The UrbanTech VC

Today we introduce Norma Jensen a passionate entrepreneur.For over 30 years, she has co-led a traditional family business in Kiel with her husband. Now, she shares her experiences as a mentor for other entrepreneurs. She serves on the board of the Baltic Business Angels SH, mentors at the Käte Ahlmann Foundation and WeStartUp SH, and is a supervisory board member. Additionally, she offers pro bono courses for cancer patients. Just a small disclaimer, this episode will be in german, sorry to all the non german speakers out there.In this episode, you’ll learn: The greatest challenges lead to significant personal and professional growth.In successful entrepreneurship, there is no place for ego; communication at eye level with the team is crucial.One of the parallels between parenthood and entrepreneurship is that neither allows for a pause.

Today we are happy to welcome Katharina Wäschenbach, Founder of Dearest, a relationship app that helps millenials achieve healthier relationships, recently acquired by the PIMA Health Group. She also inspires Founders at Femable Ventures and guides entrepreneurial duos at How to be With People.In this episode you’ll learn:The importance of entrepreneurial intuition and knowing that if something isn't a clear yes, it's a no.How the greatest growth often occurs during times of uncertainty.The value of consciously using time as a tool, including letting things go quickly and taking time when needed.

In today’s episode Mark & KJ jump into the guests’ seats, making room for Greg, chairperson of 2bX’ Investment Committee to act as host. Listen to the GPs reflecting on the past months at 2bX on the Pod. Sit back and enjoy a fun conversation between the two co-founders and get to know 2bX‘ pure dynamic.In this episode you’ll learn:The importance of trust and mutual respect in building successful partnershipsEmbracing change and growth by adding new team membersBalancing different personalities to create a strong and cohesive team

Today we are happy to welcome Christos, DesignDirector at Zaha Hadid Architects. He has worked with the firm since 1998 and has been a lead numerous projects and winning competitions, including most notably the Sterling Prize nominee with the Phaeno Science Center Wolfsburg, nominated by the Guardian Newspaper as one of the 50 best buildings of the 20th century. He has directed more than 250 design projects for the practice, exploring all scales from Large Scale Masterplans to design-innovation led Buildings and transformative Urban Interventions such as the Opus in Dubai and the Eleftheria Square in Cyprus. All his work revolves around the interface between Human and Machine logics and is declared proponent of the Eco-Technological paradigm. His recent work on Sberbank Technopark HQ and Oppo’s HQ in Shenzhen feature trendsetting new logics to the organization of office culture and is currently in charge of unique mixed-use and Cultural projects. His motto “Systems make good servants but terrible masters" runs throughout his work ethos.In this episode you’ll learn:Taking responsibility for one's surroundings and organizing support systems can enhance resilience and productivity.Every architectural concept is a new venture, requiring the reinvention of the wheel - a process that mirrors the essence of entrepreneurship.Embracing adversity and rising to meet challenges can be a potent recipe for success, emphasizing that the journey, not the destination, is the formative experience.

Today, we are happy to welcome Anna, a successful venture capital investor from Future Energy Ventures. Anna believes addressing climate change and energy transition is the biggest challenge and most exciting investment opportunity over the next decade. She looks forward to the massive impact and great financial returns being generated at FEV.In this episode you’ll learn:Lifelong learning and cultivating a supportive network are crucial ingredients for success.A clear vision serves as a guiding light, enabling people to overcome obstacles and challenges.Diversity within a team provides a competitive advantage by bringing a range of perspectives and insights.

Today we are happy to welcome Elena Kirova, a distinguished leader in the sustainability field. With an impressive track record, Elena has played a pivotal role in developing values and community principles that drive business success and cultural growth in Germany. We're excited to hear about her journey, her insights on urban technology, and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Let's dive in!In this episode you’ll learn:Conscious acceptance of personal responsibility and emotional control is a profound and empowering moment.While it's natural to avoid difficulties in general, with time, overcoming challenges tends to become easier and quicker.Staying curious and hungry for learning, coupled with actively seeking and leveraging the knowledge and experiences of others, can significantly enrich an entrepreneur's journey.

In today's episode Martijn Balder, Investment Team Lead 2bX, joins Katharina Lind in hosting UTVC, that welcomes Joni Baboci, founder of Layer, an urban orchestration platform that enables cities to plan, design, manage and govern urban environments. At Layer, Joni empowers leaders in delivering cross-disciplinary change to the urban fabric.In this episode you’ll learn:Building a city for children can solve many problems in urban areas.Success should be considered a journey, not just the final destination or outcome.The walking speed in cities is directly related to the size of the city.

Today we are happy to welcome Prof. Dr. Harry Wagner, distinguished mobility researcher and expert in smart, sustainable mobility concepts with a focus on intermodal transportation chains. Prof. Wagner emphasizes the need to prioritize human-centric mobility solutions over product-centric approaches. From innovative teaching methods, such as conducting lectures on spinning bikes, to entrepreneurial ventures like founding the Future Mobility Solutions GmbH, he explores diverse avenues to rethink and develop mobility solutions.In this episode you’ll learn:Intermodal mobility is under-promoted, with only 5% of travel in Germany currently being intermodal.There is a critical need to focus on the digital layer and foster collaboration among providers - shifting from the default focus on physical layer and capacity measures.A successful mobility turnaround is impossible without the significant involvement of public transport.

In today’s episode Mark Harré & Katharina Lind jump on the guests’ seats, making room for Gregory Brenninkmeyer, chairperson of 2bX’ Investment Committee to act as host. Listen to the GPs reflecting on the fifth season of the UrbanTech VC Podcast, including learnings about their past five guests. Enjoy being part of a fun conversation between the two co-founders and get to know 2bX‘ pure dynamic.In this episode you’ll learn:The importance of aligning your pitch with your vision for authenticityThe value of investing in relational business versus transactional businessThe understanding that changes require repetition and don't occur instantly

Today we are happy to welcome Ole Poppinga, Senior Venture Architect of Berlin-based company builder XPRESS Ventures, affiliated with the global contract logistics company FIEGE. Responsible for the deal flow, Ole has been involved in recent investments in HomeRide, Logistikbude, and Apothera. In addition to logistics-related verticals, sustainability and energy are current focus areas.In this episode you’ll learn:The influence of energy volatility is underappreciated, but it plays a crucial role in the future of energy consumption and management.Success in energy transformation requires a focus on incremental changes rather than radical shifts.The enthusiasm for B2C solar energy is maturing, leading to a more sober and pragmatic approach to this sector.