Luka Baar

Always asked myself, if I can be happy …always? As an entrepreneur you are in the natural habit of optimizing all aspects of a project so why don’t optimize your life? After many years of learning about what makes us happy, I think it is only a transient state. But maybe we can feel even better … when we are in Flow! Flow is the state of consciousness in which we forget space and time, are maximally happy, motivated and efficient. In this state, we feel our best and achieve the most. What do we need to achieve this flow? Why is it so important for founders and managers? I talk about this in the podcast with editor Elena Todeva Listen in and share your best flow moments. #flow #flowmoment #success #performance #motivation #alignment #leadership #newwork #startup #vc #entrepreneurship

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Start-ups in Europe: a light at the end of the tunnel - finally!    This article by Nadine Schimroszik in Handelsblatt gives reason for hope for the tech ecosystem, as it summarises a development that has been tentatively emerging for some time: The number of new #start-ups in Germany is growing again, by 17 per cent, as shown by a comparison of the first quarter of 2024 with the same quarter of the previous year.   💡It is particularly interesting to see that most investments are being made in AI. An unmistakable sign that they continue to be a driver of innovation for the German startup ecosystem.   We recently came to a similar conclusion with my team, as part of our analysis of the German startup landscape. Our conclusion: more and more funding are being mobilised for ♻️ #Greentech business ideas that are based on AI-based technologies and have a positive impact on our planet. More info on our research at IRIS can be found in Startup Insider`s Investors Report 2024: https://lnkd.in/dU-5AMPz More info on Nadine’s insightful article here: https://lnkd.in/depicwGA

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𝗜𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗖? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂. Michael Treskow from Eight Roads Ventures said recently on #startupland powered by deutsche-startups.de that we're already playing in the big leagues. But are we? Let's dive into some numbers. Germany's venture capital scene is booming, but how do we compare globally? 1. In 2022, Germany attracted €11.3 billion in VC investments. Impressive, right? 2. Yet, the US still leads with €150 billion. The gap is significant. 3. But here's a twist: Germany is closing the distance fast. Growth rates are higher than many expect. So, what's behind this momentum? → A strong startup ecosystem that fosters innovation. → Government initiatives supporting tech ventures. → A cultural shift towards embracing entrepreneurship. But challenges remain. The focus is now on creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices, especially from the HR sector, can thrive. To truly lead, we must leverage untapped potential, like the 50+ generation and women in STEM. Germany's VC landscape is evolving, and the future looks promising. Yet, we must continue pushing boundaries to maintain our upward trajectory. What are your thoughts on Germany's VC potential? Are we ready to lead globally?

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🔥 Get exclusive access to the Product Discovery Cheat Sheet 🔥 with 26 Product Discovery Methods that will enable you to "build the RIGHT THING" and not just "build the THING RIGHT" for your users. At konversionsKRAFT AG, we collected the most relevant methods that we have used in order to help our clients build and grow their digital products - you can use this board to evaluate your status quo and select the matching methods based on where you stand. To get access, follow these simple steps: 1️⃣ Connect with me and Anastasia Shvedova 2️⃣ Like this post ❤️  3️⃣ Comment on this post ("Brilliant, I want access!") 🚨 Disclaimer: this is the first version of the Product Discovery Cheat Sheet and we are looking forward to your questions and feedback while you are using it. Please feel free to approach us any time with your thoughts! #productdiscovery #discoverycheatsheet #productexperimentation #cromethods #testing #experimentation #growthmarketingsummit #growthmindedsuperheros #productmanagement

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🚨 Little update regarding the startup ecosystem in 🇩🇪. Q3 💰 reports are out. Where is Berlin?! Well, Munich has raised more capital than the capital in 2024. More importantly; both cities combined raised just as much as Paris. A year ago; Berlin was compared to Paris as being as impactful. (https://lnkd.in/eqTdYbWW by Handelsblatt ... I guess some changes are in the air. OpenAI also just arrived in Paris. What is happening in Berlin? Slowdown? Decline? Where are all the deep tech startups? (https://lnkd.in/eXcsKPKV and https://lnkd.in/eWCqvBmr) Still see tons of HR Tech, Legal Tech, and Fintech here in Berlin. Maybe too much of that. This report from the picture from Dealroom.co 📊 https://lnkd.in/emyhrck7 📉 Berlin is now ranked 30 worldwide on Pitchbook: https://lnkd.in/eBUJRH99 Ps: no idea what is the New Palo Alto here

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📰 My Cofounder is featured in two leading newspapers this morning!👏👏 My cofounder at Footprint Technologies, Carolin Kleinert, gave two interviews for #Sueddeutsche and #Tagesspiegel about a recent study of Startup-Verband that investigated the socio demographic background of #startup founders. It clearly proofs founders typically are originating from families with academic backgrounds or from parents who are entrepreneurs themselves. The majority - but not all of them. Carolin is a great example of this minority who also made it without academic parents or without entrepreneurial role-models within their core families. I am sharing a similar family background, both of my parents do neither have an academic education, nor are they entrepreneurs themselves. It is possible, but it needs more visibility and sharing of such positive examples, so that more and more #Arbeiterkinder are considering becoming entrepreneurs as a career option. This would be a benefit for themselves as well as for our society and economy! For that reason I am celebrating the two articles about Carolin's personal story! 😍 👏 👉 Please check the articles and share them! 🙏

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🌍✨Talent, Money, Deeptech: How Germany can get a top spot in the global startup race In her recent interview with Sifted, our chairwoman Verena Pausder outlined the priorities and opportunities for Germany's startup ecosystem: 🔑 Attracting Global Talent With 60% of scaleups citing labor shortages as a growth barrier, skilled workers from abroad are essential. To stay competitive, Germany must be a welcoming, future-focused place for diverse talent and founders. 💡 Big Wins in 2024 Germany’s startup scene has seen significant progress this year. New Digital Contracts reduce insane paperwork, make it easier to hire talent from all over the world, and the WIN initiative promises 12 billion euros to support startups by 2030. 🚀 Deeptech Leadership With strong industrial expertise and R&D, Germany is primed to lead in deeptech. But we need more public procurement support for startups to compete globally. Why not partner with innovative startups to build our future? 🇪🇺 Collaborating Across Europe Initiatives like the Capital Markets Union and EU Inc. can create a unified European startup ecosystem and strengthen the European market. Simplifying regulations and fostering cross-border innovation are key to making Europe competitive with global leaders. 🛠️ It’s time for Germany and Europe to act boldly, enabling startups to drive innovation and economic resilience. Thanks Miriam Partington for the good questions and the lively interview! Link in the comments. 💬 What’s your take on these opportunities for startups? Let’s discuss! 👇

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#Investors & #corporates, this post is for you! Whether you're on the lookout for a deep tech investment or collaboration with AI startups, join our 𝐀𝐈 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐲 on December 11 at Experimenta Heilbronn. If you're interested in joining, please contact Samer. With so many Demo Days happening in December, here are 3 things that set ours apart: 1️⃣ Top-Tier Founders with Impressive Track Records. From over 350 startups, we’ve handpicked just 14 – our 4% acceptance rate speaks volumes! Here are some notable achievements of the founders in this cohort: • Scaled a fintech from 4 to 80 employees as COO, leading a £48M Series A fundraising and growing the customer base from 0 to 200,000. • Built and led the global data organization at Delivery Hero. • Developed data monetization and geolocation ML platforms at scale for Yelp. • Co-founded multiple ventures, with two successful exits. • Founded a top-ranked educational app in Germany’s App Store. 2️⃣ Decision-Makers-Packed Event! With 90+ investors and over 100 corporate representatives attending our previous Demo Days, this event offers unmatched networking opportunities for those focused on AI innovation. 3️⃣ Exclusive Pre-Show Meet & Greet  To help you connect with fellow investors and corporate leaders, we’re hosting an exclusive networking session at 15:00, ahead of the main event. Let us know if you’d like the registration form. 🤝 Seats are limited due to overbooking at past events and the venue’s capacity. Reserve your spot now to ensure the right connections are made! #AIDemoDay #NetworkingOpportunity #TechInnovation | Campus Founders

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Term Sheet Negotiation – A Term Sheet Battle: Startup-Woche Düsseldorf   Don't Get Blindsided in Your Next Funding Round! Know Your Worth!   Financing rounds can be thrilling, but being unprepared can lead to unexpected dilution and lost value for founders. Join our ecosystem partner Bird & Bird LLP during Startup Week Düsseldorf to gain the key facts on a Term Sheet - the preliminary blueprint that outlines the fundamental terms and conditions of an investment.   📆 Wed. 5 June 2024 🕔 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m 📍 Bird & Bird - Düsseldorf office (Carl-Theodor-Straße 6)   Be prepared.   Don’t miss your chance to experience a dynamic, simulated negotiation of a Venture Capital Term Sheet between a real seasoned entrepreneur and a renowned investor. This exclusive event is your chance to witness firsthand the critical first step in securing funding for your startup.   If you are a founder, pre-seed / seed startup, scaleup, or interested in the world of venture capital, this is your chance to learn:  ↳ the terms you SHOULD know,  ↳ which clauses are CRITICAL, and  ↳ on what points investors are more likely to GIVE IN!   Learn by Example. Demystify Key Terms. Gain Negotiation Insights. Boost your confidence.   Discover the strategies and tactics used by both founders and investors during VC negotiations - explained and classified by Bird & Bird's experts.    Light refreshments and networking afterwards.   Limited spots available - https://t.ly/lq_e9 - Register today!   ……. Speakers: Andrea Schlote, Jan Medele Cooperation Partner: Scale-up.NRW ……. #financing #taxation  #venturecapital #startupfunding #termsheet #negotiation #founders #angelinvestor #vc #funding  

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🔥 🤝 New Partner @ Tela Network: Matthias Isler, Fractional CTO 🔹 "As an entrepreneur, your most valuable resource is often time." - Matthias Isler 📖 Read about Matthias Isler on Tela Blog: https://lnkd.in/d5bS_DGA 👉 Matthias Isler in one sentence: Matthias is a passionate technologist and entrepreneur with expertise in building cloud-based startups, and experience in business strategy, digital marketing, and managing high-performance remote teams across various industries. 🤝 Add Matthias Isler on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d5QMcVUR ☕️ Follow Tela Network on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/dUEVryNw 💎 On Tela, every message pays you. Use Tela to reduce your inbox overload. 👉 You can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/d3gmiTzu 👋 Please consider sharing this post, and if you have any thoughts, let us know in the comments!

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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

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MAKE IT IN SAXONY ❗ ❗ ❗ 35% more start-ups in Saxony compared to the previous year 🚀 According to a report by the data service Startupdetector and Hightech Gründerfonds, the number of startups founded in Germany rose by 17% in the first quarter of 2024, indicating a recovery in the sector. Saxony recorded particularly strong growth with an increase of 35%, highlighted by innovative start-ups in cities such as Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz. As LaunchHub42, we are happy to be part of this innovative start-up ecosystem and to help innovative teams in the field of cutting edge communication technologies and robotics to achieve greater visibility and feasibility of their solutions. This is never possible alone, but only with committed partners such as e.g. the Smart Systems Hub, HighTech Startbahn GmbH or Robot Valley Saxony. Let's continue on this path together. Find out more about launchhub42 at https://launchhub42.com/ The report is available at https://lnkd.in/evKg25JE

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Sometimes numbers say more than words: Why investors should target WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management startups... This week Dr. Andre Retterath published an interesting article in the Data-Driven VC newsletter on the startup graduation rates. This was a good trigger to analyze the graduation rate for WHU startups (special thanks to Michael Welz for the suggestion). We analyzed the 513 WHU companies (i.e. companies with at least one co-founder, who is WHU alumnus), which are present in Dealroom.coa and at least engaged in one round of funding. This means that these companies at least raised one seed or angel investment round Here are the numbers: 168 (32 %) WHU companies engaged in Series A round 72 (14 %) WHU companies engaged in Series B round 31 (6 %) WHU companies engaged in Series C round 14 (2,7 %) WHU companies engaged in Series D round 52 (10%) WHU companies engaged in late stage VC (i.e. at lease Series A funding) and realized exit (i.e. acquisition, merger, or IPO)

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🚀 The Future of Innovation Needs Us All! Germany’s startup ecosystem is facing a significant challenge: a 30% decline in active investors. Early-stage startups, the engines of future innovation, are particularly at risk. But every challenge creates opportunity: 🌱 Resilient sectors like GreenTech and AI continue to attract investment, driving transformative solutions for global challenges. 🏠 Family offices can step in, providing patient capital to empower high-potential startups. 🤝 Venture clienting bridges gaps, fostering co-innovation between startups and established businesses. At D11Z. Ventures, we’re committed to strengthening the ecosystem by: ✔️ Investing in the most promising startups. ✔️ Building connections between family offices, startups, and industry leaders. ✔️ Fostering a collaborative environment for long-term innovation and growth. 💡 How do you think we can support the next generation of startups? Join the conversation and share your thoughts with Tom Villinger! #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #D11ZVentures #VentureCapital #GreenTech #ArtificialIntelligence #FamilyOffices #CoInnovation https://lnkd.in/eT_u9uH7

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🎉 Great talks & creative hands-on workshops: That was the Startup Port Community Day 2024 Our Project Lead Arthur Erdmann and our Program Manager Marc Henes had a great time at the Community Day 2024 powered by Startup Port! 🙌 Of course we from AI.STARTUP.HUB Hamburg are there: once a year, the startup community of the Hamburg metropolitan region comes together to expand and strengthen the network. This time at Leuphana University of Lüneburg. Students interested in founding a company, young and experienced founders, entrepreneurship professors and supporters have the opportunity to get to know the players, connect and get new projects off the ground. 💡💪 The focus was entirely on interaction: as part of an ideation challenge, teams were thrown together to come up with great new startup ideas! The participants used the creative stands at the “Marketplace of Inspiration” for this purpose. What a great idea! We are very impressed. 😍 After the successful workshop, there was plenty of networking over drinks and snacks. The atmosphere was fantastic, with lively discussions and a good mood everywhere. You could really feel the motivation. Everything was accompanied by music, wonderful! 🫶 We are already looking forward to being there again next time! Thanks again to Startup Port for the organization. #AIStartupHub #SummerBatch2024 #StartupHamburg #IdeationProgram #AcceleratorProgram #Hamburg #StartupSuccess #StartupSupport #StartupFunding #Startups #AI #Gründer #Gründerinnen #Gründen #Founder #Founding #Gründerszene #StartupSzene #Accelerator #Pitch #AICommunity #StartupPort #StartupPortCommunityDay #FounderCommunity #Lüneburg

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❓How to AI in PE-Portfolio Companies ❓ Tonight I had the pleasure to hold a #keynote at the #WomenInPE event of Digital Future GmbH! Lucas Bechtle, Nikolas Hoche and Verena M. brought together a great audience to discuss the chances that PE portfolio companies have when it comes to #AI! 5 key messages for value creation in PE portfolio companies through AI: 1️⃣ AI is everywhere, but not really tangible - make it tangible and get going 2️⃣ Fall in love with the problem and not with the solution 3️⃣ Make money - profitability is key 4️⃣ Leadership drives successful transformation 5️⃣ Think big, start small, scale fast TBH a perfect match for me in 2 ways 1. With OMMAX we support a lot of clients in their AI journey and help to realize the untapped potential! 2. #OMMAX stands for #diversity, #femaleEmpowerment and #genderEquality - with a 50% female ratio (as well in leadership positions) and over 35 nationalities Reach out if you want to learn more how we implement AI in different companies successfully! #AIknowledge #Munich #privateequity #valuecreation

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Come with me to the Project A Knowledge Conference in Berlin - 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 😊Only 10 days left. Project A’s PAKCon is easily the most in-depth and hands-on start-up conference concept I’ve seen in Europe. In its seventh edition, PAKCon 2024 will again bring together digital experts, founders, investors, thought leaders, international media, and talents from across Europe for a one-day event packed with thought-provoking sessions, hands-on workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities. I have attended the PAKCon in the last two years and really enjoyed that there were many practitioners who spoke about and shared real insights. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: 20 September from 9am-5pm 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Content specific Hives all over Berlin Since they curate their own audience and you must apply for a ticket, I have got the great news to be able to choose someone who comes with me. If you are interested, feel free to comment below or direct message me. 👇 #investors #startups #conference #tech #vc #venturecapital

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The venture capital industry is experiencing a comeback: Over 500 funding rounds of two million dollars or more were closed by European startups in the first quarter of 2024, according to Dealroom. This represents an increase from 24 percent (Q4, 2021) to 43 percent (Q1, 2024) in Series A funding rounds. The crucial question is, how do founders manage to quickly move from the seed phase to Series A in today’s highly competitive landscape? The essential tools for this can now be found in a new book, titled “Series A Blueprint: A Guide for Seed-Stage Founders“ written by my amazing colleagues from XAnge in collaboration with HV Capital, Carta Zendesk, Amazon Web Services (AWS), torq.partners and featuring tips from dozens of experienced founders. https://lnkd.in/dzx622hB

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Wow - thanks Simon Walter, Magdalena Maier and Charlotte Niklahs for the program you've put together for the #management hive of #pakcon24! 🔥 How to set up a 10x innovation culture by Nina Michahelles, Sarina Hergarten, Alexander Böhm, Nils Wagner How to build and scale high-performing companies by Friederike Reuter, Stefan Roebel, Martin Sondenheimer, Magdalena Maier Strategy is broken by Sebastian Herzog, Isabelle Schnellbuegel, Paul Becker, Simon Walter AI: The Biggest Opportunity for the German Mittelstand? by Dr. Alexander Mrozek, Dr. Sebastian Walter, Anna Franziska Michel, Dr. Alexandra Deichsel Why Digital Transformations often fail - particularly in Germany by Miriam van Straelen, Marc Schiekofer, Cecilie Hohlbein Hegelund, Moritz Trutschel Venture Clienting - Success Factors of Startup - Corporate Collaborations by Arno Baltruschat, Dr. Sophie Chung, Stefan Schmautz, Anne Decker Last ticket drop: https://lnkd.in/duPQg3Wc

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