We are managed by a strong team of innovation experts and start-up enthusiasts
Our team mindset is a mixture of trusting our diverse experiences and accepting different perspectives, striving for an inclusive work environment, and encouraging constant out-of-the-box thinking - and of course, balancing work with fun.
Our Faces & Stories
Moritz Förster
Managing Partner
Prior to my current position, I hold various roles at Siemens in M&A, Digital Consulting, and Operational Strategy while putting customer-centricity at the core. With my 15+ years of professional experience as an innovation expert, I am responsible at TechFounders for fostering successful cooperation between start-ups and corporates to maximize the potential of digital technologies and supporting companies to keep their competitive advantage. In addition, I serve as Director of Operations for the RESPOND Accelerator.
Sylvia Stojilkovic
Managing Partner
With over 12 years of experience in corporate innovation, venture building, and venture capital having worked with tech startups in Europe, Silicon Valley, and Israel, I am leading today the global corporate-startup collaboration activities at TechFounders. Previously, I was the EU Director and Climate Tech Chair at Alchemist Accelerator, the leading enterprise accelerator in Silicon Valley, where I led over 30 European deep-tech investments and supported startups to enter the US market and scale globally.
Emilie Gastinger
Innovation Manager
During and after my studies of Management & Technology at TUM I worked in business development of start-ups, as well as innovation management and strategy consulting of corporations. With these insights into both worlds – young start-ups and established companies – I will boost their collaboration at TechFounders.
Jasmin Jurvakainen
Marketing & PR Manager
With a background in communication sciences, I drive TechFounders' marketing, branding, and PR activities with a strong focus on user analytics, online campaigning, search engine optimization, and visual storytelling. Working in an environment that encourages change boosts my creativity and my handwork can be seen in the design of our new website and online & offline graphics.
Céline Herry
Venture Associate
As a Venture Associate, I am responsible for the scouting and evaluation of start-ups applying to our program. Prior to my current role, I completed my Master's in Management & Innovation at HEC Paris & TU Munich and gathered experience in Strategy & Growth roles at 3 different start-ups and at a VC fundraising advisory boutique.
Moritz Güntzer
Venture Associate
As a Venture Associate at TechFounders, I passionately explore and evaluate start-ups applying to our program. Before joining TechFounders, I gained broad experience in startup scouting, business development in startups, and digital strategy consulting for corporates. My journey through studies in Business Administration and Impact Entrepreneurship has further enriched my skillset and sparked my drive for emerging new technologies.
Melania Padolecchia
Program & Marketing Manager
As the Program & Marketing Manager, my passion for the start-up and tech ecosystem finds its purpose. I am entrusted with a dynamic range of tasks, from devising impactful marketing strategies to coordinating program initiatives. With a keen eye for branding, content creation, and social media management, I strive to elevate our company's presence and drive growth in the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
Laura Wagmann
Program Manager RESPOND
Fernando Cuevas
RESPOND Intern
As a student in Sustainable Management and Technology at TUM, I have acquired extensive knowledge at the intersection of sustainability, business, and innovation. With the expertise gained throughout my studies and my previous experience in a start-up, I am eager to support the start-ups of the RESPOND Acceleration Program during my internship. As an intern, I am involved in the daily operations of the program, contributing to its mission of supporting sustainable start-ups and fostering entrepreneurship.