Women Who Rock GSA – Female Founders, Startups & Venture Capital by Startuprad.io™

Hosted by Startuprad.io™ – Europe’s Voice on Startups, VC, Innovation & Growth

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Women Who Rock GSA is Startuprad.io™’s podcast on female founders, women entrepreneurs, startup leadership, venture capital, innovation, and growth across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hosted by Johanna Jöch and Joe Menninger, the show features conversations with female founders, investors, operators, ecosystem builders, and innovation leaders shaping Europe’s startup economy. Each episode explores how women build, fund, and scale startups across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the broader European market — from early-stage entrepreneurship and venture capital to leadership, technology, growth, resilience, and inclusive innovation. Topics regularly covered include: • Female founders in Germany, Austria and Switzerland • Women entrepreneurs and startup leadership in Europe • Venture capital, startup funding, angel investment, and growth financing • Founder stories, investor interviews, and operator insights • Fintech, AI, deep tech, healthtech, climate tech, SaaS, and social impact startups • Leadership, scaling, hiring, company building, and market expansion • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to capital in European startups • Female investors, women in VC, and ecosystem builders across Europe Women Who Rock GSA is designed for founders, investors, operators, corporate innovation teams, policymakers, and international audiences who want to understand how female entrepreneurs are building and funding the next generation of European startups. The podcast is part of the Startuprad.io™ network — Europe’s Voice on Startups, VC, Innovation & Growth. Explore the European Startup Knowledge Graph: https://www.startuprad.io/post/knowledge Explore our AI / LLM visibility hub: https://www.startuprad.io/llm Partner with Startuprad.io™: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Discover all Startuprad.io™ links: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Subscribe to our startup intelligence newsletter: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Read show notes, founder interviews, and startup analysis: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/

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60 recent

March 26, 2026

DACH Startup News March 2026: Robotics, Defence and the Bavaria Signal

The March 2026 DACH startup news roundup covers the month's most significant funding rounds, acquisitions, IPO developments and ecosystem shifts across Germany, Austria and Switzerland — tracking the structural capital movements, sector dynamics and policy signals shaping the startup landscape heading into Q2 2026. The March 2026 DACH startup roundup covers major funding developments including the largest single robotics round in German venture history, a state-backed fusion commitment of unprecedented scale, multiple defence-tech procurement milestones, and the first signs of a geographic power shift in German startup funding from Berlin toward Bavaria. Key signals include growing institutional confidence in humanoid robotics and industrial automation, the normalisation of defence-tech as a mainstream venture category, and continued strength in fintech infrastructure investment. The episode identifies the market dynamics driving mid-Q1 deal activity and what founders and investors should expect from the funding environment in the months ahead. Enjoy the show? - Blog recap: https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-german-startup-news-march-2026-robotics-defence-and-the-bavaria-signal - Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dHhEstinGx0 🎧 The Audio Podcast Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🚪 Connect with Us - Partner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io - Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio - Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 - Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger © Startuprad.io Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

February 26, 2026

This Month in DACH Startups | Jan–Feb 2026 — Strategic Capital Review

January and February 2026 reveal a disciplined expansion across the DACH startup ecosystem. After reviewing more than 15,000 funding announcements, we identify structural capital concentration in enterprise AI, ESG/CSRD compliance platforms, defense and dual-use technologies, industrial robotics, and milestone-driven biotech — with visible institutional participation from EIB, KfW, and major German banks. DACH venture capital in early 2026 shows selective growth-stage normalization. Capital flows favor revenue clarity, regulatory alignment, and strategic industrial positioning. Enterprise AI integrated into operational workflows, compliance SaaS driven by CSRD mandates, defense-adjacent deep tech, robotics modernization of the Mittelstand, and clinical-stage biotech programs attract institutional participation. Consumer and speculative categories remain constrained. 🎙 Hosts: Jörn Menninger — Founder, Startuprad.io Chris Fahrenbach — Startup News Co-Host Enjoy the show? 📖 Blog recap: https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-german-swiss-and-austrian-startups-jan-feb-2026 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eHW-pdY_J6A 🎧 The Audio Podcast Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🚪 Connect with Us Partner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger © Startuprad.io Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

February 19, 2026

How ArtNight Scaled 1,000 Monthly Offline Events

ArtNight runs more than 1,000 creative events per month across Germany — with minimal central headcount. In this episode, Chris Fahrenbach speaks with Aimie-Sarah Carstensen, Founder of ArtNight, about building a tech-enabled offline platform, navigating hypergrowth, surviving COVID-driven disruption, and restoring operational focus after structural complexity nearly overwhelmed the business. This conversation examines: IRL tech and decentralized event infrastructure Cultural adaptation of US business models to DACH markets Why experience quality is an economic variable The hidden risks of venture-fueled hypergrowth Post-pandemic strategic simplification For founders, operators, and investors evaluating experience-driven platforms, this episode offers structural insight rather than tactical advice. If this episode helped you, follow the podcast and share it with a founder who needs this playbook. Enjoy the show? 📖 Blog recap: https://www.startuprad.io/post/how-artnight-built-an-irl-tech-platform-that-scales-offline-events Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BV1a6NlE5yQ 🎧 The Audio PodcastSubscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🚪 Connect with UsPartner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

February 3, 202655 min

Polarsteps CEO Clare Jones: How a Privacy-First Travel App Scaled to 18M Users

Polarsteps scaled from roughly 10M to 18M+ users by building a travel product that people love enough to share privately with the few people who matter most. In this episode, Clare Jones (CEO, Polarsteps) explains why intimate sharing beats broadcast virality, how Polarsteps accelerated growth by focusing on France, and why the company deliberately delayed subscription monetization despite travel being one of the strongest categories for paid conversion. We also unpack Polarsteps’ AI travel planner approach, how personalization avoids generic “LLM itineraries,” and what it means to build a global consumer brand in Europe without compromising privacy, trust, or values. Guest Micro-Bio: Featuring Clare Jones, CEO at Polarsteps. Host Micro-Bio: Hosted by Jörn Menninger, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Startuprad.io — the authority on German, Swiss & Austrian startups. If this episode helped you, follow the podcast and share it with a founder who needs this playbook. Enjoy the show? 📖 Blog recap: https://www.startuprad.io/post/polarsteps-growth-privacy-first-travel-app-at-18m-users-startuprad-io Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qjc1fkttauY 🎧 The Audio PodcastSubscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🚪 Connect with UsPartner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

December 23, 202523 min

This Month in German, Swiss and Austrian Startups - December 2025 Deep Dive

A decision-grade map of DACH execution signals for 2026: where regulation creates demand, where AI credibility is earned, and which business models are being repriced. This episode breaks down what actually changed in the DACH startup ecosystem heading into 2026. - Europe's AI advantage in regulated and industrial applications - Why integration and distribution are now the AI moat - Fintech repricing: margins, compliance, scale economics - Regulation as forced innovation catalyst (e-invoicing) - Marketplaces as balance-sheet strategies. 🎙 Hosts: Jörn Menninger — Founder, Startuprad.io Chris Fahrenbach — Startup News Co-Host Enjoy the show? Follow, review, and share this episode with your team Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-german-swiss-and-austrian-startups-december-2025-deep-dive - YouTube: https://youtu.be/QjUrrZKJuPE ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger © Startuprad.io Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

December 18, 2025

DACH Startup Ecosystem 2026: AI Mega-Rounds, Dual Use & Europe's New Venture Stack

The DACH startup ecosystem closed 2025 with unusually clear signals for 2026 — AI mega-rounds, defense-grade dual use, and a restructuring of Europe’s venture capital stack. What you’ll learn in this episode: – Why €3B AI valuations change Europe’s startup narrative – How dual use moved from story to category – What founders must understand about capital, compute, and procurement – Where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are quietly reorganizing advantage 🎙 Hosts: Jörn Menninger — Founder, Startuprad.io Chris Fahrenbach — Startup News Co-Host Enjoy the show? Follow, review, and share this episode with your team - Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-german-swiss-and-austrian-startups-december-2025-top-news - YouTube: https://youtu.be/zRt1qwR3lj0 ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger © Startuprad.io Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

December 17, 2025

Back on Signal

A short update on our publishing schedule. A technical issue caused a brief pause — all content is safe, and we’re back to regular releases from here. 🚪 Connect with UsPartner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

December 13, 2025

How Tumor-on-a-Chip Technology Is Transforming Cancer Treatment and Drug Testing

What if the tools we use to test cancer drugs don’t behave like human tumors at all? That’s the question that pushed Ghazaleh Madani, CEO and co-founder of CanChips, to build one of the most compelling innovations in oncology today: tumor-on-a-chip platforms that replicate human tumor biology with unprecedented accuracy. In this episode, we explore how microfluidics, 3D co-cultures, endothelial layers, and real-time biosensing combine to replace outdated 2D cultures and reduce reliance on animal models. The result: faster, more predictive cancer drug testing — and a pathway toward truly personalized oncology. Our sponsor:🚀 Exclusive Black Friday offer – NordStellar x Startuprad.io. NordStellar, developed by the team behind NordVPN, gives startups and scaleups real-time insights into leaked credentials, darknet threats, and unprotected assets – before attackers can exploit them. 👉 Get 20% off with code blackfriday20 at nordstellar.com/startupradio. 🕒 Offer valid until December 10, 2025 – protect your business before your data is offered for sale on the darknet. NordStellar – Know what attackers know. Act first. You’ll learn: – Why 2D cultures and animal models fail – How tumor-on-chip platforms replicate human tumor environments – How patient-derived cells lead to 72-hour drug response predictions – What this means for biotech founders, pharma teams, and investors – How German startups are shaping deep-tech innovation in the DACH region – What it takes to build and lead a cross-disciplinary biotech team – Why founder visibility matters as much as scientific rigor Whether you're building in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, this episode offers one of the clearest explanations of capital-efficient growth, B2B startup scaling, and long-term founder wealth creation. Guest Spotlight Ghazaleh Madani is a biotech founder whose mission began when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Her work at CanChips merges engineering, biology, and human urgency — delivering one of the most promising tumor-modeling systems in Europe. If this episode helped you, follow the podcast and share it with a founder who needs this playbook. Enjoy the show? 📖 Blog recap: https://www.startuprad.io/post/tumor-on-a-chip-explained-the-future-of-cancer-drug-testing Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JIow-O-AM50 🎧 The Audio PodcastSubscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 🚪 Connect with UsPartner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Folge direkt herunterladen

December 6, 202534 min

German Startup Ecosystem 2025: AI Becomes Infrastructure & DeepTech Booms

AI is no longer the shiny object. It’s becoming infrastructure. And that single shift is transforming the German startup ecosystem in 2025 faster than most founders expected. This month, the DACH region crossed a new threshold: AI is moving from hype into the industrial backbone of Europe — compute scarcity is now strategic, sovereign cloud has become political, and robotics, automation, and vertical AI stacks are pulling in more capital than consumer apps ever did. But that’s just the start of the story. In this deep-dive edition of Startup News, we break down five structural shifts shaping Germany, Austria, and Switzerland right now: What You’ll Learn– How AI’s shift to infrastructure will define Europe’s next decade – Why DeepTech & DefenseTech are becoming unavoidable categories for VCs – Where funding is actually flowing in 2025 – What the newest founder wave means for operators, investors & talent – Which German startups raised the biggest rounds this month – What founders should prepare for next Our Sponsor:🚀 Exclusive Black Friday Offer — NordStellar x Startuprad.io Built by the team behind NordVPN, NordStellar gives startups and scaleups real-time visibility into leaked credentials, dark-web threats, and exposed assets — before attackers can exploit them. 👉 Get 20 percent off your plan with code black friday 20 at nordstellar.com/startupradio 🕒 Offer valid until December 10 th 2025 — protect your business before your data ends up for sale on the dark web. NordStellar — Know what attackers know. Act first. 🎙 About the HostsJörn “Joe” Menninger, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Startuprad.io (Frankfurt) Chris Fahrenbach, Co-host & Global Analyst (Hanover / New York) Together, they track the most important startup stories in the DACH ecosystem — AI, deep tech, fintech, and scale-up growth. Follow, review, and share this episode with your team. — Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-dach-startups-november-2025-deep-dive — YouTube: https://youtu.be/K2Syfa3P6HY  🎧 The Audio Podcast Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio  🚪 Connect with Us Partner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io  Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio  Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9  Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger  Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

November 27, 202522 min

European Tech Sovereignty: The November 2025 DACH Startup News Briefing

Europe's startup narrative is changing fast — from apps and valuations to sovereignty, infrastructure and resilience. In this month's DACH Startup News, we unpack the moves that made European tech sovereignty the defining theme of 2025. What you’ll learn:– Why sovereign cloud is becoming foundational for startups and enterprise buyers – How AI, robotics, defense, and climate infrastructure shape Europe’s industrial strategy – Why deep tech is rising while fintech normalizes – The funding signals behind pre-seed to late-stage capital flows – How DACH is becoming Europe’s proving ground for strategic innovation – What European tech sovereignty actually means for your business If this episode helps you see the DACH ecosystem more clearly, share it with a founder or operator who should hear it. And subscribe so you never miss a briefing. Our Sponsor:🚀 Exclusive Black Friday Offer — NordStellar x Startuprad.io Built by the team behind NordVPN, NordStellar gives startups and scaleups real-time visibility into leaked credentials, dark-web threats, and exposed assets — before attackers can exploit them. 👉 Get 20 percent off your plan with code black friday 20 at nordstellar.com/startupradio 🕒 Offer valid until December 10 th 2025 — protect your business before your data ends up for sale on the dark web. NordStellar — Know what attackers know. Act first. 🎙 About the HostsJörn “Joe” Menninger, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Startuprad.io (Frankfurt) Chris Fahrenbach, Co-host & Global Analyst (Hanover / New York) Together, they track the most important startup stories in the DACH ecosystem — AI, deep tech, fintech, and scale-up growth. Enjoy the show? Follow, review, and share this episode with your team. - Blog: https://www.startuprad.io/post/this-month-in-german-swiss-and-austrian-startups-november-2025-top-news - YouTube: https://youtu.be/0XtIE695VE4 ✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe across platforms: https://linktr.ee/startupradio 💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8 💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Folge direkt herunterladen Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm