Sarah Gottwald

🎙️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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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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"As a VC for 20 years, here's a confession: I should have trusted my gut more often." Something that Rainer Märkle, General Partner at HV Capital. Shared with us at EUVC We all know VCs are supposed to be data-driven guided. We're trained to believe perfect analysis leads to perfect investment decisions. But sometimes, your gut feeling is your best friend. As a highly analytical person, Rainer has learned this valuable lesson. Intuition matters. Yes, due diligence is essential. However, take a break and look from a different perspective. Experience tells you when to trust your instincts. How do you balance data-driven analysis with intuition? Share your experiences in the comments! #venturecapital #angelinvesting #startupfunding #europe

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"We [Germany] are on the way to becoming a developing country...we’ve become a junk shop". - Theodor Weimer, CEO of Deutsche Börse. 😬 Everything seems totally normal and fine in Europe's largest economy. 😳 🤣 "Our reputation in the world has never been as bad as it is now. Never before." Well...I mean...come on...we at least know that's not true. It is Germany you're talking about after all. https://lnkd.in/eAzRyuXP 🇩🇪 🍺 🥨 #stocks #finance #banks #banking #money #business #tech #technology #innovation #startups #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #vc #venturecapital

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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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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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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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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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Working with German OEMs on a Mobility (you still say Automobile) Strategy since 2008. They know since 15 years or more what they have to do: they just have to do it. The CxU has stood in the way of innovation in mobility and energy for over 16 years - transportation ministers and the VDA have torpedoed all chances of change: bringing us up to this point. And you continue to ask the wrong people for strategy, and have the wrong people to execute: and anyone aware and watching this sees that the VDA and yourself are complicit.

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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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How Katharina Otulak transitioned from corporate work into entrepreneurship. Her story is very inspiring and you can share your thoughts in the comment section if you can relate. Katharina Otulak. #entrepreneurship #startup #leadership #podcast #business #coaching #mentor

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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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"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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Today our portfolio company, atmio, the operating system revolutionizing methane emission management, led by Matthias Schmittmann, Marius Krüger and Fabian Ihl announced their successful €5.1M Seed round led by Notion Capital, with participation from SquareOne Venture Capital, HCVC and Robin Capital 🚀 We could not be more proud of your achievements thus far and are eager to continue the joint journey of helping natural gas companies abate an additional 1 Billion tonnes of CO2 emissions 🌍 Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is responsible for a significant portion of global warming, with 60% of global methane emissions stemming from human activity and a third from the energy sector. Traditionally, methane leak detection has been manual, slow, and focused on immediate safety risks, often overlooking smaller but environmentally impactful leaks. atmio aims to change this with a comprehensive system for effortless detection, logging, and repair of methane leaks, ensuring precise and regular reporting 🌿 #venturecapital #sustainability #climatetech

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Ep.17 Drop #20Angel 🎙 The one & only Philipp Moehring, Co-Founder of Tiny Supercomputer Investment Company, joined me in the hot seat for a rare public appearance 🔥 👉 Introducing Tiny Supercomputer Investment Company FUND III ✍ 👉 Higher valuations = higher expectations 💣 👉 Giving Founders the freedom to be extreme 🤪 👉 Your access gives you your price 💰 Some Founder References on Philipp: dennis müller (Amie): "More than most, pmoe is a cheerleader. The journey is already hard enough, some VC's make it harder by sending unsolicited articles with "seen this?". He's the opposite. always fun to brainstorm ideas with him. Differentiated intros relative to others." David Budde (trawa): “He‘s been a great sparring partner and has a ton of experience. I remember, the night before our Pre-Seed closing, we found a minor but important error in our cap table. Unsure what to do, we called Phil late that evening for guidance. To me, it‘s super important to know that I can reach my investors, if it actually matters, and that they‘ll be able to help! + he’s just a really nice guy.” Milos Rusic (deepset): “Phil is amazing! He was actively involved in assembling each of our funding rounds - even in the first round where he committed before we had settled for a lead investor. He actively helped to construct our favourite setup of lead investors for that initial round. He knows everyone and his support is not limited to great intros - he really helps founders to assess and identify which investor could be a right fit for them. 100% reliable, massive value for every company. What they do is really unique.” This was a special one to do, hope you enjoy 🍿 https://lnkd.in/gTRT_SmJ 20VC, #AngelInvesting, #technology, #podcast, #entrepreneurship, #VC, #Founder, #Investing

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Mr. Bak makes great points in his piece and as always, he is on the bleeding edge of this timely discussion. As we navigate the tumultuous waters of the art market, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the rise of NFTs is not just a fad; it's a seismic shift that demands our attention and reflection. As an observer of trends and a passionate advocate for innovation, I believe it's high time we unpack the true essence of NFTs and their implications for the art world. In recent months, we've witnessed a fascinating evolution in the NFT landscape. The once-dominant Ethereum has seen its supremacy challenged by alternatives like Ordinals and Solana NFTs. This diversification signifies a maturation of the market, offering artists and investors alike a broader canvas on which to create and thrive. But let's not get lost in the digital realm; the convergence of digital and physical art is where the real magic happens. Artists are pushing boundaries, experimenting with the transformation of digital concepts into tangible forms like tapestries, prints, and even robotic paintings. This exploration of physicality adds depth and dimension to the digital art experience, bridging the gap between virtual and real. At the heart of this transformation lies the humble NFT, often misunderstood but undeniably powerful. Contrary to popular belief, I see NFTs not as mere tokens but as certificates of authenticity, gateways to the provenance of art in both digital and physical realms. Imagine a world where lost or stolen artworks can be reclaimed with a simple minting of a new NFT certificate. It's a paradigm shift that challenges our conventional notions of ownership and control. As museums and collectors alike pay heed to the growing appetite for digital art, we must confront the question: What role do NFTs play in this brave new world? Are they mere certificates, as some suggest, or something more profound? I believe the answer lies in the convergence of technology and tradition, where blockchain serves as the backbone of a new art ecosystem. In this context, the choice of blockchain becomes less about technical specifications and more about ideology. Whether Ethereum, Ordinals, or Solana, each blockchain carries with it a distinct ethos and community. What matters is not the platform itself but the principles it embodies – transparency, decentralization, and inclusivity. As we embark on this journey of discovery, I invite fellow enthusiasts to join the conversation. Let's challenge assumptions, explore possibilities, and redefine the boundaries of art and technology. The future of digital art is ours to shape, and NFTs are the brushstrokes that will paint the canvas of tomorrow. So, dear readers, I ask you: What is your vision for the future of digital art? And how do NFTs fit into that vision? I eagerly await your thoughts and insights as we chart a course towards a more vibrant, diverse, and accessible art world. #solteriaproject #nft #digitalart #artcollecting

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🌀 Missing the buzz, but questioning the ROI? 🌀 These days, everyone seems to be at the #BitsPretzels in Munich and there is a strong #FOMO for anyone not attending (like me). As someone who used to regularly participate in major startup conferences like #TechCrunch, #VivaTech, or #hub.berlin - especially during my time as #CEO of my former startup, gestigon - I have to admit, I miss the #energy, the #excitement, and the sense of being part of this #ecosystem. These events are self-assuring, fun, and great for building #connections, but in reality, they often lead to startups #networking with startups, VCs with VCs, and big corporates with big corporates. Cross-functional #interactions, which could spark truly meaningful #collaborations, often seem more rare. Sure, having a booth and demoing the latest developments might create different dynamics, but let’s be honest, most of these conferences are not built around exhibitions. They thrive on stages, fire-side chats, keynotes, and evening drinks. While I miss being part of the #community, I can’t help but question the value of investing significant time and money into participating. Does the impact justify the cost in terms of resources and focus, or has the #ecosystem become a little too self-reinforcing? Curious to hear your #thoughts. Have these #conferences evolved, or is it just me? 🤔

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How do I actually get proper money as a founder? I spoke about this in the Für-Gründer.de Podcast with editor Elena Todeva. What financing options are there? How do I find the VC that really suits me? When should I bootstrap? Which financing has which consequences in the end? My personal tip for founders: Do some real networking, exchange ideas with other founders, get tips and advice from everywhere, be brave, talk to experienced founders and ask really deep questions and learn always from the experiences of others. Please listen and feel free to write me feedback. https://lnkd.in/de_ZmdZq

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