Learning is the new
collaboration!
At Mentessa, we believe in a world where equal opportunity is not a privilege, but a standard. As an impact-driven startup, we are committed to building the workplace of the future: connected, inclusive, and human. Our mission is simple yet bold — to replace silos with a culture of connected learning, where every person can thrive, learn, and grow.
As seen in
OUR MISSION
From hierarchies to networks
and from outsiders to insiders
In a time when hybrid and remote work often leave people feeling isolated, Mentessa empowers organizations to foster meaningful connections — unlocking hidden potential through mentorship, peer learning, and skill-based collaboration. We provide a platform where every employee, regardless of background or title, can find a mentor, share their expertise, and grow together.
We’re not just building software. We’re creating a movement toward a silo-free, inclusive, and fair future of work – aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for reduced inequalities.
- For knowledge transfer between generations
- For equal career opportunities beyond gender
- For closing the skills gap through individual guidance
- For real human connection despite work from home in hybrid teams
- For a strong economy through silo-free innovation and a collaborative culture
Recognized for our impact
Our efforts have been acknowledges numerous times:
- Best of Technology Award by WirtschaftsWoche and Handelsblatt 2024 & 2023
- Featured in Sifted Future of Work Report
- Featured in the German AI Landscape
- Endorsed by the NASDAQ for creating equal opportunities in the workplace
- DUP Unternehmer Awards
- UNLEASH Top Startup
- HR Tech Awards - Best Culture Building Tool 2023
- Brandon Hall Excellence Award - Best Social Learning 2022
- Milestone Makers Alumni
- Founder Institute Top 50
- Co-funded by the European Union
Our Vision:
The silo-free workplace
We envision a workplace where learning is social, inclusive, and constant. Where everyone is both teacher and student, and success is shared. Our platform guides users from onboarding to offboarding, turning everyday interactions into learning opportunities — and workplaces into communities.
Do you want to help ou mission?
About Tina Ruseva
Dr. Tina Ruseva is more than the visionary entrepreneur behind Mentessa— she is one of the most prominent voices for the future of work,. A workplace activist, speaker, author, and advocate for impact entrepreneurship, Tina has spent her career championing equal opportunities in the workplace. Her journey from immigrant to a social entrepreneur is a powerful testament to what’s possible when people are seen for their potential — not just their pedigree.
With a PhD in Computer Science and an MBA in Innovation, Tina combines deep technical knowledge with visionary leadership. Before founding Mentessa, she worked across startups and corporates, where she saw first-hand how much talent gets lost in silos and how little informal knowledge is truly shared.
Mentessa is her answer to this — a platform built on her belief that learning should be social, inclusive, and lifelong.
Tina is a regular speaker on the future of work, AI, and female leadership. She has been recognized by NASDAQ, featured in leading media across Europe, and awarded multiple industry prizes for innovation and culture-building. But for Tina, impact matters more than accolades — and Mentessa is how she pays it forward.
Initiator
Founder & President
of the German National New Work Association
Alumni
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft e.V.
Member of the Advisory Board
of multiple NGOs, BFC among others
Author
at HAUFE
The Story
behind Mentessa
Mentessa was founded in 2019 by Dr. Tina Ruseva, a tech entrepreneur and author with a vision: to make career growth accessible to all. Coming from a background where opportunities weren’t handed out but earned, Tina knew the power of connection and learning firsthand. After years of mentoring others, she realized the gap: talented people often lacked the access, not the ability. Mentessa was born to close that gap — with technology that is high-tech and high-human.
01.
An idea was born
02.
Mentessa was founded
Tina quits her job and joins Wayra Germany, the innovation hub by Telefonica. Mentessa graduates from the Founder Institute in Munich and wins its first customers and awards. Its first birthday party is canceled because of the pandemic.
03.
Growing the vision
The new world of work makes it clear that knowledge exchange and meaningful connection are not just for mentoring programs. Mentessa is selected by NASDAQ Milestone Makers – as one of 10 impact startups that strive to create equal opportunities for everyone in the workplace (SDGs 8, 9, 10, 11).
04.
Where we are today
Today, Mentessa operates on three continents, with global customers from corporate HR to NGOs. Where the future works.
The people backing us
Eleven Ventures
Eleven Ventures is one of the leading early-stage VC from Southeast Europe.
Eleven Ventures
Eleven Ventures is one of the leading early-stage VC from Southeast Europe.
Founder Institute
Founder Institute is the world's most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses.
Founder Institute
Founder Institute is the world's most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses.
... and Angel Backing
... and Angel Backing
We are hiring!
The world is changing. Prepare for the unknown by digitally upskilling your talent. Mentessa gives you an engaging platform for sustainable and seamless mentorship, onboarding, and retention. Do you want to get ready for the biggest digital business transformation?
