imPulse - Founders & Tech Talk

REHAU New Ventures
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Our "imPulse" Podcast picks up on the topics of Founders Stories, Venture Building, Start-ups and Tech Trends. Nils Wagner, CEO of REHAU New Ventures, talks to founders, insiders and people who simply make a difference. The term "Pulse" conveys the pulse of the start-up world and points to the vitality, growth and rhythm of entrepreneurship. We set impulses by providing insights into inspiring founder stories or by looking at new technology trends from different angles.

  1. #20 Kilian Karrasch | Corporate Venture Building for Hidden Champions

    6 AUG

    #20 Kilian Karrasch | Corporate Venture Building for Hidden Champions

    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/

    41 min
  2. #19 Anja Schröpfer | FLEXFY – A Corporate Spin-off

    2 JULY

    #19 Anja Schröpfer | FLEXFY – A Corporate Spin-off

    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. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Useful  Links: https://www.flexfy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-schr%C3%B6pfer-10020b15a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-186769289/

    27 min
  3. #18 Anja Rath | Futurebuilders & Real Asset Tech: How Startups are Transforming the Built World

    4 JUNE

    #18 Anja Rath | Futurebuilders & Real Asset Tech: How Startups are Transforming the Built World

    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/

    45 min
  4. #17 Natalie Mano | Bridging Innovation: PepsiCo's Approach to Startup Partnerships and Strategic Ventures

    7 MAY

    #17 Natalie Mano | Bridging Innovation: PepsiCo's Approach to Startup Partnerships and Strategic Ventures

    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/

    25 min
  5. #16 Anne Decker | New Business & Intrapreneurship: Keeping SMEs Competitive

    9 APR

    #16 Anne Decker | New Business & Intrapreneurship: Keeping SMEs Competitive

    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/

    46 min
  6. #15 Florian Nöll | Innovation needs bridge builders: How startups & corporations grow together

    26 MAR

    #15 Florian Nöll | Innovation needs bridge builders: How startups & corporations grow together

    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/

    50 min
  7. #14 Alberto Onetti | Innovation without borders: Alberto Onetti on Startups & Big Business

    11/12/2024

    #14 Alberto Onetti | Innovation without borders: Alberto Onetti on Startups & Big Business

    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/

    46 min
  8. #13 Founder of CoStore | From Corporate to Start-Up!

    13/11/2024

    #13 Founder of CoStore | From Corporate to Start-Up!

    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.  Chapter: 00:08 : Guest Introduction 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 🔗 Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelphilipplang/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannes-koepcke/ https://www.costore.de/

    35 min
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About

Our "imPulse" Podcast picks up on the topics of Founders Stories, Venture Building, Start-ups and Tech Trends. Nils Wagner, CEO of REHAU New Ventures, talks to founders, insiders and people who simply make a difference. The term "Pulse" conveys the pulse of the start-up world and points to the vitality, growth and rhythm of entrepreneurship. We set impulses by providing insights into inspiring founder stories or by looking at new technology trends from different angles.

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