Stuck in the innovation slow lane? Discover how corporate acquisition of startups can turbocharge your growth. Get first-hand advice on navigating the acquisition process, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring startups flourish post-acquisition.

Welcome to the Digital Transformers Podcast with Kilian Karrasch. On this podcast, you'll hear about the latest next-generation business opportunities, how to build products and business models around them, and how to create more revenue for your business. Plus, you'll learn about the many lessons Kilian and his guests have learned on their path to building and running multi-million euro businesses.

About the host: 

Kilian Karrasch is the founding partner at Boldheart, the leading next-generation product & venture builder. Together with his team, he helps ambitious corporates such as Valora, GEMA, and the International Chamber of Commerce identify, build, and scale successful next-generation digital products and business models.

Follow Kilian's socials: LinkedIn

About the guest:

Hannes Blum went from building and scaling the European version of Amazon - JustBooks -, against the backdrop of the DotCom bubble to eventually selling it to Amazon for an estimated 100M+ Euro. These days, he’s a partner at Acton Capital where he invests in SaaS and consumer internet startups.

Follow Hannes' socials: LinkedIn

Timeline:

02:31 - The founding story of JustBooks

06:32 - Strategies for PR, online marketing, and engaging the first users

08:28 - Lessons on customer-centric product development and continuous iteration

15:08 - The strategy behind JustBooks' successful exits

20:26 - Why it's important to build sustainable business practices for potential acquisitions

24:11 - How to establish value-driven partnerships with potential acquirers

29:04 - How to leverage the acquirer's expertise for mutual growth - while maintaining business autonomy

33:18 - Navigating cultural integration post-integration

38:13 - Core leadership principles for successful growth