Sebastian Borek

CEO

Germany26 yrs 4 mos experience
Most Likely To Switch

Key Highlights

  • Expert in building startup ecosystems and communities.
  • Proven track record in strategic investments in emerging technologies.
  • Best-selling co-author and sought-after speaker at tech conferences.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a strategic advisor in the startup and investment ecosystem, focusing on emerging technologies.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Business DevelopmentStrategyAsset ManagementWeb3Marketing StrategyEvent PlanningEcosystem ManagementNetworking

Other Skills

FundraisingStrategic Human Resource PlanningContent CurationSalesStrategic PlanningEarly-stage StartupsEvent ManagementMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)Global Talent AcquisitionPeople DevelopmentStaffing ServicesStart-upsEntrepreneurshipBusiness IdeasExecutive Coaching

About

Sebastian is a seasoned entrepreneur, startup ecosystem architect, and strategic advisor with a proven track record of empowering entrepreneurs to thrive. He specializes in building vibrant communities and ecosystems that drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver sustainable impact. For Non-Profit Organisations, Sebastian brings expertise in designing and implementing entrepreneurial education initiatives that unlock new opportunities for engagement, growth, and influence. He has a talent for connecting diverse stakeholders and creating shared value. As an early investor and scout of new technologies foremost Blockchain and AI, Sebastian serves as a trusted partner for professional Investors (Family Offices, PE, VC Funds), guiding strategic investments in emerging technologies and innovative business models. His deep understanding of market trends and his extensive network enable him to identify transformative opportunities and drive long-term value creation. For scale-ups and family businesses, Sebastian offers unparalleled board-level advisory support. Known for his creative problem-solving, inspiring leadership, and candid sparring, he provides entrepreneurs with the strategic insight and practical advice needed to scale their businesses and achieve lasting success. A best-selling co-author and sought-after speaker at leading tech conferences, Sebastian is frequently featured in the media for his thought leadership on startup ecosystems, investment strategies, and emerging technologies. Sebastian lives near Lisbon with his wife and four children, where he enjoys exploring the outdoors. His passion for people and purpose-driven initiatives defines his approach to building communities and empowering organizations to make an impact.

Experience

Deeptech & climate fonds (dtcf)

Managing Director

Feb 2026Present · 2 mos

  • The DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) is a German-based venture capital firm focused on the next generation of technology leaders.
  • Fund Volume: €1 Billion.
  • Investment Size: Up to €30 Million per company.
  • Focus Sectors: High-growth Deep-Tech and Climate-Tech startups.
  • Target Region: Germany and Europe.
  • Strategy: Acts as a long-term anchor investor, bridging the gap between innovative startups (early growth stage onwards), SMEs, and institutional investors.

Htgf | high-tech gründerfonds

Managing Director

Oct 2025Present · 6 mos

  • The High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is Europe’s most active seed investor.
  • Since its launch in 2005, HTGF has backed more than 800 startups, achieved over 180 successful exits, and helped attract more than € 7 billion in follow-on capital from international investors.
  • With over €2 billion AUM across multiple sectors (Industrial Tech, Life Science, Digital Tech), HTGF bridges capital, industry access, and talent to build Europe’s next generation of technology champions.

Greenflash

Chairman Advisory Board

Jan 2023Oct 2025 · 2 yrs 9 mos · Lingen (Ems), Lower Saxony, Germany · On-site

Bitcoin group se

Supervisory Board

Aug 2022Oct 2025 · 3 yrs 2 mos · Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany · On-site

  • Bitcoin Group SE is a public listed holding company with a focus on innovative and disruptive business models and technologies in the fields of cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Stockmeier gruppe

Advisory Board Member

Jan 2022Present · 4 yrs 3 mos · Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany · On-site

  • The STOCKMEIER Group is a family-owned company in the third generation.

Visionary ventures gmbh

Founder and CEO

Jan 2022Oct 2025 · 3 yrs 9 mos · Europe

  • At Visionary Ventures, we are dedicated to building ecosystems and educational programs that empower entrepreneurs and drive innovation. As trusted advisors, we collaborate with governments, foundations, corporates and and family offices to create meaningful connections, foster sustainable growth, and shape the future of various initiatives.
Business DevelopmentFundraisingStrategy

Peruya

Founding Partner

Jan 2022Oct 2025 · 3 yrs 9 mos · Lissabon / Berlin

  • Blockchain Technology Investments & Management
Web3FundraisingAsset Management

Ipai - innovation park artificial intelligence

Interim CEO

Jan 2022Oct 2022 · 9 mos · Heilbronn (Landkreis), Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland

  • As interim-CEO, Sebastian was tasked by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation to lay the foundation for creating the world's most compelling provider of business infrastructure, education formats, and a place of inspiration and experimentation for ambitious individuals in the AI field.
  • IPAI will become the go-to destination for AI talents from all corners of the globe. Sebastians mission was to build a hub that will attract and nurture the most innovative and talented professionals in the AI industry, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
  • By bringing together the best and brightest in the AI field, IPAI will create a community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
  • Join this exciting and ambitious project as we build the future of AI together.
Marketing StrategyBusiness DevelopmentStrategic Human Resource Planning

Kienbaum

Advisory Board Member

Feb 2021Present · 5 yrs 2 mos · Germany · On-site

  • Leading family-owned HR Consulting company in Europe.

Hinterland of things

Founder

Jan 2017Jun 2022 · 5 yrs 5 mos · Bielefeld und Umgebung, Deutschland

  • When we set out to create yet another startup conference, few believed it was possible.
  • But with an amazing team of highly ambitious individuals, we were able to position the Hinterland of Things as one of the most renowned tech conferences and leadership summits in Germany.
  • Today, the Hinterland is the go-to destination for unicorn founders sharing their stories, thriving entrepreneurs following their vision, and leading European VC Funds seeking access to family offices and Germany's C-Level executives.
  • In addition to the main event, we have extended the brand to offer masterclasses for executives, roundtables, and fireside chats with Silicon Valley founders such as Steward Butterfield of Slack.
  • Join the Hinterland of Things to be inspired and connected with the most innovative and ambitious professionals in the tech industry. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from and network with some of the greatest minds in the industry.
Event PlanningMarketing StrategyContent CurationSales

Founders foundation ggmbh

Founder & CEO

Feb 2016Oct 2021 · 5 yrs 8 mos · Bielefeld Area, Germany

  • As the founding CEO of the Founders Foundation, Sebastian played a crucial role in establishing the organization as a leader in the education of b2b tech entrepreneurs and in building a sustainable, founder-centric b2b startup ecosystem in the heart of the "German Mittelstand."
  • Through the Founders Foundation, Sebastian has helped countless entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive. His holistic and methodological Founders Foundation Education Model systematically maps the entire startup lifecycle in various programs, preparing tomorrow's entrepreneurs for success.
  • As a breeding ground for successful entrepreneurship and a pilot project for Germany, the Founders Foundation is driving the digital future forward by promoting startups and enabling the successful merging of "new and old business."
  • Utilizing the strengths of the region, including its established world market leaders and international family-owned companies, the Founders Foundation also initiated the Hinterland of Things as one of the leading tech conferences in Germany.
  • As a non-profit organization, the Founders Foundation places a sustainable and successful education of founders at the center of its activities, following the motto "no equity - people first."
NetworkingStrategic PlanningEcosystem ManagementEarly-stage Startups

Finleap

CEO & Co-Founder of financeAds International (Finleap)

Apr 2015Dec 2015 · 8 mos · Berlin Area, Germany

  • FinLeap is an international company builder focusing on the FinTech market from its offices in Berlin and San Francisco. At Finleap I co-founded FinanceAds International and led the internationalization into 7 markets. FinanceAds is a leading company for customer acquisition for global financial institutions. FinanceAds International was awarded the European Performance Marketing Award in the "Best Affiliate Network" category. I left the company to build the founders foundation.

Borek media gmbh

NextGen CEO

Jan 2012Apr 2015 · 3 yrs 3 mos

  • Founded in 1790, our family business stands as a testament to centuries of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. While our traditional businesses in printing, publishing, and logistics have been successfully transitioned, we proudly continue our legacy through the Borek Solutions Group. As CEO of Borek Media, I initiated this transition and are actively supporting the future growth as managing partner.
  • Today Borek Solutions has offices in India, Kosovo, and Germany, and delivering cutting-edge HR solutions in partnership with a global network of trusted collaborators. Our mission is to empower businesses with tailored strategies that meet their workforce needs and drive sustainable growth.

Visionary ventures gmbh (formerly astro media int.)

Founder & CEO

Dec 2009Apr 2013 · 3 yrs 4 mos · Europe

  • Build the leading production company for interactive TV formats in Europe, Brasil and the US. Clients include: RTL, Antenna3, Antenna Group among others. Exited the Company in 2013.

Bertelsmann ag

Senior Director Corporate Development

Oct 2006Jun 2009 · 2 yrs 8 mos · Gütersloh

  • As a member of the central corporate development team at Bertelsmann, an international media company with divisions including television (RTL Group), book publishing (Penguin Random House), magazine publishing (Gruner + Jahr), services (Arvato), and printing (Be Printers) in 50 countries, Sebastian played a crucial role in driving the company's growth and success.
  • He was responsible for creating inter-divisional business opportunities that leveraged the synergy potential of the global media group, resulting in numerous achievements and contributions to Bertelsmann's overall performance.

Prosiebensat.1 media ag (9live)

Head of New Business Development

Feb 2005Oct 2006 · 1 yr 8 mos · Munich Area, Germany

  • As the leader in interactive TV in Europe, 9Live was at the forefront of the industry and Sebastian played a crucial role in driving the company's success.
  • As the head of "new revenue generation", he was responsible for creating additional streams of income through the development of new formats, platforms, and expansion into international markets.
  • With his expertise in driving revenue growth and a track record of delivering results, Sebastian was a valuable member of the 9Live team and played a significant role in the company's ongoing success.
  • His innovative thinking and strategic planning helped to establish 9Live as a leader in the interactive TV industry, and his efforts contributed to the company's continued growth and success.

Cardmine inc.

Founder & CSO

May 2000Feb 2004 · 3 yrs 9 mos · Greater New York City Area

  • Sebastian was a co-founder of Cardmine, one of the first print e-commerce startups in the world.
  • He played a key role in the development and success of the company, which was known for its innovative Internet Paper Postcard, a customer acquisition promotion tool and database generation tool for consumers, marketers, and brands. The postcard service could also be accessed from wireless devices and mobile phones which was very innovative at that time.
  • Sebastian's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking helped to drive the company forward and contributed to its success. Exit in 2003

Publicis pixelpark

Strategic Planner

Jan 1998Jan 2000 · 2 yrs · Greater New York City Area

  • Pixelpark was the leading Internet Agency Network in Europe (IPO in 2000) At Pixelpark I developed concepts to help our clients to reach their customers on new platforms. Key projects included the development of hugo.com (P&G), Launch of first E-commerce site for MoMA among others.

Rapp

Management Trainee

Apr 1995Jun 1997 · 2 yrs 2 mos · Greater New York City Area

  • Rotational Program at Rapp & Collins Worldwide New York HQ. Clients/Projects included: Western Union, Mercedes Benz, Delta Airlines, ADT among others.

Education

New York University

Bachelor of Arts - BA

Jan 1997Jan 1999

University of St.Gallen

MBA

Jan 2004Aug 2005

Schule Schloss Salem

Abitur — Art & English

Jan 1984Jan 1994

INSEAD

Executive Education

Jan 2008Jan 2008

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