Berlin, Berlin, Germany
I'm a partner at Berlin-based Angel Invest, where I essentially lead 'friends & family' funding rounds and then coach founders through to their Series A. I previously built several companies from scratch, and my first two exits were in 2007 and 2009. My background spans the interconnected worlds of marketing and technology, underpinned by over a decade of experience in US and European politics/strategy (US from 2003-2008, then across Europe from 2009-2016). I've helped craft and execute political strategies and advocacy campaigns for some of the world’s most influential politicians, brands, and global causes. I also co-authored the bestseller Message Machine in 2022. Specialties: Scaling product, teams, marketing and communications. Also winning elections, losing elections, math, big data, political / economic analyses, entrepreneurship, innovation. Best way to get in contact is via email. I rarely respond to LinkedIn messages
We are one of Europe's most active early-stage funds, making 50+ investments every year into European technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages (€125k checks). We actively coach founders and give them access to our networks. I invest in areas and sectors that interest me (so everything except AR/VR, ad-tech, and crypto)
Online political advertising & marketing agency that influences the political debate and shapes the arguments ahead of the mainstream media. The MessageSpace team has worked for all the major political parties and campaigns in Britain, and some of the biggest brands on Earth. We reach political insiders and decision makers but also the media covering them, business leaders impacted by their decisions, and civic-minded activists campaigning for a better tomorrow.
I'm continuing my partnership with the world’s leading startup investor - focusing on Europe’s dynamic ecosystem and guiding founders to not only get off the ground, but scale on a global stage. Whether it’s accessing top-tier networks or strategizing growth, I’m here to make sure innovative ideas break free from local confines and flourish worldwide
Techstars is the global platform for investment and innovation. In 2006, Techstars began with a simple belief: entrepreneurs will build a better future. Techstars accelerator programs around the world make 500+ investments annually. The portfolio of 2000+ companies includes eight unicorn startups, with a market cap of over $25 Billion.
As an accomplished entrepreneur with multiple successful ventures, I led investments for the METRO Accelerator for Retail, powered by Techstars until October 2018. Notably, I wrote the first checks into Discover Dollar and Xeno. I'm one of the few people who have experience in delivering corporate programs outside the US, with sufficient gravitas to lead a program with a corporate partner. I leveraged my significant network into the start-up, investor, and mentoring scene across Europe to attract and invest in high-growth companies. I also ensured that the METRO AG achieved its program objectives of learning, developing business with startups that benefit their customers, and investing in promising businesses. I also very obviously copied the text above from the job description.
I've helped pick/select and grow the next generation of marketing and advertising tech startups. Collider provides up to 10 startups every year with capital (for equity) and advice (mentoring/coaching/networking). I've built companies from scratch, and that puts me in a unique position to help startups. I focus on helping these companies with product development, marketing and brand-building, but also often leverage my rolodex of political and corporate connections.