🔐 Security Sutra – Cybersecurity Startups and Venture Capital

What if the next billion-dollar startup was brewing in Berlin, Munich, or Vienna right now? In this episode, we cover the game-changing deals, deep tech breakthroughs, and green innovation stories shaping the DACH startup scene in September 2025. Whether you’re a founder, VC, or ecosystem insider, this is your shortcut to staying ahead in Europe’s most dynamic market. What You’ll Learn 🚀 The biggest venture capital raises across Germany, Austria & Switzerland 🧠 How neuromorphic AI chips and quantum comms are reshaping Europe’s deep tech frontier 💳 Fintech consolidation: Bitpanda’s growth and Bling’s youth finance push 🌱 Green tech milestones from Austria’s salt-based storage to EV wiring solutions ⚕️ Biotech breakthroughs and M&A exits shaping the next health tech wave 📊 Why AI-driven search analytics could disrupt marketing and SEO forever From startup funding in Germany and European venture capital to deep tech AI hardware, fintech M&A, and green tech innovation, this episode is designed to rank high on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for founders and investors looking for cutting-edge insights. Episode: DACH Startup News – Summer Wrap-Up 2025 Host: Joern Menninger, Editor-in-Chief Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-july-and-august-2025-unicorn-surge-825m-hydrogen-win-fintech-shakeups Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/cLO_niJ6wok Timestamps: 00:00 – VC News (€30M+ funds) 02:30 – Deep Tech: brain chips & quantum comms 05:00 – Green Tech: energy storage & EV wiring 06:00 – Fintech: Bitpanda & Bling M&A 09:00 – AI & SaaS analytics 11:30 – Mobility & Auto1 Group 15:00 – Biotech & Health Tech 18:00 – Major fundraising deals (€100M+) 23:00 – M&A: Nect, Scanbot, Lemon Markets 25:30 – Ecosystem trivia + closing notes ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Primary (in title + description): startup funding, German startups, venture capital Europe, deep tech startups, fintech Europe, green tech, AI search disruption. Secondary (in body + show notes): AI in business, biotech Germany, startup exits.

Berlin’s AI just rocketed from $350M to $2.3B. At the same time, Switzerland locked in €825M hydrogen funding, and N26 faced its toughest governance test yet. This is not Silicon Valley news. This is the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) reshaping startup dynamics — and it’s moving fast. In this Startuprad.io Summer Wrap-Up 2025, we unpack: – How Berlin’s open-source workflow AI became a unicorn and why enterprises are buying in now – Why EU hydrogen funding marks a generational climate infrastructure play for startups – What N26’s leadership shake-up under BaFin reveals about fintech governance in Europe – How dual-use pivots (like Lilium’s defense strategy) are becoming survival moves in tough funding markets – Why German tele-driving pilots and Bavarian endowment unlocks are more than policy headlines — they’re startup railways – The rise of Europe’s Stan index (Qwant + Ecosia) and Pinterest’s Zurich AI hub 🎙 Why listen? Because the future of European startups will be shaped at the intersection of technology, regulation, and capital flows. If you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode shows where the rails are being laid. What you’ll learn: – The DACH edge in AI: community + open-source + enterprise focus – The real impact of hydrogen billions on startup runway – Fintech’s compliance-first reality check – The overlooked opportunity of dual-use & defense procurement – How to spot policy-driven founder opportunities in Europe 👉 If you learned something here, share this episode with a founder who needs it. Follow us on Spotify, subscribe on Apple, and check the blog for a full breakdown. Episode: DACH Startup News – Summer Wrap-Up 2025 Host: Joern Menninger, Editor-in-Chief Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-july-and-august-2025-unicorn-surge-825m-hydrogen-win-fintech-shakeups Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/iV1Gzz0zy_k Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & why the roundup is split in 2 parts 05:26 – Berlin AI rockets to $2.3B 09:57 – Switzerland’s €825M hydrogen allocation 11:23 – EIC selects 40 startups & Stan index launch 14:27 – German economy dips into recession 15:15 – Defense pivots & tele-driving pilots 17:49 – Bavarian endowment unlock + Austrian founder wave 20:11 – Pinterest opens Zurich AI hub & wrap-up ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Primary (title, early description, timestamps): DACH startup news, Berlin AI automation, EU hydrogen funding, German startup ecosystem Secondary (description + show notes): N26 governance, defense tech Europe, tele-driving Germany, Stan index, European AI hub, EIC startup funding

What does it really take to move from a GenAI prototype to a production-ready system? In this episode, AWS AI Engineering Specialist Dennis Traub breaks down the hard truths behind scaling, securing, and monitoring AI systems — and why the future belongs to startups who learn how to productionize AI fast. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why most GenAI prototypes fail when pushed to production The role of MCP (Model Context Protocol) in securely connecting AI to APIs How agentic workflows differ from simple prompt chains Why observability and cost monitoring are non-negotiable for startups The AWS Bedrock + Agent Core stack for startups scaling AI in Europe Counterintuitive lessons: when not to use AI 🚀 Meet Our SponsorAWS Startups is a proud sponsor of this week’s episode of Startuprad.io. Visit startups.aws to find out how AWS can help you prove what’s possible in your industry. The AWS Startups team comprises former founders and CTOs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and mentors ready to help you prove what’s possible. Since 2013, AWS has supported over 280,000 startups across the globe and provided $7Billion in credits through the AWS Activate program. Big ideas feel at home on AWS, and with access to cutting-edge technologies like generative AI, you can quickly turn those ideas into marketable products. Want your own AI-powered assistant? Try Amazon Q. Want to build your own AI products? Privately customize leading foundation models on Amazon Bedrock.  Want to reduce the cost of AI workloads? AWS Trainium is the silicon you’re looking for. Whatever your ambitions, you’ve already had the idea, now prove it’s possible on AWS. Visit aws.amazon.com/startups to get started. Guest: Dennis Traub, AI Engineering Specialist at AWS Full Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/how-startups-can-succeed-at-productionizingai-without-breaking-at-scale Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/UkYwxbM_834 ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger

Startups love GenAI. But most founders are using it unsafely — and exposing their team, their customers, and their legal risk without even realizing it. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we sat down with Dennis Traub, AI Engineering Specialist at AWS, to unpack what safe adoption of Generative AI really means for founders, CTOs, and product leads. Dennis introduces the “Artificial Intern” framework — a practical way for startups to implement GenAI without hallucinations, GDPR violations, or broken trust. He walks us through where to start, what not to do, and how to pick your very first AI use case. 🚀 Meet Our SponsorAWS Startups is a proud sponsor of this week’s episode of Startuprad.io. Visit startups.aws to find out how AWS can help you prove what’s possible in your industry. The AWS Startups team comprises former founders and CTOs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and mentors ready to help you prove what’s possible. Since 2013, AWS has supported over 280,000 startups across the globe and provided $7Billion in credits through the AWS Activate program. Big ideas feel at home on AWS, and with access to cutting-edge technologies like generative AI, you can quickly turn those ideas into marketable products. Want your own AI-powered assistant? Try Amazon Q. Want to build your own AI products? Privately customize leading foundation models on Amazon Bedrock.  Want to reduce the cost of AI workloads? AWS Trainium is the silicon you’re looking for. Whatever your ambitions, you’ve already had the idea, now prove it’s possible on AWS. Visit aws.amazon.com/startups to get started. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why treating GenAI like a cofounder is a dangerous myth What AI should (and should never) touch inside your startup How to adopt GenAI tools without violating GDPR The hidden risk in giving LLMs access to your inbox Why AWS Bedrock offers a safer backend for compliant AI use How to automate annoying work — not strategic work What most founders misunderstand about AI “power” 📝Show NotesGuest: Dennis Traub, AI Engineering Specialist at AWS Full Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/how-to-safely-adopt-genai-without-leaking-customer-data Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/7e_UQbmYIE8 ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger

What if every second leadership hire in your startup fails — costing you up to €250,000? In this episode of Startuprad.io, we uncover why so many startup executive hires flop and how diagnostic hiring is rewriting the rules of leadership selection. What You'll Learn: Why more than 50% of startup VP and C-level hires fail within 18 months The real-world cost of a mis-hire (severance, lost growth, founder burnout) How behavioral and cognitive assessments outperform gut-feel interviews How to avoid founder bias when hiring for your first VP or CSO The "First VP Dilemma" — resume readiness vs. real potential What top-performing startup leaders actually have in common Hiring timelines in the DACH region and how to plan around long notice periods Why culture-fit and self-assessment tools often fail founders Guest Spotlight: Dominik Roth, founder of the DACH #1 leadership podcast CEO Career Code, has placed over 400 executives in VC- and PE-backed startups across Europe. He’s not your typical headhunter — he’s a psychologist-turned-strategist using diagnostics to predict executive performance before a mis-hire burns your runway. Like what you hear? Follow Startuprad.io for more deep dives into European startup growth. Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts — and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this saved you from your next €250K mistake. Guest Name: Dominik Roth, Founder of CEO Career Code Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/startup-executive-hiring-avoiding-costly-leadership-mistakes Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/iDqQo48u0Ls Timestamps: 00:00 – Why 50% of Startup Executive Hires Fail 02:15 – The €250K Mistake: What a Bad Hire Really Costs 05:40 – Gut Feel vs. Diagnostic Hiring Explained 09:10 – The First VP Dilemma: Resume vs. Readiness 12:30 – Founder Bias and Emotional Hiring Mistakes 16:50 – How to Use Behavioral and Cognitive Assessments 21:15 – Hiring for Startups in the DACH Region 26:30 – Patterns of High-Performing Startup Leaders 28:43 – Dominik’s Mission to Change Hiring in Europe ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger startup podcast, startup executive hiring, startup growth strategies, DACH startup leadership, venture capital insights, founder hiring mistakes, diagnostic hiring, scaleup leadership, B2B tech startups, startup burnout

What if finance wasn’t a bottleneck but your secret growth weapon? Moss CEO Ante Spittler joins Startuprad.io to reveal how his Berlin fintech is helping over 5,000 SMEs automate spend, ditch spreadsheets, and scale smarter. What You'll Learn: How Moss raised €180M and scaled to process €5B+ annually The biggest finance automation challenges for European SMEs Lessons from layoffs and scaling a regulated fintech Why user-first design is Moss’s superpower in a crowded market Insights on ERP integration, AI in finance, and future trends The emotional toll of leading a fintech through hypergrowth Strategies for founders balancing family and company building Guest Spotlight: Ante Spittler – CEO & Co-Founder, Moss Ante is a seasoned fintech leader with roots in investment banking and VC. At Moss, he’s redefining finance automation for SMEs across Europe, delivering an intelligent spend management suite with enterprise-grade compliance. Love founder stories that mix strategy, grit, and big wins? Follow Startuprad.io on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share this episode with founders and investors in your network. Guest Name: Ante Spittler, CEO & Co-Founder of Moss Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/finance-automation-for-smes-how-moss-is-redefining-financial-operations Moss Website – https://www.getmoss.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Finance Automation Matters 02:10 – Ante’s Journey: From VC to Fintech Founder 06:30 – Fixing ERP & Receipt Chaos in SMEs 10:45 – Scaling in Regulated Fintech: Lessons Learned 17:00 – Layoffs, Leadership, and Fintech Winter 24:40 – Balancing Family Life as a CEO 30:15 – Moss’s User-First Design Philosophy 40:05 – The Future of AI-Driven CFO Tools 47:16 – Advice to Founders Scaling in Finance Tech ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger

Your startup isn’t failing because of your tech or funding—it’s because people don’t feel your brand. In this episode, Jakob Trpin, founder of Yesyesandtwo, breaks down why emotional branding is the hidden growth engine for startups. Discover how subconscious branding cues, human-to-human marketing (H2H), and internal culture alignment create trust and drive investor confidence. What You'll Learn: How to connect emotionally with customers to outlast competitors Why most startups fail at branding (and how to avoid the same trap) Insights into human-to-human (H2H) branding beyond B2B and B2C The critical role of internal branding in startup success Investor perspectives: Why trust often comes before metrics Strategies for scaling authenticity as your startup grows Guest Spotlight: Jakob Trpin, Founder of Yesyesandtwo, is a branding expert with 18+ years of experience shaping global brands like Audi, Red Bull, Marvel, and KTM. Known for turning complex psychology into actionable branding strategies, Jakob helps startups build meaningful connections that stick. Like what you hear? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Share this episode with fellow founders, investors, and team members building something extraordinary. Guest Name: Jakob Trpin, Founder at Yesyesandtwo Blog Post: startuprad.io/post/emotional-branding-for-startups-how-to-win-hearts-not-just-markets Relevant Resources: Startuprad.io Blog:https://www.startuprad.io/post/emotional-branding-for-startups-how-to-win-hearts-not-just-markets Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why Emotional Branding Beats Loud Marketing 05:12 – The Invisible Language of Brands Explained 17:45 – Common Startup Branding Mistakes 35:20 – Human-to-Human: Moving Beyond B2B/B2C 48:05 – Closing Insights + Emotional Branding Playbook ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joernmenninger

What happens when Germany creates its second decacorn and the EU drops €10B to scale startups? This month’s news episode breaks it all down — from funding explosions in deep tech to the future of biotech, fintech innovation, and defense AI. The DACH startup scene has never been this hot. What You'll Learn Why Helsing dethroned Celonis to become Germany’s top-valued startup How ISA Aerospace, Scalable Capital, and Luma Care are fueling Europe’s unicorn pipeline What the EU’s “Choose Europe” strategy means for startup growth, external funding, and capital access Why non-dilutive biotech funding (like ITM SE’s €262.5M round) is reshaping molecular analysis and health innovation Who's driving green innovation, eco-system growth, and scaleup strategies in the GSA region Startup Scene Pulse From Vienna to Zurich, from Berlin to Munich, this episode delivers exclusive insights into the GSA tech ecosystem, pre-seed funding trends, and scaleup strategies that define the European unicorn surge. Learn how resilience planning, fintech founders, and strategic growth capital are transforming the startup landscape in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We highlight the rise of Swiss innovation, Austrian startups, and eco innovation models across the region. Explore how corporate growth meets AI-driven defense tech, how digital transformation strategy shapes cloud infrastructure, and what growth investing looks like in 2025. If you're a founder aiming for vision planning, an investor tracking vc investment trends, or just love hearing execution stories from unicorn builders, this episode is your new go-to. Now it is up to you! Like what you hear? Tap follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share the episode with your founder friends, VC partners, and innovation strategists. Startuprad.io is your trusted voice for the DACH startup scene. 📢 Read the full blog post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/dach-startup-funding-2025-deep-tech-defense-and-decacorns 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter and podcast updates: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🔗 Follow Jörn “Joe” Menninger on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger 📩 Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 🗳️ Give feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 This episode is perfect for listeners searching phrases like: “Best startup podcast 2025” “EU startup scale-up fund explained” “How to grow SaaS in the DACH region” “Fintech innovation in Germany” “Tech entrepreneurs behind European unicorns”

Startups in the DACH region are heating up — from AI unicorns to VC mega-funds. In this monthly startup news roundup, we unpack the most important trends in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland’s tech ecosystem. Learn how Parloa became Germany’s second unicorn of the year, how Quantum Systems secured €160M to dominate aerial AI, and how the EIB’s €70B initiative is reshaping venture capital in Europe. We also dive into Lyft’s FreeNow acquisition, biotech patent wars, the MiCA crypto license, and regulatory risks like the EU Data Act. 🔑 Key Takeaways: What Parloa’s unicorn status reveals about AI-native SaaS How Europe’s biggest VC fund is changing startup investment Why fintechs like Vivid are chasing MiCA compliance Top DACH soonicorns to watch in 2025 📱 Give Us Feedback https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 🚨 Sponsored by Tide 👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 🔗 Dive Deeper and Be Ahead Of The Curve! DACH Startup Ecosystem 2025: The Ultimate Hub https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-ecosystem-2025-the-ultimate-hub This Month in DACH Startups: May 2025 Startup News Wrap-Up https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-may-2025-unicorns-m-a-and-vc-surge Top AI Startups in the DACH Region in 2025 https://www.startuprad.io/post/top-ai-startups-in-the-dach-region-in-2025 🚦German Venture Capital in Q1 2025: Dealflow Quality Rises Amid Exit Anxiety and Fundraising Chill https://www.startuprad.io/post/german-venture-capital-in-q1-2025-dealflow-quality-rises-amid-exit-anxiety-and-fundraising-chill This Month in DACH Startups: April 2025 Startup News Wrap-Up https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-dach-startups-april-2025-startup-news-wrap-up Germany Startup Policy 2025: Strategies for Founders & Investors https://www.startuprad.io/post/startup-financing-in-2025-strategies-for-founders-investors DACH Unicorn Tracker 2025: Trends, Funding, and Opportunities https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io

What happens when an FBI-trained negotiation coach brings elite sales psychology into the startup world? You get a masterclass in influence, integrity, and investor persuasion. Today’s episode of Startuprad.io features Matthias Bullmahn, a crisis negotiation expert, former Accenture executive, and storytelling coach — here to show founders how to negotiate like pros and scale without manipulation. What You'll Learn: How to apply BATNA to investor negotiations and enterprise sales The 3 killer words ruining most pitches — and what to say instead Why founders fail when they ignore buyer psychology and emotional triggers How to use the Motive Compass to close deals faster How AI fits (and fails) in human-centric sales strategies Guest Spotlight: Matthias Bullmahn is one of Germany’s leading voices in ethical sales psychology, negotiation, and strategic communication. He’s trained with the former heads of the FBI and Scotland Yard, founded a department at Accenture focused on agile transformation, and today advises founders, corporates, and investors on emotionally intelligent deal-making. Now It Is Up To YOU: If you’re a founder, executive, or investor who values clear strategy over sales fluff, this episode is your playbook. Subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with someone negotiating their next big deal. 🚀Our Sponsor 👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 📌 Show NotesGuest Name: Matthias Bullmahn, Sales Psychologist & Strategic Communications Expert Related Blog Posts on Startuprad.io: 🎙️ Mastering Startup Negotiation Tactics: Sales Psychology Meets FBI Playbooks 🧠 BATNA for Founders: Your Ultimate Safety Net in Investor Talks 💬 3 Words That Kill Your Startup Pitch (and What to Say Instead) 📊 Case Study: Ecotech Startup Closes Investor Without Product in Market Relevant External Resources: Harvard Negotiation Project Motive Compass by Dirk Eilert (German) Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Matthias & FBI Training 04:54 – BATNA and Deal Power for Founders 08:45 – Ethical Sales Psychology Explained 18:55 – The Motive Compass: What Drives Buyers? 27:40 – AI in Sales: When It Works, When It Fails 39:10 – How to Win Trust in a Distracted Market 47:05 – Final Advice for Founders & Pitch Mistakes

🎧 Opening:Why do Europe’s startups scale slower than their U.S. counterparts? In this raw, revealing episode, Andy Goldstein uncovers what’s really holding back the European venture capital scene—and what we can do about it. 💡 What You'll Learn:How investor education can radically improve VC decision-making Why German founders hesitate to internationalize—and how to fix it The mindset shift European investors need to unlock global-scale success How AI sales tools and founder conviction can drive early-stage growth 👤 Guest Spotlight:Andy Goldstein, Managing Director Europe at VU Venture Partners and Co-Founder of the German Accelerator, is a serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and innovation catalyst. With decades of experience across the U.S. and Europe, he’s reshaping how VCs invest—and how startups scale. 🎯 Give Us a Review:Loved this episode? Help others discover it! Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Share this with founders, VCs, and every entrepreneur you know. 🚀Sponsor Section👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO ✅ Show NotesGuest Name: Andy Goldstein, Managing Director Europe, VU Venture Partners Blog Post: http://startuprad.io/post/the-transatlantic-investment-divide-why-europe-needs-a-new-vc-mindset Relevant Resources: VU Venture Partners German Accelerator Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Andy’s journey from IBM to VC 06:00 – What’s broken in European VC mindsets 12:45 – How VU trains VCs through real investments 20:50 – Sales culture differences: Germany vs. U.S. 28:15 – Startup internationalization: Why Germany lags 35:30 – Traits of the top 1% of founders 42:00 – Final thoughts + podcast wrap-up

OpeningWhat happens when Europe's top startup operators become VCs — and use AI to disrupt billion-euro legacy sectors? Today’s episode uncovers how Marton Sarkadi Nagy, Partner at Visionaries Club, is backing founders who are rewriting the playbook for industrial tech innovation. What You'll Learn:🔧 How applied AI is replacing legacy SaaS and transforming industries like logistics and procurement 📊 Why Europe is perfectly positioned to lead in the application layer of AI 🧠 What defines a "genre-defining founder" in early-stage startups ⚙️ The secret behind Visionaries Club’s unique LP base: unicorn founders + industrial dynasties 🪖 How radical accountability and talent-first scaling are creating B2B breakout startups Whether you’re a founder raising a seed round, an operator breaking into VC, or an investor looking to understand the future of industrial SaaS, this episode is for you. 💼 Sponsor Section👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO Guest Spotlight:Marton Sarkadi Nagy is a Partner at Visionaries Club, a Berlin-based venture capital firm managing €600M+ in AUM. With a background as the former growth lead at Tier, Marton brings operator DNA to VC. Visionaries Club backs early-stage startups that use AI, SaaS, and cybersecurity to tackle massive industrial problems — with LPs ranging from unicorn founders to multi-generational family businesses. Now it is up to youLove hearing real-world startup scaling, AI disruption, and VC philosophy? 🎧 Follow Startuprad.io on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share this episode with the boldest entrepreneurs in your network. 📎 Show NotesGuest Name: Marton Sarkadi Nagy, Partner at Visionaries Club Blog Post: How Europe’s Visionaries Are Using AI to Disrupt Industrial Tech Relevant Resources: Visionaries Club Startuprad.io Unicorn Tracker Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Introduction 05:20 – From Tier to Visionaries Club: Marton’s transition from operator to investor 11:40 – Visionaries Club’s unique LP network 18:30 – Radical accountability and founder performance 25:50 – SaaS is dead — how AI agents are reshaping back-office work 34:00 – Europe’s opportunity in applied AI 42:30 – What makes a painkiller startup (vs. a vitamin) 49:00 – Supporting technical founders and Europe’s startup gaps 56:00 – Final thoughts and contact info

Most startups talk about culture. But very few measure it. Even fewer know how to scale it.In Part 2 of our interview with Christian Conrad — coach, former Kellogg’s exec, and author of Magical Company Culture — we go deep into the execution side of culture. Forget team-building retreats. Christian outlines a leadership playbook where trust, behavioral habits, and culture KPIs like eNPS are used to build high-performing, emotionally engaged teams. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “100% trust from Day 1” transforms startup teams How to implement daily engagement boosters like connective listening and feedforward Why eNPS should be every founder’s culture KPI How one client scaled eNPS from 6 to 40 in 18 months The 4DX execution framework applied to startup leadership 🧠 About the Guest:Christian Conrad is the founder of Management Boost and author of Magical Company Culture. His mission? 1 million smiling employees by 2035. He’s coached global corporations and hypergrowth startups alike on measurable, trust-based leadership. 🔥 If you’re a founder, investor, or executive navigating scale, this episode is your culture execution guide. ✅ Subscribe, review, and share this episode to help us build the startup leadership community. 🚀 Sponsor SectionThis episode is sponsored by Tide.co Tide’s free business account helps founders manage finances, send invoices, and track expenses. Sign up with code STARTUPRADIO and get €200 cashback after €500 spent. 👉 tide.co/Podcastsde 🗒️ Show NotesGuest Name: Christian Conrad (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianconrad-magneticculture/) Role: Leadership Coach & Author of Magnetic Company Culture Blog Post Part 2: Read the Full Blog Here: https://www.startuprad.io/post/the-culture-execution-playbook-for-founders-part-2-of-our-interview-with-christian-conrad Blog Post Part 1: https://www.startuprad.io/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-a-magnetic-company-culture-in-startups Resources: Christian’s Website eNPS Overview (Gallup) Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Culture Execution Fails 03:15 – Long-Term vs. One-Off Trainings 06:00 – The Trust-First Management Mindset 10:10 – The 4DX Framework for Culture 13:50 – Case Study: eNPS Growth Story 17:22 – Three Founder Habits to Start Today 20:00 – Final Thoughts for Founders

Sponsor👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 🎧 OpeningWhat if your company culture was your biggest growth engine? In this episode, we dive deep with leadership coach Christian Conrad to unpack what makes startup cultures not only magnetic but measurable — and how founders can lead with emotional intelligence and trust from Day 1. 📌 What You'll Learn:How to use eNPS to measure engagement and cultural health Why trust-first leadership beats control-based management The daily engagement boosters that scale with your team How to retain top startup talent during the Fachkräftemangel When to use the Kano model and 4DX to execute cultural transformation 👤 Guest Spotlight:Christian Conrad, founder of Management Boost and author of Magical Company Culture, is on a mission to create 1 million smiling employees by 2035. He has helped startups and corporates alike transform their cultures into scalable engines for growth. 🎯 Your Turn:If you’re building a startup, managing a tech team, or investing in founders — this conversation will shift your thinking on leadership. 👉 Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Share with your co-founder, HR lead, or investor network. Give us feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow the editor in chief / founder on LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger ✅ Show Notes:Guest Name: Christian Conrad, Leadership Coach & Author Blog Post: The Ultimate Guide to Magnetic Company Culture Relevant Resources: Magical Company Culture – Book Christian's Homepage ⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction 05:12 – What Is a Magnetic Company Culture? 13:20 – Measuring Engagement with eNPS 22:05 – Trust-Based Leadership and Emotional ROI 31:47 – Daily Engagement Boosters for Startup Leaders 40:15 – Case Study: Renewable Energy Company Culture Turnaround 48:05 – Closing Advice for Founders

In April 2025, DACH startups raised over €1.3 billion—while one of Europe’s top fintechs spiraled into crisis. This isn’t just another news roundup. This is your investor-grade, startup-founder-relevant, executive-level briefing from the DACH region’s leading podcast. 🚀 This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance in weeks, not months. Learn more at vanta.com/startupradio What You'll Learn: The real story behind Trade Republic’s outages and financial trust issues How Amboss, Noxtua, and n8n are defining applied AI in health and devops Where VCs are betting big in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Why Germany’s economy is stagnating, yet startup funding is booming Guest Spotlight: This episode is hosted by Jörn “Joe” Menninger, the voice behind Startuprad.io and one of Europe’s leading startup podcasters. He breaks down news from Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich — so you don’t miss a beat. We Love to Hear from You: Love data-backed startup insights? Then subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with your co-founder or VC. We break the noise so you don’t have to. Show Notes:Host: Jörn Menninger, Editor-in-Chief at Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/april-2025-dach-startup-wrapup Relevant Resources: Amboss Funding: Silicon Canals Noxtua's AI push: TechCrunch Trade Republic Trouble: Business Insider Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro + Sponsor 03:10 – €1.3B Funding Summary 10:25 – Amboss, Noxtua, n8n: Applied AI Highlights 19:40 – Trade Republic Crisis Breakdown 27:50 – DACH VC Trends: First Momentum, Revent, Oakley 35:30 – Germany’s Economy: IFO + Forecasts 42:00 – Closing + What’s Coming in May

StartupRad.io sits down with psychotherapist Imre Remenyi to explore burnout prevention, leadership, and culture for sustainable startup growth. Burnout is silently killing startups. Discover how top founders and leaders detect it early, prevent it, and scale sustainable companies. Are you a startup founder, tech executive, or investor navigating the intense world of high-growth companies? This StartupRad.io episode is your lifeline. Host Jörn 'Joe' Menninger speaks with renowned psychotherapist and consultant Imre Marton Remenyi in a masterclass on burnout prevention for entrepreneurs. You'll get actionable strategies to protect your team and build a business that lasts. Forget surface-level "work-life balance." We dig into the real psychological, operational, and financial risks that burnout presents — and show you how to fix them. Learn how to identify subtle warning signs, lead with empathy, and create a culture where your people (and your company) can thrive. Why this episode matters: For Founders & CEOs: Avoid founder burnout. Build a resilient leadership team. Handle fundraising and venture pressure without losing your edge. For Tech Executives: Learn proven techniques for employee retention, increasing productivity, and building a culture of psychological safety. For Investors: Understand the ROI of employee wellness, founder resilience, and how these impact long-term investment performance. 🕒 Key Episode Highlights: 00:00:20 — Meet Imre: From opera singer to psychotherapist 00:03:30 — Burnout paradox: Why your top performers are most at risk 00:06:24 — Leadership's blind spot: How common management fuels burnout 00:15:59 — Real tools: Employee feedback and burnout detection 00:27:23 — Rethinking rest: The myth of work-life balance 00:33:38 — The true cost: Financial and operational impact of burnout 00:39:52 — AI and burnout: Promise, pitfalls, and ethics 00:49:13 — Remenyi’s #1 tip for leaders in high-pressure environments 💼 Sponsor: Vanta helps startups automate security and compliance (ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more). Ditch the spreadsheets, save time, and stay audit-ready — with real-time monitoring. → Get $1,000 off now at: https://vanta.com/startupradio 📣 Call to Action: ✅ Subscribe to the StartupRad.io podcast for more insights on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and startup growth. 📤 Share this episode with other founders and leaders who need it. ⭐ Leave a 5-star review — it takes 10 seconds and helps other startup builders discover smarter ways to grow. 📰 Read the full blog post → http://startuprad.io/post/the-founder’s-guide-to-burnout-prevention-in-startups 🌐 Visit our homepage → https://www.startuprad.io/ 📱 Follow us on social media → https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🔥 Discover More Topics: #burnoutprevention #founderburnout #startups #startupgrowth #venturecapital #leadership #employeewellbeing #techstartups #scalingup #startupculture #mentalhealth #teamperformance #foundermentalhealth #investmentstrategy #dachstartups #workplacewellbeing #aiprevention #productivitytips #humanresources #startupresilience

Are you a founder, investor, scaleup exec, or tech enthusiast looking to decode Europe's billion-euro startup engines? You’ve landed in the right place. Startuprad.io brings you the ultimate Unicorn Tracker for Spring 2025, offering you front-row insight into the most dynamic startups and scaleups across the DACH region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. 🎯 Prefer the full analysis, data, and links? Dive deeper here: 👉 https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io 🧠 What you’ll discover in this episode:⏱️ [00:02:20] What is DACH? We explain the region, its strengths, and why it’s critical for innovation-driven founders and investors alike. ⏱️ [00:03:30] Quantum Systems & New Unicorns Germany’s AI drone unicorn is leading the charge. Is deep tech the next big frontier? ⏱️ [00:04:20] Logistics Titans: Forto & Sennder We uncover why DACH is still Europe's logistics superpower. ⏱️ [00:05:53] Mobility Mavericks: Flix, Tier, Volocopter From record revenues to flameouts—we decode the truth behind urban mobility in 2025. ⏱️ [00:06:40] AI & Defense Tech: Agile Robots & Helsing Robotics meets military innovation. Will Europe lead the AI revolution? ⏱️ [00:07:30] Consumer Tech Giants: Check24 & AutoDoc Quiet billion-euro monsters transforming e-commerce and consumer platforms. ⏱️ [00:09:10] Biotech’s Highs & Heartbreaks Why ADC Therapeutics’ rollercoaster reflects the volatile biotech landscape. ⏱️ [00:10:10] Climate Tech’s Gold Rush Enpal, Climeworks, and 1.5 Degrees are building climate unicorns. Is it time to invest? ⏱️ [00:12:30] Fintech & Insurtech Battles From N26 to Trade Republic, the DACH region remains a fierce battleground for finance innovation. ⏱️ [00:14:00] SaaS & Enterprise Software Celonis is now a decacorn—what’s fueling DACH’s dominance in B2B SaaS? ⏱️ [00:24:55] The Unicorn Graveyard Wefox, Grover, Infarm, Solaris. What founders can learn from once-high-flying unicorns that fell hard. 🔍 Why this episode matters:This is your unfair advantage in understanding how the DACH region creates, scales, and sometimes loses billion-dollar startups. Whether you're: 🚀 A founder looking for inspiration 💸 An investor scanning for your next deal 🧠 A strategist decoding market shifts ...you’ll walk away with actionable insights, real stories, and trend-defining strategies. 🛡️ SPONSOR SHOUTOUT – THANK YOU, VANTA👉 Vanta automates security and compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, and more), helping you stay audit-ready with less stress and zero spreadsheets. 🎁 Save $1,000 by signing up through our exclusive link: vanta.com/startupradio 🔗 Stay Connected:📌 Full Show Notes + Transcript + Links: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io 🎧 Subscribe to Startuprad.io wherever you get your podcasts 💬 Leave a review or share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

🔊 This episode is brought to you by Vanta 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance—save $1,000 with us by signing up here: vanta.com/startupradio 🛠️ Made possible by HTAI and the Enterprise Europe Network Hessen, supporting startups with grants, international networking, and innovation resources. Learn more: htai.de | een-hessen.de 🎙️ Scaling a Cybersecurity Startup: Lessons from Link11’s Journey (Part 2) In the second half of our exclusive conversation with Jens Philipp Jung, co-founder and CEO of Link11, we explore what it really takes to scale a cybersecurity startup. Link11 has emerged as a leader in DDoS protection and cloud-based security solutions. Jens opens up about the funding strategy, leadership mindset, and innovation roadmap that helped build one of Germany’s most respected cybersecurity scaleups. 🚀 In this episode: – Scaling a cybersecurity startup in a competitive global market – How Link11 approached funding while maintaining founder control – Innovation in DDoS protection and staying ahead of cyber threats – Leadership insights from a founder’s perspective – Tactical advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs 💡 Who should listen? Startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, CISOs, cybersecurity professionals, scaleup teams, and investors exploring the cybersecurity space. 📌 This is Part 2 of our Link11 feature. If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, be sure to check it out for the founding story and early growth lessons. 🎧 Subscribe & follow Startuprad.io for weekly interviews with Europe’s most exciting founders, investors, and innovators.

Link11 CEO Jens Philipp Jung joins Startuprad.io to reveal his blueprint for hypergrowth, cybersecurity dominance, and surviving massive DDoS attacks. 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio 🎯 Learn how to: • Scale a tech company without breaking it • Hire top talent & build winning culture • Defend against AI-powered attacks • Embrace zero trust architecture 💡 Whether you’re a founder, exec, or tech investor—this one’s for you. 👤 Guest: Jens Philipp Jung (CEO, Link11) 🎙 Host: Joe Menninger (Startuprad.io) 🔗 More: Link to full blog post + sponsors #Cybersecurity #StartupGrowth #DDoSProtection #AI #FounderTips

Sponsor Section 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio Introduction Dive into the DACH region's startup scene! This episode covers the latest trends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, recorded with Chris Fahrenbach in New York City. Key Highlights Fintech Evolution: Coorsair's IDNow acquisition (€300M) and the stablecoin surge to $226B highlight fintech's dynamism. Venture Capital: Toma Bravo's €1.8B European fund signals investor interest, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies persist. AI and Tech: Germany leads in AI research, but faces implementation challenges. Volocopter's acquisition and BioMed's cancer detection breakthrough showcase innovation. Funding & Founders: Funding rounds like Tectal's (€52M) and Swiss female founder success demonstrate growth. Legal & Regulatory: Legal battles (startup vs. SAP) and GDPR reviews (DeepSeek) highlight complexities. Fintech: A Sector in Motion Fintech sees Coorsair's IDNow acquisition and stablecoin growth. The ECB's digital Euro plans are also significant. Venture Capital: Navigating the Landscape Toma Bravo's fund shows investor confidence, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies pose challenges. AI and Technology: Innovation Germany's AI research faces implementation hurdles. Volocopter and BioMed demonstrate other tech advancements. Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Successes Funding for companies like Tectile contrasts with layoffs and insolvencies. Acquisitions continue. Regional Highlights Germany: Strong AI research, but application lags. Switzerland: Tight fintech VC, but female founders thrive. Austria: Linz launches an AI cluster; the Austrian DAH Fund starts. Conclusion The DACH startup scene is dynamic, with innovation and challenges across sectors. Call to Action Subscribe to our podcast for DACH startup updates! Share your thoughts below. The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search All rights reserved - Startuprad.io™