🎙️ Startuprad.io™ – Europe’s Voice on Startups, VC, Innovation & Growth

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 Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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”

What if one platform could handle your startup’s banking, accounting, and invoicing—all automated? In this episode of Startuprad.io, we talk to Blas Pegenaute, CEO of Sequence ERP, a Swiss fintech startup redefining what accounting software can do for small businesses and freelancers. Blas shares his founder story—starting in nightlife, moving through hospitality, and eventually building an AI-driven accounting platform that now holds a FINMA license to act as a light bank. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: How Sequence ERP automates accounting with AI agents Why SME accounting in Switzerland is so fragmented What investors really want in early SaaS rounds How to bootstrap and scale in a conservative market Building and retaining high-performance startup teams Vision 2026: Merging ERP, AI, and banking in one product 🎙 Guest Spotlight: Blas Pegenaute is the CEO of Sequence ERP and a veteran entrepreneur with a background in international business, nightlife promotion, and hospitality. His fintech startup is setting a new standard for full-stack accounting tools built specifically for SMEs and freelancers in Europe. 💬 Like what you hear? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Don’t forget to share the episode with your team or network! 📓 Show NotesGuest Name: Blas Pegenaute, CEO of Sequence ERP Blog Post: http://startuprad.io/post/ai-accounting-software-the-swiss-startup-automating-bookkeeping-with-sequence-erp Key Resources: FINMA Overview: https://www.finma.ch/en/ Startuprad.io Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Automating SME Bookkeeping 02:20 – Blas’ Entrepreneurial Journey 05:00 – What’s Broken in Traditional Accounting Software 09:45 – Product-Market Fit in the Swiss SaaS Market 14:10 – Fundraising Tips for SaaS Startups 18:25 – What Makes Full-Stack Fintech Unique 24:40 – AI Agents and the Future of Accounting 28:50 – Startup Team Culture at Sequence 33:00 – Vision 2026: AI ERP Meets Embedded Banking Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Ever wondered how a startup from Vienna broke into one of the world’s most heavily regulated tech ecosystems — and scaled to over 1 million POS integrations? Today’s episode dives into the story of Fiskaly, the RegTech that made fiscal compliance software scalable, seamless, and cloud-first. What You'll Learn: How to navigate and win in Germany’s complex POS regulation landscape (TSE + BSI) Why cloud-first, API-driven compliance is the new standard in RegTech Strategies for scaling SaaS in regulated markets like Spain and Italy What it takes to secure strategic VC investment while bootstrapping growth Guest Spotlight: Oliver Abel, Country Manager Germany at Fiskaly, shares his journey leading the charge into some of Europe’s strictest compliance frameworks — and why unified API architecture is the next big thing for SaaS startups operating across borders. Emotional Close + CTA: Like what you hear? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Don’t forget to share this episode with other founders, SaaS builders, and investors scaling through regulation. ✅ Show NotesGuest Name: Oliver Abel, Country Manager Germany at Fiskaly Blog Post: https://startuprad.io/post/transforming-fiscal-compliance-how-fiskaly-s-cloud-first-approach-is-reshaping-european-pos-regulat Relevant Resources: Fiskaly Website BSI TSE Regulation Overview (Germany) Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: What is Fiscal Compliance Software? 01:32 – Cracking Germany’s TSE & BSI Certification 04:05 – Why Fiskaly Built a Cloud-First POS Compliance Solution 07:28 – Unified API: Scaling Fiscal Compliance Across Europe 11:13 – Strategic Partnerships: Orderbird, SumUp, Ready2Order 15:02 – Growth Capital, Verdane, and Regulated Market Scaling 18:46 – M&A and Building a European RegTech Powerhouse 22:12 – Advice for SaaS Founders Entering Regulated Industries 25:00 – Final Thoughts: RegTech, Regulation, and Startup Impact Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Ever wondered why so many AI projects fall flat—despite great teams and tools? It often comes down to one silent saboteur: your data architecture. In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Opitz, Founder & COO of Codoflow, to explore how SMEs can build AI-ready infrastructure by rethinking data modeling from the ground up. What You'll Learn: Why traditional top-down data modeling fails fast-growing companies How bottom-up modeling enables real-time transparency and integration Why data quality and ownership are critical to AI success How Codoflow brings real-time collaboration to data design—finally killing the spreadsheet What SMEs must do today to future-proof their data for AI, compliance, and scale Guest Spotlight: Stefan Opitz, COO and Co-Founder of Codoflow, brings decades of experience in IT consulting and integration projects. Frustrated with outdated frameworks and documentation, he built Codoflow to provide a pragmatic, design-first, collaborative data modeling platform tailored for mid-sized companies and tech-forward teams. Emotional Close + CTA: Loved this conversation? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Share this with a founder, CIO, or investor who cares about making smarter, AI-driven decisions. 📚 Show NotesGuest Name: Stefan Opitz, Founder & COO at Codoflow Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/the-complete-guide-to-data-architecture-for-smes-and-ai-integration Relevant Resources: Codoflow Website Why Bottom-Up Data Modeling Beats Traditional Frameworks for SMEs How Poor Data Quality Undermines AI Training and Business Intelligence Real-Time Collaboration in Data Architecture Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:20 – Why most data architecture fails SMEs 08:45 – Codoflow's bottom-up modeling approach 14:22 – Data quality, AI, and governance 21:00 – Real-time collaboration and change management 32:10 – The entrepreneur’s journey behind Codoflow 40:50 – Codoflow’s roadmap and AI integration vision 47:30 – Final insights and takeaways Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

What if your startup pitch didn’t just inform — but moved people to believe? This episode reveals how the most effective founders use strategic storytelling to build trust, spark action, and secure funding. What You'll Learn: Why most pitch decks fail to convert — and how to fix them How to use emotional storytelling to resonate with investors How to simplify deep tech for non-technical audiences Narrative frameworks for Series A, B, and beyond The psychology behind VC decisions (and what makes them say yes) Guest Spotlight: 🎤 Ehud Dror, Founder of Tailoring Your Story, is a globally respected startup storytelling strategist. He’s helped dozens of Israeli tech startups — from deep tech to SaaS — secure VC funding and scale their vision using founder-first narratives. Whether you’re pre-seed, scaling, or pitching for your next round, this episode gives you practical frameworks, examples, and narrative power-ups you can apply immediately. Rate Us: Like what you hear? Subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite app. Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review — and share this with a founder or investor who needs to hear it. Show NotesGuest Name: Ehud Dror, Founder at Tailoring Your Story Blog Post: http://startuprad.io/post/the-startup-storytelling-playbook-craft-narratives-that-win-investors-and-customers Relevant Resources: Ehud Dror on LinkedIn Startuprad.io Blog Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Storytelling Is Startup Gold 02:05 – The Most Common Narrative Mistake Founders Make 06:00 – Clarity + Momentum: The Secret Formula for Pitches 09:25 – Why Most Pitch Decks Fail to Raise Funding 14:20 – Deep Tech Storytelling: How to Make It Relatable 20:10 – Crafting the Founder “Why” That VCs Remember 26:00 – The Role of Emotion in High-Stakes Pitching 33:15 – One Narrative, Multiple Audiences (VCs, Media, Customers) 38:44 – Startup Storytelling for Series A to IPO 41:22 – Final Takeaways + Bonus Storytelling Framework Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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 Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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 Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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 Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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 Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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 Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your startup’s security and compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and more. 🔗 Learn more at vanta.com/startupradio Opening:What does it really take for a green tech startup to secure venture funding in 2025? In this episode, we uncover what makes VCs say yes—and what founders consistently get wrong. What You'll Learn:How DACH green tech startups are redefining sustainability with scalable business models Why AI is a tool—but not the product—in climate innovation The power of vertical SaaS in navigating ESG compliance What Hi Inov looks for in Series A funding rounds Where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland stand in the race to net zero Guest Spotlight:Wolfgang Krause, Managing Partner at Hi Inov, shares exclusive insights from the 2025 Green Tech Software Mapping. He’s an expert in climate tech investment strategy, known for identifying scalable software ventures with deep vertical focus and strong ESG execution. With regulatory pressure mounting and climate urgency at an all-time high, Wolfgang explains why economic viability beats greenwashing—and how real innovation means operationalizing sustainability across value chains. Leave A Review:Love what you’re hearing? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Sharing is scaling—help founders, VCs, and executives learn from this deep dive into the future of green tech. 📋 Show NotesGuest Name: Wolfgang Krause, Managing Partner at Hi Inov Blog Post: Green Tech Startups: Investing in the DACH Region’s Climate Innovation Boom Relevant Resources: Hi Inov Website – https://www.hiinov.com/ Deepki Vertical SaaS Platform – https://www.deepki.com/ Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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™ - All Rights Reserved

🚀 This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your security and compliance — and save $1,000 when you sign up at vanta.com/startupradio. Did Germany just promise an innovation revolution — while forgetting its startups? In today’s episode, we break down the 2025 SPD-CDU Coalition Agreement and its real implications for founders, investors, and the startup ecosystem. What You'll Learn:Why startups, venture capital, and growth companies are almost invisible in Germany’s national agenda The hidden power of the “Finanzierungsvorbehalt” (funding clause) that could stall innovation plans What the proposed Gründungszeit could mean for future founders How Germany risks falling behind France, Spain, and the Nordics in startup policy The missed opportunity to build a true European NASDAQ alternative Host:Hosted by Joe Menninger, founder of Startuprad.io — one of Europe’s Top 3 startup podcasts and a trusted voice for tech founders and venture capitalists in DACH. Joe unpacks critical policies, realistic outcomes, and strategic advice for anyone navigating Germany’s innovation economy. Rate & Give Us FeedbackAre you scaling a startup, funding innovation, or betting on Europe's tech future? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Give us feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Share this episode with founders, investors, and policymakers who need to hear the unfiltered reality. Episode InfoHost: Joe Menninger, Founder of Startuprad.io Blog Post: Full Coalition Analysis for Founders and Investors (Replace with specific link if you have it.) Relevant Resources: Blog Post: Germany Startup Policy 2025: Strategies for Founders & Investors Reuters: BioNTech's 0.5% GDP Impact Tibi Initiative (France Growth Fund) Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Context 02:50 – Innovation vs. Startup Support: The Big Gap 07:15 – Why “Gründungszeit” Could Matter 14:30 – Germany’s Risk of Losing Startup Momentum 22:00 – Strategic Advice for Founders and VCs 27:15 – Closing Thoughts: Building Beyond Berlin Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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 Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

SPONSOR MESSAGE Vanta: Security and Compliance Made Easy Vanta automates compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more—so you're always audit-ready. Join over 9,000 businesses already streamlining their compliance, and save $1,000 today at vanta.com/startupradio. EPISODE OVERVIEW Tired of wasting valuable time and resources managing appointments manually? In this must-listen episode, Timify CEO Emanuel Simon reveals how forward-thinking enterprises supercharge their productivity by automating scheduling and optimizing resource allocation. Timify isn't just another calendar app—it's the "Calendly for grownups," designed specifically to manage complex scheduling scenarios faced by growing businesses and global enterprises. Why is scheduling so crucial to your success? Eliminate double bookings, administrative headaches, and underutilized resources. Discover how seamless customer interactions and intelligent workforce management translate directly into increased revenue and streamlined business operations. You'll discover: Enterprise-Level Scheduling: Easily handle multiple locations, diverse resources, and complex appointment flows. AI-Powered Automation: Save countless hours weekly with automated bookings, reminders, rescheduling, and resource allocation. Proven Growth Strategies: Emanuel shares real-world insights from banks, retail giants, and rapidly scaling startups. Key Quotes from Emanuel Simon: "We are the Calendly for grownups." "Growth isn't linear—it's wavy. Timify helps smooth those waves." "Stop manually coordinating meetings—automate, optimize, and thrive." Who Should Listen? Entrepreneurs: Scale faster by eliminating scheduling bottlenecks. Tech Founders: Discover innovative SaaS solutions for your growing business. Executives: Instantly boost your organizational efficiency and productivity. Investors: Identify lucrative opportunities within the scheduling and SaaS markets. Engage with Startuprad.io: Subscribe now for weekly insights from innovative leaders. Share this episode with your network to help them optimize their businesses. Leave a review—we value your feedback! Connect with us on social media: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Visit us online: https://www.startuprad.io/ Show Notes: Guest: Emanuel Simon, CEO of Timify Learn More: https://www.timify.com/en/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Sponsor Message 2:15 - Meet Emanuel Simon, CEO of Timify 5:30 - "Calendly for grownups": Timify's Unique Advantage 12:00 - Mastering Enterprise Scheduling 18:45 - Automation & AI in Appointment Management 25:00 - Real-World Case Studies & Insights 33:30 - Growth Secrets & Scaling Strategies 40:00 - Key Takeaways & Actionable Advice Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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!

🎙 Sponsored by Vanta – Trusted by 9,000+ CompaniesVanta automates compliance for frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more—so you're always audit-ready, without drowning in spreadsheets. With real-time monitoring and automated security questionnaires, Vanta saves you time, stress, and money. 🔒 Join 9,000+ companies (including Atlassian, Flo Health, and Quora) who trust Vanta. 🔥 Get $1,000 off at vanta.com/startupradio 🚀 About This EpisodeAre you a biotech founder ready to scale in Europe—or an investor scouting your next unicorn? Then don’t miss this masterclass with Annick Verween, Head of Biotope, one of Europe’s top biotech startup hubs (Financial Times-ranked). Hosted by Joe Menninger of Startuprad.io, this candid conversation explores Annick’s unique path from “derailed marine biologist” to biotech investor and community builder. 💡 Why You Should ListenThis isn’t just another interview—it’s a strategic deep dive packed with biotech startup insights, founder advice, and real-world funding tactics: 🧬 Biotech Startup EcosystemsHow hubs like Biotope are bridging the gap between innovation and investment, fostering next-gen biotech ventures. 📈 Scaling Biotech VenturesFrom regulatory minefields to IP protection and operational excellence—learn what it really takes to scale. 🧠 What Investors Really Look ForAnnick unpacks her selection formula: People. Science. IP. And why listening is the #1 founder trait. 🎯 Key Takeaways for Biotech Founders💥 Love the problem—not the tech. 🤝 It’s a people business. 🏗️ Operational excellence is non-negotiable. 🧾 Combine investment and grants for a winning strategy. 💼 For InvestorsAnnick shares how Biotope scouts and selects biotech startups using: 🔍 Deep due diligence on science & IP 🧗 A hands-on "base camp" selection process ⚖️ Balancing bold innovation with calculated risk 💎 Hidden Gems You’ll Hear:Annick’s journey from BASF factory to biotech leader How EIT Food's Rising Foodstars shaped Europe's agri-food scene Biotope’s impact in planetary health, sustainable materials & more Why Zymofix is a biotech success story to watch Annick’s top productivity hack (and why it’s so effective) 🧠 Final Advice for Founders:“Don’t just focus on VC. Combine grants and investments into a smart, hybrid funding model.” – Annick Verween #biotech #biotechstartup #biotechfunding #scalingbiotech #biotechhub #planetaryhealth #agrifoodtech #founderadvice #startupeurope #venturecapital #seedround #EITFood #innovation #IPstrategy #startups #VCfunding 🔗 Resources & Links:🌐 Startuprad.io 🌐 Blog Post 👤 Annick Verween on LinkedIn

🎙️ AI-Powered Angel Investing: DACH Secrets Revealed In this must-listen episode, we sit down with Germany’s Business Angel of the Year, Carsten Kraus, to uncover powerful strategies, AI tools, and investment insights shaping the future of startup funding across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Whether you're a founder, investor, or just startup-curious, this conversation is your roadmap to understanding how to secure funding, leverage AI in pitching, and scale with smart capital. 💡 What You'll Learn: How AI is transforming startup evaluation: Carsten shares how he uses AI to pre-screen pitch decks, surface red flags, and make faster, smarter decisions. Funding beyond VCs: Learn how bootstrapping, crowdfunding, and strategic partnerships may better serve your startup’s growth path. DACH-specific insights: Explore regional nuances, challenges, and opportunities in the German-speaking startup ecosystem. What angel investors really look for: Get inside the mind of an award-winning business angel. Scaling tips from a serial founder: Learn Carsten’s proven methods for sustainable growth and global expansion. 🎧 Why You Should Listen: If you're ready to: Pitch smarter using AI insights Explore VC alternatives that fit your growth stage Understand DACH region investors Secure funding and scale efficiently … then this episode delivers direct insights from one of Europe’s most respected tech investors. 🎯 Sponsor: Thanks to our partner Vanta – the automated compliance and security platform trusted by 9,000+ companies. Get $1,000 off via our exclusive link: https://vanta.com/startupradio 🔗 Links & Resources: Full Blog Post → http://startuprad.io/post/decoding-business-angel-investment-ai-funding-strategies-dach-insights Guest: Carsten Kraus LinkedIn Startuprad.io: https://www.startuprad.io/ BAND (German Business Angels Network): https://www.business-angels.de/ 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:15 Carsten’s background 5:40 AI’s role in investing 12:00 Startup pitch red flags 18:30 Funding beyond VC 25:00 DACH startup ecosystem 32:00 Angel investor advice 40:00 Scaling smart 48:00 Future of investing 55:00 Sponsor: Vanta 57:00 Call to Action 58:00 Outro 💬 Call to Action: 💬 Leave a 5-star review if this helped you Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved