Jan C. Küster

Director at the Founders Fight Club - helping innovators to communicate better.

Greater Munich Metropolitan Area

About

Dynamic and innovative, I am the Director of Founders Fight Club, a platform where I spearhead the creation and moderation of unique event and learning formats such as Bootcamps, Founders Fight Night, and the Innovation Gym. With a profound background in business development across chip design, SaaS, and natural user interface applications, I've led initiatives for startups and innovative projects within established corporations, blending technology with entrepreneurial spirit. My academic foundation in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, has been the cornerstone of my career, enabling me to navigate and succeed in the fast-paced world of tech and startups. As a recognized mentor and coach, I have the privilege of guiding aspiring entrepreneurs in international programs, including the world-renowned Plug and Play, and supporting the European Innovation Council. Notably, my passion extends to curating and hosting startup stages at leading trade shows, bringing together innovative minds and fostering connections that drive the industry forward. This role has allowed me to work with a diverse clientele, from leading trade fairs to ambitious startups and mid-sized companies, enhancing startup ecosystems on a global scale through projects with German Foreign Chambers of Commerce. My work has garnered attention in prestigious outlets like FAZ, t3n, Gründerszene, Handelsblatt, and others, reflecting my commitment to excellence and innovation in the startup world.

Experience

  • Director at FOUNDERS FIGHT CLUB UG (hftb.)
    Jan 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 6 mos

    Headquartered in Munich, the Founders Fight Club helps innovators with network, coaching and communication. We have built a gym for innovation. With a solid footing in the international startup ecosystem, we have created branded events such as the Founders Fight Night, the toughest pitching competition in the universe and our virtual innovation accelerator Bootcamp. We host Gymtalk! - a regular virtual event featuring thinkers and actors from innovation, technology, creativity and the future of work. Our podcast is called Club Cast, and can be downloaded wherever you listen to podcasts. Here we occasionally post new episodes of talks with the brightest innovators we can find.

  • Mentor in Residence at Plug and Play Munich
    Nov 2017 - Present · 8 yrs 8 mos

    Enthused to work with diverse startups to create the best possible pitches to customers, partners and VCs. I also coach on creating strong sales & marketing processes targeted at the B2B enterprise environment.

  • Senior Advisor - Venture Growth at New Ventures
    Aug 2021 - Dec 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Rehau New Ventures builds ventures for the next generation of innovative digital services and products for the building industry. Here, I advise ventures on building successful business development strategies. Together we build sales processes and methodologies for early stage businesses that can enter markets, grow and scale with drive and ambition. Furthermore, we discover and connect like-minded innovators and foster a virtual community for all building technology enthusiasts.

  • Innovation Coach at European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)
    Jun 2021 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

    I am an accredited Business Innovation Coach with the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council. Here I coach in all startup and scale-up relevant areas of communication, ie. pitch decks for business development or fundraising, b2b sales communication and methodology as well as innovation storytelling.

  • Advisory Board Member at SXSW
    Sep 2016 - Aug 2020 · 4 yrs

    The 2017 SXSW Accelerator takes place as a part of the SXSW Festival, during which Startups can improve their product launch, attract venture capitalists, polish the elevator pitch, receive media exposure, build brand awareness, network, socialize and experience all that SXSW Interactive has to offer.