Startup Teens is entering the new year with Bettina Engert as its new Managing Director. At Flixbus, Engert was responsible for developing corporate communications from a startup to a pan-European company. In 2019, she moved to the Munich-based venture capital firm on the investor side. As a mentor, she also supports young women and talented individuals from non-academic backgrounds in launching their careers in the startup ecosystem.
Too many talents left behind too early
In her new role, Engert is particularly excited about the opportunity to empower young people for entrepreneurship, digitalization, and future-oriented careers. She says:
"There are so many smart minds out there. The majority lack not so much opportunities, but rather a substantive connection to the startup environment. We're missing out on too much talent too early because we don't provide practical access to innovation topics in school. By the time they're in vocational training or university, it's too late, so young people, lacking inspiration, are training for careers that may no longer exist in ten years."
With this view, she is in the right place at Startup Teens. The association directly addresses young people between 14 and 19 years of age through channels such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram and with role models from the German entrepreneurial and startup scene in a Germany-wide mentoring network.
“More diversity in companies starts at school”
"Bettina impresses not only with her high level of professional expertise, but also with her communication and empathetic skills. Over the past ten years, she has built a strong network for herself and is passionate about inspiring young people about entrepreneurship and technology. Together, we want to raise awareness of Startup Teens among young people and help students implement their own ideas."
so Hauke Schwiezer, founder of Startup Teens. He continues:
"Increasing diversity in companies starts at school. We are delighted to have been able to recruit Bettina Engert, a great personality, to our management team. She will also drive the empowerment of young women in Germany with Startup Teens."
