How do you turn millions of financial data points into faster, more objective investment decisions?
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Deniz Schütz, CEO & Co-Founder of StrategyBridgeAI, a fintech startup automating data-driven business analysis for private equity funds, M&A advisors, and consultants. Before founding StrategyBridgeAI, Deniz worked at institutions like UniCredit and Amundi - exactly the environments where he experienced first-hand how slow, manual, and subjective financial analysis can become at scale.
In our conversation, we explore how StrategyBridgeAI uses AI to benchmark companies against peers, validate management forecasts, and support buy-side decisions across M&A and private credit, all while operating in an increasingly regulated environment.
We talk about:
Deniz’s journey from large financial institutions to founding an AI-native fintech startup
How StrategyBridgeAI processes millions of financial data points into objective analytical reports
Real-world use cases in M&A and private credit, including identifying undervalued mid-market opportunities
How AI is reshaping workflows in M&A — between efficiency gains and headcount implications
The rebound in global M&A activity and the rise of private credit as a key growth engine
What the EU AI Act means for financial AI tools, especially in deal screening and credit assessment
Scaling StrategyBridgeAI after an oversubscribed seven-figure pre-seed round
Building a high-performance team in Munich as an emerging European finance hub
Key AI trends young professionals in finance should be paying attention to
A deep dive into the intersection of AI, M&A, private markets, and regulation.
Many thanks to Deniz for joining the conversation.
Now available on all major platforms.
The past years reshaped Europe more than any decade since the end of the Cold War: war returned, energy systems fractured, AI accelerated, and political extremes gained ground. We spoke with someone who stood at the center of these shifts: Robert Habeck, former German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Recorded just months after leaving office, this conversation goes far beyond headlines.
We discuss Europe’s execution gap and regulatory identity, the tensions between short-term energy decisions and long-term climate goals, and whether real strategic autonomy in energy and technology is achievable. We explore Draghi’s competitiveness agenda, Europe’s response to the IRA and China, and what it would take to prevent a deep-tech exodus.
We also talk about the war in Ukraine and how it reshaped long-held Green ideas on pacifism; Europe’s role in a fragmenting global order; the rising electricity needs of AI and data centres; and the question of whether next-generation nuclear must return to Europe’s strategic debate.
Finally, Robert reflects on leadership under pressure, stepping out of the “corset” of Berlin politics, his message to Gen Z, and whether he could imagine returning to political office.
An unusually open conversation about power, responsibility, uncertainty & the future of Europe.
Now available on all major platforms.
How do you turn study stress into study success - for millions of students worldwide?
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Kim Rants, Founder & CEO of Alice.tech, the Y Combinator-backed EdTech startup that’s redefining how students learn and teachers teach through generative AI. Kim began his career as one of the youngest Engagement Managers at McKinsey, taught for over a decade, and now leads one of Europe’s fastest-growing AI education companies.
Released just 1 day after the launch of Alice 2.0, this episode dives deep into the company’s next chapter and what the future of AI-driven education will look like.
We talk about:
Many thanks to Kim for joining us - we really enjoyed the very authentic conversation.
How do you decarbonize a country’s heat supply from the ground up?
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Herbert Pohl, Founder & CEO of Deutsche Erdwärme and former Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, to explore how deep geothermal energy can become a scalable pillar of the energy transition.
We talk about:
- The full life cycle of a geothermal project – from site selection to drilling to operations
- How risk assessments work in multi-million-euro projects with geological uncertainty
- The economics of geothermal development: capital costs, funding models, and policy alignment
- What 16 years at McKinsey taught him about leadership, decision-making, and navigating complexity
- Building interdisciplinary teams that connect engineering, finance, and sustainability
- Lessons from transitioning from consulting to founding a clean energy company
A deep dive into the intersection of energy, finance, and technology and what it takes to make geothermal energy bankable at scale.
Many thanks to Herbert for joining the conversation!
Presented by our partner Timeless Investments.
How is technology reshaping the future of asset management?
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Joseph Pinto, CEO of M&G Investment Management, to discuss how one of Europe’s leading investment firms navigates transformation across technology, sustainability, and leadership.
From his early career in at AXA Investment Managers to global executive roles at Natixis and now M&G, Joseph shares key insights on:
A conversation on innovation, integrity, and long-term thinking in a rapidly evolving financial world.
Many thanks to Joseph for joining the conversation!
Ever wondered how venture capital can scale smarter with technology and community?
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Bastian R. Larsen, Founder & CEO of BlackWood Ventures, to unpack how AI, data, and a strong angel community are reshaping early-stage investing in Europe.
From working on the globally fastest growing hedge fund at BlackRock to launching his own VC fund, Bastian shares the operator lessons and contrarian lens behind building BlackWood.
We talk about:
• The founder’s lens: what it takes to launch a first-time fund in a cold market
• AI in venture: separating noise from signal in thousands of startups
• When conviction beats the algorithm – and why it matters
• Designing a community-driven portfolio strategy at scale
• Where contrarian alpha is hiding across European venture markets
• Lessons from Oxford, HEC & Inhouse Research
• Career advice for students and young professionals entering VC
A conversation on rethinking venture capital – powered by intelligence, strengthened by community, built for Europe’s next generation of founders.
Many thanks to Bastian for joining the conversation!
Ever wondered how to scale real-world innovation without the hype?
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Laurits Bach Sørensen, Co-Founder of Nordic Alpha Partners, to unpack economic sustainability and the operator playbook behind Europe’s industrial reboot.
From BCSA (Better, Cheaper, Simpler, Available) to GP/CoE, Laurits shows how fundamentals - not buzzwords - drive adoption, profitability, and impact.
We talk about:
A conversation on turning hard-tech into market leaders - grounded in fundamentals, built for scale.
Many thanks to Laurits for joining the conversation!
NAP: https://www.nordicalpha.com/
Changing The Math: https://www.changing-the-math.com/
Did you ever wonder how interspecies communication really works?
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we speak with Fiona Korwin-Pawlowski, Chief Strategy & Programs Officer at Project CETI - a research initiative that uses cutting-edge AI to decode the communication system of sperm whales.
Fiona shares insights from a career spanning humanitarian work at UNICEF and Global Citizen to leading strategy at CETI, where science, technology, and ethics meet.
We talk about:
- How AI is applied in large-scale ocean research
- What studying whales teaches us about language, empathy, and intelligence
- Why oceans deserve more attention in the climate and tech debate
- The challenges of measuring success in research beyond KPIs
- Advice for students interested in working at the intersection of tech, research, and global impact
An episode that shows how AI can expand our understanding of communication - not only between humans, but across species.
Many thanks to Fiona for joining the conversation!
Presented by our partner Timeless Investments.
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Andreas Schwarzenbrunner – General Partner at Speedinvest and one of Europe’s leading voices in early-stage venture capital.
But this conversation goes far beyond term sheets and cap tables.
With a background in politics and a deep focus on industrial and climate tech, Andreas shares what it truly takes to build globally competitive startups in Europe.
We talk about:
What politics can learn from venture capital – and vice versa
The role of AI-powered robotics, simulation, and predictive maintenance
Europe’s urgent need for smarter capital, talent mobility, and visa reforms
The story behind Speedinvest’s “Build in Europe” initiative
Where we are in the AI hype cycle
Where AI can drive real value in industrial sectors
This episode is a deep dive into Europe’s innovation landscape – and what it takes to lead the next frontier of tech.
Many thanks to Andreas for joining the conversation – and for sharing his vision for Europe’s tech future.
Presented by our partner Timeless Investments.
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Ruben Benjamin – a German visual artist whose sculptural, three-dimensional works are collected and exhibited from Seoul to Los Angeles.
But this conversation goes far beyond aesthetics.
Recorded on-site at Ruben’s studio in Munich, this episode captures not only his voice but also the atmosphere of his creative environment – from raw materials to finished pieces.
Ruben shares how he built a successful, international artist brand without ever attending art school – drawing instead on his background in mechanical engineering, technology, and business.
We talk about:
What it means to “become” an artist in 2025
Why Ruben calls his works sculptures for walls, not paintings
The business side of art: pricing, scaling, and commercial influence
How brand collaborations (e.g. Vacheron Constantin) work behind the scenes
Navigating the fine line between content and creation in the age of Instagram
His views on AI, NFTs, and new materials reshaping the art world
And what it takes to stand out – without selling out
This episode is a deep dive into creative autonomy, brand building, and the power of visual storytelling.Many thanks to Ruben for sharing his journey – and for welcoming us into his studio.
Presented by Timeless Investments.
In episode 10 of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Jonas Gjørup Larsen, CFO at Bitpanda, to explore what it takes to build resilient financial structures in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape. As the company transitions from a crypto trading app to a full-stack investment infrastructure provider, Jonas offers a rare inside look into the financial strategy behind Bitpanda’s growth—and what the future of digital assets might hold.
From embedded finance and real-world asset tokenization to navigating regulation and unlocking institutional demand, this episode dives deep into the mindset and mechanics of fintech leadership.
Key Takeaways:
From strategy to culture, from market regulation to innovation, Jonas shares sharp insights and bold perspectives on the next chapter of finance.
A huge thank you to Jonas for joining us and sharing his journey with our audience!
🎁 Special Offer from Our Partner:Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments: Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art—making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with David Höhl, Co-Founder and CEO of Phoenix Alpha Capital – a newly launched hedge fund focused on Europe’s overlooked small and midcaps.
David shares a rare, inside look at what it takes to build a hedge fund from scratch: from legal structure and fundraising to investment philosophy and day-to-day operations. Drawing on his background in venture capital and public markets, David explains how early-stage investing shaped his approach to identifying underappreciated opportunities.
We also explore how writing publicly through his Substack Simple Alpha has helped him sharpen his thinking, build trust, and stand out in the world of capital allocation.
Key Takeaways:
If you’ve ever wondered how hedge funds actually get started—this episode is for you.
🎧 Now available on all major platforms
A huge thank you to David for joining us and sharing his story with the Campus To Capital audience.
🎁 Special Offer from Our Partner:
Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments:
Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art—making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
In this episode of Campus to Capital, we sit down with Eddie Opara, Partner at Pentagram and one of the most influential figures in contemporary design. From early drawings in church pews to reshaping global brands like the High Line, Eddie’s story is one of boundary-pushing creativity, cross-disciplinary thinking, and cultural impact.
This episode explores the personal journey, design philosophy and future vision of a designer who believes in systems just as much as spontaneity.
Key Takeaways:
From London to New York, from Yale to Pentagram, Eddie shares powerful insights into what it takes to build lasting design systems and why mindset matters more than medium.
A huge thank you to Eddie for joining us and sharing his journey with our audience!
Special Offer from Our Partner: Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments: Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art—making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Torsten Slok, Chief Economist at Apollo Global Management and one of the most respected macro thinkers on Wall Street. With previous roles at the IMF, OECD, and Deutsche Bank, Torsten brings a uniquely global and data-driven perspective on the economy.
The episode was originally recorded on April 14th, 2025. Please be aware that a lot has transpired in the financial markets since then. The content reflects the context and views as of the recording date.
Key Takeaways:
Torsten shares deep insights on how macro trends influence capital markets - and what the next generation of economists and investors should pay attention to.
A huge thank you to Torsten for joining us and giving our audience such inclusive insights!
Special Offer from Our Partner: Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments: Timeless Investments is Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art—making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we speak with Jonas Deichmann, world record-breaking extreme athlete, motivational speaker, and bestselling author. From cycling 18,000 km across Eurasia to completing the first triathlon around the world, Jonas’ mindset and approach to endurance are on a different level.
Key Takeaways:
How to build extreme mental resilience – and stay calm in total chaos
What solo world records teach you about discipline, fear, and freedom
Why "quitting is not an option" – and how to build that mindset in business and life
Lessons for founders, investors, and young professionals from endurance sports
How to manage risk, uncertainty, and fatigue over long horizons
Insights on goal-setting, inner motivation, and dealing with failure
Thoughts on performance and the connection between body and mind
What the corporate world can learn from ultra-endurance
Jonas shares raw and powerful stories from his most intense expeditions—and explains how anyone can train their mind for extreme performance.
A huge thank you to Jonas for joining us and inspiring our audience with his mindset!
Special Offer from Our Partner: Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments: Timeless Investments is Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art—making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we speak with Simon Schmincke, General Partner at Creandum — one of Europe’s leading early-stage venture capital firms. Simon’s career path is marked by a rare blend of operating and investing: from launching HelloFresh in the U.S. to backing high-growth startups like Lemon Markets, Tide, and Topi.
Key Takeaways:
- Scaling HelloFresh in the U.S. market: operational complexity, logistics, and hyper-growth- Transitioning from founder to investor: lessons learned and mindset shifts- What Creandum looks for in fintech, SaaS, and consumer startups- The state of the European VC ecosystem and what needs to change- AI’s real impact on venture investing and startup performance- Thoughts on Klarna’s IPO and the broader exit environment in Europe- Advice for early-stage founders and aspiring venture capitalists
Simon shares unfiltered insights from both sides of the table—building and backing startups—and outlines what it really takes to succeed in today’s venture landscape.
Special Offer from Our Partner: Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments: Timeless Investments is Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art—making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
In this episode of Campus To Capital, we sit down with Joakim Bruchmann, CEO and Co-Founder of Pluto.market. Joakim's journey spans from trading at Goldman Sachs and Danske Bank to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the FinTech space.
Key Takeaways:
Transition from Corporate to Startup: Joakim's decision to leave high-paying corporate roles to pursue entrepreneurship, including the challenges and sacrifices involved.
Innovating in FinTech: Insights into building Pluto.markets, a platform aimed at simplifying investing and fostering a supportive community for young investors.
Lessons from Trading: How experiences at Goldman Sachs and Danske Bank shaped his approach to risk, market analysis, and financial innovation.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Joakim shares valuable lessons on resilience, character development, and the importance of embracing failure on the entrepreneurial journey.
Special Offer from Our Partner: Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments: Timeless Investments is Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art—making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
Disclaimer! This episode is a special episode – it's in German - all of our future episodes will be in English.
In this episode, we sit down with Noah Leidinger, Managing Director of OMR X, bestselling author, and host of OHNE AKTIEN WIRD SCHWER, one of Germany’s most successful finance podcasts. We explore the world of finance, what it takes to make financial education engaging, and how young investors can navigate the markets effectively.
Noah shares insights from his experience producing over 1,000 finance episodes, along with his take on investment trends, VC investments, and the future of finance content.
Key Takeaways
Special Offer from our Partner: Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About Timeless Investments: Timeless Investments is Europe’s leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art – making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
In this episode, we sit down with Magnus Resch, serial entrepreneur, professor at Yale, and one of the world’s leading experts on the art market. We explore the business of art, how value is created in the market, and what it takes to succeed as an artist or investor.
Magnus shares insights on the economics the art market along with his take on how technology and data are reshaping the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Special Offer from our Partner : Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About: Timeless Investments is Europes leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art - making alternative investments accessible to everyone.
This episode is presented by Timeless Investments.
In our first Campus To Capital episode, we speak with Christian Kromann, former CEO of SimCorp and now executive board member for investment management solutions at Deutsche Börse Group, about the intersection of finance, technology and leadership.
He shares insights on navigating high-stakes M&A deals, the real impact of AI on investment management and why ESG and SaaS are reshaping the industry. Christian also reflects on key career decisions, the importance of strategic networking, and how young professionals can stand out in a competitive field.
Key Takeaways:
Special Offer from our Partner : Get a €10 welcome bonus with Timeless Investments! Sign up here: timeless-investments.de/financepodcast
About: Timeless Investments is Europes leading platform for fractional investing in high-value assets like luxury watches, rare sneakers, and fine art - making alternative investments accessible to everyone.