Robin Wieczorek

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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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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We're thrilled to introduce our latest service designed for the financial sector: calculating financial emissions using the PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials) method. 🌱📊 As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, understanding and managing carbon emissions is crucial. Our service offers a robust and transparent way to measure the carbon footprint of your financial activities, helping you align with global sustainability goals. #Sustainability #FinancialEmissions #PCAF #ClimateAction #GreenFinance #CarbonFootprint #SustainableFinance

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🚀 Meet me at HTGF | High-Tech Gründerfonds #FamilyDay in Berlin next week! 🚀 Looking forward to meet exciting startups and fellow investors! Join me and let's talk #logtech! #FD24 #networking

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TECHmeetsFinance goes into the next round! We look forward meeting the TECHCommunity, again - this time in a pre-Wiesn Edition. Registration is now open, see below and see you there! #makethedifference

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Dr. James Hollis is a fascinating American Jungian psychoanalyst, author, and public speaker. After starting to read one of James Hollis's books, I also listened to the podcast #SpeakingofJung #32, which discusses his book „Living an Examined Life“. You can watch it here https://lnkd.in/dsJEV-Uw. Three main points stood out to me as very relevant to my own life and to our society. As I prepare my workshop on the Landscape of Impact Investing in Europe at #Noah24 on June 3rd at 11:50, I wondered if these points are also important for us as investors. First, he talked about Meaning vs. Happiness: "I'm saying it's not about happiness, it's about meaning. Happiness is not a permanent state, it's transient... and what is meaningful is often found in areas that are uncomfortable." Second, he discussed Accountability and the difference between hedonism and adulthood: "It's the word accountability at the end of our journeys. All of our systems—civic, political, religious, ethical, etc.—all of them consider us accountable for the life we've lived, even though we've had hard times. We're accountable, and becoming an adult means you have to deal with what is difficult for you and exercise as much freedom of choice as you can manage in the face of the circumstances of the outer and the inner world! Now, when you look at popular culture, you realize that the typical rites of passage for men and women have really disappeared. What we have is an extended adolescence, which describes modern American pop culture. I mean, where is the depth of discussion when we have a reality show president, for example, and a bunch of clowns in public office? We have people who respond to slogans that are emotionally charged, and very few people sit down and really sort of work through anything. It's almost as if I occupied a big body and played big roles, and then I died without ever really knowing who I was, why I was here, and in service to what. So why should we not live a hedonistic lifestyle? Why not take responsibility for things and stop blaming other people for everything? The world needs grown-ups to survive!" Third, he explained that True spirituality is about embracing the mystery: "Intellectual development sometimes involves the work of your hands. It's whatever really moves and touches you and engages your spirit. Your spirituality is not a single thing, and true spirituality often takes us deeper than that which is comfortable. True spirituality, in a way, respects the mystery and allows it to be mysterious. Because any time you have a psychology or religion that has figured it out and wrapped it up in a package, it's really delusional. Those are people enchanted by and captivated by their own ego constructs. They are bewitched by their own construction rather than allowing the mystery to be the mystery." What has that todo with #Impactinvesting? Read in my comment!

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James Hollis is a fascinating American Jungian psychoanalyst, author, and public speaker. After starting to read one of James Hollis's books, I also listened to the podcast Speaking of Jung #32, which discusses his book „Living an Examined Life“. Three main points stood out to me as very relevant to my own life and to our society. But also being an Investor talking with Cyril Colin at #Noah24conference on Impact Investing. First, he talked about Meaning vs. Happiness: "I'm saying it's not about happiness, it's about meaning. Happiness is not a permanent state, it's transient... and what is meaningful is often found in areas that are uncomfortable." Second, he discussed Accountability and the difference between hedonism and adulthood: "It's the word accountability at the end of our journeys. All of our systems—civic, political, religious, ethical, etc.—all of them consider us accountable for the life we've lived, even though we've had hard times. We're accountable, and becoming an adult means you have to deal with what is difficult for you and exercise as much freedom of choice as you can manage in the face of the circumstances of the outer and the inner world! Now, when you look at popular culture, you realize that the typical rites of passage for men and women have really disappeared. What we have is an extended adolescence, which describes modern American pop culture. I mean, where is the depth of discussion when we have a reality show president, for example, and a bunch of clowns in public office? We have people who respond to slogans that are emotionally charged, and very few people sit down and really sort of work through anything. It's almost as if I occupied a big body and played big roles, and then I died without ever really knowing who I was, why I was here, and in service to what. So why should we not live a hedonistic lifestyle? Why not take responsibility for things and stop blaming other people for everything? The world needs grown-ups to survive!" Third, he explained that True spirituality is about embracing the mystery: "Intellectual development sometimes involves the work of your hands. It's whatever really moves and touches you and engages your spirit. Your spirituality is not a single thing, and true spirituality often takes us deeper than that which is comfortable. True spirituality is something that I think asks us to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty rather than resolve it. True spirituality, in a way, respects the mystery and allows it to be mysterious. Because any time you have a psychology or religion that has figured it out and wrapped it up in a package, it's really delusional. Those are people enchanted by and captivated by their own ego constructs. They are bewitched by their own construction rather than allowing the mystery to be the mystery." #impactinvestment XAnge #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #climate #sustainability #startup See my points of discussion below in the comments!

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Exciting times in Germany's financial sector! 💰   The new "Draft Act on the Transfer of Funds from the Restructuring Fund to the Financial Market Stabilization Fund" (RStruktFÜG) is expected to significantly boost Germany's EU competitiveness. Our team, Christoph Crnkovic, Max Weltersbach, LL.M., Tim Müsse, Nikolai Prehn and Jan Strüter, have extensively analyzed this topic, which promises a significant deficit reduction of 2.3 billion euros, as the remaining RSF funds will be transferred to the FMS. In addition, the ban on the tax deductibility of bank levies will be lifted from 2024. 🙌   To delve deeper into this topic and more, we invite you to check out our comprehensive PDF filled with insightful regulatory issues, learn more about:   ➡️ Conflicts of Interest in Crypto-Assets // The Framework for Regulating Crypto Asset Markets and Ensuring Investor Protection ➡️ The Impact of the 6th Anti Money Laundering Directive on Financial Information Access // Framework for Digital Identity ➡️ Adjusting Loss Data Sets for Mergers or Acquisitions   Discover more captivating topics in our #Financial #Services #Newsletter https://lnkd.in/eQqyMdYh and stay informed with the latest insights and trends. Let's navigate these exciting developments together❗

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Gründer: Zahl der Start-up-Insolvenzen steigt auf Rekordhoch https://buff.ly/3Y8hwa8 The number of start-up insolvencies has reached a record high, indicating a challenging environment for new businesses. Factors contributing to this trend could include economic instability, lack of funding, or insufficient market demand. It's crucial for entrepreneurs to carefully plan and manage their finances to navigate these risks successfully. According to recent reports, the rise in start-up insolvencies underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in the business world. #startups #insolvencies

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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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We are pleased to announce that our CEO, Klaas, recently participated in a podcast with Sebastian Janus. 🎙️ In this insightful discussion, Klaas explored various fundraising options for startups, shedding light on the strategies and opportunities that can drive business growth. 🚀 At Scalania, we believe in empowering startups with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. We invite you to listen to this informative episode and gain valuable insights into the financial landscape of emerging companies. In German only. #Scalania #Fundraising #Startups #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

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Last week, WEPA Ventures partnered with WEPA Stiftung and WHU Institut für Familienunternehmen und Mittelstand for a unique gathering. We invited a selected group of family entrepreneurs, family officers, founders, VCs, and business angels to our office in Düsseldorf to discuss startup investments by family businesses and family offices. With every participant bringing valuable practical experience, the atmosphere was highly engaging and trustful. Alongside keynotes and panel discussions, we had lively debates that covered a wide range of topics. Here are my three key takeaways: 💡 Multiple Approaches to Investing: Most participants shared more than one approach to startup investments that is currently actively pursued by their organization. While there is certainly a bias due to the preselection of attendees, this signals a growing maturity of VC investments by family businesses and family offices in Germany. Notably, around 50% of participants manage more than 10 investments in their current role, which underlines this perspective. 💡Direct Involvement of Entrepreneurial Families: The discussions reaffirmed the critical role of direct family involvement. Ideally, entrepreneurial families are crafting investment setups that are attractive to both founders and VC co-investors, while maintaining the trust of their family peers or core organizations. Combining execution speed with the value brought by industrial networks or core business capabilities is key to being a valued investor in the early-stage VC ecosystem. 💡Feedback on Keynote about my PhD Research: The initial findings from my PhD research received positive feedback from other practitioners. You might say, "Didn’t you interview them in the first place?" True, but stepping away from interviewer role allowed me to share what I had derived from the research, and it was rewarding to hear that the abstraction and models resonated well. To everyone who participated and supported—you know who you are—thank you so much for the insightful discussions and your valuable input! We’ll continue to foster these exchanges. I’m also more than eager to hear more perspectives on this topic. If you’re interested in a chat, please feel free to reach out!

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Fundraising is definitely not a walk in the park 😅 I’m still rather far away from being en expert in this - but the past months taught me a lot! It was a pleasure to share some of these lessons with Nicole Plich from Gründerszene. I want to share especially one insight, that is very specific if you’re fundraising as a woman. Women are typically asked risk-focused (prevention) questions by investors, while men are questioned about their potential (promotion). The challenge for us is to not get overshadowed by these risk-centric questions. Instead, and to pivot the conversation to emphasize our potential and vision. This is one of the crucial lessons I’ve learned over the past months - and I’m working on getting better at this. Dear early stage founders - what would be your key lessons to share? Cesar Hussmann Stefan Balg Bastian Meyer Cassie Yusofi Nikolaus Ridder Sufyan Osamah 🐾 Federica Moreno Jen Godderidge Anna Maria Ullmann Evoléna de Wilde d'Estmael 🌱 Susanne Krehl Viktoria Lindner Valeriy Bykanov 🇺🇦 Jana Maria Weinand Jessica Droujko

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🥁 Bringing Back the Band: The Power of Reconnecting with Former Team Members 🥁 Venture building is never a solo act. The value of a strong team is essential for any company's success. At the Austrian Angel Investors Association, I had the privilege of working with an incredible team. This week, together with Laura, I had the opportunity to meet Sarah and Stefanie again, if only for a brief moment. Good team management means giving your team the chance to develop and showcase their strengths. It's rewarding to see how everyone has evolved. All of this amazing individuals are characterized by the following, adding great value to an organizations success: 🚀 New perspectives 🚀 Specific know-how 🚀 Strong skillset Even this short meeting has filled me with new ideas. Next time hopefully with Melanie, Kerstin, Jakob, Johanna and Hannah and without any knock-outs on my side. P.s: We really need a new group picture soon. 📸 #TeamGrowth #VentureBuilding #VentureCapital __ ROI VENTURES

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"Investing in top VC funds is like getting into Berghain." 🚀 Key Takeaways from the 2024 VC Report for DACH 👇 ✅Germany saw $6.9 billion VC funding in 2023, led by sectors like #robotics and #climate tech. ✅Despite a global downturn, the #DACH region VC market remained resilient. ✅#Cleantech and #AI received significant attention, notably through major funding rounds like Atlas Agro and Aleph Alpha. ✅IPOs may re-emerge in 2024, offering potential exits. The report provides detailed insights and trends for navigating Germany in 2024 successfully. 📈 🌐 For a deeper dive into these insights check out the full Report by Startup Insider: https://lnkd.in/gE-EgjFv #Tech #Investment #VC #Startup #VentureCapital #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Germany #Austria #Switzerland #StartupInsider sparksense

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There’s still time to register! Don’t miss the “German Venture Investments: The Investor Perspective” event on 26 November. Join us for an exclusive breakfast panel, where we’ll explore the evolving landscape of German startups and tech investments. Our tech partners – Carsten Bernauer (Düsseldorf/Munich), Johannes Rüberg (Munich), and Shawn Atkinson (London) – will share their insights on the latest deal terms, investment strategies, and emerging trends that are shaping the future of tech investments. We will also present exclusive findings from our German Exit Study on venture and tech exits in Germany. Secure your spot and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e5YP9scY #GermanStartups | #TechInvestments | #InvestmentStrategy | Orrick Tech | Orrick Germany | #TeamOrrick

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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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CSDDD: Why necessary? What’s the effect on SME’s? If you need guidance on the new directive, check out the FAQ by EU Commission.

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