Meet our experts! Today: Michael Wernitz!
Our startups are, of course, experts for the circular economy. Nevertheless, they could also profit from exchange with other experts. That's what we are offering our Green Alley Award finalists in our so-called expert sessions! In these sessions, #circulareconomy as well as #startup experts provide hands-on advice and the startups will get the possibility to enlarge their network and to profit from knowledge of other experienced professionals.
Read today's interview in which we introduce you to Michael Wernitz, who is Investment Manager at OneCrowd GmbH. He knows a lot about the world of startups and particularly about designing business and strategic plans as well as financial structures. Read this interview to find out more about him and his expertise!
What is your professional background and how will it help you to be a startup advisor for the Green Alley Award finalists?
During my studies, I worked with young companies and startups and I also wrote my bachelor’s and master’s thesis on relevant startup-topics. My knowledge grew when I worked in an exit-consulting M&A company for several years. At this time, I learned a lot about the hurdles which startups face in later stages. In 2020, I changed my perspective and now I analyze early-stage startups for the German crowdfunding platform Seedmatch. With this additional knowledge, I obtained a good overview of all maturation processes and key issues in the world of startups.
Most of the things you have to consider when starting a business, you don’t learn in any school. So, generally speaking, in what way could entrepreneurs profit from mentors or advisors like you?
Our company has more than 10 years of experience and a strong network of partners and helping hands. In total, we have already supported over 200 projects and of course we learned a lot at this time. With this background we are happy to share our knowledge as well as our network with young companies.
When founding a startup one can have the perfect idea and the best conditions but still fail to be successful. As execution is key, what are you as an expert looking for in an entrepreneur, his team and his business idea?
The key is the interaction of a wide variety of factors. Nevertheless, we take a strong focus on how creative, willing to compromise and energetic a founder is in achieving his corporate goals.
The Green Alley Award is all about circular startups. In your opinion, which are the key challenges for a circular economy in Europe?
In my opinion, an important fact is the good interaction between all involved players, especially the interplay between business, politics and a society which is ready to accept and live sustainable change.
If you had the chance to start your own business, what kind of startup would it be?
Still a secret 😉 But I think sharing economy is an interesting filed of experience.