Frank Thelen

About

Founder. Investor. Tech-Enthusiast. I'm a European serial founder and seed investor based in Bonn, Germany 📍 Since 1994, I have founded several technology and design driven internet businesses. In my role as CEO of Freigeist Capital I focus on supporting outstanding European Tech Founders with my 20+ years of experience in building tech companies. We only do few selected seed stage investments per year to be able to give 360 degree support to our portfolio. The teams we back are all trying to solve a global issue with a disruptive technology. In 2014, I joined Sony's prime time TV-show "Shark Tank" 📺, broadcasted in Germany on VOX as "Die Höhle der Löwen". In 2018, I published my Autobiography 📖 "Startup-DNA" at age 42, which became a bestseller. My second best-selling book, 10xDNA, describes the laws of exponential technological development and is also available in English. I’m passionate about technology, exponential growth and sustainability. I believe that technology is our biggest chance at saving this planet. As one of the leading business influencers in the DACH region, I frequently share my insights on technological developments, the European Economy, digitalization and politics. I’m a huge fan of disruption. And of Elon Musk. Follow me here on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, TikTok or YouTube to stay up to date on European Tech 🚀