has been dedicated to a society of diversity in Hamburg and beyond, based on acceptance and inclusion.
- Bücherhallen HamburgminorFrauke Untiedt, Library Director, represents the organization that has open houses for all people in the city and is committed against discrimination.
- Bücherstuben Hamburg NordminorDaniel Hagemann, Owner, represents the bookstores. As a gay man, he wants to set an example that everyone is welcome as they are.
- LSVD+ Verband Queere Vielfalt e.V., Landesverband HamburgcoreWolfgang Preussner and Barbara Mansberg from the board represent the organization that has worked for many years for human rights, diversity, and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people.
- Diversity München e.V.minorLouisa Sommer, Board Member, represents the queer youth organization that experiences daily how important community, support, and safe spaces are for young people.
- BDKJ in der Region München e.V.minorMichael Reich, Sabrina Böck, Jonas Böck from the board represent the Catholic youth association that supports this initiative with world-open attitudes.
- Löffelholz Care GmbHminorMartin Löffelholz represents the ambulatory care service that works with Schwulenberatung Berlin and Lebensort Vielfalt to be a care service for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or lifestyle.
- Kirchenkreis Hamburg-West / SüdholsteinminorAnja Botta, Pröpstin (senior pastor), represents the church that stands for a church where all people are welcome regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Evangelisch-lutherischer Kirchenkreis Hamburg-OstminorThe preacher team (Dr. Tobias Woydack, Dr. Martin Vetter, Carolyn Decke, Dr. Ulrike Murmann, Holger Beermann, Dr. Heiko Landwehr) represents the church district that aims to support and represent diversity.
- FlussschifferkircheminorDiakon Mark Möller, Chairman of the support association, represents the church that wants to celebrate colorful diversity. God's creativity is as great as God's love.
- Ev.-Luth. Kirchengemeinde NiendorfminorThe church council (Anke Zorn, Jochen Pridat, Kerstin Kiesé, Florian Weißler, Ute Andresen) wants to offer a fear-free space for coming out based on Christian conviction.
- Ev.-luth. Reiherstieg-KirchengemeindeminorLars Meyer, Community Educator, represents the congregation in Wilhelmsburg that has experienced how colorful creation is and that diversity is a gift.
- Evangelische Stiftung BodelschwinghminorSilke Ebeling, Social Worker at the Youth Counseling Center Bodelschwingh, represents the foundation that is committed to equality, participation, self-determination, and solidarity.
- Zirkus Firlefanz / Ev.-Luth. Tabita KirchengemeindeminorCarolin Dallmeyer, Circus Director, represents the circus that offers all young people the opportunity to experience themselves and find themselves as they are and feel.
- St. Brauli e. V.minorFrieder Maier, Founder and 1st Chairman, represents the association that wants to give WELCOMING OUT their voice to speak loudly for diversity.
- KunstklinikminorRika Tjakea, Managing Director, represents the organization for which providing space for personal expression is essential to neighborhood culture.
- Sparda Bank Hamburg eGminorJana Kaßburg, Head of Human Resources Management, represents the bank that views a cosmopolitan attitude as the basis of coexistence.
- Haspa DirektminorNicole Schaening, Frank Ennen, Carsten Kirchhof, Management, represent the service company that values diversity as a strength and essential part of their identity.
- HS – Hamburger Software GmbH & Co. KGminorMarkus Fröhlich, CEO, and Anika Görgülü, Head of Support, represent the company that is colorful and recognizes diversity as added value.
- Jobcenter team.arbeit.hamburgminorOliver H. Weiße, Deputy Managing Director, represents the organization that wants to be a role model for other employers regarding organizational values.
- AonminorMarcel Armon, CEO Germany, represents the company with over 100 years of history at the Hamburg location that is committed to a culture of respect, openness, and inclusion.
- on:NetworkAgencyminorKevin Winter, Owner and Managing Director, represents the digital agency that has accompanied companies into the web since 2017 with diversity and equal opportunities as part of their work.
- on:DesignVibesminorThe design and marketing agency advocates for diversity not only in Pride Month but in everyday life through their designs and campaigns.
- einhornkollektivminorKristin Ebner, Daniel Stolte, Tim Stolte, Founding and Management team, represent the creative industry startup that wants all participants in their projects to show and live their authentic selves fear-free.
- K2 Konzept GmbHminorVedat Kurt, Managing Director, represents the media service company that wants to actively fight discrimination and build a more inclusive society.
- PIERDREIminorMona Blahusch, Junior Sales Manager, and Stefan Pallasch, General Manager, represent the hotel that welcomes guests and employees regardless of origin, skin color, religion, and sexual orientation.
- elbstolzminorJessica Hardtmann & Daniel Kaesmacher represent the brand whose values align with WELCOMING OUT on many levels including maximum freedom for individuals.
- CarlNannminorChristoph Nann, Chief Creative Officer, supports WELCOMING OUT as a patron to show his commitment as an ally of the LGBTQI+ community.
- Toom PeerstallminorMathias Letzel, Holger Nedderhut, Marcel Guevara represent the event venue that embodies the diversity they want to see in society and invites cis-heterosexual people as Straight Allies.
- Praxis K* SternminorK* Stern, Owner of a psychotherapy practice and specialist counseling on gender diversity, supports WELCOMING OUT as a low-threshold way for cis, endo, and heterosexual people to show acceptance.
- Praxis Dr. Joris A. GregorminorDr. Joris A. Gregor provides relationship dynamic sex and relationship counseling as well as coaching and training on gender and sexual diversity, with over ten years of experience.
- Endres CoachingminorNadja Endres, Owner and CEO, supports WELCOMING OUT as an LGBTQ+ community member who knows how difficult the first step can be.
- Business & Life Coachings Matthias BosbachminorMatthias Bosbach, Owner and Coach, supports queer projects like WELCOMING OUT as part of his mission to help others understand their own diversity as a strength.
- Cronemeyer Haisch Rechtsanwältinnen mbBminorVerena Haisch, Lawyer and Partner, represents the law firm that wants to be a place where coming out is not only not a problem but is appreciated.
- ERLBURG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbHminorDr. Ulrike Grübler, Lawyer and Specialist Attorney for Industrial Property Rights, represents the law firm that wants to counteract existing reservations about gender and sexual diversity.
- Marco Groß ConsultingminorMarco Groß, Owner, supports WELCOMING OUT as he stands for a world where everyone can live freely and self-determinedly, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Mauß Datenschutz GmbHminorTobias Mauß represents the data protection company that wants to actively support the next steps in society toward acceptance of all identities, orientations, and life plans.
- UNBOUND MEDIAminorGero Maskow, Managing Partner, represents the company that promotes diversity as a high social good and found a perfectly matching platform in WELCOMING OUT.
- Hamburger Allianz für Social EntrepreneurshipminorWELCOMING OUT is supported by the Hamburg Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, indicating membership in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- Behörde für Kultur und MediencoreDr. Carsten Brosda, Senator, represents the authority that promotes culture for all and stands for free media and diversity of opinion while supporting WELCOMING OUT.
- Behörde für Wissenschaft, Forschung, Gleichstellung und BezirkecoreKatharina Fegebank, Second Mayor of Hamburg and Senator, represents the authority that sees equal rights for all as not only important for minorities but a gain for society as a whole.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
WELCOMING OUT competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- GLAAD: US-based LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization driving cultural change through storytelling and corporate engagement. Comparable to WELCOMING OUT in leveraging high-profile supporters and corporate campaigns to advance LGBTQ+ acceptance.
- ILGA-Europe: European regional LGBTQ+ advocacy umbrella covering 50+ countries. Comparable to WELCOMING OUT at the pan-European advocacy level, though operating through policy/lobbying rather than consumer-facing corporate symbol distribution.
- Deutsche Aidshilfe: National German federation supporting people with HIV and advocating for sexual/gender diversity. Comparable to WELCOMING OUT as a broader LGBTQ+ advocacy incumbent; Aidshilfe Hamburg is an existing partner.
- Stonewall (UK): Major UK LGBTQ+ rights charity with corporate Diversity Champions program and workplace advocacy. Comparable to WELCOMING OUT as a benchmark incumbent in LGBTQ+ corporate allyship, though operating at much larger scale.
- Workplace Pride Foundation: Dutch-based, pan-European LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion membership organization. Comparable to WELCOMING OUT as a broader incumbent serving multinational employers with maturity assessments and benchmarking, though at a larger pan-European scale.
Direct peers
- Uhlala Group: German/DACH consulting and events business focused on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and corporate D&I. Comparable to WELCOMING OUT in serving the same B2B German corporate inclusion segment with programs, training, and community elements.
- LSVD+ Verband Queere Vielfalt: Germany's largest civil-rights association for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer people. Overlaps with WELCOMING OUT's advocacy mission in Germany; WELCOMING OUT is already a partner (LSVD+ Landesverband Hamburg), positioning the two as adjacent advocacy peers.
- PROUT AT WORK: German foundation that runs a corporate LGBTQ+ employer network and recognition program. Most directly comparable to WELCOMING OUT as both target German organizations to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion through membership/sponsorship models and corporate D&I services.
Regional players
- Schwulenberatung Berlin: Berlin-based LGBTQ+ counseling, community, and care organization. Comparable to WELCOMING OUT as a peer advocacy/support organization, but operates regionally in Berlin with a counseling-led model rather than a corporate-symbol model.
- Magnus Hirschfeld Centrum: Hamburg-based LGBTQ+ counseling and human rights organization with 40+ years of history. Directly comparable in mission and Hamburg geography; existing partner of WELCOMING OUT and a peer advocacy organization.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
WELCOMING OUT social profiles
Digital presenceWELCOMING OUT financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WELCOMING OUT leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
WELCOMING OUT funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WELCOMING OUT M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WELCOMING OUT
What does WELCOMING OUT do?
WELCOMING OUT provides a unified, recognizable visual allyship symbol distributed as free physical merchandise (buttons, stickers) and digital assets to individual allies, combined with paid educational offerings and an annual organizational patron sponsorship program. The symbol functions as a pre-emptive psychological-safety signal intended to make environments visibly welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals before they come out.
Is WELCOMING OUT a public or private company?
WELCOMING OUT is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was WELCOMING OUT founded?
WELCOMING OUT was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is WELCOMING OUT based?
WELCOMING OUT is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does WELCOMING OUT make money?
One revenue line is on record: patron Sponsorship.
Who are WELCOMING OUT's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are GLAAD, ILGA-Europe, Deutsche Aidshilfe, Stonewall (UK) and Workplace Pride Foundation. Direct peers are Uhlala Group, LSVD+ Verband Queere Vielfalt and PROUT AT WORK. Regional players are Schwulenberatung Berlin and Magnus Hirschfeld Centrum.
Does WELCOMING OUT have an API?
No public API is recorded for WELCOMING OUT.