Glossary

Compartmentalisation refers to the targeted separation of assets and business activities through the use of complex corporate structures such as letterbox companies, holding companies or trusts. The aim of this strategy is to minimise financial risks and protect personal assets from legal claims or operating losses. Assets are distributed across several legally independent units so that in the event of a financial problem in one unit, the entire assets cannot be accessed automatically. This form of compartmentalisation is particularly common in the international corporate sector and can be legally permissible, provided it complies with tax and company law regulations. However, critics criticise the fact that such structures can also be misused to conceal economic responsibilities and circumvent regulatory obligations.

Equity crowdfunding, also known as equity crowdfunding, is a form of swarm financing in which investors receive shares or company shares in return for their financial investment in the company. In contrast to traditional crowdfunding models, where supporters often only receive non-cash rewards or advance access to products, investors in equity crowdfunding can benefit from a potential increase in the value of the company and future dividends. This form of financing has become particularly important for start-ups and smaller companies, as it enables flexible capital raising without borrowing and at the same time spreads the entrepreneurial risk. In return, investors have the opportunity to acquire shares in high-growth companies at an early stage, which can enable high returns - but also harbours the risk of a total loss. In many countries, equity crowdfunding is regulated by law to ensure investor protection, as it is a riskier form of investment.

An angel investor is a wealthy private individual who supports start-ups or young companies by providing capital, usually in exchange for shares in the company or a stake in the company. Equity capital. These are often experienced business people or entrepreneurs who contribute not only financial resources, but also their network, industry knowledge and strategic advice to promote the growth of the company. Angel investors typically get involved in the early stages of a company, when the risk is high but access to traditional sources of financing is often limited. They therefore play a decisive role in start-up financing and offer young companies the opportunity to bring their ideas to market maturity.

An investor portal is an online platform that enables investors to invest in various crowdfunding projects and continuously monitor their progress. These portals serve as an interface between companies in need of capital and private and institutional investors looking for investment opportunities. In addition to crowdfunding projects, many investor portals also offer other financial products, such as property investments or start-up investments. By providing comprehensive information and regular updates on the projects in which they have invested, investors receive a transparent overview of the development of their investments. Investor portals are often subject to regulatory requirements to ensure the security of transactions and investor protection.

Anonymity is a characteristic feature of letterbox companies that enables the owners to conceal their identity and thus take advantage of both legal and tax benefits. Letterbox companies are often registered in countries that have strict data protection laws and limited information obligations towards authorities. This allows the actual owners to remain unrecognised, as the company only functions as a legal shell without its own business operations. This anonymity can offer strategic advantages, for example to protect privacy or conceal assets. However, the use of letterbox companies is increasingly the focus of regulatory authorities worldwide, as they can also be misused for tax avoidance or evasion.

Call forwarding refers to the function of automatically diverting incoming telephone calls to an alternative telephone number or another person. This technology enables companies and individuals to make and receive calls at any time. remain reachable regardless of location. Especially in virtual offices or when working remotely, call forwarding offers a flexible solution to ensure that no important call is missed. In practice, call forwarding can often be customised, e.g. by forwarding calls according to set schedules or when lines are busy, and is used in both private and business environments.

The address service is a service that provides companies with an official business address without having to be physically present. This service is often used in conjunction with with virtual office services and allows companies to use a professional address for business communications, company listings and mailings. The address service is particularly suitable for small companies, start-ups and freelancers who want to protect their private address or have a presence in certain regions without having to rent an actual office. This service is often combined with other services such as mail forwarding and secretarial services.

Work ergonomics is the science and practice of optimising the design of workplaces and working conditions in order to promote the health, efficiency and well-being of employees. They includes aspects such as adapting furniture, equipment and lighting as well as designing work processes to minimise physical strain and stress. Work ergonomics also play an important role in virtual office environments, for example by incorporating ergonomic home office equipment and break management. A well-designed ergonomic environment can not only reduce health complaints, but also increase productivity and job satisfaction.

Workplace sharing describes the concept of using office workplaces flexibly by sharing them between different people or teams. Instead of having permanently assigned offices or desks employees can book workstations as required, which is often done via digital booking systems. This model optimises the use of office space and reduces costs by enabling companies to respond to changing work requirements. Workplace sharing is particularly prevalent in modern, hybrid working environments as it promotes flexibility and gives employees the choice to be on site only when their work requires it.

Asset protection refers to a strategic concept for securing assets against access by creditors or legal claims. The aim of these measures is to protect the personal or business assets from financial risks. Legal constructs such as offshore structures, trusts or letterbox companies are often used, which create a geographical and legal distance from the country of residence of the asset owner and thus make it more difficult for third parties to gain access. Although asset protection is legal in principle, the use of such structures is subject to strict legal regulations. Provided the measures do not violate tax or legal regulations, asset protection can be an effective strategy for entrepreneurs, investors or wealthy private individuals to secure their assets in the long term.

The duty of supervision refers to the legal and regulatory obligation to monitor and protect the interests of investors in crowdfunding projects. This duty aims to, to ensure that investors are protected against unforeseen risks and possible misconduct on the part of capital recipients through transparent information and regulated processes. Regulatory authorities and platform operators take on key tasks here, such as reviewing projects, complying with legal standards and providing relevant financial information. The duty of supervision thus serves to ensure the safety of investors and promotes trust in crowdfunding as a serious form of investment.

Foreign company formation describes the process of founding a company in a country other than the founder's home country. This procedure is often chosen in order to tax advantages, lower regulatory requirements or a business-friendly legal environment. Countries that offer favourable tax rates or flexible regulations often attract entrepreneurs who want to reduce their operating costs or simplify their legal obligations. Typical destinations for foreign company formations are so-called "tax havens" or countries with pronounced economic liberalisation. However, such start-ups are bound by the respective legislation of the target country and require precise knowledge of international taxation and compliance requirements in order to avoid legal risks.