imPulse - Founders & Tech Talk

Hosted by REHAU New Ventures

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Aug 2025

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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.

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20 recent

August 6, 2025Episode 1540 min

#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 : Introduction00:20 : Guest Introduction: Kilian Karasch00:45 : Kilian's Background and Journey01:59 : Current Role and Activities02:51 : Understanding Hidden Champions04:27 : Importance of Corporate Venturing08:26 : Different Tools in Corporate Venturing08:40 : Process of Corporate Venturing13:45 : Practical Implementation of Corporate Venturing15:42 : Aligning Corporate Venturing with Company Strategy17:08 : Challenges of Corporate Venturing in the Startup World18:38 : Managing Expectations and Preparing for Challenges21:45 : The Importance of Knowing When to Quit23:44 : Incorporating Statistical Facts into Venture Building26:20 : Corporate Entrepreneurs in Venture Building27:10 : Building In-House Skills for Corporate Venturing28:34 : The Risk-Reward Profile of Venturing30:00 : The Venture Board in Corporate Venturing31:13 : Dealing with Potential Conflicts and Misalignment in Corporate Venturing32:27 : Communication and Inspiring People in Corporate Venturing36:04 : Aligning Interests and Incentives in Corporate Venturing36:53 : Examples of Successful Corporate Startups39:48 : Closing Remarks 🔗 Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiliankarrasch/

July 2, 2025Episode 1927 min

#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 : Introduction00:55 : Anja's Introduction01:44 : FlexFys Concept Explained02:34 : Origin of FlexFi03:17 : Decision to Spin Out03:52 : Journey of FlexFi05:23 : Challenges and Milestones07:13 : Corporate Mindset10:45 : Spin Out Process13:12 : Corporate Support14:24 : Current Team Setup15:08 : Market Strategy15:24 : FlexFy's Sales Channels16:07 : Building Own Sales Channel17:22 : Understanding the Market and Product Expansion19:08 : FlexFy's Product Explained20:48 : FlexFyi's Target Market21:39 : Reflections on the Corporate Venturing Journey24:10 : Future Financing and Investor Relations25:59 : 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/

June 4, 2025Episode 1845 min

#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 : Introduction00:20 : About PT1 Ventures01:10 : Career Background02:26 : Anja's Interest in the Built World05:27 : Challenges in Transforming the Built World06:05 : Adoption of New Technologies in the Built World10:02 : Examples of Success and Failure12:48 : The Importance of Retrofitting Existing Buildings15:10 : Understanding the Importance of Founders' Background17:04 : The Importance of Understanding the Industry18:08 : The Need for a Balanced Team20:43 : Understanding the Economic and Financial Aspects22:56 : The Role of Impact in Investment Decisions24:47 : Staying True to Investment Profile26:48 : The Use of AI in Managing Deal Flow28:49 : Collaboration with Portfolio Companies30:33 : Engagement with Portfolio Companies33:14 : Balancing Advice and Micromanagement36:54 : Discussing Exit Plans Early40:42 : Reflecting on Career Highlights43:24 : Advice to Younger Self44:16 : Closing Remarks🔗 Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-rath-5a98701/

May 7, 2025Episode 1725 min

#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 Overview01:04 : Natalie's Role at PepsiCo and Approach to Startup Collaborations02:33 : Identifying the Right Startups04:06 : Challenges in Engaging with Startups06:59 : Working with Early Stage Startups09:10 : Natalie's Background and Its Influence on Her Approach11:37 : Long-term Collaboration with PepsiCo11:44 : Strategic Investments and Potential for M&A14:57 : Impact of Collaborations15:17 : Impact of Collaborations with Startups17:04 : Leveraging Venture Capital Network21:35 : Advice for Startups Looking to Collaborate with Corporates23:54 : Closing Remarks 🔗 Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-lorberboym/

April 9, 2025Episode 1646 min

#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 growthA must-listen for founders, investors, and corporate leaders looking to build the businesses of tomorrow. Listen now! Chapters:00:00 : Introduction00:49 : Guest Background and Current Role01:04 : Discussion on Wattix and Maschinenraum02:18 : Deep Dive into Wattix's Journey06:01 : Collaboration and Consultation in Venture Building06:21 : Shift in Venture Building Approach06:38 : Evolution in Venture Building Approach11:37 : Venture Building for Other Companies13:50 : Starting Venture Building with Other Companies15:34 : Venture Building Challenges and Risks16:07 : Importance of Change and Innovation16:46 : Adapting to Market Trends20:14 : The Role of AI and Venture Clienting21:04 : Greyhound New Ventures' Transformation23:38 : Challenges in Collaborating with Startups26:34 : Successful Corporate Venture Example: FlexFi30:00 : Equity Distribution in Corporate Ventures30:37 : Equity Distribution and Trust in Founders31:50 : Challenges in Convincing the Board34:02 : Traits of Successful Founders37:20 : Support for Founders and Risk Management40:12 : Future of Corporate Innovation in Germany40:33 : Importance of Innovation for Transformation43:59 : Closing Remarks Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-decker/

March 26, 2025Episode 1549 min

#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 : Introduction00:29 : Guest Introduction: Florian Nöll01:07 : Background and Career01:41 : Transition from Startup to Corporate03:54 : Importance of Open Innovation in Corporates05:45 : PwC's Approach to Open Innovation05:57 : Focus of Open Innovation within PwC07:41 : Different Disciplines of Corporate Venturing08:38 : PwC's Approach to Corporate Venture Clienting09:24 : Importance of Collaboration between Startups and Corporates10:34 : Rehau New Ventures' Approach to Corporate Innovation16:36 : Corporate Venture Building: Experiences and Insights18:36 : Importance of Founder Perspective and External Benchmarks in Venture Building20:09 : Learning from Failures in Venture Building24:34 : Corporate Venture Capital in Corporate Innovation24:59 : Strategic Benefits and Challenges of Corporate Venture Capital28:19 : Recalibration of Corporate Venture Capital31:12 : Challenges and Benefits of Corporate Venture Clienting32:21 : PwC's Support for Startups: The Scale Program39:04 : Prerequisites and Benefits of Joining the Scale Program42:14 : The Need for Collective Effort in European Innovation Ecosystem43:55 : Future Trends and the Importance of Startup-Corporate Collaboration47:13 : European Startups and Their Role in Disruption47:57 : The Importance of Staying Relevant in the Corporate World48:58 : Closing RemarksLinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/floriannoell/

December 11, 2024Episode 1446 min

#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 : Introduction00:46 : Alberto Onetti's Background and Experience02:09 : Entrepreneurial Journey08:58 : Motivation and Purpose11:49 : Silicon Valley vs European Startup Culture14:52 : Swiss Startup Ecosystem15:33 : Challenges in Scaling European Startups16:57 : Analysis of Industrial Ecosystems: Europe vs U.S.18:32 : The Evolution of the European Startup Ecosystem20:55 : Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurial Priorities and Aspirations22:18 : Attributes of Successful Entrepreneurs26:04 : Innovation Support for Established Corporations28:30 : Future Trends and Corporate Venture Capital30:25 : Intrapreneurship Programs and Incremental Innovation32:28 : Corporate Venture Capital Fund Size33:29 : Benefits and Challenges of Corporate Venture Capital36:30 : Surviving Corporate Politics and Navigating Innovation40:29 : Personal Insights: Juventus and Tennis45:33 : Closing Remarks🔗 Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aonetti/ http://mindthebridge.com/

November 13, 202435 min

#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/

October 16, 202443 min

#12 Anil Sethi | Unlocking Global Corporate Venturing: Insights with Anil Sethi

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

September 11, 2024Episode 1127 min

#11 Linda & Matheo | Young Talents @ New Ventures

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. Chapter: 00:00 Introduction00:17 Guest Introduction00:40 Linda's Background01:55 Matteo's Background03:22 Linda's Role at New Ventures05:48 Matteo's Role at New Ventures07:19 First Impressions of New Ventures09:41 Key Takeaways from New Ventures15:40 Advice for Future Interns18:33 Change and Adaptability20:36 Venture that Made a Positive Impact22:46 Investor Perspective on Corporate Venture Builder25:00 Closing Remarks and Invitation for Future Interns 🔗 Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-herrmann-202691198/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matheo-cancouet-836a35171/