imPulse - Founders & Tech Talk

In this episode, we talk to Anne Decker about how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can stay competitive through innovation and intrapreneurship. As an expert in corporate transformation, Anne shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of building new business within established companies and explains what it takes to drive real change from within. Topics of the episode: 🔹 The role of intrapreneurship in keeping traditional businesses agile and competitive 🔹 How venture clienting and strategic partnerships foster sustainable innovation 🔹 Key trends shaping the future of corporate innovation and SME growth A must-listen for founders, investors, and corporate leaders looking to build the businesses of tomorrow. Listen now!  Chapters: 00:00 : Introduction 00:49 : Guest Background and Current Role 01:04 : Discussion on Wattix and Maschinenraum 02:18 : Deep Dive into Wattix's Journey 06:01 : Collaboration and Consultation in Venture Building 06:21 : Shift in Venture Building Approach 06:38 : Evolution in Venture Building Approach 11:37 : Venture Building for Other Companies 13:50 : Starting Venture Building with Other Companies 15:34 : Venture Building Challenges and Risks 16:07 : Importance of Change and Innovation 16:46 : Adapting to Market Trends 20:14 : The Role of AI and Venture Clienting 21:04 : Greyhound New Ventures' Transformation 23:38 : Challenges in Collaborating with Startups 26:34 : Successful Corporate Venture Example: FlexFi 30:00 : Equity Distribution in Corporate Ventures 30:37 : Equity Distribution and Trust in Founders 31:50 : Challenges in Convincing the Board 34:02 : Traits of Successful Founders 37:20 : Support for Founders and Risk Management 40:12 : Future of Corporate Innovation in Germany 40:33 : Importance of Innovation for Transformation 43:59 : Closing Remarks   Links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-decker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-decker/]

In this episode, we talk to Florian Nöll (PwC) about collaboration between startups and established companies. As an experienced bridge builder between the two worlds, Florian provides insights into the success factors of these collaborations and explains why PwC is one of the most active startup investors in Germany.     💡 Topics of the episode:  🔹 Florian's career - from the start-up scene to the corporate world  🔹 Success factors and challenges in the collaboration between start-ups and companies  🔹 PwC's role as an investor and strategic partner for young companies  🔹 Key future trends and the importance of diversity in the startup and VC ecosystem     An episode with practical insights for founders, investors and innovation managers. Listen now! 🎧  Chapter: 00:00 : Introduction 00:29 : Guest Introduction: Florian Nöll 01:07 : Background and Career 01:41 : Transition from Startup to Corporate 03:54 : Importance of Open Innovation in Corporates 05:45 : PwC's Approach to Open Innovation 05:57 : Focus of Open Innovation within PwC 07:41 : Different Disciplines of Corporate Venturing 08:38 : PwC's Approach to Corporate Venture Clienting 09:24 : Importance of Collaboration between Startups and Corporates 10:34 : Rehau New Ventures' Approach to Corporate Innovation 16:36 : Corporate Venture Building: Experiences and Insights 18:36 : Importance of Founder Perspective and External Benchmarks in Venture Building 20:09 : Learning from Failures in Venture Building 24:34 : Corporate Venture Capital in Corporate Innovation 24:59 : Strategic Benefits and Challenges of Corporate Venture Capital 28:19 : Recalibration of Corporate Venture Capital 31:12 : Challenges and Benefits of Corporate Venture Clienting 32:21 : PwC's Support for Startups: The Scale Program 39:04 : Prerequisites and Benefits of Joining the Scale Program 42:14 : The Need for Collective Effort in European Innovation Ecosystem 43:55 : Future Trends and the Importance of Startup-Corporate Collaboration 47:13 : European Startups and Their Role in Disruption 47:57 : The Importance of Staying Relevant in the Corporate World 48:58 : Closing Remarks LinkedIn Account:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/floriannoell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/floriannoell/]

In this episode, Nils Wagner talks to Alberto Onetti, serial entrepreneur, professor of entrepreneurship and chairman of Mind the Bridge, a global platform for open innovation. Alberto shares his experiences from over two decades of entrepreneurship and gives insights into his work between Europe and the US, especially in the collaboration between startups and established companies.     They explore topics such as the challenges of building a transatlantic startup, the future of open innovation and why connecting large corporations with young startups is the key to sustainable growth. Alberto also talks about the Startup Europe Partnership (SEP) and how it supports European scale-ups to stay globally competitive.     Finally, Alberto gives valuable advice for founders, talks about his passion for sport and how it also inspires him in business.     An exciting episode for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and the latest trends in the startup ecosystem!  Chapter: 00:00 : Introduction 00:46 : Alberto Onetti's Background and Experience 02:09 : Entrepreneurial Journey 08:58 : Motivation and Purpose 11:49 : Silicon Valley vs European Startup Culture 14:52 : Swiss Startup Ecosystem 15:33 : Challenges in Scaling European Startups 16:57 : Analysis of Industrial Ecosystems: Europe vs U.S. 18:32 : The Evolution of the European Startup Ecosystem 20:55 : Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurial Priorities and Aspirations 22:18 : Attributes of Successful Entrepreneurs 26:04 : Innovation Support for Established Corporations 28:30 : Future Trends and Corporate Venture Capital 30:25 : Intrapreneurship Programs and Incremental Innovation 32:28 : Corporate Venture Capital Fund Size 33:29 : Benefits and Challenges of Corporate Venture Capital 36:30 : Surviving Corporate Politics and Navigating Innovation 40:29 : Personal Insights: Juventus and Tennis 45:33 : Closing Remarks 🔗 Useful Links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aonetti/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aonetti/]  http://mindthebridge.com/ [http://mindthebridge.com/]

In this episode of imPulse, host Nils Wagner interviews Jannes Koepcke and Marcel Philipp Lang, founders of CoStore, a German startup revolutionizing self-storage with modular, container-based solutions outside city centers. This approach makes storage more affordable and accessible for private users and small businesses, avoiding high maintenance costs associated with traditional facilities.     Transitioning from corporate roles at Bitrock, the founders discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, from handling payroll to managing logistics and customer relations. They highlight the untapped potential in Germany's self-storage market, where suburban demand is rising and traditional operators struggle with high costs. CoStore's flexible, asset-light model allows competitive pricing and streamlined digital booking, letting customers secure storage space online in minutes.     Marcel and Jannes share their startup journey, from networking and investor outreach to business validation. With guidance from advisors like London real estate investor Oliver Gilbert, they’ve refined their financial strategies for sustainable growth. Their story illustrates the shift from corporate life to building an innovative business in a niche market.  Chapter: 00:08 : Guest Introduction 01:08 : Marcel's Journey 02:26 : Transition from Corporate to Startup 03:55 : Jannes's Journey 06:50 : Decision to Co-found CoStore 08:53 : Team Dynamics 11:54 : Introduction to CoStore 14:54 : Economics of Self-storage Industry 15:30 : Market Analysis and CoStoer's USP 19:48 : Potential Market Segments 21:10 : Competitive Landscape 23:20 : Current Status and Future Plans 24:54 : The First 100 Days of CoStore 27:46 : Securing Seed Funding and Role of Angel Investor 31:08 : Role of Outside Feedback and Coaching 32:23 : Upcoming Excitements and Challenges 33:37 : Future Plans and Contact Information 34:18 : Conclusion and Sign Off 🔗 Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelphilipplang/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelphilipplang/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannes-koepcke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannes-koepcke/] https://www.costore.de/ [https://www.costore.de/]

In this podcast episode, serial entrepreneur Anil Sethi shares his journey from co-founding startups like Flisom and Scrona to becoming a coach at ETH Zurich, where he helps shape future entrepreneurs. He also discusses the insights from his book "From Science to Startup" and previews his upcoming work, "From Startup to Unicorn," while offering advice on the challenges and opportunities facing tech startups today.   🔗 Useful Links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilsethi2/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilsethi2/]    Chapter:  00:00 : Introduction  03:25 : Anil Sethi's Role at DEFEAT-NCD Partnership  05:21 : Combining Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship  06:54 : Entrepreneurial Journey  09:40 : Transition from Innovation to Stability  11:27 : Fundraising Experience  13:02 : Transition to the Board  15:26 : Board Member and Focus on Innovation  16:09 : Role as Entrepreneur in Residence and Lecturer at ETH Zurich  18:49 : Success of the Course at ETH Zurich  20:17 : Openness to Students and Impact of the Course  22:48 : From Science to Startup: The Book  24:29 : The Necessity of Failure  28:34 : The Risk of Irrelevance and the Importance of Adaptation  29:03 : The Role of New Ventures in Long-term Transformation  32:39 : From Startup to Unicorn: The Book  37:37 : The Challenges and Opportunities for Family-Owned Companies  39:56 : Current Exciting Projects and Focus on Health  42:48 : Closing Remarks and Contact Information