Carsten Frien

🚀 Buying is the new recruitment + TURBO for development In today's fast-paced business world, German SMEs are finding success through strategic partnerships with startups, even on a smaller scale. 🌟 Let’s consider the example of “CarTech”, a Berlin-based startup that developed an AI-powered platform for optimizing used car sales. In 2024, Auto 1 Group, a major European used car trading platform, acquired CarTech. The integration of CarTech’s technology streamlined Auto 1 Group’s processes, improved pricing accuracy, and expanded its market reach across Europe. This successful acquisition played a pivotal role in Auto 1 Group’s transformation to dominant players Excited to explore similar opportunities for your SME? Join us at the Bright Future Event, where we'll dive into real-life examples of German SMEs teaming up with startups and the game-changing results they've achieved. Exited to meet: Andy Zurwehme (eROCKIT AG), Paulina Tsvetanova (CEO & Founder PAULINA‘S FRIENDS Couture) ,  Mathias Tholey  (NU Company, Schokolade) and many more.... But wait, there's more! I'll be sharing practical tips on how startup teams can seamlessly integrate into SME environments, fostering innovation and driving mutual success. Check out: www.spitze-bleiben.de Thanks Ulf Leonhard for organizing. Don't miss out on this chance to unlock the potential of collaboration and propel your business forward. See you at the event! ✨ #BrightFuture #SMEs #Startups #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #Management #HumanResources #Technology #Future

10

In February it will be 6 years since I had a 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁. With some distance Business Insider has asked me to talk about my experience in consulting, my burnout and the new company I started: WirDämmenDeinHaus.com You can find the link in the first comment.  (I’m also happy to share the pdf, in case you cannot access it.) My ask to you:  𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘁. Having talked to many people that suffered a burnout, my observation is that it can be tremendously helpful to get a nudge from people that care about you. It is a common burnout symptom to “try to keep pushing through” and “take care of one self, after X, Y, Z is finished” -> this often significantly prolongs the healing process. Be there for the people you care about and encourage them to take care of themselves now and not when it’s too late. I’m also here for anyone that wants to talk 1:1 about their experience or ask questions. Please feel free to reach out. Happy holidays to all of you!

341

42 Kommentare

Hey Berliners, we have some guest list spots to give away 👋 What's happening this week in Berlin! I hope all recovered from last week's @Berlin SaaS week organized by ARRtist. But before we dive in, let’s join forces and back this petition: https://www.eu-inc.org. Let’s unite Europe’s startup scene and make waves together 🌍🤝! 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐅𝐎𝐌𝐎 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 👇 Comment below & add the event to win a guest list spot for these events: - 1)M.STORIES Podcast Launch Event Berlin (Tuesday) - 2) Periodly launch event (Thursday) - 3) Big B2B Deals: Proven Strategies & Tactics for 6-Figure+ Sales (Thursday) - 4) ANTI Launch Event (Thursday) - 5) A Feast in Autumn: Reclaiming Narratives (Saturday) 𝘛𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺: M.STORIES Podcast Launch Event Berlin 🦸‍♀️🎙 | 6:30 pm—10 pm: An exciting live podcast episode with Paula Lambert (Germany's best-known sex and relationship expert). Martina Panchyrz Unboxing The Future of Berlin as an international business hub 🎤 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm: with Lubomila Jordanova at betahaus. 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺: Egg Freezing: Conversations & Crémant 🥚🥂 | 7:30 pm - 10 pm:  Organized by Johanna Rief. 𝘛𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺: ANTI Launch Event 🎉🧘 | 5 pm: ANTI, Berlin's new health club crafted for those who live and breathe longevity, is opening its doors. Periodly Soft Launch Party 🍋🍾 | 6 pm Big B2B Deals: Proven Strategies & Tactics for 6-Figure+ Sales 👨🏼‍💼 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Learn how to close big deals with proven strategies and tactics specifically designed for C-level sales executives. SalesMaster Network Young VC Drinks @HTGF | High-Tech Gründerfonds 🍻 🧑‍💼 | 7 pm: ​ FOUNDERS LEAGUE Investor Night 🍾 | 7 pm 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺: Berlin Design Circle | BDC05 — Experiences of Gatherings 👯 | 7 pm - 11 pm: ​ Damian Martone, Alexandra Klatt, Jesse May Palmer and I will join the panel and exchange insights on the art of gathering. Thx for the invite nick stübe - Berlin Design e.V. 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘺: FOMO Berlin x Lucky Punch powered by lululemon 🥊 | 10 am - 12 am: After the session, we’ll head over to the lululemon store opening for some coffee—and maybe even a few surprises. But remember, you didn’t hear it from me 😚. FOMO247 x Lucky Punch A Feast in Autumn: Reclaiming Narratives 🍽 🖼 | 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm: Get ready for an immersive dining experience. PRAZZLE Inc TEDxMitte—Move Closer 🎤 | 11 am - 5 pm: We joined as a media partner and secured a 20% discount code: fomo-20. Which event are you planning to attend this week? Which event did we miss? Please comment below! xoxo FOMO247 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬: ARRtist Summit, CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center), startbereit launch event, Exclusive Dinner with Cremanski & Company – The Revenue Architects & OMR Reviews, etc.

67

14 Kommentare

Hey Berliners 😍 I’m back from Munich, and somehow managed to dodge both COVID and the Wiesn Grippe—no idea how, but there's no time to slow down! This week is on fire again, and if you didn’t know, we’ve got your back. Berlin SaaS week is in full swing! Comment below to win a guest list spot for these launch events: - startbereit launch event this Wednesday - M.STORIES Podcast launch event next week on Tuesday - Periodly launch event next week Thursday. 𝘛𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺: SaaS Founders Networking Night by Unicorn Bakery & re:cap 🧑‍💼 🥂 | ​ 7 pm - 11 pm: Kick-off Berlin SaaS Week the right way and join the founder-only event with Germany's most ambitious SaaS Founders. Speakers are Scott Chacon ((7,5 Milliarden exit an Microsoft) & Patrick Andrae (HomeToGo, publicly listed) VEECEE GP Dinner @Nightkitchen 🍽🍾 | 7:30 pm: GP-Dinner from VCs for VCs, during SaaS Week Berlin at Nightkitchen Berlin. 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺: startbereit Launch Event 🍾 | 5:30 pm: Together with Berliner Volksbank eG and no venture studio, they will officially launch startbereit; this milestone will be celebrated with other leading startup ecosystem partners. FOMO247 is a proud media partner of this event! CMO & CRO Networking Night 🧑‍💼🥂 |  6 pm: Organized by Cremanski & Company – The Revenue Architects & Company and OMR Reviews, this networking dinner is designed to foster value-creating exchanges and provide new perspectives from the world of SaaS. 𝘛𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺: ARRtist Summit 🧑‍💼| Join ARRtist SUMMIT to meet 500 high-profile B2B SaaS Founders and CxO, and 125 B2B SaaS investors. Network with and learn from the most relevant community in B2B SaaS for Europe. Join launch of THE CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) and Venture Café Berlin 🍾 | (5 pm - 12 am: Kicking off with Thursday Gathering #1: connect with innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers from across the city! I will share some thoughts about the current startup scene with 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 Maren Lesche , Christoph Raethke, and Klaus G. Kammermeier. 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺: Hugo x Zalando 🔵👖 | 7 pm:  A unique experience celebrating creativity. Meet some of Berlin's most talented local artists and stylists, get creative, explore the new HUGO BLUE collection, and enjoy some vibrant DJ sets and tasty vibes. Organized by AS.C Studio 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘺: FEMALE FUTURE FORCE DAY @bcc Berlin 🦸‍♀️ | 10 am - 6 pm: This year's motto, BRIDGE THE GAP, addresses the omnipresent inequalities in almost all areas of life. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐅𝐎𝐌𝐎 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 👇 Which event are you planning to attend this week? What event did we miss? Please comment below! xoxo FOMO247 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬: Bits & Pretzels, 𝘊𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯, 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘑𝘢𝘮 𝘚𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 …

71

19 Kommentare

For this role, YOU should apply quickly if … 🙈 You want to work not only with me, 🥰 But also with Ali, Maggie, Matthias & Laura 🤗 and briefly with Eva ➡️ Head of Product at Swat.io with a passion for strategy and an absolute hands-on attitude wanted ⬅️ Since Eva is temporarily leaving us for a project in her private environment (🍼), I am looking together with Jane for the ideal replacement for Eva. What is the role all about? 🤩 Lead our Product Team, consisting of two Product Owners and two UI/UX Designers (4 people) 🤩 Develop strategic product roadmaps and align regularly with our strategy group to ensure our product fits within the overall company strategy 🤩 Further develop our product to ensure our users have the best possible experience while driving our business forward 🤩 Coordinate our product owners, developers, and designers to develop solutions and ensure great UX 🤩 Serve as an internal link, aligning our Customer Support, Development, Marketing, and Sales Teams to analyze user problems, develop solutions, and work on user acquisition strategies 🤩 Actively stay informed about changes in the market 🤩 Allocate 50% of your work week to strategic tasks and 50% to hands-on projects and teamwork 🤩 Work closely with the Development Team, enabling the development of value-adding features 🤩 Define and monitor key KPIs and derive improvement potentials 🤩 Support the Sales, Marketing, and Support teams in effective communication with customers and customer acquisition This is how we role: Iterate Agilely: * We prefer small iterations over waterfall. * We ship often & early. * We embrace continuous change. Simplicity Wins: * Simplicity is in our DNA * No project is too small, but there is definitely a „too big“. * We value clear and simple design. * Simplicity also means no technical debt. Collaboration First/ one for all, all for one: * Arguments before ego. * We are one team that supports each other. * We are managers of ourselves. Data-Driven Excellence: * Data is a strong argument. * Challenge the status quo. Positive Team Culture: * We are the good & fun people. * We assume the best intent. * We give feedback because we care about each other. In case this sounds great, let me close with the following: 😮 No Bullshit 😮 No Company Politics 😮 Full Hybrid Work (office in Vienna, but most people in the unit are working remotely) 😮 Impact, Impact, Impact 😮 Amazing Teammates In case you’re now even more excited, just drop me a PM! It doesn’t get easier to apply for your next dream job. #swatio #jobs #productmanagement #remotework #socialmediamanagement #saas

52

6 Kommentare

Exciting news in the world of angel investing is rare these days, which makes me even more thrilled to share a "double dose" of good news 🎉 – Novaheal GmbH has successfully exited to AMBOSS, a company well on its way to becoming one of Germany’s next unicorns 🦄. This news is particularly exciting for me as I’m indirectly invested in Novaheal through my early investment in allygatr, an "operative HR Tech VC". This makes it a double win ✌️: not only does allygatr now have a stake in a potential unicorn, but it also highlights allygatr’s unique edge over other investors in the HR space. Allygatr's unfair advantage comes from their deep network of investors with extensive HR market expertise. This network enables them to accelerate HR startups’ growth through mentorship, faster product iteration, and securing MVP customers to test solutions in real-world environments 🚀. Additionally, allygatr’s connections help identify strategic exit opportunities, as seen in this success with Novaheal 🔑. But what’s the real secret behind allygatr’s success? Better access to deals 🔥. Founders in the HR Tech space know about allygatr’s network, and as a result, allygatr often funds pre-seed rounds that other investors never even see 👀. Basically allygatr is a "German Y Combinator for HR Tech". We hoped this would happen 3 years ago when we started allygatr (big shout to Mr. Allygatr Benjamin Visser) and it is amazing to see how it now bears first fruit! 🍇 Therefore: Congrats to Novaheal on this fantastic exit, and a huge shoutout to allygatr for their clear and clever investment strategy! 🎊👏 (and big thanks to my smart allygatr co-investors who helped Novaheal and many other startups: Jochen Eckhold, Michael Ensser, Pierre Dejonghe, Matthias Klaesener, Dirk Mundorf, Harald Poeschke, Christine Rittner, Cindy Rubbens, Carolin Schneider, Jens-Martin Schwärzler, Robindro Ullah, Tim Verhoeven, Marc Müller, Olav Sehlbach, Romy von Roeder .... and many more!)

136

16 Kommentare

🚨 Red Alert for Germany’s Startup Ecosystem: A 30% Drop in Active Investors – How Can We Keep the Innovation Engine Running? A recent article from Handelsblatt (link in comments) points out that early-stage startups are especially at risk during this downturn since they depend on venture capital to scale. The expanding funding gap will further stifle growth in areas where innovation is most needed. Yet, within this challenge lies opportunity: 🌱 Resilient Sectors Lead the Way Sectors like #GreenTech and #AI are still drawing investment, showing their potential to drive innovation. These industries highlight where Germany can have the most significant impact. 🏠 Family Offices as Growth Catalysts As traditional investors pull back, family offices can step up. By leveraging patient capital, they can empower promising startups and lay the foundation for long-term success. 🤝 Venture Clienting as a Key to Co-Innovation Strategic partnerships between startups and established businesses bridge the funding gap. These alliances not only drive digital transformation but also deliver mutual value and foster innovation. At D11Z. Ventures, we believe Germany’s competitive edge depends on collaboration. That's why we invest in high-potential startups and create co-innovation opportunities with family offices and industry leaders. Together, we're fostering an ecosystem that drives innovation and supports long-term growth. 🚀 💬 How can family offices and industry leaders support the next wave of startup innovation? Share your ideas below! #D11ZVentures #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #VentureCapital #InnovationLeadership #FamilyOffices #CoInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence

53

3 Kommentare

What are your thoughts for the German startup ecosystem in 2025? In my latest contribution to Business Punk, I shared some of my post November 6th thoughts on the topic [Link in Comments]. Here are my key takeaways: 🇺🇸 🛑 🇨🇳 The new #US administration will drive deregulation to strengthen its tech sector against #China's dominance. #Europe should closely monitor its global impact. 🇩🇪 📂 🤯 The German ecosystem faces structural challenges: #overregulation, a risk-averse culture, and a €30bn #fundinggap drive German success stories get capital outside the EU. 🚀 🧑‍💻 📈 Despite challenges, 2025 holds immense opportunities for German #entrepreneurs. The #earlystage ecosystem has shown resilience even during recessions, while emerging AI hubs like #Heilbronn, #Karlsruhe, and #Heidelberg are on a promising path forward. Personally, I think the transition towards #green economies and #cities has additional potential for the next generation of hidden champions made in Germany. #startup #politics #elections #innovation #tech

62

5 Kommentare

#Germany's Funded Startups Directory. You can view the list of startups funded in #Germany whenever you need it. Access the directory here https://lnkd.in/dc9emGbb #startup #startups #vc #venturecapital #investmentbanking #privateequity #managementconsulting #b2b #founders #entrepreneurs

1

Germany's startup ecosystem is a powerhouse waiting to fully unleash its potential in driving digital and sustainable transformation. But how do we make sure this happens? The Startup-Verband, the voice of German startups, addresses this head-on with their bold new initiative, "Innovationsagenda 2030: Weltklasse Made in Germany" (link in comments). Here’s what resonates most with me: 🚀 A Regulatory Framework Built for the Future To foster real innovation, we need policies that allow startups to experiment, iterate, and scale swiftly. Flexible, forward-thinking regulations in areas like AI and Climate Tech could be the catalyst for Germany’s long-term global leadership. 🌟 Stronger Leadership & Collaboration The future of innovation depends on tighter collaboration between government, industry, and startups. Building partnerships that connect research with industry can ignite sustainable growth and cement Germany’s place as a global innovation hub. 💬 What do you think is the most crucial next step in shaping Germany's innovation landscape? Let’s discuss in the comments below! #Innovationsagenda2030 #Startups #DigitalTransformation #Germany2030

82

6 Kommentare

The culture you create within your business will directly impact the talent that you can attract. And how well you can keep that talent. But where do you start? Find out how to build a winning culture for your startup in Berlin here 👉 https://bit.ly/4cD6Zbb 🐺💜 #sales #startups #recruitment

4

1 Kommentar

American Exceptionalism: Investors expect 4% of the world's population to drive the future revenues and profits more meaningful than the rest of the world. Even German DAX All-Time-Highs (despite a faltering economy) doesn't change that relative price performance. Spoiler: Imho, this will revert to the mean.

27

10 Kommentare

Staffbase is in Sifted 50: Germany - a ranking of the 50 German startups with the strongest revenue growth over the past 3 years. We just squeezed in for our last year of eligibility as we're 10 years old this year, with still a healthy CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 56.35% 💪 Link to the full report in comments 👇 . From my perspective, the most striking part of the report is how German founders and companies universally bemoan the bureaucracy and inefficiency when dealing with officialdom in Germany. For legal teams operating in Germany, this is surely one of the most frustrating aspects of doing business in DE. From notaries to wet-ink signatures, it all adds up to more friction, time and expense in every legal transaction - entirely at odds with trying to build fast and nimble organizations in the digital age. As one founder put it "I think that everything I do as a founder, when it comes to formalities, feels like I'm building a factory for metalworking in the 1800's." Yet, despite the complexity of starting and running a company in Germany, the market size and opportunity is huge, with many large German customers keen to do business with a German HQ'd firm. Combined with high quality talent, grants, start-up incubators and keen interest from international investors, Germany's start-up hubs are thriving. We see this in Staffbase from our HQ in Chemnitz, and our locations in Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Leipzig and Cologne. My plea to the government is to follow the recommendations of the German Startup Association and to support the growth of startups by easing bureaucracy and to hire a chief digital officer in the federal chancellery to coordinate and accelerate digitisation projects. This is what is needed to make Germany fulfil its potential as a world-class, startup ecosystem. #sifted50 #germany #germanstartups #startups #Staffbase

97

4 Kommentare

Camels instead of unicorns? 🐫 🦄 In a recent comment article with immobilienmanager, I shared insights on why I believe the #proptech comeback won't mirror the past "good old times." The green transformation in real estate is reshaping structures profoundly. To seize this vast potential, startups must embody qualities of camels, not unicorns. That means prioritizing endurance, cash efficiency, and profitability over skyrocketing valuations and high burn rates. Curious to learn more about the proptech camels approach and my personal perspectives on the evolving proptech landscape? Check out the full article [link in comments]. STYX David Zwilling Erik Walkling Inger Egeland-Helgøy Josep R. Novell LL.M.

30

3 Kommentare

Sales "((( AND )))" Marketing!!! 🍰 🧁...There is a sweet potential secret behind this collab and it helped charles to become one of the fastest-growing startups in Germany, ranked by Sifted. 🧁 -> Clear insights from Sales talks and what our target audience really needs shifted into valuable arguments used on marketing materials that help people understand what charles really does. Plus supercharging Sales presentations with creative ideas on how potential customers can push the boundaries of WhatsApp. Something that got often underestimated in my previous career was the pure focus on a creative idea. It also needs to work and travel, so talk more to your sales people 🤗 it helps! Thanks Christopher Schubert for being always open to new ideas! video made by the new amazing tool Pika. Check it out! #ai #whatsapp #sales

45

8 Kommentare

I have news to share: In the upcoming months, you will see more of me in Business Insider Gründerszene as I share some of my perspectives on the startup ecosystem as a founder turned investor. First up: Why do start-up companies with remote-only employees face significant disadvantages, and why am I reluctant to invest in them? A take that I’m aware everyone won’t agree with... but I rest my case here! Here are three key takeaways: The importance of a strong corporate culture: A strong corporate culture, built when actually working together, is essential for the success of all startups. It fosters engagement and builds loyalty - crucial for a company’s stability and growth, especially during uncertain times. The risks of remote work: Remote work increases the risk of communication errors, delays in information sharing, team-building challenges, and potential employee isolation, which can hinder team development. The importance of a balanced approach: Hybrid teams must invest in building and maintaining a strong corporate culture through regular in-person interactions, team-building sessions, and coaching to keep employees motivated. Thanks to the team at Gründerszene for a great collaboration – more to come! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dgD-KUBr

67

4 Kommentare