Ingo Riess

Operational CEO | Scale-up & Product-Market Fit | Expert in Technology Solutions & Industrialization

Greater Grenoble Metropolitan Area

About

Building companies, structuring growth, and delivering profitability. My career as an executive has been built on a simple conviction: innovation has value only if it finds its market and is backed by flawless operational execution. From my early days at Archos to co-founding Easypitch, I have dedicated my career to transforming technological opportunities into industrial and commercial successes. I step in where complexity demands strategic clarity and flawless execution. ✅ My hands-on expertise: Scale-up & Hyper-growth: I led the expansion of international subsidiaries, growing revenue from €2.8 million to €14 million in 4 years (+400%). Transformation & Pivot: I orchestrated the shift from a distribution model to a leading proprietary brand, achieving €8 million in revenue and €500,000 in self-financed profits. Expertise in Global Supply Chain Management: Hands-on experience in international sourcing (Asia, USA, Europe) and the optimization of logistics and financial flows.Multicultural Leadership: Bilingual in French and German, I navigate the DACH and Southern European markets with agility to build robust distribution networks. 🤝 My Management Philosophy: Pragmatic and results-oriented. I believe in a management style that empowers employees, where economic performance is the result of a structured organization and committed multidisciplinary teams. 🌍 Commitments & Impact: Because a leader’s success is also measured by their impact on their ecosystem, I am actively involved in the local community: Investment: As a member of Business Angels de Grenoble, I support the emergence of future tech startups. Transition: As a co-founder of the Collectif Mobilité Corenc, I work to ensure that tomorrow’s transportation solutions are sustainable and accessible. 💡 My Focus: Partnering with VC funds or technical founders to take the operational lead on ambitious projects (Deeptech, Industry, Greentech) and turn their potential into profitable reality

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer at Coxler
    Jul 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

    Distributor Audiovisual solutions

  • Member at Grenoble Angels - Oser l'entreprise
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Member of the Grenoble Business Angels association. In-depth analysis of early-stage startup proposals, primarily in the deep tech and industrial sectors. Assessment of the viability of business models, product-market fit, and the strength of intellectual property prior to investment decisions

  • Associate Director (CEO/COO) at Easypitch
    Jul 2007 - Jul 2023 · 16 yrs 1 mo

    Leading manufacturer and distributor of interactive technology solutions (EdTech/B2B). www.easypitch.eu Result: Built the company from the ground up and grew revenue from €0 to €8 million (fully self-funded) • Strategic Pivot: Transition from a pure trading model to a proprietary brand (Hardware + Software). Design of the product mix and alignment with Product-Market Fit. • Financial Performance: Maintained a consistent EBITDA of €500k. Rigorous management of working capital and cash flow. • Sales & Go-to-Market: Structured long sales cycles (B2B/B2G) and implemented a digital acquisition strategy (SEO/SEA). • Ops & Supply Chain: Managed an international value chain (sourcing from Asia/USA/Europe) and led a multidisciplinary team of 25 people.

  • Country Manager (Southern Europe & Switzerland) at Archos
    Apr 2003 - Jul 2007 · 4 yrs 4 mos

    European leader in consumer electronics. www.archos.com Result: Revenue growth from €2.8 million to €14 million in 4 years (+400%). • Geographic Expansion: Established and managed sales operations in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland. • Business Development: Negotiated and secured listings with leading retail chains. • Management: Recruited and managed local sales teams and Key Account Managers.

  • Chief Executive Officer at Bunga
    Feb 2002 - Mar 2003 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Founder – BUNGA (International Trade) A fail to learn! • Sourcing & Production: Selection and management of local suppliers in Indonesia; on-site work for quality control and import logistics. • Product Strategy: Creation of a brand identity and product catalog tailored to the expectations of the home decor market in France. • Business Expansion: Development and management of a network of specialty retail stores in France (Retail & Home Decor)