Munich Startup: What kind of career path have you had so far?
Rosaria Di Donna: At the age of 16, I began gaining my first professional experience in my parents' family business. My business studies took me to the University of Mannheim, Bocconi University, and Copenhagen Business School, where I focused on strategic management and controlling. I graduated in 2012, ranked among the top 10 percent of my class. During this time, I had the opportunity to gain valuable international experience in cities such as Milan, Paris, Madrid, Copenhagen, and Singapore.
My professional journey has taken me to renowned companies such as Bosch, Porsche, and Microsoft, where I held various management positions. My focus was on consulting, sales, market entry strategies, and partner and product management.
In 2024, together with my co-founders Mousa Abdelmaksoud (CTO) and Ariane Vogel (CPO), the idea for Familymind AI was born. One year later, in 2025, we finally founded the company.
Rosaria Di Donna: “For me, starting a business is a mission”
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Rosaria Di Donna: As a mother, I've experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to balance family and career. At the same time, through conversations with friends and family members, I've repeatedly sensed that mental load—the invisible burden of organizing everyday life—predominantly affects women.
Starting a business at 39, while expecting our second child, might sound bold to some. For me, it simply feels right. Familymind AI was born out of the desire to not only ease the burden on families but also bring equality into everyday life. For me, starting a business isn't just a career choice—it's a mission with a social impact.
We use cutting-edge artificial intelligence to ease the burden on families in their daily lives. AI is often described as a technological revolution, but it must also be made accessible in the family context. Parents, especially mothers, benefit enormously from this transformation. AI can help make invisible mental load visible, distribute tasks intelligently, and reduce stress.
With Familymind AI, we offer a solution that not only organizes but also shares responsibility. Parents should have a fair chance to balance their professional and family goals. My goal is not only to make life easier for individual families, but also to change society's perception of families and family work in the long term.
Strong support system
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to have known before starting your first business?
Rosaria Di Donna: That a strong support system is everything. I'm incredibly grateful for the support of my family, partner, friends, and network—it wouldn't be possible without them. However, I wish I'd known earlier that not everything has to be perfect to get started, that you're never "ready enough," and that I could trust in myself and my abilities to follow this path. The best ideas often arise in the midst of life.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Rosaria Di Donna: Familymind AI is financed and supported by public funding programs such as the Exist start-up grant from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Research and Climate, Social Impact Republic, and the UnternehmerTUM network. These programs provide us with access to a fantastic network and mentors. At the same time, we are working on establishing ourselves as a profitable and independent company early on, as well as attracting strategic investors who will support our mission not only financially but, above all, in the long term.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Rosaria Di Donna: Definitely being active in nature—whether it's on a walk, a bike ride, or watching my child at the playground. Children have an incredibly inspiring perspective on the world, and they often give me new ideas. And these ideas are usually much simpler and less complex, and therefore incredibly powerful.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Rosaria Di Donna: Miro – for clear visualizations and team collaboration. Teams – for fast, effective communication and knowledge sharing. Headsets and noise-canceling features – no matter where I am or who I'm talking to online, I'm professional and can fully concentrate on the conversation.
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Rosaria Di Donna: Authenticity is key. People don't (just) invest in ideas, but in the people behind them. Tell your story – honestly, emotionally, and with passion.
“Now is the moment to show that innovation thrives on diversity”
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Rosaria Di Donna: Yes, absolutely. The challenges families face—be it mental stress, time management, or equality—are more relevant than ever. It's the perfect time to make a real difference with a social innovation like Familymind AI. Especially for women in tech, now is the moment to be bold and demonstrate that innovation thrives on diversity.
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next start-up?
Rosaria Di Donna: Definitely a combination of technology and social impact again. AI has the potential to not only create efficiency but also bring about real social change. I would continue to focus on topics that improve our society.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Rosaria Di Donna: Munich offers great networks and funding opportunities, but we need more visibility for female founders. Childcare options in Coworking spaces would also be a game changer for parents. It should be normal for mothers to be on stage—pregnant, with small children, or without. More such images are needed on social media. Role models are key to encouraging founders.
Karma hits hard
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Rosaria Di Donna: I would like to meet Zuckerberg, Musk, Bezos & Co and ask them the following: "Why are you only shaping the future for half the world's population? Don't you believe that a diverse, inclusive, and above all, unbiased tech landscape benefits everyone?" Then I would give them three words to say: “Karma hits hard.”
I'm convinced that nothing and no one can stop women or minorities in tech. We are taking our place—not because it's given to us, but because we shape it, and our society desperately needs it.
