One of Germany’s most successful entrepreneurs Valarie’s been named one of the 50 most influential women in the German tech scene by Handelsblatt. Since 2003, Bures-Bönström has been best known as the co-founder and partner of the fitness studio chain Mrs.Sporty. In order to perfect the Mrs.Sporty training concept, she developed the so-called Pixformance station, a digital training device based on software for functional training. In 2019, Bures-Bönström started the start-up Etone Motion Analysis GmbH, the company behind the VAHA brand, an interactive fitness solution for the home, which has already received an investment in the double-digit million range. VAHA was awarded the Red Dot Award in the Product Design category in 2021 [9] and received the highest awards at the ISPO Award 2021: “Gold Winner” and “Product of the Year”. Valarie recently joined well known European VC, XAnge as Partner and Head of DACH.

Johannes invests for Cusp Capital, a venture capital firm focused on European software and technology. He seeks promising early-stage businesses that are on the cusp of redefining their industry. At Cusp Capital he has shaped the firm‘s Industry-Specific Operating Systems thesis and investments in companies such as mainteny – the all-in-one software for maintenance service companies. Prior to VC, Johannes worked in policy and research at an EU institution and a U.S. grand strategy program, focusing on the future of financial markets. Johannes studied Ethics, Politics & Economics at Yale University, graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa and with distinction.

Carla’s mission is to create a society in which women have equal opportunities to drive innovation and shape the future for good. Before joining Auxxo as Head of Platform she gained experience at several startups, NGOs and co-founded amelia, a growth accelerator for female young professionals.

Julian joined GP Bullhound as a Partner in August 2012 and will leave the firm end of 2023 to join a competitor. Before becoming head of the German office, he was managing partner and founder of M&A boutique Pure Equity Advisors, which was then acquired by GP Bullhound.Previously, Julian was a managing director at Corporate Finance Partners, an international financial advisory firm focusing on the sectors Internet, media and technology.Prior to working as an advisor, Julian built up extensive M&A experience on the sell- and buy-side as an entrepreneur and manager of leading IT and internet companies.In total, he has advised on or executed more than 50 Technology-M&A and Growth Equity transactions on the buy- as well as the sell side.

Pauline Paquet has been a part of the European tech ecosystem for over a decade. She began her journey as an entrepreneur, followed by a consulting stint at Wavestone, and later managed Startup Support at Paris&Co, France’s leading incubator. There, she coordinated support services available to over 1000 startups across 14 sector-specific incubators. Since 2019, Pauline has led the Startup Success Platform at the European VC XAnge, a team of 4 people (and growing) dedicated to supporting portfolio entrepreneurs with their growth challenges. Pauline has a unique view of the entrepreneurial journey and in depth knowledge about every stage of the startup growth curve from pre-seed to Series B and beyond. Her position has helped her build unique and lasting relationships with founders across Europe and has enabled XAnge to accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies.