FRANK THELEN

Frank Thelen is a name synonymous with innovation and venture capital in Europe. As the visionary founder of Freigeist, he has established himself as a leading figure in the deep tech investment landscape. Freigeist, under Thelen's guidance, is dedicated to identifying and nurturing early-stage companies poised to revolutionize industries and address some of the world's most pressing issues.

At Freigeist, Frank Thelen serves as the driving force behind its investment strategy. His firm primarily targets startups operating in cutting-edge technological domains. Key investment focus areas include artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, robotics, sustainable solutions, future mobility, and health tech. Thelen's approach is to back founders with bold ideas and the potential to create scalable, impactful businesses that leverage advanced technology to redefine markets. He believes in investing in technologies that will shape the future, from autonomous systems to new energy solutions.

Thelen's journey into venture capital is rooted in a long and successful entrepreneurial career. He founded his first company at the age of 18, demonstrating an early aptitude for business and technology. Over the years, he co-founded several successful tech ventures, including b+d, ip.labs, and Scanbot, gaining invaluable experience in building and scaling companies from the ground up. Beyond his direct entrepreneurial endeavors, Frank Thelen gained widespread public recognition through his role as an investor on the popular German TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (the German equivalent of Shark Tank) from 2014 to 2020. This platform allowed him to share his expertise, mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, and further solidify his reputation as a shrewd and forward-thinking investor. He is also the author of the bestselling book "Startup-DNA."

Through Freigeist, Frank Thelen has made strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of groundbreaking companies. Notable examples include Lilium, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to revolutionize urban air mobility. Another significant investment is Neufund, a blockchain-based platform for equity fundraising, democratizing access to capital markets. Other successful ventures include Endel, an AI-powered soundscape generator, and Wunderflats, a platform for furnished apartment rentals. These investments underscore Thelen's commitment to supporting companies that are not just innovative but also have the potential for significant market disruption and positive societal impact.

Frank Thelen continues to be a pivotal force in the European startup ecosystem, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to empower the next generation of tech innovators through Freigeist.