Before her time as an investor, Tina Dreimann advised various companies at Bain and helped build startups. Among other things, she led a company builder, scaled a dating platform and helped shape Kartenmacherei into a leading new work company. She is convinced that value-driven entrepreneurs improve the world and that profit should not be prioritized over impact, but that the best business models combine both. Tina Dreimann is an active member of the advisory board for “Young Digital Economy” of Robert Habeck’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and was honored with the German Startup Award as “Investor of the Year” in 2023.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to be a founder?
Tina Dreimann: The realization during the coronavirus pandemic that we need to actively contribute to a more sustainable future and that founders are the most effective lever for sustainably changing our economy. We can only solve the biggest problems of our time together: in a network of strong movers and shakers. Entrepreneurs fit the profile perfectly. And we need to understand that impact is the biggest growth factor for profitability. Accelerated by consumer demand and growing regulatory pressure.
Tina Dreimann: “Impact [is] the biggest growth factor for profitability”
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry do you personally find particularly interesting at the moment?
Tina Dreimann: The sustainable energy sector and climate-positive technologies. And startups that deal with the circular economy.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what advantages do diverse startup or VC teams bring?
Tina Dreimann: Diverse teams bring in different perspectives, experiences and ideas, which leads to more creative and inclusive solutions and increases problem-solving skills. We therefore place a very strong focus on complementary founding teams – on multiple dimensions. For example, data from Forbes confirms that women-led startups achieve a 35 percent higher return on investment. According to a study that links strength of character with business performance, CEOs who score highly on qualities such as compassion and integrity can achieve a return on investment of 9.35 percent within two years.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Tina Dreimann: On the one hand, in the evening, when there is absolute peace and quiet and I can work in a highly focused manner without distractions. On the other hand, during my daily walk with our dog – the distance from the laptop helps my creativity. Finally, in discussions with people. The number of different perspectives increases the ability to find solutions – the most fun is discussing our business and our startups with my sons (10 and 12 years old). They ask the best questions!
Munich Startup: What are your three favorite work tools?
Tina Dreimann: Google Suite for co-creation with the team. In the past, you still had to send versions….
Superhuman as an e-mail tool. It helps me a lot with my emails. Even if the inbox is often a bottomless pit on most days.
Slack for direct communication with each other and with our business angels in our Angel Club.
“Passions beats experience”
Munich Startup: Your top tip for pitching?
Tina Dreimann: Focus on the vision, the team and the impact in the business model, clearly communicate how the startup is making a difference and what specific, verifiable evidence has already been provided. And then, of course, the teams should above all convey enthusiasm for the project. Passions beats experience.
Munich Startup: Do you think it’s a good time to start a company right now? Why so?
Tina Dreimann: Yes, especially in the areas of impact and sustainability. Historically, times of crisis are often the best times for startups and investments. They bring with them the need for innovative solutions.
Munich Startup: What do you think could be improved in Munich as a startup location?
Tina Dreimann: We have already fought our way to the top and can be really proud of our location with its focus on innovation and deep tech. But like everywhere else, there is a lack of female founders and female investors. Where are you? We need you!
Munich Startup: Which investor or founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Tina Dreimann: Naval Ravikant. He is the founder and investor of Angellist – the largest investment platform in the USA. They also started with a small number of angels like us. With Better Ventures, we are scaling our network with technology – exclusively for impact startups. We have already learned a lot from his example, but I still have a lot of questions for him.