Before becoming an investor, Tina Dreimann advised various companies at Bain and helped build startups. Among other things, she led a company builder, scaled a dating platform, and helped shape Kartenmacherei into the leading new work company. She is convinced that values-driven entrepreneurs improve the world and that profit should not be placed above impact, but that the best business models combine both. Tina Dreimann is an active member of the advisory board for "Young Digital Economy" of Robert Habeck's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and will be honored with the German Startup Award in 2023 as "Investor of the Year” award.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Tina Dreimann: The realization during the coronavirus pandemic that we must actively participate in a more sustainable future and that founders are the most effective lever for sustainably transforming our economy. We can only solve the biggest problems of our time together: in a network of strong movers and shakers. Entrepreneurs fit this profile perfectly. And we must understand that Impact is the biggest growth factor for profitability. Accelerated by consumer demand and growing regulatory pressure.
Tina Dreimann: “Impact [is] the biggest growth factor for profitability”
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry do you personally find particularly interesting at the moment?
Tina Dreimann: The sustainable energy and climate-positive technology sector. And startups working on the circular economy.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what advantages do diverse founding or VC teams bring?
Tina Dreimann: Diverse teams bring different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, leading to more creative and inclusive solutions and enhancing problem-solving skills. We therefore place a strong focus on complementary founding teams—on multiple dimensions. For example, data from Forbes confirms that female-led startups achieve a 35 percent higher return on investment. According to a study linking strength of character to corporate performance, CEOs who demonstrate qualities like compassion and integrity can achieve a 9.35 percent return on investment within two years.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Tina Dreimann: Firstly, in the evenings, when it's completely quiet and I can work with utmost concentration and no distractions. Secondly, during my daily walk with our dog – the distance from the laptop helps boost creativity. Finally, in discussions with people. The variety of different perspectives increases the likelihood of finding solutions – the most fun is discussing our business and our startups with my sons (10 and 12 years old). They ask the best questions!
Munich Startup: What are your three favorite work tools?
Tina Dreimann: Google Suite for co-creation with the team. Previously, you had to send versions.…
Superhuman As an email tool. It helps me a lot with my emails, even though my inbox is still a bottomless pit most days.
Slack for direct communication between us and with our business angels in our angel club.
“Passion beats experience”
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Tina Dreimann: Focus on the vision, the team, and the impact of the business model, communicate clearly how the startup is making a difference, and what concrete, verifiable evidence has already been provided. And, of course, the teams should, above all, convey enthusiasm for the project. Passion beats experience.
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Tina Dreimann: Yes, especially in the areas of impact and sustainability. Historically, times of crisis are often the best times for startups and investments. They bring with them the need for innovative solutions.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at Munich as a startup location?
Tina Dreimann: We have already fought our way to the top and can be truly proud of our location with its focus on innovation and deep tech. However, as everywhere, there is a lack of a large number of female and male founders. InvestorsWhere are you? We need you!
Munich Startup: Which investor or founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Tina Dreimann: Naval Ravikant. He is the founder and investor of Angellist – the largest investment platform in the US. They also started with a small number of angel investors, just like us. With Better Ventures, we're scaling our network with technology – exclusively for impact startups. We've already learned a lot from his example, but at the same time, I still have many questions for him.
