Niklas Guggenberger

VC-Markt im DACH-Raum: So sieht die "neue Normalität" aus https://buff.ly/45vkOpn The VC market in the DACH region reflects the changing landscape of the "new normal." Companies are focusing on online presence, e-commerce strategies, cloud technologies, and data analytics for decision-making. Cybersecurity investments have increased, and remote work setups are crucial for business continuity. Adaptability and resilience are shaping the current VC market in the DACH region. #VCtrends #DACHregion.

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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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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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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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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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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

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"Most founders start planning their next funding round too late." The best time to start working on your next funding round is right after closing the previous one, by drafting the new fundraising deck immediately. This inspiring topic we discussed during my latest workshop with our portfolio company Valuecase with Dr. Jan Niklas Wick & Lennart Prange and Mika Weissenberger from XAnge. I've noticed a pattern among our most successful founders they're already visualizing and planning their next milestones while the ink is still drying on their current term sheet. The strategy is simple: Work backwards from the next funding round! Here’s a quick example: One of our portfolio founders wrapped up their Seed and immediately mapped out their Series A milestones in a draft deck (such as Paul Hock & Nina Germanus @ Green Fusion GmbH). Six months later, not only were those goals achieved, but the original deck turned into the blueprint for their next pitch. They saved valuable time and secured a successful future by having a clear plan from the start. Here’s why this "VC manifesting" approach works: 📍 Crystallizes the goals for your next milestone. 📊 Creates clear accountability to achieve them. 🎨 Shapes the narrative evolution of your company. 🧭 Provides a north star for team alignment. The (next round’s) deck becomes more than just a fundraising tool, it’s your company’s strategic compass. And here’s the magic: when you actually hit those milestones, the deck becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You’re not scrambling to piece together a narrative at the last minute; you’ve documented the journey from the beginning. Pro tip: - Include specific numbers. - Make it a living document. - Review it quarterly. - Let it evolve with your learnings and market dynamics. This approach ensures the final version is stronger, clearer, and ready when you need it. Remember, the best founders don’t just build to raise, they raise to build. Having a clear picture of your next chapter? That’s just smart business. What’s your process for preparing your next funding round? Would you try working backwards like this? #VentureCapital #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Fundraising

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🌍 Excited to connect with fellow innovators and explore scalable business models. See you there! InnovaticGroup. Create the Future Now innovaticgroup.com #BornGlobalAcademy #GlobalExpansion #Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Investment #Networking #InnovaticGroup #BusinessGrowth #SustainableInnovation #BusinessAngels #VentureCapital #LPs #GPs #Innovation #DigitalRransformation #Digitalization #Startup #Scaleup

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💪The Power of Pivoting: How networkx.services Found Its Sweet Spot 🎯 Half a year ago, we made a bold move and split off networkx.services from our scalable startup, networkx GmbH. Why? Because our clients kept knocking on our door, asking for non-scalable, high-touch services. And if you know me, you know I love a good challenge. So, we jumped in headfirst—offering consulting, coaching, LinkedIn strategies, pitch decks, websites, and even guest list curation. You name it, we did it. 💥 But here’s the kicker: after 6 months, we realized something. While we were doing everything—what we’re really great at is curation. That’s actually also where we had the largest and most increasing demand and great feedback, So, we zoomed in, sharpened our focus, faced our fears! (Pivoting feels scary-always😂) and pivoted hard🏁 Now, we’ve carved out our niche, and we’re all about: 📝Guest List Curation 🎉Event Experience Concepts & Design 🏆Jury and Ambassador Curation 🏅Award Shortlisting Everything else? We've got a crew of vetted partners who handle it like pros. Our website’s also had a makeover, just in time for this next chapter. 🚀 So, what have we been up to? Oh, just a four of our highlights: ✅Completed pilot projects with some of the biggest media companies in DACH (yep, we worked our socks off, and yes, it paid off)🧦 ✅Curated guest lists for some of the most prestigious events in Europe. 👑 ✅And handpicked ambassadors, jury members, and awardees for major awards ✅The type of high-level stuff we can’t even talk about… but trust me, it’s happening. 🤫 Our sweet spot? C-Level curation across Europe and beyond. We’re making waves with top-tier leaders, and frankly, we’re just getting started🚀 The lesson? Follow the demand, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Some things become clearer as you go… and sometimes, you realize you’ve been sitting on your golden niche all along💡 Oh, and speaking of pivots—there’s probably another one just around the corner. Stay tuned. 😉 For more on how we curate the crème de la crème, hit that follow button networkx.services🔔 #GuestList #networkxservices #Events #CLevel #Curation . . . 📸: Monaco Yacht Show S.A.M. 🎂: Happy 6 months to my second business baby👼… it goes from crawling to walking 🥰

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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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🎙️Podcast alert: Had a great catch-up with Kai on 🤝𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒍🤝 this week (🇩🇪) After our first session last year, we again talked about the latest developments in the SaaS and M&A market. Topics we've covered: ➡️ Our approach with saas.group, ➡️ Where we stand and what our goals are, ➡️ Current SaaS and M&A market trends, ➡️ How to properly value a SaaS business, ➡️ Role of AI in SaaS and M&A, ➡️ And more... You can check it out on all relevant podcast platforms. Links to Spotify and Apple below: 🟢 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gn8RaVpD 🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g3kBWSBW Enjoy listening! 🙌 @ Kai, Anja + team: Thanks again for having me. Happy to speak again next year and see how good or bad my predictions were.

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The best part of work is always at the terminals. Yesterday at the HHLA Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG Container Terminal Tollerort. Supporting the incredible works of founders Marcel Wiegand and Nico Marks and their exciting venture passify that secures and automates gate processes. The roll-out was a blast. Speaking with hundreds of truck drivers all day long and showing them the easiness of the gate process via smartphone App. This is another great example why founders who have years of terminal work experiences make the difference when it comes to gate integration, process knowledge and smooth software roll-outs. And this is just the start. passify simplifies and streamlines the access management process for both truck drivers and facility operators, while providing real-time information on pick-up and delivery availability. Definitely a startup to watch on an exciting growth path. #smartport #terminalaccess #startup #truck #gateprocess

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Do you wonder what kind of founders and topics we are looking for at Climate Founders? This is our investment thesis Lin Gong-Deutschmann, Franziska Ponick and I with some sparring from Philipp Herkelmann put together: 👩‍🔬 💚 📈 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. We are here to support the ones who deeply care about our planet and have found their angle to contribute significantly to a brighter future. As we observed how incredibly fast open-minded, resilient, highly productive and intrinsically motivated people can grow personally, we naturally strongly believe in first-time founders who show these characteristics. We don't have a specific CV in mind, when we look for perfect founders, we look for people who gathered special insights in an industry, market, problem or technology. When you surprise the experts in your field with your thoughts, then we should talk. 💡 🌍 𝗪𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝘂𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁. We look for teams who discovered an unsolved problem and aim to break through the status quo. Those potential breakthroughs can be rooted in science or technology of new or improved deployment of existing climate solutions. We value transformational changes over efficiency improvements. Our greenhouse gas savings threshold is the potential to save 10 million tons CO2e per year after 10 years from now, but we love to see cases with even much higher impact potential. We are technology and business case agnostic: industrial hardware, biotech, nature-based solutions, data-driven software or renewables deployment, we look at high impact breakthroughs in all categories. 🤝 🏆 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀. We are not the ones you start your fundraise with, we are the ones you prepare your fundraise with. Unlike most others we don't wait for inflection points, we anticipate them and we don't wait for traction, but we push you for crystal clear validation. We want to be your most favorable investor and even more we want to be your strongest ally even before we have invested. Interesting for you or someone you know? Have a look at our remote program and apply until tomorrow: https://lnkd.in/diWDSpnw Even if this thesis is quite new, our portfolio already and especially the investments in the last two years reflect it well:

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Growth requires a talented workforce. Magdalena Oehl's post talks about the skills shortage in Germany and how necessary it is to tap into a global skills pool. The Atomico State of European Tech report talks about 3.5m tech talent in Europe, growing by 24% yoy. Demographic change in Europe is here - it is not a concept but a reality. Assuming no corrective actions take place, Europe will have 50 million people less in 2050 - that's the size of Spain. Where will the 24% growth come from? We certainly need more capital to grow the start up ecosystem and put us back in the front seat of innovation. But we also need to have a clear action plan on how to develop, attract and retain the talent that is needed for sustainable growth. Each of those talent building blocks needs its strategy, but with this challenge also comes a massive opportunity. I see some interesting business opportunities and would love to hear some comments on how we as businesses can address this while we are waiting for politicians to address the visa issue.

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🎙️I recently had the pleasure of joining Max Ostermeier on his podcast, the Startcast Podcast. Max invited me to share my journey as a founder – from the very beginning to where we are today with MVP Factory. In our conversation, we delved into the lessons I've learned along the way, my perspective on startups and the mindset shift of Zebras vs Unicorns, founding in times of crisis, and some of the incredible projects like Yarded we're working on at MVP Factory.
 Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just curious about our journey with MVP Factory, listen in and share your thoughts with me. We covered a lot of ground, from the early challenges to the innovative solutions we're bringing to life today:
 🔹 The pivotal moments in my entrepreneurial journey 🔹 Insights on building and scaling startups  🔹 Behind-the-scenes stories from MVP Factory projects  🔹 How joining Ness Digital Engineering enables us to drive more innovation A big thank you to Max for the invitation, the great conversation, and your patience (it took us a while to find an appointment). I'm looking forward to part two ;) I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it! 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: ▶️Spotify | https://lnkd.in/ddhf9ywf ▶️Apple I https://lnkd.in/dFmBuVG5 #Startcast #Startups #MVPFactory #Innovation 

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To all founders, here's a very detailed overview and comparison of VC investors in Germany 💸 Who's your preferred VC, what should they bring to the table and what are their preferences? Also: Excellent portrait of First Momentum Ventures 😉

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I'm thrilled to share that @Smart Reporting has successfully closed a financing round of 23 million euros, with TVM Capital Life Science leading this Series C funding. A warm welcome to our new investors, including Bayern Kapital, as we bolster our resources to expand further into #NorthAmerica and #Australia. This significant capital infusion will accelerate our #mission to revolutionize medical reporting with advanced, AI-supported products. As we step into the #future, our focus is clear: to enhance healthcare IT markets globally and introduce cutting-edge, AI-based solutions that transform radiological and pathological reporting. The power of #genAI and large language models (#LLMs) is redefining what's possible in the healthcare sector. At Smart Reporting, we're harnessing these advancements to provide crucial support to radiologists and pathologists, making their work not only faster but also more accurate. As we gear up for this growth phase, I'm also pleased to announce the expansion of our management team, welcoming Christian Matzen as our new CFO and COO, and recognizing Sigrid Auweter's expanded role as CPO. A big thank you to our existing #investors for continuing on this journey with us and to our new investors for believing in our #vision. The road ahead is exciting, and I look forward to what we will achieve together in making #healthcare more efficient and effective worldwide. #HealthTech #Investment #ArtificialIntelligence #MedicalReporting #Radiology #Pathology #GrowthStrategy #Innovation #AI

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