Max Gulde & Tobias Schwind

This week’s episode of Funding & Disrupting presented by Oura Collective welcomes two special guests. Keith interviews Tobias Schwind, managing partner of FTTF, and Max Gulde, the Founder of ConstellR.

In a double interview, both Max and Tobias open up about their companies and working relationships. While FTTF is a renowned venture capital firm, ConstellR is an emerging tech company with some amazing innovative ideas.

All You Need to Know About FTTF & ConstellR

In the podcast, Keith Herman interviews two very experienced entrepreneurs. You’ll be amazed to know that both Max Gulde and Tobias Schwind are based out of Germany. Keith asks both of them about the rapid evolution of emerging technologies in Germany. They both candidly discuss how and why Germany is far ahead when it comes to technological advancements.

Keith asks Tobias to share in detail about FTTF and what’s behind the name. Tobias opens up about how FTTF does fund start-ups that use Fraunhofer technology. He also shares that they’ve helped companies with roughly $60 Million in the form of convertible loans or equity funds. However, what makes FTTF unique is its partnerships with start-ups.

Tobias discusses how FTTF not only invests money but also helps start-ups. They help by being co-founding partners through various stages.

Keith further invites Max Gulde to discuss more about the unique idea behind ConstellR. Max discusses the problems and solutions ConstellR approaches to bring about change. You’ll be impressed to know how Max and his team are working to improve the future of global mankind.

Max reveals that ConstellR tackles the problem of water resources on a global level. He opens up about how humans have exploited the water, and it might get arduous to save water for the future. He also throws light upon the issues of water scarcity in various regions. ConstellR is an organization that globally monitors water usage through space technologies.

How Max Gulde & Tobias Schwind Came Together?

In the next segment of the interview, Keith asks Max and Tobias to confess their first meeting and further partnerships. It is funny and fascinating to see how well Max & Tobias bond with each other.

Tobias Schwind tells how he was sceptical about Max’s business idea initially. He was not sure about investing until Max explained to him the concept and future aspects. It was Max’s explanation and excitement that impressed Tobias to invest.

Max Gulde, on the other hand, is super-funny and enthusiastic about this funding process. He talks about how he knew Tobias before he asked for investment. He also jokingly shares that they had good coordination, and he did not just go directly to ask for capital. So, there were no butterflies during the first meeting. Max tells Keith about how they could be transparent to each other and discuss everything openly. You’ll be surprised to know that Max was 1 out of 400 people Tobias selected!

What Are the Challenges & Characteristics of a Good CEO?

Being a new CEO himself, Max Gulde discusses what challenges he faced initially. To all those who don’t know, Max is exceptionally well at science and technology. When Keith asks Max about shifting professions, Max told how challenging it was for him.

He says entrepreneurship is attractive, but you make many mistakes and learn from them. Max also shares how he worked on brilliant technologies all his life but never felt he made an impact. However, being a CEO, he feels you can witness the outputs of the work you’ve done, and it is rewarding.

Characteristics of Being a Good CEO

Max also opens up about the skill-set and qualities you need to be a good CEO. He is honest, while he shares some note-taking pointers for budding entrepreneurs.

• First, Max Gulde asks people to hold on to their vision. He asks budding entrepreneurs to follow a purpose and work hard towards achieving it. When you have a clear vision, you will head in the right direction.

• The second piece of advice is critical as both Max and Tobias believe that entrepreneurship is not all about you but your team. They ask people to be selective and open to the right people. Only an efficient team can bring in the change you need. Max emphasizes networking and searching for the right people and connections.

• Another crucial characteristic of being a CEO is to never stop learning. He asks people not to think much about the outcomes and work for what’s in their hands. You should challenge yourself to improve each day. He also adds that you can’t balance everything, and you need to compromise sometimes.

Funding Process and Advice for Tech Founders

Tobias discusses how FTTF has made roughly 20 investments so far. He opens up about the funding strategy of FTTF and how they select the right start-ups for investment.

In the podcast, Tobias also shares his valuable advice for the people investing in tech companies. Being more of a business partner and less of a technology partner, FTTF has a unique venture capitalist approach. He asks VCs to understand the technology and business model’s feasibility before investing.

Max Gulde is super-enthusiastic, and his energy is contagious throughout the interview. Keith asks Max how he prepared for the funding process and how long it took for him. Max is candid and sarcastic as he shares that he made 16 different versions of his pitch!

It took around eight months for ConstellR to find an investor. However, personal and professional relationships with FTTF helped ConstellR and FTTF close the deal.

FTTF & ConstellR Story Notes:

• Backstory of FTTF & ConstellR
• First Meeting of Max Gulde & Tobias Schwind
• Challenges of Being a CEO
• Advice on Working with Tech Founders
• Skill-set of a good CEO
• Funding &Disrupting Process
• Entrepreneurial Learnings

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