Sandra Lochmann
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Co-Founder & Sweat Equity

Co-founding with know-how, not capital

I bring over 20 years of experience in HR, recruiting, plant ramp-up and international expansion in DAX corporations – as an operating co-founder or advisory board member with an equity stake (sweat equity). Not capital, but hands-on work.

What I bring

Sandra Lochmann
Building teams from scratch
Recruiting strategy, processes and the first key hires. Experience: around 6,500 hires during the development of new plants in the Americas.
HR structures that grow with the business
HR organisation based on the business partner model, and implementation of HR and recruiting systems such as SAP SuccessFactors.
Market entry & cross-border work
DACH, Italy, Portugal and Latin America – in five working languages: German, English, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian.
Hands-on leadership
Most recently responsible for a global team of around 450 employees.
An established network
Connections across industry, mid-sized businesses and chambers of commerce (including the German IHK network).

Where I fit

  • HR tech & recruiting solutions
  • Workforce & mobility: international skilled professionals
  • Industry & manufacturing
  • EdTech & professional development
  • Startups expanding into DACH, Italy, Portugal or Latin America

In Italy, my work is strictly advisory, focused on organisation and market entry – no candidate recruitment or placement.

Possible models

  1. 01

    Operating co-founder

    For example, Chief People Officer / COO – equity with vesting.

  2. 02

    Fractional / part-time role

    For example, fractional Chief People Officer – a reduced fee plus equity.

  3. 03

    Advisory board

    A small equity stake and regular sparring sessions.

What I do not offer

  • No capital or financial investment – I am not an investor or a business angel.
  • No name-only roles without real involvement.
  • No prolonged full-time work without any compensation – equity requires a clear written agreement and vesting.
  • No projects requiring purely remote work from another city: I work on site in the Munich area and South Tyrol, and hybrid elsewhere.

How we get to know each other

  1. 01A short message with your idea and current stage
  2. 02A 30-minute call
  3. 03A trial period or a small joint project before discussing equity

Frequently asked questions

How do we get in touch?
Through the Co-Founder Check on this page. That way you see right away whether we are broadly a fit.
What happens after the Co-Founder Check?
You see a result straight away. If it looks like a good match, you can request two to three preferred slots for a 30-minute call straight away. That is not yet a confirmed appointment – I confirm personally within 2 working days. There is no instant booking.
What does sweat equity mean?
An ownership stake in a company in return for work and know-how rather than money.
Do you also invest money?
No. I contribute experience, hands-on work and my network, not capital.
Which regions do you work in?
On site in the Munich area and South Tyrol, and hybrid elsewhere; projects connected to DACH, Italy, Portugal and Latin America. In Italy, advisory work only, no candidate recruitment or placement.
Which startup stage are you suited to?
Pre-Seed to Series A, when building the team and organisation is a priority.

Projects I am looking for co-founders for

Alongside co-founding other startups, I work on ideas of my own. For these four projects I am looking for co-founders – mostly with a technical focus.

  • Vianora

    Stage: Prototype
    Problem
    Companies hire without really knowing the labour market first.
    Who it is for
    Companies and HR teams before they hire
    Looking for
    Technical co-founder

    Equity with vesting. Details after a first conversation and an NDA.

  • Workation Places

    Stage: Prototype
    Problem
    New skilled workers cannot find housing in regions with a housing shortage. Starting in South Tyrol.
    Who it is for
    Employers and newly hired skilled workers
    Looking for
    Technical co-founder

    Equity with vesting. Details after a first conversation and an NDA.

  • Ferio

    Stage: Prototype
    Problem
    Families on holiday look for playmates for their children – with privacy coming first.
    Who it is for
    Families on holiday
    Looking for
    Technical co-founder

    Equity with vesting. Details after a first conversation and an NDA.

  • Aequa-team

    Stage: Prototype
    Problem
    Household and care work is shared unequally in many families.
    Who it is for
    Couples and families
    Looking for
    Technical co-founder

    Equity with vesting. Details after a first conversation and an NDA.

I contribute work and experience, not capital – I am not an investor.

HR tech co-founder: how the Co-Founder Check works

Looking for a co-founder for HR, recruiting or an HR tech startup? The Co-Founder Check is a short online pre-qualification that takes about three minutes. You see straight away whether working together is broadly a fit – before we talk.

Are you looking for a co-founder for an HR tech startup?
As an operating co-founder, fractional Chief People Officer or advisor, I contribute experience in HR, recruiting, market entry and plant ramp-up – know-how rather than capital, with equity and vesting.
What does the Co-Founder Check ask?
Stage, funding, team size, industry, the role you need, time commitment, compensation, equity, vesting, work location, target markets and what should be achieved in the first 90 days.
When is it not a fit?
When a capital investment is expected, no vesting or written agreement is planned, on-site presence is required in a city other than Munich or South Tyrol, or equity only is offered for full-time or three to four days a week.
What happens after a good result?
You can request two to three preferred slots for a 30-minute call straight away. That is not yet a confirmed appointment – I review your answers personally and confirm within 2 working days. In Italy I offer advisory services only, no recruitment or placement.
Co-Founder-Check →

Let’s talk

Before we speak, a few honest answers help us both: you see right away whether we are broadly a fit – and nobody loses time.

Please note: in Italy I offer advisory work only – no recruiting or placement.

Takes about 3 minutes

Step 1/4 · You & your startup

Prefer to reach out directly?LinkedIninfo@sandralochmann.com

The network

Profession

People · Places · Performance – Executive Search & Interim Management

Passion

GoalConnect Sandra – connecting coaches and organising football camps