Carsten Maschmeyer: From Rags to Riches - A Journey of Entrepreneurial Success
Biography of Carsten Maschmeyer:
Carsten Jens Maschmeyer, born on May 8, 1959, is a prominent
German businessman and investor renowned for his diverse portfolio of
successful ventures. He is the founder and proprietor of the Maschmeyer Group,
an entity that serves as the umbrella organization for all his ongoing business
endeavors.
Maschmeyer's investment strategy encompasses a broad
spectrum of industries, with a particular focus on emerging sectors and future
markets. Through ALSTIN (Alternative Strategic Investments), he channels growth
capital into industries characterized by innovative breakthroughs, such as the
Internet, technology, and life sciences. This strategic approach positions him
at the forefront of pioneering developments driving societal and economic
transformation.
In addition to his ventures in emerging industries,
Maschmeyer's investment portfolio includes Paladin Asset Management, a platform
dedicated to value investments in publicly listed companies. This segment of
his business endeavors reflects his commitment to identifying and capitalizing
on opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term value creation in
established markets.
Carsten Maschmeyer: From Adversity to Success
Early Years and Upbringing:
Carsten Maschmeyer was born in Bremen, Germany, and spent
his formative years in Hildesheim, Lower Saxony. His childhood was marked by
adversity, as he grew up in challenging circumstances, never having the
opportunity to meet his father and residing in an orphanage. Despite these obstacles,
Maschmeyer displayed resilience and determination from a young age.
Athletic Achievements and Academic Pursuits:
Despite his challenging upbringing, Maschmeyer found solace
and success as a teenager through athletics, particularly as a middle-distance
runner. In 1978, he completed his Abitur, the German higher-education entrance
qualification, paving the way for further academic pursuits. He embarked on a
journey to study medicine in Hanover, working part-time in the sales department
of a financial advisory firm to finance his education.
Entrance into Financial Sector:
Maschmeyer's foray
into the financial sector began in 1982 when he transitioned to a full-time
role as a financial consultant, foregoing his pursuit of a medical degree. His
early aptitude and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks, and by
1987, he assumed the role of director of the Lower Saxony division at OVB
Vermögensberatung, overseeing a significant workforce of approximately 3,000
individuals.
Military Service and Continued Commitment:
Alongside his professional endeavors, Maschmeyer maintained
a commitment to serving his country, joining the German Armed Forces for two
years after completing his Abitur. He continued his involvement as a reserve
officer of the Joint Medical Service of the Bundeswehr, demonstrating a
steadfast dedication to both his military duties and his burgeoning career in
the financial sector.
Leadership and Career Ascension:
Maschmeyer's early career trajectory was characterized by
remarkable leadership and rapid ascension within the financial industry.
Despite the challenges he faced in his youth, he emerged as a formidable figure
in the business world, leveraging his innate drive and determination to achieve
professional success and make a lasting impact in his field.
Carsten Maschmeyer's Entrepreneurial Ventures
Establishment of AWD Financial Group:
In 1988, Carsten
Maschmeyer embarked on a significant entrepreneurial endeavor by founding the
AWD (Allgemeiner Wirtschaftsdienst) financial group, aiming to provide
independent financial advisory services to individuals. Under his leadership,
the company experienced rapid growth, eventually emerging as Europe's largest
independent financial advisory firm. By the year 2000, AWD had gone public, achieving
a listing on the M-DAX and expanding its operations across 11 countries, with a
workforce of approximately 11,000 employees. By 2007, it managed a substantial
portfolio of €15 billion (US$22 billion) for 2 million customers before being
acquired by Swiss Life for CHF 1.9 billion (approximately US$2.1 billion).
Investment Portfolio and Wealth Accumulation:
Carsten Maschmeyer's entrepreneurial acumen extends beyond
the realm of financial advisory, as he has cultivated significant investments
in various companies. Notably, his private equity fund stands out in a recent
study as the sole investor in two of Germany's fastest-growing startups. Ranked
at number 112 among the 500 richest Germans, Maschmeyer's assets are estimated
at €1.2 billion (approximately US$1.3 billion), underscoring his success in the
business world.
HMNC Brain Health:
In December 2010, Maschmeyer ventured into the healthcare
sector by co-founding HMNC Brain Health (HMNC), a company dedicated to
advancing the diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Collaborating with esteemed academic partners, including Professor Florian
Holsboer, HMNC utilizes cutting-edge research findings to develop innovative
and marketable concepts aimed at improving mental health care. Headquartered in
Munich, Bavaria, HMNC reflects Maschmeyer's commitment to addressing pressing
societal issues and enhancing the well-being of individuals.
Innovations in Carsten Maschmeyer's Ventures
Syntellix AG:
Located in Hanover,
Syntellix AG stands out as a pioneering medical technology company specializing
in the development and marketing of bio-absorbable metal implants. These innovative
implants eliminate the need for a second surgery to remove them, as they are
fully absorbed by the body and replaced by the body's own bone tissue. With
approval across the European Union and Singapore, Syntellix devices have been
utilized in over 3,500 surgeries globally. Recognized for its groundbreaking
contributions, the company received the prestigious German Award for Innovation
(Deutscher Innovationspreis).
papagei.com:
Carsten Maschmeyer's
ventures extend beyond the healthcare sector, as evidenced by his founding of
papagei.com, a video language learning platform. While details regarding the
platform's operations are limited, its inclusion in Maschmeyer's diverse
portfolio underscores his commitment to investing in innovative and impactful
ventures.
Orderbird:
Orderbird represents another notable venture in Maschmeyer's
portfolio, serving as the provider of a cutting-edge cash register system
tailored for restaurants. Leveraging iPad technology, the system has gained
significant traction, being adopted by over 5,000 eateries across Germany,
Switzerland, and Austria. Notably, Orderbird attracted strategic investment
from Concardis (MasterCard) in the 4th quarter of 2014, highlighting its
potential for further growth and expansion. Additionally, the company received
recognition from the Financial Times in 2012, further solidifying its position
as a leader in restaurant technology solutions.
Maschmeyer's Contributions to E-Commerce and Transportation
Blacklane:
Carsten Maschmeyer's
foray into transportation innovation is exemplified by his investment in
Blacklane, a globally renowned booking platform offering chauffeur-driven
limousines at taxi-like prices. Maschmeyer initially backed Blacklane in January
2013, and by March 2015, the company had earned acclaim as Germany's
fastest-growing tech startup. Notably, Maschmeyer's investment firm, ALSTIN,
continued to support Blacklane's growth trajectory, participating in the
company's largest funding round to date in August 2016 alongside prominent
investors like Daimler, RI Digital Ventures, and b-to-v.
nu3:
Maschmeyer's
involvement extends to e-commerce ventures as well, with his investment in nu3,
an online platform specializing in nutritional supplements. While specific
details about Maschmeyer's role in nu3 are limited, his support for the
e-commerce sector underscores his commitment to driving innovation and growth
in diverse industries.
Carsten Maschmeyer: From Rags to Riches - A Journey of Entrepreneurial Success / Biography of Carsten Maschmeyer:
Carsten Maschmeyer's Multifaceted Career
Consultant, Author, Speaker:
Beyond his
entrepreneurial ventures, Carsten Maschmeyer serves as a strategic advisor to
decision-makers across various industries, offering insights into business
strategies, particularly in large European banks and insurance companies.
Renowned for his success, Maschmeyer is a sought-after speaker in Germany,
Austria, and Switzerland, delivering keynote addresses on entrepreneurship,
investments, sales, communication, networking, marketing, success, and mental
fortitude. His bestselling book "Selfmade - erfolg reich leben"
outlines fundamental principles of success and is now in its 7th edition, while
his second book "Die Millionärsformel – Der Weg zur finanziellen
Unabhängigkeit" also achieved bestseller status shortly after its release.
Television Career:
Maschmeyer made waves in the media landscape by joining the
cast of the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen," the German adaptation of
the popular US series "Shark Tank." As a potential investor on the
program, Maschmeyer evaluates and invests in innovative business ideas
presented by entrepreneurs. In this role, he joins a panel of "lions"
who use their personal funds to invest in promising ventures in exchange for
equity stakes, contributing to the growth and development of emerging businesses
showcased on the show.
Maschmeyer's Lifestyle and Personal Life
Residences:
Maschmeyer leads a cosmopolitan lifestyle, maintaining
residences in various cities across the globe. He owns homes in Munich and
Hanover, Germany, as well as in Côte d'Azur, France, and Beverly Hills, California,
United States.
Family Life:
In 2014, Maschmeyer married German actress Veronica Ferres.
He is the father of two sons from a previous marriage and also has a
stepdaughter, enriching his family life with blended relationships.
Art Collection:
Maschmeyer has a passion for art and boasts an impressive
collection that includes works by renowned artists such as Damien Hirst,
Andreas Gursky, and Anselm Kiefer, among others. His collection features a
diverse range of artworks spanning various styles and mediums, reflecting his
appreciation for contemporary and classical art alike.
Legal Disputes Involving Maschmeyer
Involvement with Bank Safra Sarasin:
Maschmeyer, along with other investors, engaged in a legal
dispute against Bank Safra Sarasin. They collectively invested €40 million in
the Sheridan fund offered by the bank. However, it was later revealed that the
fund was based on illegal tax refunds, unbeknownst to the investors. After
legal proceedings, the bank refunded Maschmeyer and the other investors.
MLP Merger Attempt:
As CEO of AWD, Maschmeyer aimed to merge AWD with MLP, a
German financial advisory firm. In 2008, he owned 26.74% of MLP shares, but the
merger attempt failed. Following the failure, MLP accused Maschmeyer of
breaching reputation obligations. However, MLP's claim against Maschmeyer did
not succeed.
Maschmeyer's Investment and Mentorship in Startups
Investment Portfolio:
As of August 2023, Maschmeyer's investment portfolio
encompasses 140 startups across Germany, Europe, and the USA. Since 2016, he
has also been investing in the TV startup show "Die Höhle der Löwen"
(The Lion's Den).
Mentorship Role:
Maschmeyer goes beyond being a mere investor for startups;
he also serves as a mentor. His extensive experience includes founding,
building, taking to the stock market, and successfully selling an independent
financial advisory firm. With this background, he is well-versed in every phase
of a startup's journey, from ideation to exit.
Belief in Innovation:
Through his journey, Maschmeyer has realized that anyone can
strike gold by developing an innovative product or service that fills a gap in
the market. He firmly believes that the key to success lies not in good companies,
but in good entrepreneurs.
Seizing the Opportunity:
Maschmeyer advocates that now is the best time to embark on
entrepreneurial endeavors, especially in the digital sphere. With the current
high levels of acceptance, demand, and necessity for digital solutions, he
asserts that change presents an unparalleled opportunity for success.
Philanthropic Contributions of Maschmeyer
Maschmeyer's Charitable Initiatives:
Maschmeyer is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting
various charitable projects and initiatives aimed at helping children and
promoting education. He founded the "AWD Kinderhilfe" and ensures
that every euro spent goes directly to projects benefitting children, such as
"Herz für Kinder." His philanthropic efforts extend beyond Germany,
as he has donated to international organizations like Sean Penn's "J/P
Haitian Relief Organization" and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Support for Education and Research:
Driven by his personal interests in psychology and
neurology, Maschmeyer finances scholarships at institutions like the Leibniz
University in Hanover and the International School of Management in Munich. He
also promotes the "Neurological Learning" project at the University
of Hildesheim and co-founded the international "Neurobionic"
foundation. Additionally, he supports education in music by financing a
professorship at the Music College in Hanover.
Humanitarian Aid and Refugee Support:
Maschmeyer's philanthropy extends to humanitarian causes,
including donating a helicopter to the Order of Saint John and supporting
initiatives like the ALS-Gala and HOPE Cape Town against AIDS. In a notable act
of kindness, he opened his private house in Hanover to two Syrian refugee
families for several months in 2015, helping them build new lives in Germany.
He also provides free online language learning programs to refugees,
demonstrating his commitment to supporting those in need.
