a standing wheelchair ( also known as a standing chair ) is assistive technology , similar to a standing frame , that allows a wheelchair user to raise the chair from a seated to a standing position .

the standing wheelchair supports the person in a standing position and enables interaction with people and objects at eye level .

standing wheelchair

the ce manual standing wheelchair is a manually propelled wheelchair with motorised stand function .
the wijit wheelchair lets the user push half as much as they usually do with a conventional wheelchair .
increase your mobility , your independence , and maybe even add more opportunities for employment by sta nding in the superstand standing wheelchair .
the levo summit el is the next generation of the levo lcev manual wheelchair with powered standing - delivering exceptional performance and style .
be mitigated prior to commercial release of the device . the risk analysis for the full power standing wheelchair has risk scores greater than
available in manually propelled , powered standing or fully powered models , all bringing the health and social benefits that standing brings .
technological advancements and innovations in mobility chair design have enabled the introduction of the standing wheelchair , which enables users to operate mechanical or powered controls to shift between a seated position and a secure standing position .
the crash tested stamp means that this wheelchair has passed the iso - 7176 / 19 impact test relating to the use of the wheelchair in a vehicle .
with the stander integrated into the wheelchair base , the user can experience more frequent standing and counter the negative health effects that come from continuous sitting .
wheelchair users who are able to stand when transferring use the arms for support when sitting or standing and should be strong enough to support their weight . people who slide sideways off the wheelchair to transfer will use the armrest on the opposite side of their transfer to either push themselves off or pull themselves onto the wheelchair seat .
we know very little about how long and how often wheelchair users should stand to get the benefits of standing . the latest scientific research may lead the way .
today we know for sure that variations in positioning and standing up can prevent and reduce these secondary diseases for wheelchair users and thereby increase their quality of life .
a wheelchair seat cushion must provide pressure relief , absorb heat , and . . .
to source other companies offering standing mobility chairs , contact your healthcare provider , mobility retailer and / or conduct a search on standing wheelchairs on the internet .
when standing , the user also experiences increased volume in the abdominal area and the gravitational pull on the bowels increases the bladder / bowel function . many wheelchair users report they have less spasm in the extremities after standing on a regular basis . there is also scientific evidence that standing up has a positive effect on preventing and reducing spasticity2 . also there is good evidence that standing on a regular basis strengthens the bones .
the benefits of standing - wheelchair users are not sick because they are sitting in a wheelchair . but they get some secondary diseases from sitting down all the time , which reduces their quality of life substantially and in some cases leads to premature death , explains erik bergh .
standing is not appropriate for all individuals with mobility impairments . the selection of standing equipment , as well as its configuration and maintenance , are critical to successful adaptation . resna has recently published a position paper on the medical benefits of standing technology . this report includes case studies that are useful to the medical professional considering standing technology for their patients .
removable arms are arm rests that can be removed from the wheelchair . this feature is important for many people who transfer onto and off of the wheelchair by sliding sideways off the seat . removable wheelchair arms are available as both fixed and adjustable height as well as desk length and full length .
standing frames are also available . easystand offers several models , including a pediatric unit . some , such as the stand aid , are motorized . other standing frames are more rudimentary - - basically a static frame that supports a paralyzed person in the standing position .
for many years , the standing company has passionately worked to make people ( now stuck in conventional wheelchairs ) healthier and stronger - - - simply by standing up for themselves .
simply pressing a button changes the seat angle , putting the user in a standing position , easily and comfortably . suitable for all wheelchair users up to 120kg body weight whose muscles will not support standing unaided and whose finger and arm control is sufficient at least on one side .
psycho - social significance so the wheelchair user is motivated to stand , when given the possibility of being active while standing . this makes specific demands to the standing aid which needs to be mobile and easy to use . a standing table for example is a simple and affordable solution but also a stationary aid , which doesn’t give the user the possibility of being active while standing . the stand - up wheelchair e . g . levo is another , more mobile solution which offers the user great possibilities of being active and therefore motivates the user to stand .
rosen also points out that for wheelchair users , aging means more cumulative time spent in their chairs .
standing height and limb length are reduced due to conditions such as achondroplasia and osteogenesis imperfecta .
here are five popular standing wheelchairs on the market and stories of people who own them .
standing chairs act as normal manual chairs but also help the rider rise to a standing position . there are many advantages to being tall at home , in school and in the workplace .
there are a variety of mobility companies who sell manual and powered standing wheel chairs . standing mobility chairs must be carefully fitted and customized to address the user’s size , abilities and needs .
flip back arms are hinged at the rear connecting point to the seat frame of the wheelchair and when a latch is released at the front attachment point will flip to the rear of the wheelchair and out of the way for sliding transfers or to get up close to a table or desk . the huge advantage of flip back arms is they remain attached to the wheelchair and within reach of the wheelchair user at all times .
given the wealth of research on standing benefits , you might think funding sources would be eager to pay for technology that could reduce the need for more expensive medical interventions or institutionalized placements for wheelchair users .
everyone’s talking about how important standing is these days . but while many articles focus on people who can easily get up from their office desk or couch , those who are severely limited in their mobility due to a disorder , disease or injury could also be helped greatly by standing for an hour or two as part of their daily therapy . for these individuals , assistive standers , standing frames and standing wheelchairs are available to provide the health benefits of standing to both children and adults .
this includes completing a detailed assessment of your needs , writing a prescription for the standing chair , advising on chair selection , and overseeing your training to ensure safe navigation of the standing chair equipment .
athletes have impairments of the lower limbs . all athletes in these classes compete in standing without support .
please contact your loh medical representative for copies of this or other clinical literature related to standing technology .
an apple a day a group of american scientists have examined a home standing program for individuals with spinal cord injury3 . the results indicate that standing half an hour a day is sufficient to reduce the secondary diseases for wheelchair users with spinal cord injury . however given the response rate of only 32 % of all participants in the program , the results should not be taken as the finally answer to the “doses” of standing . but compared with other research the half an hour standing can be used as a guideline in practice . according to the different research studies , standing less than half an hour is not sufficient to reduce the secondary diseases .
- if the wheelchair user is to maintain good health and quality of life , standing up on a regular basis is necessary . as therapists we therefore have the responsibility to motivate our clients to stand , says erik bergh .
4 eng jj . et al , 2001 : use of prolonged standing for individuals with spinal cord injuries .
wheelchairs , walkers , floor / ceiling lifts , standing frames and other devices necessary for care and rehabilitation .
research on standing also indicates that it is better to stand often then to stand only once a day . in other words it is better to stand 6 times for 5 minutes at a time then to stand once for half an hour . the question is how to make standing become a natural part of the wheelchair user’s everyday life .
, levo has the most complete line of standing wheelchairs in the world . from manually propelled / manual standers , to power driven / power standers , levo continues its
experts in standing
role worldwide . get vertical !
impaired range of motion or severe contractures can be a contraindication of standing in some cases . however , a regular standing program has shown to improve range of motion and decrease contractures . again , individual client assessment is necessary .
provides the opportunity to work standing up but drives like a normal powered wheelchair . increases independence and improves quality of life for everyone whose muscles do not give enough support to stand up and for those who like the benefits of powered chairs .
besides the medical and functional reasons for standing , the psycho - social significance is also important . the major part of the respondents in different research studies on the psycho - social aspect of standing answer : they feel more socially accepted and less handicapped when standing for one thing ; and they are at the same eye - level as their surroundings4 .
contraindications may include orthostatic intolerance syndrome : orthostatic hypotension , elevated heart rate or other cardiovascular conditions . yet , standing devices have been prescribed by physicians to help strengthen an individual’s cardiovascular system . immobilization puts the cardiovascular system at risk . case studies show standing tolerance can be increased over a relatively short period of time with compliance to a standing program .
our range of high quality stand - up wheelchairs meets all individual requirements for size and disability . they are available in manually propelled and powered standing or fully powered operated models , all bringing the health and social benefits that standing brings .
anyone considering a standing program should consult with a qualified physician and medical team to determine what indications or contraindications exist . clinicians should use their best clinical judgment to determine if weight bearing / standing is indicated on an individual client basis .
other contraindications may exist ; medical professionals must be consulted in determining each individual’s indications and contraindications for a standing program .
implementing a standing program must be determined on an individual basis by the team ( physician , physical therapist , rts , consumer ) . consider the contraindications and indications of each of your clients individually to determine if weight bearing / standing is an option for them . don’t rule a standing program out because your last client with a similar diagnosis couldn’t stand .
karman healthcare presents the ultimate standing device for your mobility needs . this stand up wheelchair is not your typical standing chair , it is the complete package when it comes to power chairs . it has a brand new frame design that is clean and easy to maneuver . comes with state of the art lcd display that allows you full control of all the features included .
t51 - athletes usually have decreased shoulder muscle power and difficulty straightening the elbows for a pushing action required for wheelchair racing propulsion . there is no muscle power in the trunk . wheelchair propulsion is achieved with a pulling action using the elbow flexor and wrist extensor muscles .
standing clients with hip subluxation may be another contraindication . however , there are highly respected therapists who , when working together with a physician , determined a standing program was indicated for that individual with better hip socket location as a desired outcome .
there are a variety of wheelchair arm rests on the market to meet the needs of various types of wheelchair users . armrests on wheelchairs have various functions depending on the user ' s needs but the most common are aids for transferring , comfort while sitting and weight shifting .
athletes in the sport classes f35 - 38 have sufficient function in throwing ability from a standing position without support or aids .
“post - menopausal women have more risk of being osteoporotic than a small child does . anybody who’s not standing does , but certainly once you get to post - menopausal women , then you’ve got another issue thrown on top of not standing . ”
the pivot dual lever drive replaces the quick - release rear wheels of any manual wheelchair ; the pivot comes with five levels of effort .
a person who can ' t push may require a wheelchair or scooter powered by an electric motor and batteries and controlled by a joystick .
these were the words from physiotherapist erik bergh during a seminar “why stand when you can sit” at the rehab scandinavia 2005 . the latest research shows that standing up on a regular basis has a useful effect on many of the secondary diseases most wheelchair users suffer from .
people are not “confined” to their wheelchairs - - they are in fact liberated by their wheels . a person with paralysis can get around as quickly in a wheelchair as anyone else can walking . a wheelchair offers people access to work and shopping or any other travel outside the home .
“i encourage getting a standing wheelchair , one that’s easy to work on , with a good support team and i have that with redman , ” he says . “in the past i have checked out other wheelchairs , and the best choice for me is still redman . ”
research supports standing for wheelchair users even when the program is begun several years after the onset of disability . the benefits include pulmonary , bowel , and bladder function . other benefits are bone health , muscle tone , and the preservation of joint range of motion . by reducing the load on seating surfaces , standing contributes to pressure relief . school based research has shown improved educational performance and psychosocial benefits .
3 walter , s . james and others , 2005 : indications for a home standing program for individuals with spinal cord injury .
promotes more efficient cardiovascular activity and achieves better circulation in the digestive tract . standing encourages complete bladder drainage , improves posture , decreases muscle spasticity and relieves sitting pressure . suitable for all active wheelchair users who are unable to stand on their own but have good finger and arm control .
user reviews of some standing wheel chair manufacturers and models can be found online at the united spinal association ' s techguide by clicking here . when you arrive at the site , do a search for a power or manual standing wheel chair to find the user reviews .
“there are an estimated 70 , 000 disabled children and young people in the uk waiting for a wheelchair that fits their young lives . that’s where we come in . whizz - kidz provides disabled children with the essential wheelchairs and other mobility equipment they need to lead fun and active childhoods . and at whizz - kidz , the wheelchair is just the start – we also run youth groups , wheelchair skills training , work experience placements and residential camps . ”
in some ways a wheelchair is like a bicycle : there are many designs and styles to choose from including imports , lightweights , racing models , etc .
- one of the best motivations to stand is when standing can be combined with something useful , meaningful or social , says erik bergh .
among other things , tobin boenig used a levo standing chair to get married . he will soon be upgrading to the model shown above .
even with all the health benefits of standing , the unfortunate truth is it’s difficult to get the funding needed for a standing device . medicaid and most insurance companies feel they aren’t necessary for improving someone’s quality of life , which keeps standers from being more prevalent in homes and clinics .
i have been using the mobility aids centre now for over 3 years , they have helped me personally regarding my own wheelchair and other associated eq . . .
like others who use standing or elevating wheelchairs , allen credits the edge with improving her social life . “when i’m in the elevated position , my husband can put his arm around me and give me a kiss , ” she says . “i can be in a standing crowd and see what everyone else is seeing , or browse through the clothing racks at hanger height . i’m no longer sitting while everyone else is standing . ”
nancy perlich , cota , atp , reimbursement specialist for altimate medical , says , “whatever is happening to crt [ complex rehab technology ] , that belt - tightening is happening to standing devices also . unfortunately , we still see medicare as not covering standing devices at all , of any sort . ”
tobin boenig , 43 , credits using a standing chair soon after his c4 - 5 incomplete injury two decades ago for his increased movement and function .
the rifton supine stander gives each user the ability to get the standing position in a comfortable and safe way ; expanding the opportunity for social interaction .
wheelchair companies also offer chairs for kids that don ' t look as “medical . ” the updated looks offer more streamlined designs , cooler upholstery , and different frame colors .
a belt strap is used to keep the legs from bending while standing to help maintain a proper upright posture , which should help not just with interacting with others , but to promote better blood circulation , prevent butt sores , and improve a number of other issues related to sitting in a traditional wheelchair for long periods of time .
the height of the wheelchair arms should be sufficient to rest the elbows on without forcing the shoulders to either hunch up or sag down for the best comfort for most users .
when illness or injury makes it impossible for us to stand spontaneously , the yearning remains . fortunately , assistive technology advances make it possible for many wheelchair users today to stand .
jeanne allen , 61 , of sonoma , california , had an “aha” moment when she saw an elevating wheelchair at local abilities expo in 2014 . desiring a seated chair that lifts up to standing height , allen , whose ms is progressing , opted for quantum rehab’s q6 edge x lifting base chair , an older version of the company’s ilevel base .
the benefits of standing are diverse ; in combination with mobility , new prospects are opened up . uneven terrain can also be travelled on safely without large supporting rollers .
today , stationary standing frames and positioning features in manual and power wheelchairs can enable people to stand even if they cannot independently do so . different equipment models can achieve the standing position in different ways — e . g . , prone , supine , sit - to - stand — according to what works best for the client .
morgan points out that medicare’s local coverage determination policy “has not changed and still regards standing wheelchairs as non - covered because they are ‘not primarily medical in nature . ’”
people with impaired skeletal structure may be contraindicated for a standing program . osteogenesis imperfecta , osteoporosis or other forms of brittle bone disease may be a clear contraindication for certain people . yet , standing devices have been prescribed by physicians and therapists for individuals with impaired skeletal structure with a desired outcome of maintaining or increasing bone mineral density .
wheelchairs , walkers , floor / ceiling lifts , standing frames and other devices necessary for care and rehabilitation , vehicle conversions and other equipment deemed to be medical necessities .
motivation roughly , the wheelchair users who benefit from standing can be divided into two groups : those who do not decide for themselves and those who do . the first group who do not decide for themselves ; therapists and relatives make sure that stand - up training takes place . the other group who do decide for themselves have to be motivated to stand .
fixed arm rests on wheelchairs are welded or otherwise permanently attached to the frame of the wheelchair . most wheelchairs today do not offer fixed arms with the exception of chairs designed for institutional use .
from a physical wellness perspective , resna reports that more frequent standing can help maintain organ capacity , as well as reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections and pressure sores .
then what’s standing in the way ? some payors that , for reasons ranging from lack of belief in its efficacy to those seemingly just out to save money , say no .
failure to maintain adequate device master records , as required by 21 cfr 820 . 181 . for example , the device master records for your manual , half - powered , and full - powered wheelchairs are incomplete because they do not include or refer to the location of production procedures . your firm has not established procedures for the assembly of manual wheelchair ( model # ss - 1 ) with folding frame ; assembly of half - powered wheelchair ( model # hps - 2 ) ; assembly of full - powered wheelchair ( model # ps - 2 ) ; and welding of the frame , and armrest assembly .
“my physical therapist thought it would aid in my efforts to potentially walk again , ” says boenig , an attorney from houston , texas . “while i never was able to walk in my ‘everyday life’ routines , i was able to use a walker with forearm platforms for about a quarter of a mile . i am convinced that regularly standing in my wheelchair helped with that effort . ”
the outstanding new levo c3 is a compact standing wheelchair which provides the ultimate in performance and manoeuvrability both on and off the road . fully crash tested , the c3 has four powered wheels which take curbs , ramps and rough ground in their stride . it ' s compact , agile , easy to operate and has an extremely efficient drive system . the c3 ' s compact design makes it ideal for use in narrow spaces and for easy transport and the sitting and standing unit comes with a new low shear system concept with separately adjustable length for back and legs .
the primary impairments are in the upper limbs . all athletes in these classes compete standing without support . the criteria for running and jumps are slightly different to the criteria for throws .
that’s unfortunately true for some other payors as well . with multiple private insurance payors plus 56 medicaid programs in play , keeping track of all the different standing technology policies is challenging .
“in regard to medicaid and private payors , we are having great success in getting standing devices funded , ” morgan says . “however , there are still many funding sources that attempt to exclusively use medicare standards or even refer to standing as ‘experimental or investigational’ treatment . these erroneous types of denials are often overturned when a beneficiary follows through with their appeal rights . ”
boenig has had an older model levo standing chair since 2002 and reflects on the milestones the chair has helped him conquer . “i have used my standing feature to deliver speeches , dance , exercise , and even to exchange my wedding vows with my wife , ” he says . “i think it has helped me to stay healthier , both mentally and physically . ”
the rehabilitation institute of chicago , recently renamed to shirley ryan abilitylab , has developed a new wheelchair that allows its users to switch between a sitting and standing positions while retaining the ability to move and steer the chair in any direction . the fully mechanical device uses bicycle chains to transfer power from a tank tread - like push bars to either the wheels or the system that lifts its user .
standers and standing aids give users the support they need to stand and allow their bones to bear their weight a little every day , managing density reduction and even strengthen them over time .
as patients utilize the standing casings they will discover them to accompany an extensive variety of advantages that they will come to adore . these advantages are physical , as well as mental in nature .
fortunately for chair dwellers , the development of a variety of standing and lifting wheelchairs in recent years is allowing us to upgrade to a bird’s eye view within a matter of seconds . besides the higher vantage point , standing wheelchairs have been proven to promote a variety of health benefits including stronger bones , pressure relief , less spasticity , better digestion , increased lung capacity , and improved bowel and bladder control .
at first glance , it looks like troy yoho , 47 , is using a segway to zip around hill air force base in northern utah , but the calibration contract manager is actually scooting around in a tek robotic mobilization device . created in 2012 , the tek rmd is designed solely for standing , and allows paraplegics and others with good upper body strength to get out of their wheelchair , stand and move around on smooth surfaces .
selecting the right chair , especially for a first - time wheelchair user , can be confusing . it ' s always a good idea to work with an occupational therapist ( ot ) who has experience with various kinds of wheelchairs .
for a list of available cushions and seating systems see abledata or usa techguide , which offers reviews of many wheelchair - related products . it ' s best to work with a seating and positioning expert to pick the right product .
work or daily activities as cleaning , cooking and painting are just some of the activities , which can motivate the wheelchair user to stand . in short , there has to be other reasons to stand then “just” the medical ones .
t52 – athletes use their shoulder , elbow and wrist muscles for wheelchair propulsion . there is poor to full muscle power in the fingers with wasting of the intrinsic muscles of the hands . muscle power in the trunk is typically absent .
- the ability to participate in different social activities in the upright position gives many wheelchair users better self - esteem and higher quality of life . and this is what all good therapists strive to give their clients , stated erik bergh .
according to a report by the rehabilitation engineering ad assistive technology society of north america ( resna ) , standing allows certain individuals to be more involved in activities of daily living that include cooking , cleaning and grooming .
it is essential to consult with a licensed medical professional when you are first considering making a standing wheel chair to purchase . your doctor or occupational therapist needs to be closely involved with your selection and purchase process .
cane arms are very basic arms for users who don ' t really need the arm for transferring or supporting a tray . these arms are simply to be elbow rests when sitting and can be used for weight shifting if the user outs the pressure towards the back of the armrest where it is stronger . the length of these arms will vary between wheelchair models . cane arms will often swing away to the side of the wheelchair and may flip back or be completely removable for sliding transfers . they can be adjusted for height but not quickly and may require tools to do so . once the height is set , it is usually left there and not changed unless the wheelchair cushion is changed and a different height is needed .
t34 - athletes are generally affected in all four limbs but more in the lower limbs than the upper limbs . the arms and trunk demonstrate fair to good functional strength and near to able - bodied grasp , release and relatively symmetrical wheelchair propulsion .
another option , this one without batteries or motors , magicwheels , two - gear wheelchair wheels that have a lower gear for hills when you need it , with a click of the hub , at about a third the cost of power assist units .
there are many different types of wheelchair categories currently available on our website . each category has different models suited for different users . some of the chairs have fixed components , which makes them more suitable for people who are used to non - removable parts .
the adequacy of your firm’s response cannot be determined at this time . your response references that three additional detailed assembly instructions will be completed in a long term project for the rest of the wheelchair models . the assembly instructions will be completed in 90 days .
correct positioning when sitting and standing is very important for selecting the input method . if necessary , the c1000 sf can also be extended with alternative inputs . driving , seat adjustments and environment controls – all with one control system .
t61 / f61 - t64 / f64 - the primary impairments are in the lower limbs and include only limb deficiency and leg length discrepancy . all athletes in these classes compete standing without support and they mush use prosthesis / es .
we partner with some of the world’s most cutting - edge manufacturers to bring you the latest in crt innovations . from high performance wheels and hand protection to incredible standing devices , we can help you live life to the fullest .
an everyday powered stand up wheelchair that lets children stand up on their own , giving them greater interaction , increased mobility , improved health and new independence . provides assistance to children who are unable to stand on their own and with limited arm and hand control .
quantum rehab’s ilevel is not a standing chair , but it is an elevating chair that allows you to drive around at normal speeds while elevated , and that’s exactly what florida native and former police officer rich pollock , 36 , wanted .
better mobility are the wheelchair page sponsors of variety club ' s website . the variety club childrens charity are an amazing charity who since 1988 have provided over 3700 mobility aids to children and young people across the uk including manual , powered and sports wheelchairs and buggies .
the drawback : they are not cheap and are heavy for an everyday chair . standing has physical benefits , too . it helps to prevent pressure sores , improves circulation and range of motion and , for some , reduces spasms and contractions .
fixed armrests can be used on a wheelchair and it is the most common type of armrest available . flip back and removable armrests can be used to allow the user to be able to shift the component to allow them to transfer in and out of the chair easier .
wheelchair batteries are sometimes the same as those used in the boating industry . if you pay for your own batteries out - of - pocket , you might save money by purchasing marine deep - cycle batteries . be sure and check with your chair manufacturer ' s specifications .
some manual chairs come with a power assist to activate the rising mechanism . some power chairs also enable the rider to rise to a standing position , with the advantage of eye - to - eye contact with others . see permobil or redman .
gravity plays a huge role in how the body eliminates waste , but its ability to pull down on last night’s dinner is hampered considerably when you’re seated . standing allows the lower digestive system to work more efficiently , reducing constipation and improving regularity .
t32 - athletes have moderate to severe co - ordination impairment affecting all four limbs and trunk , but usually with slightly more function on one side of the body or in the legs . function is affected so that throwing and wheelchair propulsion is difficult . trunk control is poor .
2 . sport class allocation : system describes methods for dividing eligible athletes up into sport classes . the aim is that each class should consist of athletes who have impairments that cause approximately the same amount of activity limitation in the key athletic disciplines – running , wheelchair racing , jumps and throws .
the issue , perlich says , is that the medicaid program “said they’d only cover one type of standing device , and they can’t just pick and choose what they’re going to cover . ” that resulted in the medicaid director sending out a letter , perlich says , “so we’re starting to see the changes in that . medicaids generally will cover standing devices . and it’s generally always covered with the 0 - 21 [ year - old ] population , although it’s also covered for adults . it just might take more work . ”
the most common type of chair would be the manual wheelchair . this type of chair is self - propelled , and it is not assisted by the use of a battery or an auto propelling system . this type of chair is suited for someone who has control over his or her upper limbs .
“there’s been research done about pressure sores and that people who stand have less pressure sores , which affects any full - time wheelchair user , ” rosen says . “everybody’s susceptible to that , certainly more and more as you age . the more that you’re in a chair , the higher your risks .
are much more common for wheelchair users because they can be adjusted for different user arm lengths and cushion thicknesses . in addition to these benefits the adjustable height armrests can be quickly changed in height to extend under or over the top of a table or desk which eliminates the benefits offered by desk length arms .
- the wheelchair user is motivated to stand by other reasons than the medical ones . this is very normal and human . i also know , i ought to eat better and to quit smoking but i don’t . i need to have other reasons of social , economic or functional significance , explains eric bergh .
bladder and kidney function also benefits thanks to gravity’s pull . standing upright allows the bladder to empty itself more completely , lowering the risk of urinary tract infections . also , because the entire excretory system works better when vertical , the threat of kidney stones can also be reduced .
weight shifting is done when the user pushes themselves up off the seat of the wheelchair to change their position slightly . everyone , with a disability or not , will weight shift somehow when sitting for a period of time . this action stimulates blood flow in the buttocks and reduces the chances of developing pressure sores .
t33 - athletes have moderate to severe co - ordination impairment of three to four limbs , but typically have almost full functional control in the least impaired arm . forward propulsion of the wheelchair is impacted by significant asymmetry in arm action and / or very poor grasp and release in one hand and limited trunk movement .
during the purchase process , always inquire about warranties , servicing , delivery , and training of your standing chair . it is also beneficial to ask for references and / or names of prior purchasers and request approval to contact them about their personal experience with the chair model you are considering .
while most people want arms on their wheelchairs they are not required and do in fact actually add to the base price of most models of wheelchairs . if the user decides they do not wish to have arms the purchaser can save anywhere from $ 50 . 00 to $ 250 . 00 on the cost of the wheelchair .
an ambulatory person who only uses a wheelchair to go shopping doesn ' t have the same needs as a high - level quad who spends eighteen hours per day in a power chair , so it ' s important to fully understand your requirements and select the appropriate cushion , weighing the pros and cons of the different styles .
are the most common and generally extend the full distance from the back canes of the seat frame to the front of the seat frame . full length arms give the user a larger area for gripping to support themselves during transfers and more support for arm mounted wheelchair trays . full length arms are available in both fixed height and adjustable height .
that’s despite the fact that many potential benefits of standing , such as improvements in digestion and bowel / bladder function , “cross every diagnosis , ” says lauren rosen , pt , mpt , msms , atp / sms , program coordinator at the motion analysis center , st . joseph’s children’s hospital of tampa .
aftermarket products ( i . e . frog legs ) are also available to add suspension to the front forks . these are very popular and have been approved for reimbursement by medicare . another key innovation is the use of super - light titanium in wheelchair frames . light is better for the shoulders . ti leads the pack in the u . s .
“for students , if you think about being at physics lab in high school , you have high stools and you’re up higher , ” she points out . “i could not have done any of my dissecting in gross anatomy in college if i’d had to be in a wheelchair ; none of the dissecting tables were accessible . think of how many counters there are in businesses : how do you have any of those jobs if you’re sitting down ? if i’m in a wheelchair that doesn’t go any higher than my seat - to - floor height — which is 20
, say 22
on top of a cushion — and i’ve got a four - drawer file cabinet , i can only get into the two lower drawers . ”
pressure ulcer is one of the secondary diseases , which is paid a lot of attention today . pressure ulcers can be prevented by using pressure relieving cushions and by positioning the user correctly in the wheelchair . but the best way to prevent pressure ulcers is to avoid pressure . and the only position where you avoid pressure and have full blood circulation is when you are standing1 .
a very popular question that we hear daily is “where can i apply for funding for my child’s buggy / trike / wheelchair ? ” . unfortunately , there wasn’t a comprehensive list of charities that you could approach for potential funding . to fix this we have spent some time putting together a list of the organisations that could possibly help you fund mobility equipment for your child .
are not as common or as useful as adjustable height arms as the user ' s elbows , which the wheelchair arms are supposed to support for comfort , are not all the same height . arm lengths are , of course , longer on some people than others and even if they are the same length they may be different heights depending on the thickness of the cushion they use .
“we’ve had some really positive outcomes with medicaids that did not cover standing devices in the past , ” perlich says . “there has been a change specifically in ohio ; it was actually an ncart attorney that did an appeal . hopefully , we’re starting to see some of that change now , and that was six to eight months ago . ”
“my neighbor got a kick out of watching me chase my horses through sagebrush to get them back home , seated in my wheelchair , and strapped in good , ” says robert nedens , 65 , a c3 complete quad . nedens rides a redman chair chief 107 - zrx on his billings , montana , ranch , and has ridden redman chairs since leaving rehab after his injury in 2003 .
when it comes to standing devices , this chair is at the top of the food chain . it comes standard with a mid wheel drive , full sit to stand power function , power tilting and reclining feature , a full control display , ergonomic leg rest support cushion , extendable arm support , full support harness , and a new power hydraulic system
knowing a standing chair would not be feasible for his progressive disease , he decided to purchase a q6 2 . 0 with ilevel adjustable - base power chair from quantum rehab . the ilevel elevates up to 10 inches and moves 3 . 5 miles per hour while elevated , but should not be used on rough terrain — it’s best used indoors .
as creator of beyond - disabilities . org , steve ferreira , 27 , has spent the past 12 years speaking to over 500 regional high schools , colleges , churches , graduations and other venues to educate the public on the disabled population’s unrecognized talents and inspire others with disabilities to realize their own potential . but working to encourage others left the seattle native neglecting his own health and long overdue for a new wheelchair .
but don’t try the standing feature on a sharp incline , nedens warns . “you get on a steep enough hillside and it will tip over . i did that , and there was no damage to the chair or me . i just had to wait for someone to set me up , ” says nedens , who uses sip - and - puff to control the chair .
injured in 2013 at the t12 level , yoho decided to get a tek in february 2016 to gain the benefits of standing during his eight - hour work day . “i stand approximately four hours a day in it , ” says the air force veteran . “it keeps me off my back side from sitting all day and hopefully with less break down of my body . ”
standing allows heart and lungs to get a workout of their very own . the lungs can fill more fully , blood can flow more freely and the heart has to pump a little harder against the pull of gravity to push blood up from the trunk and legs . the temporary pressure relief can also reduce the soreness and risk of pressure ulcers that comes with prolonged sitting .
f34 - athletes generally have moderate to severe hypertonia in both legs with significant difficulty in standing balance and walking . the arms and trunk demonstrate fair to good functional strength and near to full grasp , release and follow through for throws . poor fine co - ordination in the hands is common . hypertonia in the trunk and in the legs may result in mild limitations in throws .
there are also lots of options for wheels and tires , including innovations for performance , off - road traction and high style . a company called spinergy created a high performance line of wheelchair rims . they are light and stay true . the company recently brought out an innovative push rim . the soft rubber flexrim bridges between the rim and the tire , allowing for an easier , low impact push that protects hands and arms from impact .
“immobility is extremely hard on the body , ” says amy morgan , pt , atp , national clinical education manager at permobil . “and it doesn’t take long to see the negative impact made by a lack of standing . we see this in new research looking at healthy adults who sit most of the day : despite a regular workout routine , they have negative health issues associated with prolonged sitting . ”
there may be other organizations on the state and local level that could provide assistance based on your needs or the needs of your loved one . take some time to research your options before getting discouraged . and , as always , if you have any questions about one of the many assistive standing devices we offer here at especial needs , don’t hesitate to contact the product specialists in our customer service department .
power chairs come in several basic styles . the traditional style looks like a beefed - up standard issue wheelchair , along with all the extra bulk of the batteries , motor and control systems . there are also platform - model power chairs with a more ordinary - looking seat or captain ' s chair fixed atop a power base . scooters come in three - and four - wheel configurations and are most often used by people who don ' t require them full - time .
we have covered powered wheelchairs with standing features in the past . electric sit / stand wheelchairs are expensive and because of the batteries required they are large and heavy . there are other manual wheelchairs that let the user stand for conversation or to perform a task , but the current models on the market require the users to sit down to move . the cbm chair is designed for use by anyone with mobility - limiting disabilities .
the levo c3 power chair features dual drive , meaning both the front and mid wheels are powered . it’s built to take on outdoor terrain , but only in the sitting position — the standing function should only be employed on solid , flat , level and obstacle - free surfaces . in a seated position , the c3 is also able to climb up to 4 - inch curbs allowing the user to bypass many curb cuts completely .
evolutionary biologists — as well as parents of infants nearing their first birthdays — know that a trait that distinguishes humans from most animals is our bipedal , upright position . but it doesn’t take a science degree to know that standing is deeply significant to human beings . we stand when our national anthem plays , and when a bride walks down the aisle . we take a stand for what we believe in , and stand with friends in difficult times .
standing is so deeply rooted in us that even people outside the industry are talking about it . do an internet search for “office sitting danger , ” and you’ll find a slew of stories with such headlines as “dangers of being glued to your chair” ( u . s . news & world report , october 2012 ) , “the most dangerous thing you’ll do all day” ( men’s health , march 2011 ) and “7 ways sitting will kill you” ( popular science , february 2013 ) .
just as bone density drops with a lack of weight bearing , muscle strength in the trunk and legs degrade with inactivity , causing poor posture , neck and joint soreness , back pain and muscle fatigue . with the support of a stander or standing frame , an individual is allowed to work the muscles in both their core and lower extremities more effectively than they can while sitting . with daily activity , one can reduce and manage the rate of atrophy in those areas and elevate their overall comfort level .
“i received my old wheelchair about 15 years ago when i was in middle school . needless to say , it was falling apart and i needed a new one , ” says ferreira , who has cerebral palsy . “i had been having back problems from my old chair , and my therapist thought the ability to stand would improve my overall health , as well as help me to reach things when i worked . ” ferreira decided on a permobil f5 corpus vs , which has four power seat functions — tilt , recline , power leg rests and a seat elevator — plus the ability to stand .


companisto is an international equity-based crowdfunding website .

it was founded by the lawyers david rhotert and tamo zwinge in june 2012 , in berlin .

investments are between 5 and 500,000 euros per investor with no limit on how much funding a startup can raise .

companisto allows investors to invest in startups .

in return , they become shareholders and are entitled to a share of any profits , as well as potentially benefiting from an exit .

companisto has over 70.000 investors from 92 countries .

companisto

companisto is very selective platform . what advice would you give to startups wanting to apply to crowdfund through companisto ?
companisto ' s managing director , david rhotert , currently has an approval rating of 52 % . companisto ' s primary competitors are
owler has collected 13 screenshots of companisto ' s website since jun 2014 . the latest companisto website design screenshot was captured in sep 2017 .
companisto provides equity - based crowdfunding platform for start - ups and real estate in europe . companisto was founded in 06 / 2012 . companisto ' s headquarters is located in berlin , other , ca 12249 . companisto ' s managing director , david rhotert , curren . . .
companisto on twitter :
neue # investmentchance auf @ companisto : # ecommerce - # startup ambico betreibt onlinshops für wohnambiente . profil ⬇ urltoken
companisto provides equity - based crowdfunding platform for start - ups and real estate in europe . companisto ' s headquarters is in berlin , other . david rhotert is the managing director of companisto . companisto ' s main competitors are crowdcube , seedrs and syndicate room . as of may 2018 , companisto has 34 . 2k fans on facebook and 2 . 7k followers on twitter .
the owler community has estimated the number of employees of companisto to be one .
companisto currently has 2 , 745 followers on twitter . as of march 2014 companisto had 1 , 008 followers . that ' s a 172 percent increase in 3 years
companisto currently has 34 , 244 fans on facebook . as of february 2015 companisto had 25 , 608 fans . that ' s a 33 percent increase in 3 years
weissenhaus hits €5 million . increases max crowdfunding raise to €7 . 5 million on companisto
the owler community has estimated the revenue of companisto to be less than $ 1m .
companisto on twitter :
save - the - date : # companisto @ startup camp berlin 2017 # scb17 . 7 . + 8 . 4 . . . . mit @ ralfdümmel . urltoken
based in berlin , germany , companisto was launched by david rhotert and tamo zwinge in june 2012 .
companisto is focusing on innovative start - ups or real estate projects whose business model distinguishes them from competition .
david rhotert is the managing director of companisto and specializes in consulting start - ups as an independent lawyer .
seedrs is companisto ' s # 2 competitor . seedrs was founded in 2009 , and its headquarters is in london , england . seedrs is in the mortgage finance field . seedrs has 60 more employees than companisto .
companisto , a leading investment crowdfunding platform based in berlin , has shared data captured by a . . .
in total , five out of 38 startups financed through companisto have been declared bankrupt during the survey period . the capital invested in these five startups amounts to 5 . 57 % of the total capital invested through companisto .
we sat down with companisto founders david rhotert and tamo zwinge to get the scoop on the launch of their new pan - european platform , their take on future of crowdfunding and advice for those interested in crowdfunding through companisto .
2016 marked a strong year for berlin - based crowdfunding platform companisto . founded in 2012 by tamo . . .
crowdcube is seen as one of companisto ' s top competitors . crowdcube was founded in exeter , england } in 2010 . crowdcube is in the diversified financial services industry . compared to companisto , crowdcube generates $ 6 . 1m more revenue .
syndicate room is companisto ' s # 3 rival . syndicate room is headquartered in cambridge , england , and was founded in 2011 . syndicate room operates in the diversified investment services industry . syndicate room generates ∞ % the revenue of companisto .
meinespielzeugkiste ( mytoybox ) , a children ' s toys sharing platform , has retuned to companisto for a s . . .
apart from increases in value , companisto has also seen a 45 % return that was paid out when berlin startup 5 cups and some sugar bought back its shares . moreover , in 2014 , an investor made an offer for the crowd’s shares in companisto , offering a 100 % return . finally , real estate project weissenhaus paid out interest of 4 % to companisto investors in july 2015 .
tamo zwinge is the managing director of companisto and worked as a lawyer in the large international law firm cms hasche sigle in the areas of company law , corporate transactions , and private clients for several years . because of his expertise , tamo is specifically responsible for the legal structure of companisto and the continuous optimization of the companisto model in terms of follow - up financing by venture capital companies .
not surprisingly kumpan ' s über cool e - scooter is on fire on companisto . now entering its second week , . . .
for the calculation of value increases , companisto also took account of the cases of bankruptcy since the launch of companisto . in total , five out of 38 start - ups financed through companisto ( sponsorun , sportrade , zapitano , sommelier privé and fotovio ) have declared bankruptcy . the capital invested in these five start - ups amounts to 5 . 57 % of the total capital invested through companisto . “if one compares these percentages to the usual bankruptcy rates within the venture capital industry , they are very low , ” cited zwinge in the report .
on the international platform companisto . com , start - ups that address a global audience or plan their internationalization in the near future will have an ideal starting point . they will be able to present themselves to a wide , international audience in no time and to find investors and multipliers via companisto .
in september 2015 , companisto published a performance monitor . for this purpose , the platform analyzed the development of share values of the companisto start - ups between june 2012 and 28 august 2015 . the performance monitor can be found here . live campaigns include triprebel , trademachines , with sawade , wemovo and nodna overfunding .
@ companisto is germany ' s leading equity - based # crowdfunding platform for # startups . participate from €100 upwards ! # vc # financing # investing # crowdinvesting
the investments are provided and issued by the individual companies . companisto is neither the provider nor the issuer of the investments , but solely the internet service platform .
at companisto you can find the capital and that assistance with marketing that you have been looking for to get your start - up to the next level . in addition , you will have exclusive access to the companisto network with over 70 , 000 companists and well - respected cooperation partners who will help you on your way .
we want to attract the best and brightest entrepreneurs in europe and link them up with investors from all over the world . we already have renowned investors involved in companisto , which demonstrates that our vetting processes ensures that only the strongest candidates make it on to our platform . more than 1 , 000 start - ups have applied to companisto so far , with only 25 making it through our rigorous selection process . moreover , we want to provide you with all the information you need in order to make an informed judgment about the investment potential of a company on companisto .
since companisto’s launch two years ago , more than 15 , 600 investments totaling over €4 . 5 million have been made by its investors or “companists” . the platform has a 100 % success rate for startups that chose to crowdfund through its platform . companies that have been funded through companisto include frozen yoghurt chain wonderpots and healthy snack delivery service bitebox . bitbox had 1298 investors , which the crowdfunding platform claims is a record number for european crowd investing . not all startups are welcome to fund through companisto , however . the platform has a strict selection process that requires its applicants to provide detailed business plans , financial projections and a video .
to date , companisto has hosted 51 financing rounds for various projects , ranging from a 360° panoramic ball camera and the record - breaking luxury weissenhaus hotel to an e - bike that looks like a normal racing bike . in 2014 and 2015 alone , investors on companisto invested more than €20 million in young start - ups . consequently , investors on companisto are already among the most active providers of venture capital in germany ; only semi - public high - tech gründerfonds ( a german tech start - up fund ) and the investment company o f ibb berlin ( a public development bank ) have conducted more financing rounds ( source : bvk ) .
to date , as many as 78 . 57 % of equity crowdfunding campaigns on companisto have already been co - financing rounds during or prior to which angel investors or venture capital companies invested in the start - ups .
to date , 41 , 628 companisto investors have invested over 22 , 834 , 625 in capital during the platform’s 49 campaigns . current featured live campaigns include mycouchbox , wemovo , sawande , returbo , nodna and naturbursche .
companisto is a community of likeminded individuals with a pioneering mindset whose goal is to pave the way for innovation and entrepreneurship through investment and dedication and , when successful in these pursuits , earn a return on their investment .
companisto is an equity crowdinvesting platform for startups . it enables investors to participate in the funding of companies with an investment of their choice , and in return share profits and increases in value of the startup or property .
the total value of the start - ups financed through companisto has increased from €83 . 51 million to €102 . 92 million . this corresponds to a 23 . 24 % increase in value over a three - year period .
investors who purchase weissenhaus shares on companisto will receive a fixed interest rate of 4 % per year plus increases in the value of the property . investments are guaranteed by a land charge on the property and by buettner’s private assets .
stay up to date on your investments : from companisto’s broad range of diverse investments , to the payment process , down to the investment contract – everything’s done online , making it easy and convenient to stay on top of things .
as you might know , companisto is already among the biggest equity - based crowdfunding platforms in europe . by now , investors from 39 different countries are participating in innovative start - ups . together , you have invested more than 4 , 600 , 000 euros in 26 successful financing rounds . for almost two years , the whole team has been working passionately on the improvement of companisto . but only you , the companists , made this development possible in the first place .
rhotert : our structure for follow - up financing is also very important for investors . if you invest in a company , you want to know that this company has the opportunity to grow quick and , in many cases , the company will need additional money . this is a really strong usp for companisto . also the fact that we have a really big community with very diverse and young people that invest into the companisto startups . that is also very valuable for the company .
windkraft bringt doch was : ein zufriedenes # startup + zufriedene # investoren ! # mowea hat seine # finanzierungsrunde auf # companisto erfolgreich abgeschlossen ! großer dank an alle , die in die kleine # windkraftanlage voll power investiert haben . # crowdinvesting # crowdfunding urltoken
in only a few days , investors on the equity crowdfunding platform companisto , invested almost €1 . 8 million in the superlative five - star resort weissenhaus grand village resort & spa situated by the baltic sea . the offer on companisto launched earlier this month and it rocketed to over €200 , 000 immediately showing solid investor interest . the campaign for this luxury resort was initiated by wealthy investor jan henric buettner . this type of offer may become one of the largest real estate crowdfunding campaigns in europe to date .
“for the past 17 months , companisto has been raising more capital from the crowd than any of its direct competitors every single month . we are proud to have raised more than €25 million within only three and a half years . there are only very few equity crowdfunding platforms worldwide that have achieved this . in germany , austria , and switzerland , we have become the first platform to do so , ” observed companisto managing director tamo zwinge , who co - founded the platform with david rhotert in 2011 .
the total value of the start - ups financed through companisto has increased from €83 . 51 million to €102 . 92 million over the last three years . companisto calculated the current company values based on the valuations used during the most recent follow - up financing rounds . the result was a 23 . 24 % increase in value . in addition to the company value of the start - ups , the value of the investors’ shares has also increased by 15 . 32 % on average . the shares from 2012 have seen the most significant increase in value , that is , an average increase of 87 . 60 % . if one converts the increases in share value to annual values , the average annual increase in value of a companisto portfolio amounts to 8 . 50 % .
robert kunz studied business administration at the university of potsdam with a special focus on start - up and innovation management , financing / banks , and controlling . the portfolio manager at companisto , he is responsible for start - up controlling , deal flow , and partnerships .
the top 10 competitors in companisto ' s competitive set are crowdcube , seedrs , syndicate room , invesdor , fundedbyme , seedmatch , bankerbay , funding circle , funding tree and bankless24 . together they have raised over 719 . 9m between their estimated 1 . 0k employees .
the report also includes data on the economic impact of the companisto start - ups . these start - ups have created a total of 278 jobs , are generating €9 . 76 million in annual revenues , and are providing 1 . 66 million customers with their products and services .
so far , companisto has only offered investments in young companies , but the platform is now offering an entirely new class of assets . investors will thus be able to add another asset class to their portfolio in order to diversify it . at the same time , companisto is demonstrating that equity - based crowdfunding is also suitable for the realization of large projects and for investments in businesses that are not considered start - ups . moreover , an investment in weissenhaus offers calculable annual returns and payouts and is thus a true alternative to other investments in times of low interest rates .
companisto , an equity - based crowdfunding platform headquartered in berlin , announced today the launch of its new pan - european crowdfunding platform . the new english - language website will begin accepting applications from startups across europe and will give investors from non - german speaking countries the opportunity to cash in .
in regard to the structure of the shares , weissenhaus and companisto have paid particular attention to putting investors , the owner , and his co - investor andreas von blottnitz on an equal footing and completely harmonizing their interests without any hidden costs , e . g . , for banks or investment companies .
rhotert : we’re looking for such entrepreneurs who are highly motivated and really passionate about their business . if these entrepreneurs also have a promising and scalable business model , we have a solid base to talk about setting up an equity - based crowdfunding campaign on companisto . so , you need to have a ) a highly scalable business and b ) be highly motivated and passionate .
the company information published on the companisto website is provided solely by the companies . the projections made by the companies do not guarantee successful development of the company in the future . consequently , crowdfunding investments are suitable only for those investors who can cope with the risk of a total loss of the capital invested . investors make their own independent investment decisions and bear all risks themselves .
prior to joining companisto , he served as an advisor to university of potsdam spin - offs and supported these companies in business model development and financial matters during the early company stage . afterward , robert founded his own spin - off company . this company , which rewarded people for increased exercise through an automatic tracking app , helped robert gain experience of developing a tech start - up .
companisto , the leading equity crowdfunding platform in germany , austria , and switzerland with an annual financing volume of €12 million , has published information on the business development of start - ups financed through its platform for the first time . the platform has analyzed the development of share values between june 2012 and 28 august 2015 and compiled a report released today in english , crowdinvesting performance monitor ( embedded below ) .
“equity crowdfunding has seen strong growth over the past three years . thus far , however , performance data have not been publicly available . we want to solve this problem through our report , ” commented tamo zwinge , who is the co - founder and managing director of companisto together with david rhotert . “in doing so , we intend to make the performance of crowdfunded start ups as transparent as possible . ”
“in many cases , other investors validated the business model of the start - ups financed on companisto . for each euro invested by the crowd , the start - ups received more than two euros from other investors such as venture capital companies , angel investors , or banks , ” says tamo zwinge . “by now , equity crowdfunding has become a vital element in venture - capital financing for innovative companies . ”
as companisto ' s campaign manager , cihan is responsible for successfully implementing equity - based crowdfunding campaigns on companisto . he advises start - ups from the planning phase to the launch of their campaigns and always has the investors ' interests in mind . cihan also ensures the smooth coordination between the creative and content management teams prior to the start of campaigns . cihan is a trained marketing and communication specialists and studied business administration at berlin ' s university of applied sciences for engineering and economics . he ' s a digital native and has gained experience at many different agencies in the area of website , mobile , and e - mail marketing . throughout these positions , cihan also worked in finance and content management departments . what ' s more , he has many years of experience in customer service as well as in coordinating internal teams as a project manager .
companisto , the german market leader in equity crowdfunding , has now become the first equity crowdfunding platform in germany , austria , and switzerland to raise a total of over €25 million . globally , equity crowdfunding is growing rapidly . this type of financing , based on private individuals’ teaming up and investing in start - ups online , has turned into a major source of financing for german start - ups and growth companies over the last three years .
rhotert : what is very interesting too is that we started , because we saw a lack of venture capital in the early stages of companies . but now we realize that many startups apply to companisto since the marketing effect is so big when they are presented on this platform . they want to win supporters who will give them honest feedback , which is also valuable for any startup to launch its product . it is interesting that this marketing part is as strong as the financial part for most of the startups .
another point is that , for us , when choosing the startup companies that are on companisto , it is quality over quantity . we are not having 20 to 30 deals at the same time but only two to four that are really of the highest quality . we have had over 1 , 000 applications since we have launched , and we only choose 25 . and if you are looking for the best startup companies , then you cannot limit your focus to just germany . you have to look at all of europe .
zwinge : one important piece of information is that david and i were both lawyers from major international law firms from the sectors of venture capital and mergers and acquisitions . so we are very familiar with structuring venture capital financing rounds . that is why , right from the beginning , the whole shareholding model of companisto was structured so that it would be compatible with vc follow - up financing rounds . and for most startups , it is , of course , very important to not only get crowdfunding but then be able to get follow - up financing rounds through vcs in order to grow quickly .
zwinge : that is a really interesting question , since there is really no average investor . it is possible to invest as little as €5 and up to €100 , 000 - a huge range . you have a huge range of people who invest for different reasons . you have professional investors or even business angels who really like the companisto deals so much that they invest €25 , 000 or €10 , 000 everytime there is a startup presented on the platform . you also have students who build up their portfolios with as little investment as €50 eur . there is really no average investor but simply a very broad range of people .
zwinge : in the last one to two years , there has definitely been quite a big evolution in the professionalism of equity - based crowdfunding platforms . this is still a very new industry . i still think that we are at the very beginning of a long evolution , because equity - based crowdfunding is interesting for a very broad range of people - that we already see on companisto . but i do think that most people in europe and across the world still do not know that there is such a thing as equity - based crowdfunding . if you bring together its potential , then you will see totally different amounts of invested capital on platforms .
zwinge : when we started companisto in june 2012 , our platform was always entirely in german . we were anticipating , of course , investors from germany and , to some degree , from switzerland and austria . but the interesting thing to see was that we had investors from 32 countries . so it must have been the very interesting startup companies that we had on the platform that people were investing in even from countries that are non - german speaking . for us , it was the next logical step to say that , since there was such a large demand from investors from all around the world - from places like hong kong , singapore and australia , we would build up an english version of our website to truly allow everyone to invest .
2012 , a cool summer evening in berlin : patrick ulmer , ingo schröder , andré kramp , eike pazulla , and moritz weeger asked themselves the question : what’s the easiest way to get a cup of tea that suits your individual tastes ? the five founders wanted to find out : they launched their start - up 5 cups and some suguar with the mission of bringing custom tea to the masses . after one year , their first recorded sales figures exceeded their expectations . in their pursuit of additional growth , they they offered investors on companisto a fith of their company : 742 companists jumped at the opportunity to become a part of the start - up and invested €300 , 000 . by march 2012 , the investors bought back their shares , and the investors received a 45 % return . shortly thereafter , a large company from the tea industry got on board . and 5 cups and some sugar ? the berlin - based crew is still firmly anchored in the tea business .
be an energy hero ! the hanover , germany - based energieheld is a new platform that helps property owners save money through energy efficiency .  energieheld digitizes craftsman businesses by providing independent information on energy - efficiency modernization and connecting customers with craftsmen . taking advantage of the surge in interest in energy transition and efficiency , energieheld has listed on companisto . to date , the platform has surpassed its initial threshold goal by securing over 130 , 215€ from over 247 investors , including respected investors martin sinner and robert gentz ; energieheld now seeks to raise 500 , 000€ . digitization of craftsman businesses and energy - efficiency modernization of buildings are two markets that the platform expects to see strong growth . according to energieheld , 40 % of energy consumption is due to buildings in germany , which is far more than the energy consumed by traffic . people who modernize their buildings , for instance by installing more efficient heating systems , modern windows , better insulation , and solar systems , save money every month and help protect the environment . enter energieheld .
not all start - ups are founded in the garage : when it comes to doxter , the booking platform for doctor’s appointments , the founders first started out in a bare office located in suburban berlin . financed through an exist founder’s grant , nikolaos swoch , dr . ron lehnert , kai rubarth , julian hoffmann , and marius eike ehrlinger developed their platform together at edge of germany’s buzzing captial . through long hours and a unified vision , they were able to turn their idea into reality : in 2012 , the start - up opted to carry out a financing round through companisto , making it the first start - up on the site . it didn’t take long for martin sinner , serial entrepreneur and founder of idealo , among other projects , to recognize the potential of doxter and make his own investments . four years after its foundation , the start - up was purchased by its luxumburg - based competitor , doctena and is now conquering the market for booking doctor’s appointments . after four years , the companists received a six - figure payout . doxter went from an exist - supported start - up to the largest provider for booking doctor’s appointments .
more than one - third of companies ( 36 % ) have already adopted hosted voip services . this number will almost certainly increase as more companies become aware of this alternative to traditional phone services and equipment . after all , hosted voip is cost effective , more feature - rich , and infinitely more scalable than plain old telephone systems ( pots ) or on - premise pbxs . however , choosing a hosted voip provider is not without an element of risk . not all providers are alike , nor are their services . with all the buzz about voip , you need to be conscious of the following six criteria before signing the contract .
leading hosted voip solutions require very little equipment to be installed . all you typically need is an ip phone , a voice gateway device , and a voice router ( both of which sit on your network ) . choose a hosted voip provider that offers the choice of either a self - installation process or professional help with the deployment . choosing the professional help typically includes a technical professional who does the actual installation as well as an account or project manager . this manager will be your liaison to the company and ensure everything goes smoothly .
once the hosted voip system is installed , administering it should be easy . your provider should offer a simple online portal that requires little training and allows you to add new users / extensions , order new features , and get straightforward answers .
your hosted voip system is likely to be the most important technology tool in your company . you need it to be both reliable and secure . leading hosted voip providers will proactively monitor the network 24 / 7 to ensure the network performs as promised – this is where the qos comes in – and that you can get support whenever needed , even in the middle of the night . the system should offer security safeguards ; monitoring user logins to prevent hacking and ensuring passwords provided during equipment registration and configuration adhere to industry standards and are encrypted during use . given this list of network reliability and security requirements , choosing a provider that owns the network that delivers your hosted voip service just makes sense . there is a clear separation between providers who provide this integrated solution and those who require you to bring your own bandwidth ( byob ) . since this solution is fully managed by the provider , it simplifies your service response by calling just one provider in the event of an outage or issue .
hosted voip services are more cost effective than traditional services . still , make sure there are no hidden charges to surprise you when the bill arrives . for instance , some providers might not include out - of - network calls in their “unlimited calling” bundles . always read the fine print before choosing a vendor .
hosted voip has been around since the late 1990s , but for some providers it’s a fairly new offering . choose a vendor with a solid history of experience and a proven track record , and take the time to ensure you’ve picked a financially solid player .
make sure your hosted voip provider has a plan for disaster recovery in case of a flood , earthquake , or other disaster . do not assume the voip provider will provide this plan . you need to make sure you won’t be stranded without voice services at a time when you need it most .
although some of the phone services you need for your business may seem obvious , many hosted voip providers leave out basic services such as call forwarding . make sure you understand exactly what is offered with your plan . the most popular features are auto attendant , internet fax , conferencing , and call recording . be sure to ask about seat types . every function in your business is different , and your phone system should address that . for example , a receptionist may have different needs than the warehouse and the conference room . your voip provider should address these needs with hardware and feature packages that simplify your purchase and offer cost savings .
hosted voip can be a great option that saves your business money while giving you a plethora of features that your previous phone system lacked . but not all hosted voip providers will give you the reliability , control , and responsiveness you need . dig beneath the surface to ensure you’re getting all the features you need .
collectively , we are taking the next step now . we are proud and happy to announce that today , on monday , 10 march 2014 , we are launching a pan - european platform for equity - based crowdfunding – urltoken – to support start - up teams from all over the continent . our goal is to attract the best and most promising entrepreneurs from all over europe and to connect them with investors throughout the world .
the new english - language site will allow submissions from any business based in europe and investments from anywhere in the world , making it a unique offer in the equity - based crowdfunding space .
based in berlin , germany , we have previously concentrated solely on the german - speaking market . since its launch in 2012 , the platform has seen over 15 , 600 investments with a total of more than € 4 . 6m , already securing its place as one of the leading equity - based crowdfunding platforms in europe .
start - ups can apply for equity - based crowdfunding by sending an executive summary / one - pager to startups @ urltoken .
hallo marc , und danke für deine netten worte ! wir geben deinen . . .
sehr schön , weiter so ! wenn das rechte fenster auf dem screenshot . . .
hallo philip , wir haben erste erfahrungen mit einem prototyp - werkzeug . . .
hallo till , sind da schon genauere pläne für die produktion der . . .
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weissenhaus grand village & spa raises over €1 . 7m on compansito | crowdfund insider
situated in the middle of nature , directly by the baltic sea , and only 100 km north of hamburg , a village that has existed for more than 400 years has been turned into a superlative luxury resort – weissenhaus grand village resort & spa – over the last nine years .
more than 40 historic buildings ranging from a castle and a reeds barn to a boathouse have been extensively restored on a 75 hectare property . as previously reported , buettner had enjoyed visiting weissenhaus as a child . he recently decided to purchase the property , including the village , and restore it back to its grandeur .
buettner , made a name for himself as early as in the 80s , when he was involved in the mobile telephony license at axel springer verlag ( a major german publishing house ) . in the 90s , he supervised the development of aol europe and later became the ceo of aol germany among other things . afterward , buettner moved to the u . s . and created a group of international venture capital funds ( bv capital / e . ventures ) , which has invested an amount of more than $ 1 billion to date . he is an advocate of this new type of investment that connects interested investors and exciting projects in a simple way not requiring any brokers , banks , or funds .
buettner has invested roughly € 65 million so far ; this amount came mostly from his personal assets . not only has he adopted new approaches in the construction and operation of the grand village resort , but also in its financing , with the crowdfunding campaign that will enable investors to participate in a project of this magnitude for the first time and to call a share of weissenhaus their own .
buettner explained , “when i went to the u . s . with the idea of becoming a venture capitalist in 1997 , this form of corporate financing was still very new in germany . the same applies to crowdfunding and equity - based crowdfunding today . it is my personal concern to change this situation because it is high time that entrepreneurs and private investors , particularly in germany , interacted directly with each other without having to rely on outdated bank or investment company structures . ”
rps hotel holdings secures $ 3 . 1m through earlyshares offering for virginia courtyard marriott property
“it’s a positive sign that the crowd is so active in germany , given that we germans are generally regarded as risk averse , ” zwinge added . while equity crowdfunding offers high potential returns , it always involves the risk of losing the entire investment . “it’s nice to see that there are also many venturesome people in germany who believe that a small start - up may eventually turn into something big and that it’s worthwhile to be part of this development from the beginning . ”
the value of the investors’ shares has increased by 15 . 32 % on average .
the shares from 2012 have seen the most significant increase in value , that is , an average increase of 87 . 60 % .
for each euro invested by the crowd , the startups received more than two euros from other investors such as venture capital companies , angel investors , or banks .
economic impact of the start - ups : the start - ups have created a total of 278 jobs , generated total annual revenues of €9 . 76 million , and reached 1 . 66 million customers .
economic impact of start - ups : annual revenues of €9 . 76m and 1 . 66m customers
“these figures illustrate that crowdfunded start - ups are making a positive contribution to the overall economy , ” tamo zwinge says .
ase ' s fully automated system records whole trains and trucks during continuous operation and saves companies error - prone manual . . .
itravel enables travellers to combine and book the components of their trip conveniently through artificial intelligence and . . .
meadow robotics was founded as a robotics startup in 2017 and has already developed its first product , the range robot .
with a community of over 86 , 000 investors , we’re the number one platform for investing in start - ups and high - growth companies .
trust can only be gained through transparency and fairness . we always aim to make sure that our offer remains balanced and understandable .
with a minimum investment threshold of €100 , everyone has a chance to build their individual portfolio .
we aim to provide financing for companies that offer exceptional and sustainable ideas , and that’s why we look for founders that seek to turn this vision into reality .
“easy , straight - forward , and everything explained . investing this way is fun . ”
“an easy , straight - forward and comfortable solution for investing venture capital . contact is always friendly and the processes run quickly . i like being a customer here . “
“a good selection of start - ups ; realistic financial goals ; honest company information ; good updates . ”
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nur innovationsförderung und gründermut fehlen noch , dann ist die liste vollständig .
vodafone - chef hannes ametsreiter fordert mehr innovationsgeist in deutschland . das ganze interview mit ihm lest ihr hier :
feiert die besten gründerinnen und gründer der hauptstadtregion – fünf teams können sich über insgesamt 27 . 000 euro preisgeld freuen . alle infos :
# mondaymotivation mit # crowdtastisch … nichts ist in stein gemeißelt , auch nicht der
schlechte
start in die woche . mach einen guten draus ! # motivation # letsdothis # innovation # startup # inspiration # quotes # monday urltoken
wir waren gestern zu besuch beim @ bmvi zum # 3rdbmvipitch - trotz tropischer temperaturen haben die 21 teams alles gegeben , um mit ihren ideen deutschland in fahrt zu bringen . herzlichen glückwunsch an die gewinner . blickfeld . # mobilität # verkehr # mfund # startups # founders urltoken
ab wann gilt man eigentlich als querulant ? wie spricht man seinen urlaubsanspruch an ? und feiert man eigentlich noch einstand ? antworten kriegt ihr bei uns ! heute mit @ cringlenet , @ rollsroycedeu , @ dietechniker und @ bundesdruckerei bei „ @ zeitcampus im gespräch“ . @ tkinberlinbb urltoken
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the last two weeks have been a bit calmer than at the beginning of the campaign , but there is nevertheless still some news to report since our last update .
the number of the „grün vermittelt“ tariffs brokered has increased markedly . the figure is now no longer the 800 stated in the video , but over 1200 . the „grün versichert“ personal vehicle tariff was made available to selected brokers three weeks ago and although we are not currently in the car - changing season , more than 20 units have already been brokered in these first three weeks .
two of the media titles with the widest readership in the world of insurance , the insurance monitor , and the insurance journal , reported on grün versichert . insurance brokers interested in the tariffs have again been getting in touch with us as result of these reports and have been requesting further information . you can find the news articles here :
another fortunate consequence of this coverage was that companies from the world of insurance were made aware of the fact that grün versichert is on the search for investors ; investors , who have now been in touch with us .
we have made a significant step forward in the ongoing due diligence process and must now check whether we can meet the required conditions and / or whether we wish to fulfil them .
investments in crowdfunding projects offer great opportunities , but they are risk investments . in the worst case , the entire investment amount may be lost . consequently , these investments are unsuitable for retirement plans . however , there is no obligation to make further contributions . investors can minimize their risk by splitting their investment amount between crowdfunding campaigns rather than investing all of it in one crowdfunding campaign . professional investors often follow this strategy because it causes the risk to be distributed among several investments . in this way , successful investments can balance other less successful investments .
the shares of the companists are subordinated profit - participating loans ( partiarische nachrangdarlehen ) . such loans are shares in a business with similar characteristics as equity . if the company becomes insolvent or is liquidated , the claims of the companists – just like those of all other shareholders of the company – will be satisfied from the assets in the insolvency or the assets in liquidation only after the claims of all other external creditors have been satisfied . thus , companists are treated like any other shareholder of the company during insolvency or liquidation proceedings .
this investment carries considerable risks and may lead to a loss of the entire assets invested . projected returns cannot be guaranteed and may be lower than expected .
groopdoo is a new online platform for organizing and pre - financing group activities .
through its platform , groopdoo provides a new and secure way of financing group activities for everyone . activities do not take place before enough people and money are available . we thus eliminate the risk of planning activities . boat cruises , club tours , christmas parties ? no risk , but fun – for everyone !
we are pleased to provide you with our pitch deck , which summarizes groopdoo ` s business model and strategy and illustrates our company’s potential .
as always , you can find all information on us , our team , and groopdoo in our company profile .
who does not know the problems related to planning a new year ' s party , organizing a club trip , or booking an indoor soccer court with friends ? collecting the necessary money is often difficult and time - consuming for organizers . moreover , some friends tend to be unreliable or forget to pay their share in time . consequently , organizers often bear the cost in addition to the effort necessary for organization . rather than pre - pay the entire amount themselves , activity organizers can now use groopdoo to ensure financing of the entire activity in a fast and easy fashion and may check at any time how much money their friends have already pledged .
after our own survey of 300 people in spring 2015 , 9 out of 10 people give up because of the risk of planning and do not even start organizing activities for groups of five or more people unless the activity is an important event ( e . g . , their own wedding ) .
that was the reason why groopdoo founder paul gumienny decided to tackle the problem . as the project developed , so did the ideas and tasks . at just the right time , sergius janik , a long - time friend of paul ' s since childhood , joined paul in berlin and increasingly took on new tasks before eventually becoming the project ' s coo in june 2016 .
through our platform , we are providing a solution that eliminates all payment - related problems beforehand while also offering a planning tool for organizers that is easy to use even for beginners .
as we have agreed on a partnership with established payment service provider paypal for our payment system , we are offering a reliable and secure method of payment .
our novel model is designed in a way that activities take place only if a sufficient number of participants and the necessary amount of money have been reached . when creating new activities , organizers enter the project details , for instance a minimum number of 10 people and a required total amount of eur 1 , 000 for the group activity .
from these data , our platform calculates the price per person , that is , eur 100 ( plus paypal fees ) in the case mentioned above . through a link that organizers receive once their activity has been created , they can invite additional friends and acquaintances via facebook , email , whatsapp , etc . by clicking on the link , everyone interested can directly access the activity page and look at the details .
once enough people have signed up , the organizer can collect the money and use it for the activity .
our survey has shown that students and clubs in particular frequently need to plan group activities . indeed , students like to plan group activities on weekends and during their semester break , and our surveys from early 2015 indicated these people plan group activities six times a year on average . students , however , usually lack the financial means to pre - pay the amount for all participants .
in addition , clubs often organize trips or other events for their members . rather than hold frequent meetings , participate in lengthy discussions , and collect money in a difficult way , clubs may use groopdoo to manage the entire process on a single platform . time and place no longer matter with groopdoo either because our platform can be used anytime and anywhere through a desktop computer , tablet , or smartphone .
by creating sophisticated processes , we have developed a novel group - payment model similar to crowdfunding and have ensured that it meets all legal requirements . nobody else has faced the challenges and risks linked to this approach before , so we are one step ahead of our competitors . a 40 % proportion of our target group extensively uses social media – a fact that we use to directly address this group and to advertise our product to it .
our vision is to help people plan their leisure time creatively and make that time a memorable experience with friends and acquaintances and – at some point in the future – strangers . while people do so , their creativity has no boundaries . groopdoo makes planning and managing all kinds of group activities easier .
as the number of groopdoo users increase , we also plan to enable organizers of large events to access new target groups and to use unused capacity , for instance on cruise ships , more efficiently .