🎙️ Startuprad.io™ – Europe’s Voice on Startups, VC, Innovation & Growth

What if fixing hard water could also save energy and rivers? That’s the question Maximilian Wilk, Co-Founder & CEO of AQON PURE, set out to answer. His team developed a salt-free water softener that prevents limescale, lowers energy bills, and avoids the chloride pollution caused by traditional salt-based systems. In this episode of Startuprad.io, Maximilian shares how AQON PURE transformed from a family business into a bootstrapped cleantech startup that scaled without VC funding. Instead of relying on wholesalers, the team built a D2C + certified installer network that grew from 100 to over 400 plumbers—unlocking sustainable growth across Germany and beyond. What you’ll learn: – How limescale silently increases household energy bills by 10–15% – Why salt-based softeners are being phased out for environmental reasons – The GTM pivot that took AQON PURE from 18 months of failure to triple-digit growth – Why bootstrapping a hardware startup can beat VC hypergrowth – How AQON PURE plans to expand into Spain and Poland with quality-first scaling – How awards like the FT1000 and a stage appearance at the Schwarzenegger Climate Summit built trust and credibility Guest Spotlight: Maximilian Wilk is Co-Founder & CEO of AQON PURE, a leading European startup building climate-positive water technology. His journey shows that family roots, disciplined growth, and a bold pivot can reshape even the hardest hardware categories. Read complete Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/post/salt-free-water-softener-aqon-pure-founder-playbook Watch full interview: https://youtu.be/wibm7IOuy54 Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Partner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: Jörn Menninger Salt-free water softener, cleantech startup, bootstrapped startup, hardware startup, limescale prevention. D2C startup strategy, European expansion, family business to startup, installer network. Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Dashboards don’t decide. Agents do. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we sit down with Jennifer Grün, Senior Specialist for Generative AI & ML at AWS, to explore how agentic AI is rewriting the rules of SaaS. Instead of static dashboards and brittle automations, SaaS is moving toward agents that reason, plan, and act—delivering outcomes like churn prevention, dynamic pricing, and ticket resolution. Jennifer explains: – The difference between automation and agentic AI – The 3 ways to ship agents: feature, enabler, or product – High-ROI use cases: pricing optimization, BI anomaly detection, support triage – Why multi-agent marketplaces demand governance and guardrails – How the EU AI Act can be your competitive edge in enterprise sales – Culture-first adoption: AI literacy, AI whisperers, and playgrounds Guest Spotlight: Jennifer Grün, AWS – helping startups navigate the next wave of AI adoption, balancing compliance, scale, and growth. By 2028, Gartner predicts 15% of business decisions will run fully on autopilot. Founders who adapt now will own the SaaS future. 🚀 Meet Our Sponsor AWS Startups is a proud sponsor of this week’s episode of Startuprad.io. Visit to find out how AWS can help you prove what’s possible in your industry: https://aws.amazon.com/startups?trk=ef3fc285-093c-49eb-b3df-eb3247352b67&sc_channel=el Full Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/agentic-ai-for-saas-workflows Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/27E6N4j2bYY If this episode gave you a new lens on AI pricing, share it with a founder who needs to hear it. Follow Startuprad.io on Spotify, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and join our blog + newsletter for full breakdowns. ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger 🔑 Keyword Integration Primary: agentic AI for SaaS, multi-agent systems, pricing optimization agent, startup founders Europe, B2B SaaS growth, EU AI Act compliance Secondary: churn prevention agent, BI & data agents, AI literacy, SaaS outcome ownership Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

POC is dead. Proof of Value is the new standard for AI startups. In this episode, AWS’s Jennifer Grün reveals the AI monetization strategy that separates demos from businesses. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: – Why hybrid pricing models (subscriptions + credits) outperform per-seat SaaS in AI – How to replace Proof of Concept with Proof of Value frameworks that deliver ROI fast – The ROI storytelling metrics (CLV, CAC, churn, ARR) that boards and VCs actually believe – The infra levers (batch vs provisioned throughput) that protect GenAI unit economics – How to package compliance features (SSO, audit logs, privacy tiers) for enterprise upsell 🚀 Meet Our Sponsor AWS Startups is a proud sponsor of this week’s episode of Startuprad.io. Visit to find out how AWS can help you prove what’s possible in your industry: https://aws.amazon.com/startups?trk=25cdbfe4-8d2e-4b0b-926e-3fe5ef6323cb&sc_channel=el Guest Spotlight Jennifer Grün, Senior Specialist for Generative AI & Machine Learning at AWS, works with founders across Europe to monetize AI responsibly. She brings tactical insight from the field: how to price GenAI, validate ROI, and scale without losing margins. Full Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/ai-monetization-strategy-proof-of-value-hybrid-pricing Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/NoTFqAcRc2c If this episode gave you a new lens on AI pricing, share it with a founder who needs to hear it. Follow Startuprad.io on Spotify, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and join our blog + newsletter for full breakdowns. ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger 🔑 Keyword Integration Primary: AI monetization strategy, Proof of Value, hybrid AI pricing, AI ROI metrics Secondary: GenAI unit economics, enterprise AI packaging, startup funding Europe, B2B SaaS growth, founder playbook Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

What if the next billion-dollar startup was brewing in Berlin, Munich, or Vienna right now? In this episode, we cover the game-changing deals, deep tech breakthroughs, and green innovation stories shaping the DACH startup scene in September 2025. Whether you’re a founder, VC, or ecosystem insider, this is your shortcut to staying ahead in Europe’s most dynamic market. What You’ll Learn 🚀 The biggest venture capital raises across Germany, Austria & Switzerland 🧠 How neuromorphic AI chips and quantum comms are reshaping Europe’s deep tech frontier 💳 Fintech consolidation: Bitpanda’s growth and Bling’s youth finance push 🌱 Green tech milestones from Austria’s salt-based storage to EV wiring solutions ⚕️ Biotech breakthroughs and M&A exits shaping the next health tech wave 📊 Why AI-driven search analytics could disrupt marketing and SEO forever From startup funding in Germany and European venture capital to deep tech AI hardware, fintech M&A, and green tech innovation, this episode is designed to rank high on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for founders and investors looking for cutting-edge insights. Episode: DACH Startup News – Summer Wrap-Up 2025 Host: Joern Menninger, Editor-in-Chief Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-july-and-august-2025-unicorn-surge-825m-hydrogen-win-fintech-shakeups Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/cLO_niJ6wok Timestamps: 00:00 – VC News (€30M+ funds) 02:30 – Deep Tech: brain chips & quantum comms 05:00 – Green Tech: energy storage & EV wiring 06:00 – Fintech: Bitpanda & Bling M&A 09:00 – AI & SaaS analytics 11:30 – Mobility & Auto1 Group 15:00 – Biotech & Health Tech 18:00 – Major fundraising deals (€100M+) 23:00 – M&A: Nect, Scanbot, Lemon Markets 25:30 – Ecosystem trivia + closing notes ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Primary (in title + description): startup funding, German startups, venture capital Europe, deep tech startups, fintech Europe, green tech, AI search disruption. Secondary (in body + show notes): AI in business, biotech Germany, startup exits. Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Berlin’s AI just rocketed from $350M to $2.3B. At the same time, Switzerland locked in €825M hydrogen funding, and N26 faced its toughest governance test yet. This is not Silicon Valley news. This is the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) reshaping startup dynamics — and it’s moving fast. In this Startuprad.io Summer Wrap-Up 2025, we unpack: – How Berlin’s open-source workflow AI became a unicorn and why enterprises are buying in now – Why EU hydrogen funding marks a generational climate infrastructure play for startups – What N26’s leadership shake-up under BaFin reveals about fintech governance in Europe – How dual-use pivots (like Lilium’s defense strategy) are becoming survival moves in tough funding markets – Why German tele-driving pilots and Bavarian endowment unlocks are more than policy headlines — they’re startup railways – The rise of Europe’s Stan index (Qwant + Ecosia) and Pinterest’s Zurich AI hub 🎙 Why listen? Because the future of European startups will be shaped at the intersection of technology, regulation, and capital flows. If you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode shows where the rails are being laid. What you’ll learn: – The DACH edge in AI: community + open-source + enterprise focus – The real impact of hydrogen billions on startup runway – Fintech’s compliance-first reality check – The overlooked opportunity of dual-use & defense procurement – How to spot policy-driven founder opportunities in Europe 👉 If you learned something here, share this episode with a founder who needs it. Follow us on Spotify, subscribe on Apple, and check the blog for a full breakdown. Episode: DACH Startup News – Summer Wrap-Up 2025 Host: Joern Menninger, Editor-in-Chief Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-july-and-august-2025-unicorn-surge-825m-hydrogen-win-fintech-shakeups Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/iV1Gzz0zy_k Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & why the roundup is split in 2 parts 05:26 – Berlin AI rockets to $2.3B 09:57 – Switzerland’s €825M hydrogen allocation 11:23 – EIC selects 40 startups & Stan index launch 14:27 – German economy dips into recession 15:15 – Defense pivots & tele-driving pilots 17:49 – Bavarian endowment unlock + Austrian founder wave 20:11 – Pinterest opens Zurich AI hub & wrap-up ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Primary (title, early description, timestamps): DACH startup news, Berlin AI automation, EU hydrogen funding, German startup ecosystem Secondary (description + show notes): N26 governance, defense tech Europe, tele-driving Germany, Stan index, European AI hub, EIC startup funding Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Greenwashing is everywhere — from supermarket shelves to corporate ESG reports. But are those “eco-friendly” claims worth anything without data to back them up? In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn “Joe” Menninger speaks with Irene Rosique-Conesa, CEO & Co-Founder of Nuvio Planet, a climate tech SaaS spun out of BASF. Irene believes the solution to greenwashing isn’t more PR — it’s better data. You’ll learn: Why half of sustainability labels lack verifiable evidence How lifecycle assessment (LCA) software makes compliance repeatable and affordable The hidden flaws in ESG reporting and why CSRD will change the rules A case study: reducing milk’s carbon footprint by 8% = 1M Berlin–NY flights Irene’s founder journey: leaving BASF corporate life for startup uncertainty Her bold 2030 prediction: environmental data will matter as much as price Guest Spotlight: Irene Rosique-Conesa, CEO & Co-Founder of Nuvio Planet. With over a decade of LCA expertise and a corporate career at BASF, Irene is building a SaaS platform that transforms sustainability compliance into growth. If you’ve ever wondered how startups can win in regulated markets, or how founders transition from corporate to climate tech, this episode is for you. 💡 Don’t just follow green labels — follow the data. Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/climate-tech-saas-how-nuvio-planet-ends-greenwashing Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/LHK7BNjjul0 Timestamps: 00:00 – What is greenwashing in 2025? 05:30 – Why sustainability claims collapse without data 09:45 – Lifecycle assessment vs. averages 14:20 – From compliance cost to growth driver 20:00 – Case study: Milk carbon footprint cut by 8% 24:30 – CSRD and supply chain transparency 29:07 – Irene’s bold 2030 prediction ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Primary keywords (“climate tech SaaS”, “greenwashing”, “lifecycle assessment”, “CSRD compliance”) used in title, description opening, and early show notes. Secondary keywords (“supply chain transparency”, “founder journey”, “BASF spinout”) sprinkled naturally in description + notes. Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

What does it really take to move from a GenAI prototype to a production-ready system? In this episode, AWS AI Engineering Specialist Dennis Traub breaks down the hard truths behind scaling, securing, and monitoring AI systems — and why the future belongs to startups who learn how to productionize AI fast. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why most GenAI prototypes fail when pushed to production The role of MCP (Model Context Protocol) in securely connecting AI to APIs How agentic workflows differ from simple prompt chains Why observability and cost monitoring are non-negotiable for startups The AWS Bedrock + Agent Core stack for startups scaling AI in Europe Counterintuitive lessons: when not to use AI 🚀 Meet Our Sponsor AWS Startups is a proud sponsor of this week’s episode of Startuprad.io. Visit startups.aws to find out how AWS can help you prove what’s possible in your industry. The AWS Startups team comprises former founders and CTOs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and mentors ready to help you prove what’s possible. Since 2013, AWS has supported over 280,000 startups across the globe and provided $7Billion in credits through the AWS Activate program. Big ideas feel at home on AWS, and with access to cutting-edge technologies like generative AI, you can quickly turn those ideas into marketable products. Want your own AI-powered assistant? Try Amazon Q. Want to build your own AI products? Privately customize leading foundation models on Amazon Bedrock. Want to reduce the cost of AI workloads? AWS Trainium is the silicon you’re looking for. Whatever your ambitions, you’ve already had the idea, now prove it’s possible on AWS. Visit aws.amazon.com/startups to get started. Guest: Dennis Traub, AI Engineering Specialist at AWS Full Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/how-startups-can-succeed-at-productionizingai-without-breaking-at-scale Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/UkYwxbM_834 ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Startups love GenAI. But most founders are using it unsafely — and exposing their team, their customers, and their legal risk without even realizing it. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we sat down with Dennis Traub, AI Engineering Specialist at AWS, to unpack what safe adoption of Generative AI really means for founders, CTOs, and product leads. Dennis introduces the “Artificial Intern” framework — a practical way for startups to implement GenAI without hallucinations, GDPR violations, or broken trust. He walks us through where to start, what not to do, and how to pick your very first AI use case. 🚀 Meet Our Sponsor AWS Startups is a proud sponsor of this week’s episode of Startuprad.io. Visit startups.aws to find out how AWS can help you prove what’s possible in your industry. The AWS Startups team comprises former founders and CTOs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and mentors ready to help you prove what’s possible. Since 2013, AWS has supported over 280,000 startups across the globe and provided $7Billion in credits through the AWS Activate program. Big ideas feel at home on AWS, and with access to cutting-edge technologies like generative AI, you can quickly turn those ideas into marketable products. Want your own AI-powered assistant? Try Amazon Q. Want to build your own AI products? Privately customize leading foundation models on Amazon Bedrock. Want to reduce the cost of AI workloads? AWS Trainium is the silicon you’re looking for. Whatever your ambitions, you’ve already had the idea, now prove it’s possible on AWS. Visit aws.amazon.com/startups to get started. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why treating GenAI like a cofounder is a dangerous myth What AI should (and should never) touch inside your startup How to adopt GenAI tools without violating GDPR The hidden risk in giving LLMs access to your inbox Why AWS Bedrock offers a safer backend for compliant AI use How to automate annoying work — not strategic work What most founders misunderstand about AI “power” 📝Show Notes Guest: Dennis Traub, AI Engineering Specialist at AWS Full Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/how-to-safely-adopt-genai-without-leaking-customer-data Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/7e_UQbmYIE8 ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger

What if your money app actually reduced your anxiety instead of triggering it?In this episode, Laura Cornely shares how she walked away from private equity to build Count — a fintech that’s deeply personal, empathy-led, and built for millennial mental clarity. What You'll Learn: How money anxiety is the unspoken epidemic of our generation — and how Count tackles it Why sales psychology is baked into the onboarding of personal finance tools How Laura conducted 100+ user interviews before writing a single line of code What bootstrapping a fintech with your co-founder husband really looks like Why female fintech founders often see pain points that others miss The startup advantage of designing for emotion, not just metrics How Count prioritizes trust, transparency, and mental ease in their UX Why VCs misunderstand tools built for mental health + money Guest Spotlight:Laura Cornely, founder of Count Finance, is a former private equity executive who turned to fintech after realizing the deep emotional disconnect in traditional financial tools. She bootstrapped Count alongside her husband, driven by a mission to solve real user anxiety with radical transparency and calm tech. If you’ve ever opened five apps to see how broke you are — this is the episode for you.Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if it helped you think differently.Don’t forget to share this with fellow founders, UX designers, and fintech product leads.Guest Name: Laura Cornely | CEO and co-founder of Count App Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/from-stress-to-confidence-the-financial-anxiety-app-built-for-real-life Youtube Full Video: https://youtu.be/DQajoeLWeSURelevant Resources:https://www.count-finance.com/https://www.startuprad.io/post/fintech-review-2024-navigating-trends-and-innovations-in-startups Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Money Anxiety Meets Product Design 02:15 – Laura’s Leap from Private Equity to Purpose 06:40 – 100+ User Interviews: Groundwork for Fintech Clarity 10:50 – What Millennials Really Feel About Finances 13:00 – Bootstrapping a Calm Tech Fintech with Your Partner 16:00 – UX Design That Reduces Financial Panic 19:30 – Sales Psychology Meets Emotional Transparency 25:00 – Advice for Founders Building Emotionally Sensitive Tech ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.ioSubscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio money anxiety, startups, sales psychology, tech entrepreneurs, german startups, startup scene, fintech innovation, female founder fintech, eco innovation, startup insights, startup growth, startup leadership, financial wellness tools, digital mental health, startup UX design

What if the key to Europe’s energy independence lies in the batteries of yesterday’s electric cars? This isn’t science fiction—it’s Voltfang’s reality. Today’s episode takes you inside the world of second-life EV batteries, where German climate tech startup Voltfang is repurposing used electric car batteries to stabilize power grids, decentralize energy systems, and replace coal-fired plants across Europe. With a €15M funding round and partnerships with major players like Stuttgart Airport, Voltfang is scaling from humble camper van hacks to operating Europe’s largest second-life battery factory. What You'll Learn: How second-life EV batteries can transform renewable energy storage. Why energy decentralization is critical for Europe’s climate future. The startup journey from garage project to €15M scale-up. Lessons on resilience and leadership from Voltfang’s co-founders. Common misconceptions about scaling cleantech startups. Insider insights into Germany’s and DACH’s energy transition. Guest Spotlight: David Oudsandji, CEO & Co-Founder of Voltfang, shares the story of how three friends turned a side project into one of Europe’s most ambitious clean energy startups. With a background in industrial engineering and a bold vision to shut down coal plants like Weissweiler (1.6 GW), David unpacks the challenges and triumphs of scaling in a high-impact sector. 🎧 If you’re inspired by stories of startups driving global impact, hit “Follow” on Spotify or “Subscribe” on Apple Podcasts. ⭐ Leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with fellow founders and investors. 💬 What’s your moonshot for the future of energy? Tell us on LinkedIn or Threads using #Startupradio. Guest Name: David Oudsandji, CEO & Co-Founder at Voltfang Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/second-life-ev-batteries-powering-europe%E2%80%99s-energy-future Timestamps: 00:00 – Can Second-Life Batteries Replace Coal? 02:15 – The Camper Van Experiment That Sparked Voltfang 06:40 – From Prototype to €15M Raise 10:55 – Pivoting From Home to Industrial Energy Storage 15:30 – Decentralizing Europe’s Energy Grids 20:05 – Lessons in Cleantech Startup Leadership 23:00 – Voltfang’s Moonshot Vision for a Coal-Free Europe 25:10 – Closing Reflections and Future Plans ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger startups, second life EV batteries, energy decentralization Europe, german startups, tech entrepreneurs, capital growth, startup scaling cleantech, angel investors, DACH startup ecosystem, climate tech founders, venture capital cleantech Germany Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

What if finance wasn’t a bottleneck but your secret growth weapon? Moss CEO Ante Spittler joins Startuprad.io to reveal how his Berlin fintech is helping over 5,000 SMEs automate spend, ditch spreadsheets, and scale smarter. What You'll Learn: How Moss raised €180M and scaled to process €5B+ annually The biggest finance automation challenges for European SMEs Lessons from layoffs and scaling a regulated fintech Why user-first design is Moss’s superpower in a crowded market Insights on ERP integration, AI in finance, and future trends The emotional toll of leading a fintech through hypergrowth Strategies for founders balancing family and company building Guest Spotlight: Ante Spittler – CEO & Co-Founder, Moss Ante is a seasoned fintech leader with roots in investment banking and VC. At Moss, he’s redefining finance automation for SMEs across Europe, delivering an intelligent spend management suite with enterprise-grade compliance. Love founder stories that mix strategy, grit, and big wins? Follow Startuprad.io on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share this episode with founders and investors in your network. Guest Name: Ante Spittler, CEO & Co-Founder of Moss Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/finance-automation-for-smes-how-moss-is-redefining-financial-operations Moss Website – https://www.getmoss.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Finance Automation Matters 02:10 – Ante’s Journey: From VC to Fintech Founder 06:30 – Fixing ERP & Receipt Chaos in SMEs 10:45 – Scaling in Regulated Fintech: Lessons Learned 17:00 – Layoffs, Leadership, and Fintech Winter 24:40 – Balancing Family Life as a CEO 30:15 – Moss’s User-First Design Philosophy 40:05 – The Future of AI-Driven CFO Tools 47:16 – Advice to Founders Scaling in Finance Tech ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Your startup isn’t failing because of your tech or funding—it’s because people don’t feel your brand. In this episode, Jakob Trpin, founder of Yesyesandtwo, breaks down why emotional branding is the hidden growth engine for startups. Discover how subconscious branding cues, human-to-human marketing (H2H), and internal culture alignment create trust and drive investor confidence. What You'll Learn: How to connect emotionally with customers to outlast competitors Why most startups fail at branding (and how to avoid the same trap) Insights into human-to-human (H2H) branding beyond B2B and B2C The critical role of internal branding in startup success Investor perspectives: Why trust often comes before metrics Strategies for scaling authenticity as your startup grows Guest Spotlight: Jakob Trpin, Founder of Yesyesandtwo, is a branding expert with 18+ years of experience shaping global brands like Audi, Red Bull, Marvel, and KTM. Known for turning complex psychology into actionable branding strategies, Jakob helps startups build meaningful connections that stick. Like what you hear? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Share this episode with fellow founders, investors, and team members building something extraordinary. Guest Name: Jakob Trpin, Founder at Yesyesandtwo Blog Post: startuprad.io/post/emotional-branding-for-startups-how-to-win-hearts-not-just-markets Relevant Resources: Startuprad.io Blog:https://www.startuprad.io/post/emotional-branding-for-startups-how-to-win-hearts-not-just-markets Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why Emotional Branding Beats Loud Marketing 05:12 – The Invisible Language of Brands Explained 17:45 – Common Startup Branding Mistakes 35:20 – Human-to-Human: Moving Beyond B2B/B2C 48:05 – Closing Insights + Emotional Branding Playbook ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joernmenninger Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

What happens when Germany creates its second decacorn and the EU drops €10B to scale startups? This month’s news episode breaks it all down — from funding explosions in deep tech to the future of biotech, fintech innovation, and defense AI. The DACH startup scene has never been this hot. What You'll Learn Why Helsing dethroned Celonis to become Germany’s top-valued startup How ISA Aerospace, Scalable Capital, and Luma Care are fueling Europe’s unicorn pipeline What the EU’s “Choose Europe” strategy means for startup growth, external funding, and capital access Why non-dilutive biotech funding (like ITM SE’s €262.5M round) is reshaping molecular analysis and health innovation Who's driving green innovation, eco-system growth, and scaleup strategies in the GSA region Startup Scene Pulse From Vienna to Zurich, from Berlin to Munich, this episode delivers exclusive insights into the GSA tech ecosystem, pre-seed funding trends, and scaleup strategies that define the European unicorn surge. Learn how resilience planning, fintech founders, and strategic growth capital are transforming the startup landscape in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We highlight the rise of Swiss innovation, Austrian startups, and eco innovation models across the region. Explore how corporate growth meets AI-driven defense tech, how digital transformation strategy shapes cloud infrastructure, and what growth investing looks like in 2025. If you're a founder aiming for vision planning, an investor tracking vc investment trends, or just love hearing execution stories from unicorn builders, this episode is your new go-to. Now it is up to you! Like what you hear? Tap follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share the episode with your founder friends, VC partners, and innovation strategists. Startuprad.io is your trusted voice for the DACH startup scene. 📢 Read the full blog post: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/dach-startup-funding-2025-deep-tech-defense-and-decacorns 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter and podcast updates: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🔗 Follow Jörn “Joe” Menninger on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger 📩 Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io 🗳️ Give feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 This episode is perfect for listeners searching phrases like: “Best startup podcast 2025” “EU startup scale-up fund explained” “How to grow SaaS in the DACH region” “Fintech innovation in Germany” “Tech entrepreneurs behind European unicorns”

What if one platform could handle your startup’s banking, accounting, and invoicing—all automated? In this episode of Startuprad.io, we talk to Blas Pegenaute, CEO of Sequence ERP, a Swiss fintech startup redefining what accounting software can do for small businesses and freelancers. Blas shares his founder story—starting in nightlife, moving through hospitality, and eventually building an AI-driven accounting platform that now holds a FINMA license to act as a light bank. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: How Sequence ERP automates accounting with AI agents Why SME accounting in Switzerland is so fragmented What investors really want in early SaaS rounds How to bootstrap and scale in a conservative market Building and retaining high-performance startup teams Vision 2026: Merging ERP, AI, and banking in one product 🎙 Guest Spotlight: Blas Pegenaute is the CEO of Sequence ERP and a veteran entrepreneur with a background in international business, nightlife promotion, and hospitality. His fintech startup is setting a new standard for full-stack accounting tools built specifically for SMEs and freelancers in Europe. 💬 Like what you hear? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Don’t forget to share the episode with your team or network! 📓 Show Notes Guest Name: Blas Pegenaute, CEO of Sequence ERP Blog Post: http://startuprad.io/post/ai-accounting-software-the-swiss-startup-automating-bookkeeping-with-sequence-erp Key Resources: FINMA Overview: https://www.finma.ch/en/ Startuprad.io Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Automating SME Bookkeeping 02:20 – Blas’ Entrepreneurial Journey 05:00 – What’s Broken in Traditional Accounting Software 09:45 – Product-Market Fit in the Swiss SaaS Market 14:10 – Fundraising Tips for SaaS Startups 18:25 – What Makes Full-Stack Fintech Unique 24:40 – AI Agents and the Future of Accounting 28:50 – Startup Team Culture at Sequence 33:00 – Vision 2026: AI ERP Meets Embedded Banking Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Ever wondered how a startup from Vienna broke into one of the world’s most heavily regulated tech ecosystems — and scaled to over 1 million POS integrations? Today’s episode dives into the story of Fiskaly, the RegTech that made fiscal compliance software scalable, seamless, and cloud-first. What You'll Learn: How to navigate and win in Germany’s complex POS regulation landscape (TSE + BSI) Why cloud-first, API-driven compliance is the new standard in RegTech Strategies for scaling SaaS in regulated markets like Spain and Italy What it takes to secure strategic VC investment while bootstrapping growth Guest Spotlight: Oliver Abel, Country Manager Germany at Fiskaly, shares his journey leading the charge into some of Europe’s strictest compliance frameworks — and why unified API architecture is the next big thing for SaaS startups operating across borders. Emotional Close + CTA: Like what you hear? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Don’t forget to share this episode with other founders, SaaS builders, and investors scaling through regulation. ✅ Show Notes Guest Name: Oliver Abel, Country Manager Germany at Fiskaly Blog Post: https://startuprad.io/post/transforming-fiscal-compliance-how-fiskaly-s-cloud-first-approach-is-reshaping-european-pos-regulat Relevant Resources: Fiskaly Website BSI TSE Regulation Overview (Germany) Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: What is Fiscal Compliance Software? 01:32 – Cracking Germany’s TSE & BSI Certification 04:05 – Why Fiskaly Built a Cloud-First POS Compliance Solution 07:28 – Unified API: Scaling Fiscal Compliance Across Europe 11:13 – Strategic Partnerships: Orderbird, SumUp, Ready2Order 15:02 – Growth Capital, Verdane, and Regulated Market Scaling 18:46 – M&A and Building a European RegTech Powerhouse 22:12 – Advice for SaaS Founders Entering Regulated Industries 25:00 – Final Thoughts: RegTech, Regulation, and Startup Impact Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Ever wondered why so many AI projects fall flat—despite great teams and tools? It often comes down to one silent saboteur: your data architecture. In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Opitz, Founder & COO of Codoflow, to explore how SMEs can build AI-ready infrastructure by rethinking data modeling from the ground up. What You'll Learn: Why traditional top-down data modeling fails fast-growing companies How bottom-up modeling enables real-time transparency and integration Why data quality and ownership are critical to AI success How Codoflow brings real-time collaboration to data design—finally killing the spreadsheet What SMEs must do today to future-proof their data for AI, compliance, and scale Guest Spotlight: Stefan Opitz, COO and Co-Founder of Codoflow, brings decades of experience in IT consulting and integration projects. Frustrated with outdated frameworks and documentation, he built Codoflow to provide a pragmatic, design-first, collaborative data modeling platform tailored for mid-sized companies and tech-forward teams. Emotional Close + CTA: Loved this conversation? Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Share this with a founder, CIO, or investor who cares about making smarter, AI-driven decisions. 📚 Show Notes Guest Name: Stefan Opitz, Founder & COO at Codoflow Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/the-complete-guide-to-data-architecture-for-smes-and-ai-integration Relevant Resources: Codoflow Website Why Bottom-Up Data Modeling Beats Traditional Frameworks for SMEs How Poor Data Quality Undermines AI Training and Business Intelligence Real-Time Collaboration in Data Architecture Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:20 – Why most data architecture fails SMEs 08:45 – Codoflow's bottom-up modeling approach 14:22 – Data quality, AI, and governance 21:00 – Real-time collaboration and change management 32:10 – The entrepreneur’s journey behind Codoflow 40:50 – Codoflow’s roadmap and AI integration vision 47:30 – Final insights and takeaways Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

What if your startup pitch didn’t just inform — but moved people to believe? This episode reveals how the most effective founders use strategic storytelling to build trust, spark action, and secure funding. What You'll Learn: Why most pitch decks fail to convert — and how to fix them How to use emotional storytelling to resonate with investors How to simplify deep tech for non-technical audiences Narrative frameworks for Series A, B, and beyond The psychology behind VC decisions (and what makes them say yes) Guest Spotlight: 🎤 Ehud Dror, Founder of Tailoring Your Story, is a globally respected startup storytelling strategist. He’s helped dozens of Israeli tech startups — from deep tech to SaaS — secure VC funding and scale their vision using founder-first narratives. Whether you’re pre-seed, scaling, or pitching for your next round, this episode gives you practical frameworks, examples, and narrative power-ups you can apply immediately. Rate Us: Like what you hear? Subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite app. Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review — and share this with a founder or investor who needs to hear it. Show Notes Guest Name: Ehud Dror, Founder at Tailoring Your Story Blog Post: http://startuprad.io/post/the-startup-storytelling-playbook-craft-narratives-that-win-investors-and-customers Relevant Resources: Ehud Dror on LinkedIn Startuprad.io Blog Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Storytelling Is Startup Gold 02:05 – The Most Common Narrative Mistake Founders Make 06:00 – Clarity + Momentum: The Secret Formula for Pitches 09:25 – Why Most Pitch Decks Fail to Raise Funding 14:20 – Deep Tech Storytelling: How to Make It Relatable 20:10 – Crafting the Founder “Why” That VCs Remember 26:00 – The Role of Emotion in High-Stakes Pitching 33:15 – One Narrative, Multiple Audiences (VCs, Media, Customers) 38:44 – Startup Storytelling for Series A to IPO 41:22 – Final Takeaways + Bonus Storytelling Framework Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Startups in the DACH region are heating up — from AI unicorns to VC mega-funds. In this monthly startup news roundup, we unpack the most important trends in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland’s tech ecosystem. Learn how Parloa became Germany’s second unicorn of the year, how Quantum Systems secured €160M to dominate aerial AI, and how the EIB’s €70B initiative is reshaping venture capital in Europe. We also dive into Lyft’s FreeNow acquisition, biotech patent wars, the MiCA crypto license, and regulatory risks like the EU Data Act. 🔑 Key Takeaways: What Parloa’s unicorn status reveals about AI-native SaaS How Europe’s biggest VC fund is changing startup investment Why fintechs like Vivid are chasing MiCA compliance Top DACH soonicorns to watch in 2025 📱 Give Us Feedback https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 🚨 Sponsored by Tide 👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 🔗 Dive Deeper and Be Ahead Of The Curve! DACH Startup Ecosystem 2025: The Ultimate Hub https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-ecosystem-2025-the-ultimate-hub This Month in DACH Startups: May 2025 Startup News Wrap-Up https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-startup-news-may-2025-unicorns-m-a-and-vc-surge Top AI Startups in the DACH Region in 2025 https://www.startuprad.io/post/top-ai-startups-in-the-dach-region-in-2025 🚦German Venture Capital in Q1 2025: Dealflow Quality Rises Amid Exit Anxiety and Fundraising Chill https://www.startuprad.io/post/german-venture-capital-in-q1-2025-dealflow-quality-rises-amid-exit-anxiety-and-fundraising-chill This Month in DACH Startups: April 2025 Startup News Wrap-Up https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-dach-startups-april-2025-startup-news-wrap-up Germany Startup Policy 2025: Strategies for Founders & Investors https://www.startuprad.io/post/startup-financing-in-2025-strategies-for-founders-investors DACH Unicorn Tracker 2025: Trends, Funding, and Opportunities https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

What happens when an FBI-trained negotiation coach brings elite sales psychology into the startup world? You get a masterclass in influence, integrity, and investor persuasion. Today’s episode of Startuprad.io features Matthias Bullmahn, a crisis negotiation expert, former Accenture executive, and storytelling coach — here to show founders how to negotiate like pros and scale without manipulation. What You'll Learn: How to apply BATNA to investor negotiations and enterprise sales The 3 killer words ruining most pitches — and what to say instead Why founders fail when they ignore buyer psychology and emotional triggers How to use the Motive Compass to close deals faster How AI fits (and fails) in human-centric sales strategies Guest Spotlight: Matthias Bullmahn is one of Germany’s leading voices in ethical sales psychology, negotiation, and strategic communication. He’s trained with the former heads of the FBI and Scotland Yard, founded a department at Accenture focused on agile transformation, and today advises founders, corporates, and investors on emotionally intelligent deal-making. Now It Is Up To YOU: If you’re a founder, executive, or investor who values clear strategy over sales fluff, this episode is your playbook. Subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with someone negotiating their next big deal. 🚀Our Sponsor 👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 📌 Show Notes Guest Name: Matthias Bullmahn, Sales Psychologist & Strategic Communications Expert Related Blog Posts on Startuprad.io: 🎙️ Mastering Startup Negotiation Tactics: Sales Psychology Meets FBI Playbooks 🧠 BATNA for Founders: Your Ultimate Safety Net in Investor Talks 💬 3 Words That Kill Your Startup Pitch (and What to Say Instead) 📊 Case Study: Ecotech Startup Closes Investor Without Product in Market Relevant External Resources: Harvard Negotiation Project Motive Compass by Dirk Eilert (German) Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Matthias & FBI Training 04:54 – BATNA and Deal Power for Founders 08:45 – Ethical Sales Psychology Explained 18:55 – The Motive Compass: What Drives Buyers? 27:40 – AI in Sales: When It Works, When It Fails 39:10 – How to Win Trust in a Distracted Market 47:05 – Final Advice for Founders & Pitch Mistakes

🎧 Opening: Why do Europe’s startups scale slower than their U.S. counterparts? In this raw, revealing episode, Andy Goldstein uncovers what’s really holding back the European venture capital scene—and what we can do about it. 💡 What You'll Learn: How investor education can radically improve VC decision-making Why German founders hesitate to internationalize—and how to fix it The mindset shift European investors need to unlock global-scale success How AI sales tools and founder conviction can drive early-stage growth 👤 Guest Spotlight: Andy Goldstein, Managing Director Europe at VU Venture Partners and Co-Founder of the German Accelerator, is a serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and innovation catalyst. With decades of experience across the U.S. and Europe, he’s reshaping how VCs invest—and how startups scale. 🎯 Give Us a Review: Loved this episode? Help others discover it! Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Share this with founders, VCs, and every entrepreneur you know. 🚀Sponsor Section 👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO ✅ Show Notes Guest Name: Andy Goldstein, Managing Director Europe, VU Venture Partners Blog Post: http://startuprad.io/post/the-transatlantic-investment-divide-why-europe-needs-a-new-vc-mindset Relevant Resources: VU Venture Partners German Accelerator Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Andy’s journey from IBM to VC 06:00 – What’s broken in European VC mindsets 12:45 – How VU trains VCs through real investments 20:50 – Sales culture differences: Germany vs. U.S. 28:15 – Startup internationalization: Why Germany lags 35:30 – Traits of the top 1% of founders 42:00 – Final thoughts + podcast wrap-up Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved