Security Sutra – Cybersecurity Startups and Venture Capital

OpeningWhat happens when Europe's top startup operators become VCs — and use AI to disrupt billion-euro legacy sectors? Today’s episode uncovers how Marton Sarkadi Nagy, Partner at Visionaries Club, is backing founders who are rewriting the playbook for industrial tech innovation. What You'll Learn:🔧 How applied AI is replacing legacy SaaS and transforming industries like logistics and procurement 📊 Why Europe is perfectly positioned to lead in the application layer of AI 🧠 What defines a "genre-defining founder" in early-stage startups ⚙️ The secret behind Visionaries Club’s unique LP base: unicorn founders + industrial dynasties 🪖 How radical accountability and talent-first scaling are creating B2B breakout startups Whether you’re a founder raising a seed round, an operator breaking into VC, or an investor looking to understand the future of industrial SaaS, this episode is for you. 💼 Sponsor Section👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO Guest Spotlight:Marton Sarkadi Nagy is a Partner at Visionaries Club, a Berlin-based venture capital firm managing €600M+ in AUM. With a background as the former growth lead at Tier, Marton brings operator DNA to VC. Visionaries Club backs early-stage startups that use AI, SaaS, and cybersecurity to tackle massive industrial problems — with LPs ranging from unicorn founders to multi-generational family businesses. Now it is up to youLove hearing real-world startup scaling, AI disruption, and VC philosophy? 🎧 Follow Startuprad.io on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share this episode with the boldest entrepreneurs in your network. 📎 Show NotesGuest Name: Marton Sarkadi Nagy, Partner at Visionaries Club Blog Post: How Europe’s Visionaries Are Using AI to Disrupt Industrial Tech Relevant Resources: Visionaries Club Startuprad.io Unicorn Tracker Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Introduction 05:20 – From Tier to Visionaries Club: Marton’s transition from operator to investor 11:40 – Visionaries Club’s unique LP network 18:30 – Radical accountability and founder performance 25:50 – SaaS is dead — how AI agents are reshaping back-office work 34:00 – Europe’s opportunity in applied AI 42:30 – What makes a painkiller startup (vs. a vitamin) 49:00 – Supporting technical founders and Europe’s startup gaps 56:00 – Final thoughts and contact info

Most startups talk about culture. But very few measure it. Even fewer know how to scale it.In Part 2 of our interview with Christian Conrad — coach, former Kellogg’s exec, and author of Magical Company Culture — we go deep into the execution side of culture. Forget team-building retreats. Christian outlines a leadership playbook where trust, behavioral habits, and culture KPIs like eNPS are used to build high-performing, emotionally engaged teams. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “100% trust from Day 1” transforms startup teams How to implement daily engagement boosters like connective listening and feedforward Why eNPS should be every founder’s culture KPI How one client scaled eNPS from 6 to 40 in 18 months The 4DX execution framework applied to startup leadership 🧠 About the Guest:Christian Conrad is the founder of Management Boost and author of Magical Company Culture. His mission? 1 million smiling employees by 2035. He’s coached global corporations and hypergrowth startups alike on measurable, trust-based leadership. 🔥 If you’re a founder, investor, or executive navigating scale, this episode is your culture execution guide. ✅ Subscribe, review, and share this episode to help us build the startup leadership community. 🚀 Sponsor SectionThis episode is sponsored by Tide.co Tide’s free business account helps founders manage finances, send invoices, and track expenses. Sign up with code STARTUPRADIO and get €200 cashback after €500 spent. 👉 tide.co/Podcastsde 🗒️ Show NotesGuest Name: Christian Conrad (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianconrad-magneticculture/) Role: Leadership Coach & Author of Magnetic Company Culture Blog Post Part 2: Read the Full Blog Here: https://www.startuprad.io/post/the-culture-execution-playbook-for-founders-part-2-of-our-interview-with-christian-conrad Blog Post Part 1: https://www.startuprad.io/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-a-magnetic-company-culture-in-startups Resources: Christian’s Website eNPS Overview (Gallup) Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Culture Execution Fails 03:15 – Long-Term vs. One-Off Trainings 06:00 – The Trust-First Management Mindset 10:10 – The 4DX Framework for Culture 13:50 – Case Study: eNPS Growth Story 17:22 – Three Founder Habits to Start Today 20:00 – Final Thoughts for Founders

Sponsor👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 🎧 OpeningWhat if your company culture was your biggest growth engine? In this episode, we dive deep with leadership coach Christian Conrad to unpack what makes startup cultures not only magnetic but measurable — and how founders can lead with emotional intelligence and trust from Day 1. 📌 What You'll Learn:How to use eNPS to measure engagement and cultural health Why trust-first leadership beats control-based management The daily engagement boosters that scale with your team How to retain top startup talent during the Fachkräftemangel When to use the Kano model and 4DX to execute cultural transformation 👤 Guest Spotlight:Christian Conrad, founder of Management Boost and author of Magical Company Culture, is on a mission to create 1 million smiling employees by 2035. He has helped startups and corporates alike transform their cultures into scalable engines for growth. 🎯 Your Turn:If you’re building a startup, managing a tech team, or investing in founders — this conversation will shift your thinking on leadership. 👉 Follow Startuprad.io, subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Share with your co-founder, HR lead, or investor network. Give us feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow the editor in chief / founder on LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger ✅ Show Notes:Guest Name: Christian Conrad, Leadership Coach & Author Blog Post: The Ultimate Guide to Magnetic Company Culture Relevant Resources: Magical Company Culture – Book Christian's Homepage ⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction 05:12 – What Is a Magnetic Company Culture? 13:20 – Measuring Engagement with eNPS 22:05 – Trust-Based Leadership and Emotional ROI 31:47 – Daily Engagement Boosters for Startup Leaders 40:15 – Case Study: Renewable Energy Company Culture Turnaround 48:05 – Closing Advice for Founders

In April 2025, DACH startups raised over €1.3 billion—while one of Europe’s top fintechs spiraled into crisis. This isn’t just another news roundup. This is your investor-grade, startup-founder-relevant, executive-level briefing from the DACH region’s leading podcast. 🚀 This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance in weeks, not months. Learn more at vanta.com/startupradio What You'll Learn: The real story behind Trade Republic’s outages and financial trust issues How Amboss, Noxtua, and n8n are defining applied AI in health and devops Where VCs are betting big in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Why Germany’s economy is stagnating, yet startup funding is booming Guest Spotlight: This episode is hosted by Jörn “Joe” Menninger, the voice behind Startuprad.io and one of Europe’s leading startup podcasters. He breaks down news from Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich — so you don’t miss a beat. We Love to Hear from You: Love data-backed startup insights? Then subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with your co-founder or VC. We break the noise so you don’t have to. Show Notes:Host: Jörn Menninger, Editor-in-Chief at Startuprad.io Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/april-2025-dach-startup-wrapup Relevant Resources: Amboss Funding: Silicon Canals Noxtua's AI push: TechCrunch Trade Republic Trouble: Business Insider Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro + Sponsor 03:10 – €1.3B Funding Summary 10:25 – Amboss, Noxtua, n8n: Applied AI Highlights 19:40 – Trade Republic Crisis Breakdown 27:50 – DACH VC Trends: First Momentum, Revent, Oakley 35:30 – Germany’s Economy: IFO + Forecasts 42:00 – Closing + What’s Coming in May

StartupRad.io sits down with psychotherapist Imre Remenyi to explore burnout prevention, leadership, and culture for sustainable startup growth. Burnout is silently killing startups. Discover how top founders and leaders detect it early, prevent it, and scale sustainable companies. Are you a startup founder, tech executive, or investor navigating the intense world of high-growth companies? This StartupRad.io episode is your lifeline. Host Jörn 'Joe' Menninger speaks with renowned psychotherapist and consultant Imre Marton Remenyi in a masterclass on burnout prevention for entrepreneurs. You'll get actionable strategies to protect your team and build a business that lasts. Forget surface-level "work-life balance." We dig into the real psychological, operational, and financial risks that burnout presents — and show you how to fix them. Learn how to identify subtle warning signs, lead with empathy, and create a culture where your people (and your company) can thrive. Why this episode matters: For Founders & CEOs: Avoid founder burnout. Build a resilient leadership team. Handle fundraising and venture pressure without losing your edge. For Tech Executives: Learn proven techniques for employee retention, increasing productivity, and building a culture of psychological safety. For Investors: Understand the ROI of employee wellness, founder resilience, and how these impact long-term investment performance. 🕒 Key Episode Highlights: 00:00:20 — Meet Imre: From opera singer to psychotherapist 00:03:30 — Burnout paradox: Why your top performers are most at risk 00:06:24 — Leadership's blind spot: How common management fuels burnout 00:15:59 — Real tools: Employee feedback and burnout detection 00:27:23 — Rethinking rest: The myth of work-life balance 00:33:38 — The true cost: Financial and operational impact of burnout 00:39:52 — AI and burnout: Promise, pitfalls, and ethics 00:49:13 — Remenyi’s #1 tip for leaders in high-pressure environments 💼 Sponsor: Vanta helps startups automate security and compliance (ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more). Ditch the spreadsheets, save time, and stay audit-ready — with real-time monitoring. → Get $1,000 off now at: https://vanta.com/startupradio 📣 Call to Action: ✅ Subscribe to the StartupRad.io podcast for more insights on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and startup growth. 📤 Share this episode with other founders and leaders who need it. ⭐ Leave a 5-star review — it takes 10 seconds and helps other startup builders discover smarter ways to grow. 📰 Read the full blog post → http://startuprad.io/post/the-founder’s-guide-to-burnout-prevention-in-startups 🌐 Visit our homepage → https://www.startuprad.io/ 📱 Follow us on social media → https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🔥 Discover More Topics: #burnoutprevention #founderburnout #startups #startupgrowth #venturecapital #leadership #employeewellbeing #techstartups #scalingup #startupculture #mentalhealth #teamperformance #foundermentalhealth #investmentstrategy #dachstartups #workplacewellbeing #aiprevention #productivitytips #humanresources #startupresilience

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!

🔊 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.

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

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™

🚀 Is Your Fintech Ready for DORA? The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is transforming financial regulations—compliance is no longer optional. But what exactly is DORA, and how can your fintech prepare? In this episode, Startuprad.io’s Joe Menninger speaks with Giles Inkson, Director of Services EMEA at NetSPI, a cybersecurity expert helping financial institutions navigate DORA. Get practical strategies to secure your business and stay compliant. 🔎 What You’ll Learn:✅ Key principles of DORA and why it matters. ✅ ICT Risk Management – How to identify & mitigate risks. ✅ Cybersecurity Incident Reporting – What must be reported and how. ✅ Third-Party Risk Management – Managing security across your vendors. ✅ DORA audits – How to prepare and ensure ongoing compliance. 🎙️ Featured Guest:🔹 Giles Inkson, Director of Services EMEA at NetSPI → https://www.netspi.com 💡 Key Quotes:🔹 “DORA is about strengthening digital resilience in financial services.” 🔹 “Security is still a human thing. We hack people.” 🔹 “Start small. Focus on the essentials first.” 📌 Episode Breakdown:⏳ [00:02:15] What is DORA? ⚠️ [00:05:30] Managing ICT risks 🔗 [00:12:45] Third-party security 🚨 [00:20:00] Cyber incident reporting 📋 [00:28:30] DORA implementation 🔍 [00:35:15] Audit preparation 📚 Resources & Next Steps:📖 DORA Compliance Guide → https://www.startuprad.io/blog/dora-compliance-guide 🔍 Regulatory Guidance → https://www.eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022R2554 💡 This Episode is Sponsored by Vanta✅ Vanta automates security & compliance 💰 Save $1,000 when you sign up here → https://vanta.com/startupradio 🎧 Stay Connected with Startuprad.io:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startupradio 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/startuprad_io 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startuprad.io 👍 Enjoyed the Episode?⭐ Rate us 5 stars on Spotify! 📢 Share this episode with your network. 💬 Tell us: How is your fintech preparing for DORA? 🔔 Subscribe now to never miss an episode of Startuprad.io!