Gesellschaft für
Weiterbildung
The Partnership for Education
Portrait
The GfW Gesellschaft für Weiterbildung pursues the goal of promoting social mobility. Education is the key to achieving this, and together in our education network, we aim to forge this key so that it opens as many doors as possible. As an education holding company based in Berlin, we support existing educational institutions in further growth by investing in them or continuing them as part of a succession plan.
For social mobility through education to succeed, transparency and fairness are needed at every level. We are convinced that empowerment, communication on equal footing, and the strengthening of diversity are additional essential aspects that promote social mobility. In line with our goal, these are the values we strive to live by internally as well. We apply them in achieving our corporate objectives and in our interactions with each other. Mutual respect and freedom from discrimination form the foundation of our corporate culture.
Our Current Investments
At GfW, we believe in reliable, respectful collaboration. With entrepreneurial expertise and our hands-on mentality, we help drive new growth — become part of the success.
speakeasy Berlin GmbH is a language school for German as a foreign language located in Berlin and Hamburg. Its focus is on practical and communication-oriented language teaching for adult learners as well as the qualification and administration of the globally recognized telc exams. Learners can choose from various course formats and receive support from our international team on site.
speakeasy München GmbH joined us in 2021 and offers a comprehensive range of courses in the Munich area for adult learners who want to learn German as a foreign language. Here too, the teaching is designed according to the latest didactic principles of learner- and action-oriented methods. Participants learn in a relaxed atmosphere following the well-established speakeasy method.
Since 2023, DIE NEUE SCHULE GbR has been part of the GfW Group. Founded in 1984 in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, DIE NEUE SCHULE is one of the large and well-known language schools in Berlin. Both in-person and online, the school offers a versatile range of language courses in German as a foreign language, English, Italian, and Spanish, all taught by experienced native speakers. The school has also specialized in language courses eligible for educational leave. The friendly, open, and very personal atmosphere, combined with the team’s great commitment, significantly contributes to participants feeling comfortable and achieving their learning goals.
Become Part of GfW
Are you looking for a reliable partner for a business succession or a professional investment? Then you’ve found the right one in GfW.
We value stability and promote the sustainable development of your educational company. For this reason, our approach is always focused on entrepreneurial and collaborative cooperation. We work with you to optimize your internal processes and help you achieve growth. In addition, the entire GfW network is at your disposal with advice and support. We see ourselves not just as investors but as active partners committed to the further development of your educational business.
We are looking for target companies with growth potential and an EBITDA of approximately EUR 300,000 to 3,000,000.
We would be happy to tell you more about how we can support you.
Get in touch with us here!
Team
Shervin Zamani
Founder & CEO
Mike Nikolov
Teamlead & Future CEO
Nicolas Schweickert
Finance- & Projectanalyst
Omar Hakima Abou Fakher
Project Management
Alaya Mach
Recruiting
Tim Heinzmann
Chief Financial Officer
Éva Rothe
Recruiting
Nicole Arévalo Yáñez
Projectmanagement
Mouna Srat
Working Student Projectmanagement
Antonia Djatschenko
HR-Administration
That could be you!
Take a look behind the scenes and get to know our team!
Executive Managers of the subsidiaries
Jan-Philipp Höhl
Jan-Philipp Höhl is the Managing Director of the speakeasy locations in Hamburg and Munich, the german studios locations in Frankfurt and Cologne as well as the strassenberger Akademie. He was particularly responsible for building up the digital division of the speakeasy Group as well as for the group’s expansion beyond Berlin. His current responsibilities include the further development of the locations in Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne.
He has spent many years in China and Latin America and holds degrees in Business Administration and Industrial Engineering.
Karoline Schirmer
Karoline Schirmer is the Managing Director of the speakeasy locations in Berlin and responsible for DIE NEUE SCHULE. She began her career at speakeasy in 2016 as the Head of Education. In 2021, she took over the school management of speakeasy Berlin Ost – the original and first location of the speakeasy education group. She was then appointed Regional Manager with power of attorney for Berlin before finally assuming the role of Managing Director.
Before joining speakeasy, Karoline worked for several years in Public Relations in Berlin. She studied Linguistics as well as Cultural and Regional Management in Berlin, Madrid, Saint-Étienne, Naples, and Stuttgart. Her extensive experience in the education sector, international perspective, and keen sense for quality and team leadership shape the ongoing development of speakeasy Berlin.
Shahin Zamani
Shahin Zamani passionately leads the Kunstschule Wandsbek at the Hamburg and Bremen locations. His goal is to nurture creative talents, foster an open and inspiring learning environment, and support young designers on their path into the creative industry.
Together with a dedicated team of instructors and staff, he shapes an academy where artistic freedom and professional development go hand in hand.
Before taking on the leadership of KW, Shahin spent 15 years in various roles in the banking sector and completed a part-time degree in banking management.
Contact
Curious to learn more? Feel free to contact us!
030-609541491
Warschauer Str. 34-38
10243 Berlin