Born and raised in tiny Saarland, I always knew that I wanted to work in a big city after completing my studies. During various internships in different cities, I quickly fell in love with Berlin as a city and its startup scene. So, just before completing my studies, I packed my belongings into two boxes and a suitcase and made the move to Berlin. Since then, I've felt right at home here and can't imagine living anywhere else.

After spending nearly 4 years in startups and venture studios in highly operational roles, I was eager to explore the flip side of the startup world. As an Investment Manager, I view it not only as an opportunity to provide financial support to startups, but also to wholeheartedly believe in the founders' vision and offer support and guidance based on my own convictions over a long period. Another aspect of the role that I thoroughly enjoy is diving deep into innovative business models and gaining new insights with every pitch deck. No two days are alike - for me, there's hardly a job as diverse as this one.

A common challenge for startups isn't necessarily the business idea itself, but rather the dynamics within the team. Therefore, it's crucial for founders to meticulously select their co-founders, as they'll likely spend more time with them than with their own family and friends. Alongside compatibility, founders should recognize that it's an intense business relationship with its fair share of highs and lows. Additionally, making wise choices when selecting other team members enables founders to focus on core issues rather than becoming bogged down in micromanagement.