This episode of Founders Talk explores corporate venture building for hidden champions—specialized SMEs that lead their niche but remain largely unknown. Host Nils Wagner and guest Kilian Karas discuss how corporate venturing helps companies stay competitive, citing examples like Kodak’s failure to innovate. They cover key challenges such as balancing risk-averse corporate culture with entrepreneurial agility, aligning incentives, and the importance of long-term investment. The conversation highlights that building in-house venture expertise is crucial for sustained innovation and strategic growth.

Chapter:

00:00 : Introduction

00:20 : Guest Introduction: Kilian Karasch

00:45 : Kilian's Background and Journey

01:59 : Current Role and Activities

02:51 : Understanding Hidden Champions

04:27 : Importance of Corporate Venturing

08:26 : Different Tools in Corporate Venturing

08:40 : Process of Corporate Venturing

13:45 : Practical Implementation of Corporate Venturing

15:42 : Aligning Corporate Venturing with Company Strategy

17:08 : Challenges of Corporate Venturing in the Startup World

18:38 : Managing Expectations and Preparing for Challenges

21:45 : The Importance of Knowing When to Quit

23:44 : Incorporating Statistical Facts into Venture Building

26:20 : Corporate Entrepreneurs in Venture Building

27:10 : Building In-House Skills for Corporate Venturing

28:34 : The Risk-Reward Profile of Venturing

30:00 : The Venture Board in Corporate Venturing

31:13 : Dealing with Potential Conflicts and Misalignment in Corporate Venturing

32:27 : Communication and Inspiring People in Corporate Venturing

36:04 : Aligning Interests and Incentives in Corporate Venturing

36:53 : Examples of Successful Corporate Startups

39:48 : Closing Remarks

🔗 Useful Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiliankarrasch/

In this special episode of imPulse by REHAU New Ventures, Nils Wagner talks to Anja Schröpfer, Co-Founder of FLEXFY - an innovative wall and power supply system that emerged from an internal innovation program at paint manufacturer DAW and is now operating as an independent start-up.

Anja takes us on the exciting journey from the first prototype in the “elephant's trunk” pitch format to the founding of an independent company with external investors and strategic partners. Together we shed light on what it means to successfully found a corporate venture:

• How do you manage the balancing act between corporate structure and entrepreneurial freedom?
• Why was it crucial for the founders to hold the majority?
• And what role does venture clienting play in market entry?

Find out how an idea in your spare time became a real product with market traction - and what other corporates can learn from it.

🔌 FLEXFYi makes walls electric - without drilling.

🎙 Listen now and be inspired.

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Chapter:

00:08 : Introduction

00:55 : Anja's Introduction

01:44 : FlexFys Concept Explained

02:34 : Origin of FlexFi

03:17 : Decision to Spin Out

03:52 : Journey of FlexFi

05:23 : Challenges and Milestones

07:13 : Corporate Mindset

10:45 : Spin Out Process

13:12 : Corporate Support

14:24 : Current Team Setup

15:08 : Market Strategy

15:24 : FlexFy's Sales Channels

16:07 : Building Own Sales Channel

17:22 : Understanding the Market and Product Expansion

19:08 : FlexFy's Product Explained

20:48 : FlexFyi's Target Market

21:39 : Reflections on the Corporate Venturing Journey

24:10 : Future Financing and Investor Relations

25:59 : Closing Remarks

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Useful  Links:

https://www.flexfy.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-schr%C3%B6pfer-10020b15a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-186769289/

How does innovation succeed in a conservative industry? Nils Wagner talks to Anja Rath from PT1 Ventures about the hurdles and successes of technology in real asset tech, the role of AI and what founders should definitely bring to the table. 

Chapter:

00:00 : Introduction

00:20 : About PT1 Ventures

01:10 : Career Background

02:26 : Anja's Interest in the Built World

05:27 : Challenges in Transforming the Built World

06:05 : Adoption of New Technologies in the Built World

10:02 : Examples of Success and Failure

12:48 : The Importance of Retrofitting Existing Buildings

15:10 : Understanding the Importance of Founders' Background

17:04 : The Importance of Understanding the Industry

18:08 : The Need for a Balanced Team

20:43 : Understanding the Economic and Financial Aspects

22:56 : The Role of Impact in Investment Decisions

24:47 : Staying True to Investment Profile

26:48 : The Use of AI in Managing Deal Flow

28:49 : Collaboration with Portfolio Companies

30:33 : Engagement with Portfolio Companies

33:14 : Balancing Advice and Micromanagement

36:54 : Discussing Exit Plans Early

40:42 : Reflecting on Career Highlights

43:24 : Advice to Younger Self

44:16 : Closing Remarks

🔗 Useful Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-rath-5a98701/ 

In this episode, Natalie Lorberboym Mano, Head of PepsiCo Labs, talks about the success factors for collaboration between startups and large corporations like PepsiCo. She shares concrete insights into her innovation strategy and explains what it takes to ensure that pilot projects not only take off, but also scale in the long term and achieve real impact. 

Key learnings: 

- Only relevant solutions count: Startups need to solve concrete business problems. 

- Clarity right from the start: Shared success criteria are essential. 

- Speed & adaptability: Startups should deliver quickly and adapt well to the Group. 

- Long-term view: Successful projects can transition into global partnerships or investments. 

Chapter: 

00:00 : Introduction and Guest Overview

01:04 : Natalie's Role at PepsiCo and Approach to Startup Collaborations

02:33 : Identifying the Right Startups

04:06 : Challenges in Engaging with Startups

06:59 : Working with Early Stage Startups

09:10 : Natalie's Background and Its Influence on Her Approach

11:37 : Long-term Collaboration with PepsiCo

11:44 : Strategic Investments and Potential for M&A

14:57 : Impact of Collaborations

15:17 : Impact of Collaborations with Startups

17:04 : Leveraging Venture Capital Network

21:35 : Advice for Startups Looking to Collaborate with Corporates

23:54 : Closing Remarks

🔗 Useful Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-lorberboym/ 

In this episode, we talk to Anne Decker about how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can stay competitive through innovation and intrapreneurship. As an expert in corporate transformation, Anne shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of building new business within established companies and explains what it takes to drive real change from within.

Topics of the episode:

🔹 The role of intrapreneurship in keeping traditional businesses agile and competitive

🔹 How venture clienting and strategic partnerships foster sustainable innovation

🔹 Key trends shaping the future of corporate innovation and SME growth

A must-listen for founders, investors, and corporate leaders looking to build the businesses of tomorrow. Listen now! 

Chapters:

00:00 : Introduction

00:49 : Guest Background and Current Role

01:04 : Discussion on Wattix and Maschinenraum

02:18 : Deep Dive into Wattix's Journey

06:01 : Collaboration and Consultation in Venture Building

06:21 : Shift in Venture Building Approach

06:38 : Evolution in Venture Building Approach

11:37 : Venture Building for Other Companies

13:50 : Starting Venture Building with Other Companies

15:34 : Venture Building Challenges and Risks

16:07 : Importance of Change and Innovation

16:46 : Adapting to Market Trends

20:14 : The Role of AI and Venture Clienting

21:04 : Greyhound New Ventures' Transformation

23:38 : Challenges in Collaborating with Startups

26:34 : Successful Corporate Venture Example: FlexFi

30:00 : Equity Distribution in Corporate Ventures

30:37 : Equity Distribution and Trust in Founders

31:50 : Challenges in Convincing the Board

34:02 : Traits of Successful Founders

37:20 : Support for Founders and Risk Management

40:12 : Future of Corporate Innovation in Germany

40:33 : Importance of Innovation for Transformation

43:59 : Closing Remarks

Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-decker/

In this episode, we talk to Florian Nöll (PwC) about collaboration between startups and established companies. As an experienced bridge builder between the two worlds, Florian provides insights into the success factors of these collaborations and explains why PwC is one of the most active startup investors in Germany. 

💡 Topics of the episode: 

🔹 Florian's career - from the start-up scene to the corporate world 

🔹 Success factors and challenges in the collaboration between start-ups and companies 

🔹 PwC's role as an investor and strategic partner for young companies 

🔹 Key future trends and the importance of diversity in the startup and VC ecosystem 

An episode with practical insights for founders, investors and innovation managers. Listen now! 🎧 

Chapter:

00:00 : Introduction

00:29 : Guest Introduction: Florian Nöll

01:07 : Background and Career

01:41 : Transition from Startup to Corporate

03:54 : Importance of Open Innovation in Corporates

05:45 : PwC's Approach to Open Innovation

05:57 : Focus of Open Innovation within PwC

07:41 : Different Disciplines of Corporate Venturing

08:38 : PwC's Approach to Corporate Venture Clienting

09:24 : Importance of Collaboration between Startups and Corporates

10:34 : Rehau New Ventures' Approach to Corporate Innovation

16:36 : Corporate Venture Building: Experiences and Insights

18:36 : Importance of Founder Perspective and External Benchmarks in Venture Building

20:09 : Learning from Failures in Venture Building

24:34 : Corporate Venture Capital in Corporate Innovation

24:59 : Strategic Benefits and Challenges of Corporate Venture Capital

28:19 : Recalibration of Corporate Venture Capital

31:12 : Challenges and Benefits of Corporate Venture Clienting

32:21 : PwC's Support for Startups: The Scale Program

39:04 : Prerequisites and Benefits of Joining the Scale Program

42:14 : The Need for Collective Effort in European Innovation Ecosystem

43:55 : Future Trends and the Importance of Startup-Corporate Collaboration

47:13 : European Startups and Their Role in Disruption

47:57 : The Importance of Staying Relevant in the Corporate World

48:58 : Closing Remarks

LinkedIn Account: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/floriannoell/ 

In this episode, Nils Wagner talks to Alberto Onetti, serial entrepreneur, professor of entrepreneurship and chairman of Mind the Bridge, a global platform for open innovation. Alberto shares his experiences from over two decades of entrepreneurship and gives insights into his work between Europe and the US, especially in the collaboration between startups and established companies. 

They explore topics such as the challenges of building a transatlantic startup, the future of open innovation and why connecting large corporations with young startups is the key to sustainable growth. Alberto also talks about the Startup Europe Partnership (SEP) and how it supports European scale-ups to stay globally competitive. 

Finally, Alberto gives valuable advice for founders, talks about his passion for sport and how it also inspires him in business. 

An exciting episode for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and the latest trends in the startup ecosystem! 

Chapter:

00:00 : Introduction

00:46 : Alberto Onetti's Background and Experience

02:09 : Entrepreneurial Journey

08:58 : Motivation and Purpose

11:49 : Silicon Valley vs European Startup Culture

14:52 : Swiss Startup Ecosystem

15:33 : Challenges in Scaling European Startups

16:57 : Analysis of Industrial Ecosystems: Europe vs U.S.

18:32 : The Evolution of the European Startup Ecosystem

20:55 : Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurial Priorities and Aspirations

22:18 : Attributes of Successful Entrepreneurs

26:04 : Innovation Support for Established Corporations

28:30 : Future Trends and Corporate Venture Capital

30:25 : Intrapreneurship Programs and Incremental Innovation

32:28 : Corporate Venture Capital Fund Size

33:29 : Benefits and Challenges of Corporate Venture Capital

36:30 : Surviving Corporate Politics and Navigating Innovation

40:29 : Personal Insights: Juventus and Tennis

45:33 : Closing Remarks

🔗 Useful Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aonetti/ 

http://mindthebridge.com/ 

In this episode of imPulse, host Nils Wagner interviews Jannes Koepcke and Marcel Philipp Lang, founders of CoStore, a German startup revolutionizing self-storage with modular, container-based solutions outside city centers. This approach makes storage more affordable and accessible for private users and small businesses, avoiding high maintenance costs associated with traditional facilities. 

Transitioning from corporate roles at Bitrock, the founders discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, from handling payroll to managing logistics and customer relations. They highlight the untapped potential in Germany's self-storage market, where suburban demand is rising and traditional operators struggle with high costs. CoStore's flexible, asset-light model allows competitive pricing and streamlined digital booking, letting customers secure storage space online in minutes. 

Marcel and Jannes share their startup journey, from networking and investor outreach to business validation. With guidance from advisors like London real estate investor Oliver Gilbert, they’ve refined their financial strategies for sustainable growth. Their story illustrates the shift from corporate life to building an innovative business in a niche market. 

01:08 : Marcel's Journey

02:26 : Transition from Corporate to Startup

03:55 : Jannes's Journey

06:50 : Decision to Co-found CoStore

08:53 : Team Dynamics

11:54 : Introduction to CoStore

14:54 : Economics of Self-storage Industry

15:30 : Market Analysis and CoStoer's USP

19:48 : Potential Market Segments

21:10 : Competitive Landscape

23:20 : Current Status and Future Plans

24:54 : The First 100 Days of CoStore

27:46 : Securing Seed Funding and Role of Angel Investor

31:08 : Role of Outside Feedback and Coaching

32:23 : Upcoming Excitements and Challenges

33:37 : Future Plans and Contact Information

34:18 : Conclusion and Sign Off

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannes-koepcke/

https://www.costore.de/

In this podcast episode, serial entrepreneur Anil Sethi shares his journey from co-founding startups like Flisom and Scrona to becoming a coach at ETH Zurich, where he helps shape future entrepreneurs. He also discusses the insights from his book "From Science to Startup" and previews his upcoming work, "From Startup to Unicorn," while offering advice on the challenges and opportunities facing tech startups today. 

 🔗 Useful Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilsethi2/ 

Chapter: 

00:00 : Introduction 

03:25 : Anil Sethi's Role at DEFEAT-NCD Partnership 

05:21 : Combining Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship 

06:54 : Entrepreneurial Journey 

09:40 : Transition from Innovation to Stability 

11:27 : Fundraising Experience 

13:02 : Transition to the Board 

15:26 : Board Member and Focus on Innovation 

16:09 : Role as Entrepreneur in Residence and Lecturer at ETH Zurich 

18:49 : Success of the Course at ETH Zurich 

20:17 : Openness to Students and Impact of the Course 

22:48 : From Science to Startup: The Book 

24:29 : The Necessity of Failure 

28:34 : The Risk of Irrelevance and the Importance of Adaptation 

29:03 : The Role of New Ventures in Long-term Transformation 

32:39 : From Startup to Unicorn: The Book 

37:37 : The Challenges and Opportunities for Family-Owned Companies 

39:56 : Current Exciting Projects and Focus on Health 

42:48 : Closing Remarks and Contact Information 

In this podcast episode, Linda Herrmann and Matheo Cancouet, two working students at REHAU New Ventures, share their experiences and impressions of the challenges and opportunities of working in a dynamic and innovation-driven environment. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matheo-cancouet-836a35171/