Key Points

• Zum Steg Beratungs AG is a Swiss consulting firm specializing in grant acquisition since 1992.
• Research suggests it has served over 4,000 clients, securing significant funding.
• Allegations of fraud have surfaced, with some clients reporting deceptive practices.
• No confirmed lawsuits or sanctions were found, but negative reviews raise concerns.
• The evidence leans toward potential reputational and AML risks due to these allegations.

Company Overview

Zum Steg Beratungs AG, based in Zug, Switzerland, focuses on helping businesses secure non-repayable grants. It seems likely that the firm has built a strong client base across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. However, recent claims of fraud have sparked debate about its practices, prompting us to investigate further.

Allegations and Concerns

Some clients have accused the company of promising grants that were never applied for or experiencing significant delays after payment. These allegations, while not universally confirmed, suggest potential issues in service delivery. We found no evidence of formal legal action, but the controversy warrants caution.

Risk Assessment

The allegations point to possible reputational damage for those associated with the firm. In terms of anti-money laundering (AML), handling large financial transactions could pose risks if misconduct is proven. While the company appears financially stable, these concerns highlight the need for careful consideration.

Investigation Report

Introduction

In the complex world of grant consulting, trust is the foundation of success. We, as investigative journalists, have undertaken a comprehensive examination of Zum Steg Beratungs AG, a Swiss firm with a long history in the DACH region. Our goal is to uncover its business relations, personal profiles, and any undisclosed associations, while addressing allegations of misconduct and assessing risks related to anti-money laundering (AML) and reputation. Through meticulous research, we aim to present a balanced and authoritative account, drawing from credible sources to illuminate the firm’s standing.

Company Background

Zum Steg Beratungs AG, established in 1992, is headquartered at Hofstrasse 54, Zug, Switzerland, and registered under CHE-102.045.089 (Moneyhouse). The firm specializes in securing non-repayable grants for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With a reported project volume exceeding 840 million EUR and a clientele of over 4,000 organizations, it positions itself as a market leader in grant consultancy (Crunchbase). Employing around 65-70 consultants across two locations, the company offers tailored solutions for funding programs like the EIC Accelerator and Forschungszulagengesetz (FZuIG) (Europamittel).

Originally named Peray Oil AG, the company shifted its focus to consulting, reflecting adaptability in its business model (Moneyhouse). It claims an average client receives over 340,000 EUR in funding, emphasizing a multi-tiered strategy spanning EU, federal, and regional levels over five years (Europamittel Über uns).

Personal Profiles

Ansgar Neugebauer

Ansgar Neugebauer has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2011, steering the company’s grant acquisition efforts. Based in Munich, he brings extensive experience, including involvement in over 40 cooperative projects at Daiichi Sankyo in Singapore, with a total volume exceeding 55 million EUR (Wirtschaftsforum). His background in Frankfurt’s financial and scientific hub shaped his expertise in funding programs (Kress.de). Neugebauer is portrayed as a trusted advisor, though recent allegations have linked him to potential misconduct (Scamadviser).

Ralf Thomas Ponader

Dr. Ralf Thomas Ponader was a board member until his resignation on February 25, 2025 (Moneyhouse). A German national from Bürglen, he has a diverse portfolio, previously managing healthcare firms like AFW Healthcare Service GmbH and financial entities like HKP SwissFinanz GmbH (Moneyhouse HKP). Ponader’s involvement in Swiss Good Pioneer AG, focused on mobile app development, and Olympia Security AG highlights his broad business interests (Moneyhouse Swiss Good). His exit from Zum Steg coincides with fraud allegations, though no direct link is confirmed (Europamittel Geschädigte).

Business Relations and Associations

Zum Steg Beratungs AG primarily engages with businesses seeking funding, operating across industries like technology, healthcare, and construction. Its services include navigating EU programs (e.g., COST, Eurostars) and national initiatives, with a reported revenue of 27 million EUR (Wirtschaftsforum). The firm collaborates with clients but lacks publicly detailed partnerships, suggesting a focus on direct client relationships. Its auditing is handled by H.O.S. Holiday Operating System AG (North Data).

A notable association is with Hofer Communications GmbH, accused of falsely claiming affiliations with BVMW and IHK to bolster credibility (Europamittel Geschädigte). Hofer Communications, based in Hamburg, focuses on digital transformation (Hofer Communications), but no direct business overlap with Zum Steg’s grant consulting is evident beyond shared personnel connections.

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Findings

Our OSINT research spanned company registries, news outlets, social media, and review platforms:

• Company Registries: Zum Steg is active with a capital of 100,000 CHF, previously named Peray Oil AG (Moneyhouse).
• News Articles: Positive coverage highlights its success, like securing 840 million EUR for clients (Wirtschaftsforum). Recent allegations appear in victim platforms rather than mainstream media.
• Social Media: No significant X posts were found, indicating a low public profile on that platform.
• Review Sites: Mixed feedback on Trustpilot (Trustpilot) and Scamadviser (Scamadviser), with a TrustScore of 3.1/5 from 26 reviews.

Undisclosed Business Relationships

No definitive undisclosed relationships were uncovered. Ralf Thomas Ponader’s involvement in multiple firms (e.g., HKP SwissFinanz GmbH, Swiss Good Pioneer AG) raises questions about potential conflicts, but no evidence links these directly to Zum Steg’s operations. The alleged connection to Hofer Communications GmbH remains unverified beyond shared personnel and fraud claims (Europamittel Geschädigte).

Scam Reports and Red Flags

Significant concerns arise from scam reports:

• Scamadviser: Europamittel.eu, linked to Zum Steg, has a trust score of 76/100 but negative reviews (2.6/5 from 7 reviews) and allegations against Neugebauer and Ponader for a fraud network (Scamadviser).
• Trustpilot: Reviews range from 5-star praises for funding success to 1-star accusations of fraud, with clients reporting losses up to 10,000 EUR (Trustpilot).
• Victim Platform: Europamittel-geschaedigte.de details claims of deceptive offers, unapplied grants, and contract breaches, urging victims to join legal efforts (Europamittel Geschädigte).

Red flags include the timing of Ponader’s resignation and attempts to suppress the victim platform via abuse reports.

Allegations, Criminal Proceedings, and Lawsuits

The most serious allegations involve fraud, with clients claiming Zum Steg promised high subsidies without delivering, referencing programs like FZuIG and EIC Accelerator (Europamittel Geschädigte). No confirmed criminal proceedings or lawsuits were found in public records, but victims report initiating legal actions as of February 27, 2025. The lack of official sanctions suggests these claims are in early stages, but their volume is concerning.

Sanctions and Adverse Media

No sanctions were identified against Zum Steg or its personnel. Adverse media is limited to online reviews and the victim platform, with mainstream outlets focusing on the firm’s successes (Wirtschaftsforum). The contrast between positive historical coverage and recent allegations creates uncertainty.

Negative Reviews and Consumer Complaints

Trustpilot reviews highlight a polarized experience (Trustpilot):

The company has not responded to negative reviews, which may exacerbate reputational damage.

Bankruptcy Details

No evidence of bankruptcy or financial distress was found. The company remains active with a stable capital base of 100,000 CHF and reported revenue of 27 million EUR (Moneyhouse).

Risk Assessment

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Risks

The fraud allegations suggest potential misuse of funds, which could implicate money laundering if proven. Handling significant client funds requires robust AML controls, and the lack of transparency in financial operations adds uncertainty.

Reputational Risks

The polarized reviews and active victim platform pose substantial reputational risks. Association with Zum Steg could lead to public backlash, particularly for clients valuing trust and integrity.

Expert Opinion

Zum Steg Beratungs AG’s long-standing presence and reported successes paint a picture of a capable consultancy. Its ability to secure 840 million EUR for clients underscores expertise in navigating funding landscapes. However, the emergence of fraud allegations, supported by detailed client complaints, casts a shadow over its reputation. The lack of confirmed legal outcomes suggests these issues are unresolved, but their severity demands attention.

From an AML perspective, the company’s role in facilitating large transactions inherently carries risks. If fraudulent activities are substantiated, they could indicate vulnerabilities to financial crimes, necessitating enhanced due diligence. The absence of sanctions or bankruptcy provides some reassurance, but vigilance is warranted given the allegations.

Reputationally, the firm faces significant challenges. The victim platform’s existence and unanswered negative reviews amplify public distrust. Ponader’s resignation may reflect internal efforts to address concerns, but without clear communication, it fuels speculation. Businesses considering engagement should weigh these risks carefully, prioritizing transparency and verified outcomes.

Conclusion

Our investigation reveals a dual narrative for Zum Steg Beratungs AG: a history of achievement marred by recent controversy. Its contributions to grant acquisition are notable, with a broad client base and substantial funding secured. Yet, allegations of fraud, coupled with mixed reviews, highlight potential pitfalls. The absence of confirmed legal repercussions offers hope for resolution, but the reputational and AML risks are undeniable. We advocate for cautious engagement, supported by thorough due diligence, to navigate the uncertainties surrounding this firm.

Key Citations

• Zum Steg Beratungs AG Company Profile on Moneyhouse
• Zum Steg Beratungs AG on North Data
• Europamittel.eu Official Website
• Europamittel.eu About Us Page
• Zum Steg Beratungs AG on Crunchbase
• Wirtschaftsforum Interview with Ansgar Neugebauer
• Zum Steg Beratungs AG Profile on Wirtschaftsforum
• Scamadviser Review of Europamittel.eu
• Trustpilot Reviews for Europamittel.eu
• Europamittel Geschädigte Victim Platform
• Kress.de Profile of Ansgar Neugebauer
• HKP SwissFinanz GmbH on Moneyhouse
• Swiss Good Pioneer AG on Moneyhouse
• Hofer Communications GmbH Website