Structures that create freedom – central personnel services in the Abacus alpha portfolio

We keep their backs free so that our portfolio companies can concentrate on their day-to-day business.
As a central HR function in the background, we create structures that take the pressure off, processes that work and standards that create space for what really counts: entrepreneurial action.

Petya Tantcheva, who joined Abacus alpha in 2023 and has been Head of HR since this year, is responsible for HR work internally and also supports our subsidiaries in all HR matters. In this interview, she describes what modern HR services look like today and what it takes for them to really work.

Head of Human Resources at Abacus alpha: Petya Tantcheva

Petya, you are responsible for HR at Abacus alpha. What is special about your role?

I support HR work on two levels: internally at Abacus alpha and Group-wide for our portfolio companies. This dual role enables me to take a holistic view, from the strategic development of our own structures to overarching support where processes can be standardized or resources added in a targeted manner.

This second area in particular is becoming increasingly dynamic: many of our holdings benefit from a common foundation without giving up their independence. Our central personnel services relieve the burden and allow companies to concentrate on their core business.

So more of a helping hand than a controlling authority?

Exactly. We see ourselves as a service provider in cooperation, not as a central control center. Our role is to provide structures, not to make decisions. We step in where internal capacities reach their limits, with a clear goal: to facilitate HR work, not complicate it. And we do this in a pragmatic and solution-oriented way.

Which topics are particularly in focus?

A major focus is currently on Standardization and relief in everyday life. For example, we provide

Sample contracts reviewed under labor law

Templates for mobile work or NDAs

Checklists for onboarding and leaving

Recommendations and templates for benefits, recruiting or feedback processes

This means that companies do not have to fight their way through paragraphs themselves and thus gain noticeable efficiency in their day-to-day work.

At the same time, it is about modern personnel processes: Recruiting, onboarding, employee retention, benefits programs. Wherever structures are lacking or processes can be optimized, we provide support with know-how, tools and experience.

How close are you to the pulse of the companies?

Very close. Through regular exchange. We are in ongoing discussions with those responsible, whether by telephone, in workshops or through brief consultations as required. New tools, templates or support services often emerge directly from these discussions.

In addition, we are currently building a digital HR knowledge pool which bundles best practices, current documents and relevant know-how. Available at any time and constantly growing.

What makes this type of collaboration special for you personally?

I like it when structures noticeably relieve pressure without pushing themselves to the fore. For me, HR work is not an end in itself, but part of the entrepreneurial ability to act.

And this is exactly what I can live at Abacus alpha: close to the companies, solution-oriented, practical. Always with the aim of leveraging potential and thinking ahead together.

The cooperation within the portfolio is also particularly valuable: Our portfolio companies share experiences, make their knowledge available and learn from each other. This makes many things easier and often better than when each unit fights alone.