About | Berlin Finance Crew

DR. Joachim Behrendt

Dr. Joachim Behrendt is a management consultant specializing in digitalization and innovation in Finance. He has been active internationally as a business angel, coach, and mentor in the startup ecosystem for years. After living in Istanbul and London, he returned to Germany in 2017.

As a consultant, he manages projects for retail and tourism companies, focusing on digitalization, process optimization, and restructuring. In Istanbul, he founded BIC Angels and the accelerator BIC101, collaborating with nearly 100 investors, reviewing 3,000+ startups, and investing in about 30. He was awarded “business angel of the year” in Turkey in 2015 and continues mentoring his Turkey-based startups.

Dr. Behrendt previously taught at Bosphorus University after a research scholarship at the London School of Economics. He left his academic position to manage his successful digital agency, which grew to 120+ employees. After selling the agency, he returned to teaching entrepreneurship part-time.

Now based in Berlin, he serves as a senior advisor to Vali at the European School of Management and Technology, mentors startups, and is a member of the Business Angel Club Berlin-Brandenburg.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

Berlin Finance Crew was born out of a shared passion for finance, controlling, and the dynamic world of startups. Each of us brings years of experience in financial management, having worked across various industries before finding our calling in the startup ecosystem. We love what we do — helping founders navigate financial complexities and build strong, sustainable businesses. United by our commitment to financial excellence, we came together to provide startups with the expertise, structure, and support they need to succeed. At Berlin Finance Crew, we don’t just manage numbers—we empower founders to thrive.

Ira Philip

Ira Philip is a multifaceted professional dedicated to empowering startups and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through her executive coaching practice "Through the CFO Lens" she helps founders and executives lead with confidence, drawing on her extensive experience as a CFO and finance professional.

Of American, German, and Greek heritage, Ira grew up in a military family and has lived in Berlin for the past ten years. She and her partner have a blended family with three children.

Ira holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance, an MBA, and both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the International School of Management, where her research focuses on the fundraising experiences of female founders in Germany between 2020 and 2024.

Her professional experience spans wealth management, corporate controlling, nonprofit accounting, and startup finance. As a Fractional CFO, she specializes in financial planning and analysis, helping founders build sustainable businesses and make informed financial decisions.

Beyond her professional work, Ira serves on the Executive Board of the Berlin Brandenburg International School and leads the Teen Venture Lab, a program designed to inspire young women to explore entrepreneurship. She also coaches entrepreneurs through ESCP EXIST Women Mentor and EIT Health.

Outside of work, Ira is a competitive Masters Olympic weightlifter. Competing in the W50 71kg category, she currently holds all three German national records in her class.

Martin Hueber

Martin has built his career across various industries, gaining extensive experience in business administration, finance, and corporate strategy. He was born in Munich and has lived in Berlin for the past several years.

Over the past +20 years, he has developed deep expertise in leading financial operations. restructuring and reorganizing business units and integrating multinational teams.

Martin is passionate about supporting startups and fostering innovation in the business community. Since 2019, he has served as the Managing Director of BACB Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, a Berlin-based Business Angel Fund specializing in PreSeed and Seed investments. In addition he has worked as a management consultant focused on business planning, reporting, and strategic consulting across industries such as software development, automotive, renewable energy, and digital health.

Previously, Martin held leadership positions including CFO different technology driven companies, like Software Development and innovative Renewable Energies. There he played a key role in financing rounds and corporate growth and successfully restructured an international software company. Earlier in his career, he contributed in key financial and strategic roles within the food industry and publishing industry.

Academically, Martin holds a diploma degree in Economics from Universität Witten-Herdecke, graduating with honors.

Dr. Christian Mielsch

Dr. Christian Mielsch has extensive experience as a CFO, operational leader, and non-executive director, having served as CFO of REWE Group and held senior roles at METRO Group and Bertelsmann AG. As a business angel and wealth manager, he actively invests in innovative projects, believing that true success comes from committed teams and collective effort.

Passionate about working with motivated people, Dr. Mielsch supports young companies in creating their own impact. Through Berlin Finance Crew, he aims to apply his CFO expertise to help startups reach their goals—whether through strategic guidance, operational support, or personal investment when the fit is right.

ANNIKA BELK

Annika Belk brings a strong understanding of numbers together with a practical, hands-on approach to efficient processes. As an experienced accounting professional, she focuses on creating financial operations that are reliable, well-structured, and easy to work with.
Throughout her career, she has been involved in preparatory accounting, payment processing, and the introduction of cash and liquidity management systems. What matters most to her is not just accuracy, but building clear and transparent processes that support everyday work and grow with the company.
Annika works closely with management, tax advisors, and internal teams and is appreciated for her clear communication and approachable manner. She has a natural ability to simplify complex topics and turn them into practical solutions. With a structured mindset and a strong interest in digital tools, she contributes to steady improvements in efficiency and financial workflows.
Her professional path – from training as an office management assistant to becoming a certified business administrator (IHK) – reflects her commitment to continuous development and high quality standards.
Annika lives in the Allgäu region with her partner and their dog. Outside of work, she enjoys music and spending time in nature.

BERLIN FINANCE CREW

Akazienstr. 3a, 10823 Berlin