Munich Startup: What has been your career path so far?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: After studying economics in Vienna and California, I entered the telecommunications industry. There, I gradually worked my way up until I eventually became a member of the Executive Board of the Telekom Austria Group. I then moved to OMV, Austria's largest company by revenue, where I was responsible for global sustainability and ESG strategies. I joined Speedinvest in 2014 – since then, I've been actively involved in shaping, building, developing, and ensuring Speedinvest's successful growth.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to work with startups in the investment sector?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: At Speedinvest, I can combine my experience from the corporate world with the fresh wind of startupsStartups are the drivers of innovation, changing the world with their ideas. Corporations provide the resources, especially financial ones, to implement these ideas on a large scale. Our task is to combine these two forces to jointly shape a sustainable and successful future.
Europe as a pioneer in climate and industrial tech?
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry do you personally find particularly interesting at the moment?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: I'm passionate about climate and industrial tech. Startups that combat the climate crisis and modernize industry have enormous potential. As some US investors withdraw, we in Europe have the opportunity to play a pioneering role in this area. We have a dedicated team of four people who focus exclusively on climate and industrial tech. I'm certainly interested in technologies and innovations that have a positive impact. Impact on our economy or society.
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: Diversity as a success factor
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what advantages do diverse founding or VC teams bring?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: For me, diversity is an absolute game changer! Not because it's "politically correct," but because diverse teams demonstrably perform better. They are more innovative, more creative, and make more informed decisions. That's good business sense!
Of course, I see that the issue of diversity is currently losing momentum. But that's precisely why we mustn't let ourselves be discouraged! As a working woman and mother of two daughters, I try to serve as a role model. We must utilize and make the most of the opportunities and freedoms that humanity has granted us through hard struggle and courage over many generations.
Munich Startup: What are your three favorite work tools?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: I could, of course, list the most unusual tools, but at the end of the day, 90 percent of my work is done through the basics: email, Slack, and Zoom. I simply can't do without them. And, of course, ChatGPT has been around for two years now.
Pitching: Show your human side
Munich Startup: Your top tip for pitching?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: Pitching isn't just about facts and figures. My top tip: Show your human side. Venture capitalists invest in people, especially in the early stages. They want to feel that you're a team with passion, resilience, and a clear vision. Be authentic, show your enthusiasm, and make it clear why you're the right people to make this idea a success.
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a company? Why?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: I believe that the current global challenges also offer many opportunities for founders. Innovative solutions are needed now more than ever to solve the problems of our time. There are many exciting technologies waiting to be applied, and investors looking for good ideas. If you believe in a good idea with passion and a strong team, it's always a good time to start a business. The best innovations emerge precisely from and in times of crisis.
Developing Munich as a startup hub
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at Munich as a startup location?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: Munich has an impressive startup scene and a top-notch industry. The networking between startups and established companies still offers a lot of potential. These corporations are relevant to startups not only as investors, but above all as customers.
Initiatives such as the UnternehmerTUM are already doing excellent work here. If we intensify this networking, we can significantly increase Munich's innovative power and establish it as a leading innovation center. Munich is already being seen as a clear Deeptech-Hub in Europe.
Munich, as an innovative city, can also be a decisive game changer as a pioneering customer for startups. In the future, we will increasingly Govtech-See solutions.
Munich Startup: Which investor would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: Warren Buffett. I saw him on stage 20 years ago – and was absolutely captivated by his statements. I would ask him how we can strengthen Europe's capital market to secure our innovative power in the long term.
