Markus Linnenberg is Finance Executive at AI startup E-Bot7This makes him responsible for all finance-related tasks – accounting, controlling, and investor reporting. A particular focus of his work is on developing scalable processes to ensure E-Bot7 is prepared for further growth. The Munich-based startup already has more than 65 employees on-site and in its offices in London and Paris.
Munich Startup: What is your morning routine?
Markus Linnenberg: Relatively boring, but tried and tested: After getting up, I stretch for a few minutes, make some coffee, and eat breakfast. While I'm doing this, I read the newspaper and check my emails, already knowing what to expect. This helps me structure my day. If I'm not working from home, I cycle to the office, check my to-do list, and prioritize the day's tasks.
Good hardware and the right setup help
Munich Startup: What is your favorite work tool?
Markus Linnenberg: I've recently started using Wavebox, a Chromium-based browser that makes it easier for me to work with a variety of SaaS tools. I also believe that good hardware and the right setup are important for productive work, especially when working from home. A good keyboard and multiple monitors help me be more productive.
Munich Startup: Which three apps are indispensable?
Markus Linnenberg: Ticktick for my to-do list, Slack for internal communication, and Spotify when I want to focus on a topic and be in the “zone.”
E-Bot7 has a library of books
Munich Startup: Which book do you recommend?
Markus Linnenberg: Over the years, I've read many books, including some on finance, investing, and behavioral economics, as well as startup and productivity classics. I've learned that not every book is suitable for everyone. Books that are revolutionary and life-changing for one person may not be relevant to another. Therefore, I recommend reading many books and synthesizing your own "system" with the topics that are relevant to you. At E-Bot7, we have a small library with books on various topics, which has been very well received. It almost doesn't matter what you read; what's more important is that you read at all.
Avoid misunderstandings in meetings
Munich Startup: What is your favorite type of meeting?
Markus Linnenberg: I don't have a favorite meeting format, but meetings should be efficient and focused. The expected outcome at the end of the meeting should be clear. It's a good idea for participants to take notes and then send them to other participants with follow-ups. This helps avoid misunderstandings. I also enjoy going to lunch or coffee with people with whom I want to discuss general topics. Thanks to the extremely diverse team at E-Bot7, you can truly learn from everyone.
Munich Startup: What is your biggest stumbling block in your daily business?
Markus Linnenberg: Ad hoc requests or suddenly occurring problems.
Markus Linnenberg: “It’s surprising how many topics you are involved in as a financial person.”
Munich Startup: What is your motivation booster in your everyday work life?
Markus Linnenberg: When things work exactly as you imagined after intensive work. I also think it's important to communicate with colleagues, even if you work in different departments and have little contact with each other in day-to-day business. This is especially important in the context of working from home. But some people are also surprised by how many topics you're involved in as a finance person.
Munich Startup: How do you end your working day?
Markus Linnenberg: I generally update my to-do list and briefly plan my next workday. Afterwards, I go for a beer with my colleagues, go to the Eisbach, or do some exercise.
