In his career as a football player, Philipp Lahm has achieved almost everything one can achieve in football: German champion, cup winner, Champions League winner, world champion. Since retiring from football, the former captain of the German national team and FC Bayern Munich has dedicated himself to a new task: He invests in startups and supports the initiative Startup TeensWe spoke to Philipp Lahm about his second career as a startup investor and promoter of young entrepreneurs.
You've been a partner of Startup Teens since the beginning of the year. How exactly are you supporting the project?
Of course, I usually attend public events, like the recent press conference, because my presence allows me to generate attention. I also enjoy sharing my experience as a professional footballer and young entrepreneur with young people.
Why should young people even get involved in entrepreneurship?
I think that if you have a good idea that you see potential in, you should be bold and optimistic as a teenager. Young people should take on something without risking their home and property. However, I still think it's important to have a completed school qualification as a backup.
Organic foods, body care, and a rewards program for football fans – your investment portfolio sounds like the lifestyle of a professional athlete. Do you select your investments yourself? How important is the connection to sports or health to you?
The health aspect is essential to me and is taken into account in all my investments. Since I acquired Sixtus at 100% and recently became a majority shareholder in Schneekoppe, I have a special responsibility here. All companies have to be a good fit for me, and I always consult with my team on this. Incidentally, the founders' tremendous courage at the startup Fanmiles impressed and inspired me.
Where do you draw your knowledge about startups? Does your experience as a team captain also help you on the entrepreneurial playing field?
No, not at first. An organization like Startup Teens helps me, especially with a large network I can share ideas with. Using common sense, I can then decide which companies are a good fit for me and which aren't.
Your investments are spread across Germany. Are you also active in the Munich startup scene? How do you assess the startup ecosystem in your hometown?
It's not entirely true that my companies are spread across Germany. Sixtus is located on Lake Schliersee, right near me, so theoretically I can stop by every day and check on things. Regarding Schneekoppe, I don't yet know, so fresh after the takeover, whether the headquarters will remain in Krefeld, where it is located because of the previous majority shareholder.
Investments take work and involve long-term responsibility. Are you planning a return to professional football, perhaps as an official or coach?
Whether as a player, coach, or official, football will always remain my passion and my passion. However, I don't see myself as a coach for the time being. However, I feel well-placed in my new role as European Championship Ambassador 2024, because my responsibilities are exciting and varied.
Your former teammate and predecessor as Bayern captain, Oliver Kahn, is also active in the startup scene with his company Goalplay. Do you discuss entrepreneurship with him?
Not yet, but I'm sure there will be a suitable opportunity at some point where we can talk about experiences and tips.
Where are you most likely to meet Philipp Lahm on a day off in Munich? What are your favorite places in the city?
At the moment I play a lot of tennis in my free time and take lessons from my son's coach, who teaches me a lot.
