🎧 The AI Revolution in Banking: Paolo Sironi on What’s Coming in 2025

Are you a founder, investor, scaleup exec, or tech enthusiast looking to decode Europe's billion-euro startup engines? You’ve landed in the right place. Startuprad.io brings you the ultimate Unicorn Tracker for Spring 2025, offering you front-row insight into the most dynamic startups and scaleups across the DACH region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. 🎯 Prefer the full analysis, data, and links? Dive deeper here: 👉 https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io 🧠 What you’ll discover in this episode:⏱️ [00:02:20] What is DACH? We explain the region, its strengths, and why it’s critical for innovation-driven founders and investors alike. ⏱️ [00:03:30] Quantum Systems & New Unicorns Germany’s AI drone unicorn is leading the charge. Is deep tech the next big frontier? ⏱️ [00:04:20] Logistics Titans: Forto & Sennder We uncover why DACH is still Europe's logistics superpower. ⏱️ [00:05:53] Mobility Mavericks: Flix, Tier, Volocopter From record revenues to flameouts—we decode the truth behind urban mobility in 2025. ⏱️ [00:06:40] AI & Defense Tech: Agile Robots & Helsing Robotics meets military innovation. Will Europe lead the AI revolution? ⏱️ [00:07:30] Consumer Tech Giants: Check24 & AutoDoc Quiet billion-euro monsters transforming e-commerce and consumer platforms. ⏱️ [00:09:10] Biotech’s Highs & Heartbreaks Why ADC Therapeutics’ rollercoaster reflects the volatile biotech landscape. ⏱️ [00:10:10] Climate Tech’s Gold Rush Enpal, Climeworks, and 1.5 Degrees are building climate unicorns. Is it time to invest? ⏱️ [00:12:30] Fintech & Insurtech Battles From N26 to Trade Republic, the DACH region remains a fierce battleground for finance innovation. ⏱️ [00:14:00] SaaS & Enterprise Software Celonis is now a decacorn—what’s fueling DACH’s dominance in B2B SaaS? ⏱️ [00:24:55] The Unicorn Graveyard Wefox, Grover, Infarm, Solaris. What founders can learn from once-high-flying unicorns that fell hard. 🔍 Why this episode matters:This is your unfair advantage in understanding how the DACH region creates, scales, and sometimes loses billion-dollar startups. Whether you're: 🚀 A founder looking for inspiration 💸 An investor scanning for your next deal 🧠 A strategist decoding market shifts ...you’ll walk away with actionable insights, real stories, and trend-defining strategies. 🛡️ SPONSOR SHOUTOUT – THANK YOU, VANTA👉 Vanta automates security and compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, and more), helping you stay audit-ready with less stress and zero spreadsheets. 🎁 Save $1,000 by signing up through our exclusive link: vanta.com/startupradio 🔗 Stay Connected:📌 Full Show Notes + Transcript + Links: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io 🎧 Subscribe to Startuprad.io wherever you get your podcasts 💬 Leave a review or share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

🎙 Sponsored by Vanta – Trusted by 9,000+ CompaniesVanta automates compliance for frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more—so you're always audit-ready, without drowning in spreadsheets. With real-time monitoring and automated security questionnaires, Vanta saves you time, stress, and money. 🔒 Join 9,000+ companies (including Atlassian, Flo Health, and Quora) who trust Vanta. 🔥 Get $1,000 off at vanta.com/startupradio 🚀 About This EpisodeAre you a biotech founder ready to scale in Europe—or an investor scouting your next unicorn? Then don’t miss this masterclass with Annick Verween, Head of Biotope, one of Europe’s top biotech startup hubs (Financial Times-ranked). Hosted by Joe Menninger of Startuprad.io, this candid conversation explores Annick’s unique path from “derailed marine biologist” to biotech investor and community builder. 💡 Why You Should ListenThis isn’t just another interview—it’s a strategic deep dive packed with biotech startup insights, founder advice, and real-world funding tactics: 🧬 Biotech Startup EcosystemsHow hubs like Biotope are bridging the gap between innovation and investment, fostering next-gen biotech ventures. 📈 Scaling Biotech VenturesFrom regulatory minefields to IP protection and operational excellence—learn what it really takes to scale. 🧠 What Investors Really Look ForAnnick unpacks her selection formula: People. Science. IP. And why listening is the #1 founder trait. 🎯 Key Takeaways for Biotech Founders💥 Love the problem—not the tech. 🤝 It’s a people business. 🏗️ Operational excellence is non-negotiable. 🧾 Combine investment and grants for a winning strategy. 💼 For InvestorsAnnick shares how Biotope scouts and selects biotech startups using: 🔍 Deep due diligence on science & IP 🧗 A hands-on "base camp" selection process ⚖️ Balancing bold innovation with calculated risk 💎 Hidden Gems You’ll Hear:Annick’s journey from BASF factory to biotech leader How EIT Food's Rising Foodstars shaped Europe's agri-food scene Biotope’s impact in planetary health, sustainable materials & more Why Zymofix is a biotech success story to watch Annick’s top productivity hack (and why it’s so effective) 🧠 Final Advice for Founders:“Don’t just focus on VC. Combine grants and investments into a smart, hybrid funding model.” – Annick Verween #biotech #biotechstartup #biotechfunding #scalingbiotech #biotechhub #planetaryhealth #agrifoodtech #founderadvice #startupeurope #venturecapital #seedround #EITFood #innovation #IPstrategy #startups #VCfunding 🔗 Resources & Links:🌐 Startuprad.io 🌐 Blog Post 👤 Annick Verween on LinkedIn

🎙️ AI-Powered Angel Investing: DACH Secrets Revealed In this must-listen episode, we sit down with Germany’s Business Angel of the Year, Carsten Kraus, to uncover powerful strategies, AI tools, and investment insights shaping the future of startup funding across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Whether you're a founder, investor, or just startup-curious, this conversation is your roadmap to understanding how to secure funding, leverage AI in pitching, and scale with smart capital. 💡 What You'll Learn: How AI is transforming startup evaluation: Carsten shares how he uses AI to pre-screen pitch decks, surface red flags, and make faster, smarter decisions. Funding beyond VCs: Learn how bootstrapping, crowdfunding, and strategic partnerships may better serve your startup’s growth path. DACH-specific insights: Explore regional nuances, challenges, and opportunities in the German-speaking startup ecosystem. What angel investors really look for: Get inside the mind of an award-winning business angel. Scaling tips from a serial founder: Learn Carsten’s proven methods for sustainable growth and global expansion. 🎧 Why You Should Listen: If you're ready to: Pitch smarter using AI insights Explore VC alternatives that fit your growth stage Understand DACH region investors Secure funding and scale efficiently … then this episode delivers direct insights from one of Europe’s most respected tech investors. 🎯 Sponsor: Thanks to our partner Vanta – the automated compliance and security platform trusted by 9,000+ companies. Get $1,000 off via our exclusive link: https://vanta.com/startupradio 🔗 Links & Resources: Full Blog Post → http://startuprad.io/post/decoding-business-angel-investment-ai-funding-strategies-dach-insights Guest: Carsten Kraus LinkedIn Startuprad.io: https://www.startuprad.io/ BAND (German Business Angels Network): https://www.business-angels.de/ 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:15 Carsten’s background 5:40 AI’s role in investing 12:00 Startup pitch red flags 18:30 Funding beyond VC 25:00 DACH startup ecosystem 32:00 Angel investor advice 40:00 Scaling smart 48:00 Future of investing 55:00 Sponsor: Vanta 57:00 Call to Action 58:00 Outro 💬 Call to Action: 💬 Leave a 5-star review if this helped you Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Discover how AI is transforming the financial services industry! In this episode, fintech futurist Paolo Sironi, IBM’s Global Research Leader for Banking and Capital Markets, joins Startuprad.io to unpack how artificial intelligence is evolving from back-end automation to full-scale transformation—reshaping retail, SME, and investment banking. 🔥 What You’ll LearnThe AI-Powered Bank: From chatbot to C-suite—how AI is redefining customer service, credit, and even organizational structure. SME Banking Disrupted: Tailored, data-driven banking solutions are finally reaching small and medium-sized enterprises. Wealth Management, Reimagined: Robo-advisors, personalized portfolios, and smarter investment strategies. Embedded Finance Explodes: Banking is now built into the apps you use every day. The Regulatory Tightrope: How ethical, transparent, and explainable AI is shaping the future of financial compliance. 👉 Download the banking and fintech strategy 2025 cheat sheet here: https://docsend.com/view/qywh6bwwuapnjkre 🎙️ Guest: Paolo Sironi — Fintech author, IBM researcher, and host of The Banker's Bookshelf 🎙️ Host: Jörn "Joe" Menninger — Founder & Editor, Startuprad.io 🧠 Based on: IBM 2025 Banking & Capital Markets Outlook 💬 Key Quotes “Every banker must be an AI risk manager.” – Paolo Sironi “AI is not about the best tech—it’s about using it best.” “Transparency builds trust.” ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 02:54 – The Evolution of AI in Banking 11:40 – AI’s Impact on Banking Efficiency 13:56 – AI and SME Banking 18:54 – Capital Markets Transformation 23:43 – Risk Management & Regulation 28:54 – Digital Currencies & CBDCs 30:59 – Embedded Finance Trends 35:45 – Wealth Management with AI 37:31 – Transparency & Ethics 40:04 – Outro 🤝 Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Vanta automates security and compliance for ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more—so you’re always audit-ready without the stress. Over 9,000 companies (including Atlassian and Quora) trust Vanta. 👉 Get $1,000 off at vanta.com/startupradio 📢 Call to Action ✅ Subscribe to Startuprad.io so you never miss insights from global fintech leaders. ⭐️ Found it valuable? Please leave us a 5-star review—it really helps! 📣 Share this episode on LinkedIn or Twitter using the hashtag #AIinBanking2025 🌐 Visit startuprad.io for more deep dives into fintech, AI, and startup innovation. 🧭 Also Check Out 🎙️ Fintech Review 2024: Navigating Trends and Innovations in Startups 🎙️ Fintech and Banking 2023 and Beyond | Strategy Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

How do you build a startup that could change the way millions shop online — all before your 20th birthday? In this episode, Startuprad.io dives into the game-changing IDAN system with Julian Pfeiffer, founder of KeyOne, who started his company at just 15. From the football field at Eintracht Frankfurt to leading one of the most exciting fintech e-commerce innovations in the DACH region — Julian’s journey is one for the books. We explore how the IDAN (International Delivery Address Number) streamlines online checkout, enhances data privacy, and reduces delivery errors — all while helping merchants boost conversion and cut costs. If you care about startup innovation, e-commerce, or digital payments, this episode is for you. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: The origin story of KeyOne and Julian’s early entrepreneurial spark How the IDAN system improves checkout with one secure ID Why address validation (like What3Words) is key for delivery optimization Benefits for merchants: lower costs, more new customers, fewer mistakes Julian’s long-term vision for e-commerce innovation in Europe and beyond 🎙️ Guest: Julian Pfeiffer, Founder of KeyOne 🌐 Website: keyone.me 🎤 Host: Joern Menninger, Startuprad.io 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 1:34 – Julian’s Entrepreneurial Journey 5:22 – Solving the “Chicken or Egg” Problem 7:12 – How the IDAN System Works 10:56 – The Future of E-Commerce 13:35 – Benefits of IDAN for Customers and Retailers 18:08 – What’s Next for KeyOne: AI, Partnerships & More 21:48 – From Football to Founder: Julian’s Balancing Act 🔥 Sponsor: Meet Vanta Vanta automates security and compliance for ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more. Skip the spreadsheets, stay audit-ready, and focus on growth. 🎁 Get $1,000 off at vanta.com/startupradio 📢 Call to Action: Subscribe to Startuprad.io for more startup deep dives Share this episode with your network Leave us a 5-star review to help others discover the show Explore more at startuprad.io 📱 Social Sharing: Twitter/X: "How is KeyOne revolutionizing e-commerce in the DACH region? 🤔 Tune in to the latest @Startuprad_io episode to find out! #IDANsystem #ecommerce #startups" LinkedIn: "Startuprad.io sits down with Julian Pfeiffer, the founder of KeyOne, to talk about the IDAN system and the future of checkout. A must-listen for every startup founder and investor in e-commerce." Instagram: "From ⚽️ to 💻 — discover how a teenage founder is transforming the way we shop online. Listen now on Startuprad.io! #ecommerce #entrepreneurship #startupstory" Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

🔊 This episode is brought to you by Vanta 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance—save $1,000 with us by signing up here: vanta.com/startupradio 🛠️ Made possible by HTAI and the Enterprise Europe Network Hessen, supporting startups with grants, international networking, and innovation resources. Learn more: htai.de | een-hessen.de 🎙️ Scaling a Cybersecurity Startup: Lessons from Link11’s Journey (Part 2) In the second half of our exclusive conversation with Jens Philipp Jung, co-founder and CEO of Link11, we explore what it really takes to scale a cybersecurity startup. Link11 has emerged as a leader in DDoS protection and cloud-based security solutions. Jens opens up about the funding strategy, leadership mindset, and innovation roadmap that helped build one of Germany’s most respected cybersecurity scaleups. 🚀 In this episode: – Scaling a cybersecurity startup in a competitive global market – How Link11 approached funding while maintaining founder control – Innovation in DDoS protection and staying ahead of cyber threats – Leadership insights from a founder’s perspective – Tactical advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs 💡 Who should listen? Startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, CISOs, cybersecurity professionals, scaleup teams, and investors exploring the cybersecurity space. 📌 This is Part 2 of our Link11 feature. If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, be sure to check it out for the founding story and early growth lessons. 🎧 Subscribe & follow Startuprad.io for weekly interviews with Europe’s most exciting founders, investors, and innovators. Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Link11 CEO Jens Philipp Jung joins Startuprad.io to reveal his blueprint for hypergrowth, cybersecurity dominance, and surviving massive DDoS attacks. 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio 🎯 Learn how to: • Scale a tech company without breaking it • Hire top talent & build winning culture • Defend against AI-powered attacks • Embrace zero trust architecture 💡 Whether you’re a founder, exec, or tech investor—this one’s for you. 👤 Guest: Jens Philipp Jung (CEO, Link11) 🎙 Host: Joe Menninger (Startuprad.io) 🔗 More: Link to full blog post + sponsors #Cybersecurity #StartupGrowth #DDoSProtection #AI #FounderTips Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Sponsor Section 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio Introduction Dive into the DACH region's startup scene! This episode covers the latest trends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, recorded with Chris Fahrenbach in New York City. Key Highlights Fintech Evolution: Coorsair's IDNow acquisition (€300M) and the stablecoin surge to $226B highlight fintech's dynamism. Venture Capital: Toma Bravo's €1.8B European fund signals investor interest, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies persist. AI and Tech: Germany leads in AI research, but faces implementation challenges. Volocopter's acquisition and BioMed's cancer detection breakthrough showcase innovation. Funding & Founders: Funding rounds like Tectal's (€52M) and Swiss female founder success demonstrate growth. Legal & Regulatory: Legal battles (startup vs. SAP) and GDPR reviews (DeepSeek) highlight complexities. Fintech: A Sector in Motion Fintech sees Coorsair's IDNow acquisition and stablecoin growth. The ECB's digital Euro plans are also significant. Venture Capital: Navigating the Landscape Toma Bravo's fund shows investor confidence, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies pose challenges. AI and Technology: Innovation Germany's AI research faces implementation hurdles. Volocopter and BioMed demonstrate other tech advancements. Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Successes Funding for companies like Tectile contrasts with layoffs and insolvencies. Acquisitions continue. Regional Highlights Germany: Strong AI research, but application lags. Switzerland: Tight fintech VC, but female founders thrive. Austria: Linz launches an AI cluster; the Austrian DAH Fund starts. Conclusion The DACH startup scene is dynamic, with innovation and challenges across sectors. Call to Action Subscribe to our podcast for DACH startup updates! Share your thoughts below. The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search All rights reserved - Startuprad.io™ Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio This episode is brought to you in cooperation with the German Business Angel Association. Are you tired of awkward video calls? Do you wish your online conversations felt more natural and engaging? Then dive into this eye-opening interview with Carsten Kraus, serial entrepreneur and the brilliant mind behind Casablanca.ai! Kraus, named Business Angel of the Year 2024, is revolutionizing how we connect online with groundbreaking AI technology. In this power-packed episode, you'll discover: How Casablanca.ai is solving the fundamental problem of awkward eye contact in video calls, making virtual interactions feel truly authentic. The secrets behind Casablanca.ai's AI, which is engineered for speed and efficiency, running smoothly on standard computers without needing a high-powered GPU. How their tech achieves realistic 3D face reconstruction from minimal data, paving the way for crystal-clear video calls even on 2G connections! Imagine video conferencing in areas with poor internet – Casablanca.ai is making it possible. Why Casablanca.ai stands out from competitors like Apple's FaceTime, delivering full-face correction for truly natural communication, capturing every nuance of expression. Carsten Kraus's incredible entrepreneurial journey, from building his first company at 16 to selling a company to Atari and founding FactFinder. His insights into scaling startups, avoiding common pitfalls, and the crucial importance of experimentation. Kraus's advice for aspiring founders: "Just do it!" and find your niche by leveraging AI technology, whether it's AI object identification, large language models, or other accessible AI tools. His "never without your brains, never against your gut" decision-making framework, balancing logic and intuition for optimal outcomes. This episode is a goldmine for entrepreneurs, tech founders, scaleup executives, and investors seeking insights into AI innovation, startup growth, and the future of communication. Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

Sponsored by Vanta: 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance. Save $1,000 with us by signing up using this link: vanta.com/startupradio. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we explore the game-changing impact of AI phone assistants on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). If your business is grappling with missed calls, strained staff, or inefficient customer service, AI is the solution you need to stay ahead of the curve. Our guest, Daniel Keinrath, co-founder and CEO of Fonio.ai, shares insights into how his company is helping SMEs streamline their customer communication. Daniel discusses the challenges faced by SMEs in customer service and how Fonio.ai's AI-driven technology is revolutionizing this space by automating call handling and improving response times. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The common struggles SMEs face with customer communication, including staffing shortages and missed calls. How AI phone assistants are transforming customer service by automating responses and enhancing customer experience. The unique customization capabilities of Fonio.ai and how it adapts to each SME’s needs. Entrepreneurial advice from Daniel on building a scalable AI startup, including key strategies for communication, adaptability, and resilience. How AI is enabling SMEs to scale their customer service operations without significantly increasing overhead. Perfect For: Entrepreneurs and tech founders looking for ways to grow their AI-driven businesses. SME owners aiming to enhance their customer service with AI. Investors interested in the AI and SME automation space. For more on how AI phone assistants are transforming customer service, check out our detailed blog post: How AI Phone Assistants Are Revolutionizing SME Customer Service. Music Credits: The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved