Munich Startup: To start with, please briefly outline how your professional journey began.
Verena Pausder: After studying business administration, I first went into the insurance industry – a secure job, but I quickly realized that wasn't my world. I wanted to build something of my own. My first attempt was a salad bar. It sounded like a good idea, but unfortunately it wasn't – at least not economically. But that's exactly how I learned an incredible amount: about entrepreneurship, about failure, and above all, about the importance of learning from mistakes. In 2012, I founded Fox & Sheep with the vision of introducing children to digital education in a playful way. That was my entry into the world of tech and education.
Munich Startup: Speaking of Fox & Sheep: What inspired you to work in the tech and education industry? And how do you generally view the role of technology in early childhood education?
Verena Pausder: I wanted children to grow up in a digital world where they don't just consume, but also participate creatively. Education begins early, and technology is not the enemy, but the tool. The question isn't whether children should come into contact with technology, but how. It's about responsible use and fostering digital skills early on.
Digital competence, adaptability and creativity
Munich Startup: Your company Ada Learning focuses on digital education – what skills do you think people should learn in the future to be successful in the job market?
Verena Pausder: The world is changing rapidly, and we need three things: digital literacy, adaptability, and creativity. Anyone who can program today understands how our world works. But it's just as important to learn new things, think critically, and be innovative, and not just understand AI but be able to apply it. For me, lifelong learning is one of the key skills people should have today.
Munich Startup: What trends do you see emerging in the field of digital education in the coming years? Which technologies or approaches are you particularly excited about?
Verena Pausder: AI will revolutionize education. Personalized learning paths, adaptive teaching methods – these are no longer visions of the future, but developments that are already taking place. At the same time, we must be careful that technology does not replace education, but rather enhances it. It remains a question of balance: high-tech, but with humanity.
Munich Startup: Let’s return to the topic of founding a company: What would you have liked to have known before starting your first business?
Verena Pausder: That failure is part of the process. And that not everyone will immediately believe in your idea—but that's not necessary. What's important is that you stick with it, learn, develop, and never give up.
Munich Startup: What was one of your most difficult moments in your startup journey and how did you deal with it?
Verena Pausder: When I decided to pull the plug and liquidate the company after 12 months of my first start-up, we were unable to Startup to get it off the ground, some of the investors' money had been spent, that was a very difficult moment that felt anything but good.
Munich Startup: At a time when many startups are struggling with challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers and financing gaps, what concrete measures do you consider necessary – also in your role as chair of the Federal Association of German Startups – to make startups in Germany successful and competitive in the long term?
Verena Pausder: Last fall, we published an innovation agenda with the Startup Association, which focuses on several key measures to keep startups in Germany competitive in the long term. A key point is improving financing options, particularly through increased support for venture capital to better support founders during the growth phase. Regarding the shortage of skilled workers, we must rely on modern immigration laws that enable qualified workers from abroad to come to Germany more quickly and easily. Another important step would be to establish English as an official language in administration. This would help us position Germany as an attractive location for global talent. We must also provide much greater support for spin-offs from universities. University research holds enormous potential for innovative startups – TUM is already setting a great example in this regard – we must do the same in other cities! Finally, bureaucratic hurdles should be further reduced so that founders can invest their energy in innovation and scaling their companies. These measures together would help German startups remain successful in the long term and become internationally competitive.
“Crises often bring about the best innovations”
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? If so, why?
Verena Pausder: It's never a perfect time, but crises often bring about the best innovations. Those who start a business now immediately learn how to operate efficiently and sustainably—and that's a huge advantage. Times of crisis are entrepreneurial times.
Munich Startup: As a business angel, you invest in promising startups. What are the most important criteria for you that a founder or company must meet to pique your interest? And are there any technologies or industries that particularly interest you?
Verena Pausder: Team, topic, and timing. For me, the founding team and the problem the startup solves are crucial. A strong team that works well together and has the right mindset is the key to success. The idea and topic must address a real, scalable problem and have the potential to transform markets or create new ones. The market in which the startup operates must also offer growth potential.
I'm interested in many different areas of technology, but here, too, my passions—financial education and supporting children—are extremely important to me. Timing is underestimated by many. Being too early or too late can cause even the best idea, even with the best team, to fail.
Munich Startup: Together with Lea-Sophie Cramer, you host the podcast "FAST & CURIOUS." Here, you meet exciting guests and discuss topics related to digital transformation and innovation. Which episode or conversation surprised or inspired you the most?
Verena Pausder: The Conversations with Matthias Schranner on the art of negotiation made a lasting impression on me. Because it's such an underrated skill to negotiate well, stand up for yourself, and achieve the best possible outcome.
Munich Startup: Is there a founder you'd like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Verena Pausder: I have been in the startup scene for over 15 years and have the privilege of knowing all the founders who have impressed me over the years.
Munich Startup: And finally: What are your next goals and projects? Or what are you particularly looking forward to in the near future?
Verena Pausder: I'm looking forward to fully advancing the startup landscape in Germany with my work at the Startup Association. Our goal is to make Germany a true startup nation, where innovations can not only emerge but also grow. There's still a lot to do to achieve this – and I'm highly motivated to do my part.
