Fintech Germany - Startups and Venture Capital

Welcome to the FinTech Germany Podcast, a dedicated sub-podcast of Startuprad.io™, your premier source for insights and news on German, Austrian, and Swiss startups! Ranked among the top 20 entrepreneurship podcasts on Apple Podcasts worldwide, we bring you the best of the vibrant GSA fintech scene in English only. Dive into the dynamic world of fintech, where innovation is reshaping banking, investment, and insurance. Over the past decade, fintech startups have secured billions in venture capital and skyrocketed in valuation. Our podcast features breaking news, exclusive interviews, and live events, spotlighting the latest in insurtech, crypto, AI, and machine learning. We uncover hidden gems driving digitalization and innovation in the German-speaking fintech landscape. Our podcast hosts a diverse range of guests, including Emmy winners, New York Times best-selling authors, Forbes 40 under 40, Capital 40 unter 40, Forbes 30 under 30, influential investors, and game-changing entrepreneurs. We take pride in introducing you to guests you may not know yet but who are set to make a significant impact in the future. Explore the thriving fintech hubs of Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. Stay updated on fintech bank developments, crucial finance insights, and captivating fintech news. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, a startup founder in the making, or simply eager to grasp cutting-edge trends in banking and capital markets, this podcast is your go-to source for all things fintech in Germany. Chartable ranks us in the global Top 60 Science, Top 75 Tech, and Top 275 Business podcasts, and Listen Notes places us in the global Top 0.5%. Join the FinTech Germany Podcast and stay informed about the latest developments in Europe's largest economy. Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Subscribe here: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Startuprad.io™ - The Authority on GSA Startups. Our platform has expanded from a single audio podcast to a 24/7 internet radio station, blog, YouTube channel, TikTok channel, eight sub-podcasts, and more than two dozen social media accounts. Tune in and be inspired by every conversation at the FinTech Germany Podcast.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    🚀 DACH Unicorns 2025: Funding, Scaling & the Future of European Startups! 🚀

    Explore Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems with Startuprad.io's DACH Unicorn Tracker Spring 2025. From AI drones to climate tech, we break down Germany, Austria, and Switzerland’s unicorn landscape—covering the hottest startups, funding trends, and billion-euro growth stories. 🧠 Want the full breakdown, unicorn list, and bonus insights? 👉 Read the full blog post: startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io 🎯 In this episode: What is DACH, and why it matters in global tech Quantum Systems: The AI-powered defense unicorn Logistics innovation with Forto & Sennder Mobility shakeups: FlixBus, Tier, and Volocopter Deep tech disruptors: Helsing & Agile Robots Biotech volatility: ADC Therapeutics’ rise and fall Green billionaires: Enpal, Climeworks, and 1.5 Degrees Fintech giants N26, Trade Republic, Clark & more Celonis, DeepL & the rise of B2B SaaS Lessons from fallen unicorns: Wefox, Grover, Infarm, Solaris This is your strategic edge—whether you're raising your first round, hunting unicorns, or scaling your own. 🛡️ Sponsor 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance—think SOC 2, ISO 27001, and more—so you're audit-ready 24/7 without spreadsheets or chaos. 🎁 Save $1,000 now: vanta.com/startupradio Subscribe, share, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review if you loved this episode. We’re building the go-to global podcast for the DACH startup scene—and your support fuels our mission. 📌 Startuprad.io – The Authority on DACH Startups

    30 min
  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    🎙️ The AI Revolution in Banking: Paolo Sironi on 2025 and Beyond

    What does the future of banking really look like in 2025? In this episode, Paolo Sironi—renowned fintech expert, IBM researcher, and host of The Banker's Bookshelf—joins Startuprad.io to explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping the financial system. We dive into the IBM 2025 Banking and Capital Markets Outlook, revealing the seismic shift ahead in how banks operate, serve customers, and manage risk. Whether you're building a fintech startup, transforming a traditional bank, or investing in the future of finance—this conversation is packed with strategic insights and real-world takeaways. 💡 What You'll Discover: The AI-Powered Bank: Why banks must move beyond automation and rethink everything from UX to risk frameworks. SME Banking Reinvented: How AI is unlocking faster, smarter financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. Wealth Management Evolved: From robo-advisors to personalized portfolios—how AI is democratizing access to smart investing. Embedded Finance at Scale: Why the future of banking lives inside your favorite apps. Navigating the Ethics of AI: Transparency, explainability, and regulation—what leaders need to prioritize now. 💬 Key Quotes: “Every banker must be an AI risk manager.” – Paolo Sironi “AI is not about the best technology, but the best way to use it.” “Transparency is the foundation of trust in the AI-driven financial ecosystem.” 👤 Guest: Paolo Sironi 🌐 Host: Jörn "Joe" Menninger, Startuprad.io 📌 Based on: IBM’s 2025 Banking & Capital Markets Outlook 🎧 Related Episodes: Fintech Review 2024, AI in Banking 2023, Fintech Strategy & Transformation 📢 Sponsor This episode is supported by Vanta. Vanta automates security and compliance for frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2—so you're always audit-ready. Join 9,000+ companies who trust Vanta. 👉 Visit vanta.com/startupradio to get $1,000 off. 🎯 Call to Action Subscribe to Startuprad.io on Apple Podcasts for world-class startup and fintech insights. If this episode helped you, please leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review—it makes a big impact! Share it with your team or audience using the hashtag #AIinBanking2025 Visit startuprad.io for more interviews, deep dives, and trend reports.

    58 min
  3. 🎙️ The AI Revolution in Banking: Paolo Sironi on 2025 and Beyond

    10 APR

    🎙️ The AI Revolution in Banking: Paolo Sironi on 2025 and Beyond

    What does the future of banking really look like in 2025? In this episode, Paolo Sironi—renowned fintech expert, IBM researcher, and host of The Banker's Bookshelf—joins Startuprad.io to explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping the financial system. We dive into the IBM 2025 Banking and Capital Markets Outlook, revealing the seismic shift ahead in how banks operate, serve customers, and manage risk. Whether you're building a fintech startup, transforming a traditional bank, or investing in the future of finance—this conversation is packed with strategic insights and real-world takeaways. 💡 What You'll Discover: The AI-Powered Bank: Why banks must move beyond automation and rethink everything from UX to risk frameworks. SME Banking Reinvented: How AI is unlocking faster, smarter financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. Wealth Management Evolved: From robo-advisors to personalized portfolios—how AI is democratizing access to smart investing. Embedded Finance at Scale: Why the future of banking lives inside your favorite apps. Navigating the Ethics of AI: Transparency, explainability, and regulation—what leaders need to prioritize now. 💬 Key Quotes: “Every banker must be an AI risk manager.” – Paolo Sironi “AI is not about the best technology, but the best way to use it.” “Transparency is the foundation of trust in the AI-driven financial ecosystem.” 👤 Guest: Paolo Sironi 🌐 Host: Jörn "Joe" Menninger, Startuprad.io 📌 Based on: IBM’s 2025 Banking & Capital Markets Outlook 🎧 Related Episodes: Fintech Review 2024, AI in Banking 2023, Fintech Strategy & Transformation 📢 Sponsor This episode is supported by Vanta. Vanta automates security and compliance for frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2—so you're always audit-ready. Join 9,000+ companies who trust Vanta. 👉 Visit vanta.com/startupradio to get $1,000 off. 🎯 Call to Action Subscribe to Startuprad.io on Apple Podcasts for world-class startup and fintech insights. If this episode helped you, please leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review—it makes a big impact! Share it with your team or audience using the hashtag #AIinBanking2025 Visit startuprad.io for more interviews, deep dives, and trend reports.

    41 min
  4. DACH Startups: AI, VC & Fintech Hot Takes

    27 MAR

    DACH Startups: AI, VC & Fintech Hot Takes

    Sponsor Section 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio Introduction Dive into the DACH startup scene! This episode covers the latest trends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Key Highlights Fintech Evolution: Coorsair's IDNow acquisition (€300M) and the stablecoin surge to $226B highlight fintech's dynamism. Venture Capital: Toma Bravo's €1.8B European fund signals investor interest, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies persist. AI and Tech: Germany leads in AI research, but faces implementation challenges. Volocopter's acquisition and BioMed's cancer detection breakthrough showcase innovation. Funding & Founders: Funding rounds like Tectal's (€52M) and Swiss female founder success demonstrate growth. Legal & Regulatory: Legal battles (startup vs. SAP) and GDPR reviews (DeepSeek) highlight complexities. Fintech: A Sector in Motion Fintech sees Coorsair's IDNow acquisition and stablecoin growth. The ECB's digital Euro plans are also significant. Venture Capital: Navigating the Landscape Toma Bravo's fund shows investor confidence, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies pose challenges. AI and Technology: Innovation Germany's AI research faces implementation hurdles. Volocopter and BioMed demonstrate other tech advancements. Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Successes Funding for companies like Tectile contrasts with layoffs and insolvencies. Acquisitions continue. Regional Highlights Germany: Strong AI research, but application lags. Switzerland: Tight fintech VC, but female founders thrive. Austria: Linz launches an AI cluster; the Austrian DAH Fund starts. Conclusion The DACH startup scene is dynamic, with innovation and challenges across sectors. Call to Action Subscribe to our podcast for DACH startup updates! Share your thoughts below. All rights reserved - Startuprad.io™

    39 min
  5. DORA Decoded: Is Your Fintech Ready?

    18 MAR

    DORA Decoded: Is Your Fintech Ready?

    ⏳ The Clock is Ticking – Is Your Fintech Prepared for DORA? The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is now a regulatory reality for fintechs and financial institutions across Europe. Non-compliance isn’t an option—but what does DORA actually require, and how can your business ensure compliance? In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Joe Menninger sits down with Giles Inkson, Director of Services EMEA at NetSPI, a cybersecurity expert who helps financial organizations build resilience against digital threats. Together, they break down DORA’s core requirements, offering actionable strategies to help you prepare. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔ What is DORA? A breakdown of its purpose and scope. ✔ ICT Risk Management: How to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. ✔ Cybersecurity Incident Reporting: What must be reported and when. ✔ Third-Party Risk Management: How to manage external dependencies securely. ✔ DORA Compliance Strategy: Practical steps to meet regulatory expectations. ✔ Common Challenges & Solutions: How fintechs can navigate DORA’s complexities. 🎙 Featured Guest: 🔹 Giles Inkson, Director of Services EMEA at NetSPI → https://www.netspi.com Giles is an industry-leading cybersecurity expert specializing in red teaming, penetration testing, and regulatory compliance. 💡 Key Quotes from the Episode: 🔹 “DORA is an EU directive designed to strengthen financial sector resilience against digital disruptions.” 🔹 “Security is still a human thing. We hack people.” 🔹 “Start small—focus on the essentials before scaling compliance efforts.” 📌 Episode Breakdown: ⏳ [00:02:15] Introduction to DORA ⚠️ [00:05:30] Why ICT Risk Management is Critical 🔗 [00:12:45] Managing Third-Party Risk 🚨 [00:20:00] Understanding Cybersecurity Incident Reporting 📋 [00:28:30] How to Implement DORA Compliance 🔍 [00:35:15] Preparing for DORA Audits 🔹 Sponsored by Vanta ✅ Vanta automates security & compliance, helping businesses stay audit-ready. 💰 Save $1,000 by signing up here → https://vanta.com/startupradio 📚 Resources & Next Steps: 📖 DORA Compliance Guide: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/dora-compliance-guide 🔍 EU Regulatory Guidance on DORA: https://www.eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022R2554 🎧 Stay Connected with Startuprad.io: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startupradio 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/startuprad_io 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startuprad.io 👍 Enjoyed the Episode? ⭐ Rate & Review Us on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps others discover the show. 📢 Share this episode with your network. 💬 Join the conversation—tell us how your fintech is preparing for DORA! 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode of Startuprad.io!

    45 min
  6. Breaking Norms: Identity VC Invests in LGBTQ+ Founders

    20 FEB

    Breaking Norms: Identity VC Invests in LGBTQ+ Founders

    Our Sponsor Vanta 👉 Vanta automates security and compliance, save 1.000 US$ with us by signing up with this link: vanta.com/startupradio  ModernIQs (AL) 🚀 Exclusive Offer: Startuprad.io listeners get 2 free SEO-optimized blog posts per month with ModernIQs.com – sign up via the link to claim yours! 🎯✨ Intro Tune in to Startuprad.io for an inspiring conversation with Til Klein, Founding Partner of Identity VC, a venture capital firm with a unique mission: investing in the next generation of disruptive startups led by LGBTQ+ founders. Join us as Til shares his journey from a background in consulting to founding Identity VC, driven by a passion for fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Discover the firm's investment thesis, the challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ founders, and how Identity VC supports its portfolio companies beyond just funding. Startupland We had the pleasure of meeting Till at Startupland by Deutsche-Startups. You can now book a ticket for the next event in November here: https://startupland.de/ - There is still an early bird discount available! Key takeaways from this episode: The importance of a strong mission and vision for startups Common mistakes founders make when pitching to VCs How Identity VC supports its portfolio companies beyond funding The role of AI in investment decisions The evolving landscape of VC and the role of diversity Highlights: "Innovation thrives when we break from the norm. And for the LGBTQ community, breaking the norm is part of our DNA." - Til Klein "We're not just looking for great companies; we're looking for great founders who are passionate about solving real problems." - Til Klein "Diversity is not just a buzzword; it's a strategic advantage that leads to better decision-making and more innovative solutions." - Til Klein Show Notes: Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tilklein/ Website: https://identity.vc/ Startuprad.io blog post: https://www.startuprad.io/post//breaking-norms-identity-vc-invests-in-lgbtq-founders Startuprad.io website: https://www.startuprad.io/

    56 min
  7. Jobs to Be Done: The Secret to Building Products Customers Love

    6 FEB

    Jobs to Be Done: The Secret to Building Products Customers Love

    Ever built a product with passion and dedication, only to see it fall flat in the market? Or wondered why some products become wildly successful while others fade into obscurity? The answer often lies in understanding the "jobs" customers are "hiring" those products to do. Our Sponsor Vanta Make compliance simple—get $1,000 off now at vanta.com/startupradio In this episode of Startuprad.io, we're joined by Tony Ulwick, the creator of the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) theory and a renowned innovation expert. Tony takes us on a deep dive into the JTBD framework, revealing how this customer-centric approach can revolutionize your product development process. Discover how to: Identify the "jobs" customers are hiring your product to do.   Uncover unmet customer needs and desired outcomes.   Implement JTBD in your product development process.   Achieve product-market fit and build products that truly resonate with your target audience.   Tony shares invaluable insights on: Why most product development efforts fail.   The importance of understanding customer motivations.   How to segment markets based on unmet needs.   The role of AI in the future of JTBD.   This episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples, making it a must-listen for: Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to validate their product ideas. Seasoned product managers seeking to improve their innovation process. Investors looking to identify promising startups with strong product-market fit. Anyone interested in the intersection of customer behavior, innovation, and product development. Tune in now and gain a competitive edge in the market by mastering the Jobs to Be Done framework! Show Notes: Guest: Tony Ulwick, Founder and CEO of Strategyn Topics: Jobs to Be Done (JTBD), Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI), Customer Needs, Product Development, Innovation, Market Research Links: Strategyn: https://www.strategyn.com/ Jobs to Be Done website: https://jobstobedone.org/ Tony Ulwick's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Ulwick/e/B001H6MZJC Free eBook/Audiobook: https://jobstobedonebook.com/ Blog post: http://startuprad.io/post/jobs-to-be-done-a-framework-for-building-better-products Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Jobs to Be Done and Tony Ulwick 2:15 Tony Ulwick's background and expertise in innovation 5:45 The core principles of JTBD 12:30 How to identify customer "jobs" 20:00 Case studies of JTBD in action (Airbnb, Ford, etc.) 30:00 Benefits and challenges of JTBD 38:00 Q&A with Tony Ulwick

    46 min

About

Welcome to the FinTech Germany Podcast, a dedicated sub-podcast of Startuprad.io™, your premier source for insights and news on German, Austrian, and Swiss startups! Ranked among the top 20 entrepreneurship podcasts on Apple Podcasts worldwide, we bring you the best of the vibrant GSA fintech scene in English only. Dive into the dynamic world of fintech, where innovation is reshaping banking, investment, and insurance. Over the past decade, fintech startups have secured billions in venture capital and skyrocketed in valuation. Our podcast features breaking news, exclusive interviews, and live events, spotlighting the latest in insurtech, crypto, AI, and machine learning. We uncover hidden gems driving digitalization and innovation in the German-speaking fintech landscape. Our podcast hosts a diverse range of guests, including Emmy winners, New York Times best-selling authors, Forbes 40 under 40, Capital 40 unter 40, Forbes 30 under 30, influential investors, and game-changing entrepreneurs. We take pride in introducing you to guests you may not know yet but who are set to make a significant impact in the future. Explore the thriving fintech hubs of Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. Stay updated on fintech bank developments, crucial finance insights, and captivating fintech news. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, a startup founder in the making, or simply eager to grasp cutting-edge trends in banking and capital markets, this podcast is your go-to source for all things fintech in Germany. Chartable ranks us in the global Top 60 Science, Top 75 Tech, and Top 275 Business podcasts, and Listen Notes places us in the global Top 0.5%. Join the FinTech Germany Podcast and stay informed about the latest developments in Europe's largest economy. Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Subscribe here: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Startuprad.io™ - The Authority on GSA Startups. Our platform has expanded from a single audio podcast to a 24/7 internet radio station, blog, YouTube channel, TikTok channel, eight sub-podcasts, and more than two dozen social media accounts. Tune in and be inspired by every conversation at the FinTech Germany Podcast.

More From Startuprad.io

Content Restricted

This episode cannot be played on the web in your country or region.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada