Frank Thelen: A Tech Entrepreneur's Journey from Innovation to Impact
Biography of Frank Thelen
Frank Thelen, born on October 10, 1975, is a prominent
German entrepreneur, investor, and author whose base of operations is in Bonn.
His claim to fame stems largely from his role as a former investor on the
television series "Die Höhle der Löwen," which is the German
adaptation of the popular entrepreneurial show "Shark Tank." Thelen's
involvement in the program has made him a recognizable figure in the German
business and investment landscape.
Frank Thelen's Entrepreneurial Ventures
Frank Thelen's entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding
companies like ip.labs and doo. In 2014, he assumed the role of CEO at venture
capital firm e42, which has since been rebranded as Freigeist Capital. Through
Freigeist Capital, Thelen has made investments in notable startups such as
Wunderlist, MyTaxi, KaufDa, pitch, Lilium, Hardt Hyperloop, and Endurosat,
among others.
Contributions to the Startup Ecosystem
Thelen plays an active role in supporting and nurturing
startups. He serves as a consultant for the Microsoft Ventures accelerator in
Berlin, providing guidance and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs.
Additionally, he lends his expertise to startups involved in German politics,
leveraging his insights to contribute to innovation and digitalization efforts
in the country.
Involvement in Innovation Council
Thelen is a prominent figure in the German innovation
landscape and holds a key position in the German Innovation Council. Alongside
the German State Minister for Digitization, Dorothee Bär, he leads initiatives
aimed at fostering innovation and driving technological advancement in Germany.
Thelen's involvement underscores his commitment to shaping the future of
innovation in the country.
Recognition and Advocacy
In 2012, Thelen's contributions to innovation were
acknowledged on multiple fronts. He delivered a keynote address at the Founders
Conference in New York, highlighting his insights and expertise in the startup ecosystem.
Additionally, he received the prestigious "Innovate by Society" Award
from Microsoft, presented by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in recognition of
his startup venture "doo".
Advocacy for Universal Basic Income
Thelen is known for his advocacy of universal basic income
(UBI), a concept aimed at providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional
payment to cover their basic needs. He supports this initiative as a means of
addressing socio-economic challenges and fostering greater financial security
for individuals.
Support for Startup Engagement in Politics
Thelen actively supports the involvement of startups in
German politics, recognizing the potential for innovative solutions to address
societal issues. He believes in the importance of fostering collaboration
between the startup community and political decision-makers to drive positive
change and advance technological innovation.
Vision for European Economic Competitiveness
Thelen expresses concern about Europe's position in the
global economic landscape, particularly in comparison to the U.S. and China. He
advocates for greater commitment and unity within Europe to ensure
competitiveness and innovation. By fostering a culture of collaboration and
investment in technological advancement, Thelen believes Europe can strengthen
its position and drive economic growth on the international stage.
Thelen’s different ventures
1994 - 2004
Softer Solutions (1994): At just 18 years old, Frank Thelen
founded his first venture, Softer Solutions, in 1994. The company pioneered an
innovative framework for producing high-end multimedia CD-ROMs, offering a
faster and more flexible alternative to the widely used Macromedia Director
platform.
Create Media (1996): In 1996, Softer Solutions merged with
Pro PC to form Create Media. Under this new brand, the company continued to
develop and publish multimedia CD-ROMs while also venturing into website
development. Create Media played a significant role in launching some of the
first major websites in Germany, including hallo.de and bilder.de.
Twisd AG (1997): Thelen secured 1.4 million DM in venture
capital in 1997 to establish Twisd AG, aiming to develop and commercialize a
Linux-based router called LIC (LAN Internet Connect). LIC offered a pioneering
solution for connecting local networks to the Internet, featuring a web
interface for easy management. Additionally, Twisd developed one of the
earliest web application frameworks, APL, as a Zen C++ module. Despite
preparations for an IPO in 1999, the company faced bankruptcy following the
burst of the dot-com bubble.
2004 - 2011
ip.labs (2004): Founded in 2004, ip.labs emerged as a
leading developer and licenser of an online photo service platform known as
IPS. This platform enabled users to design and order various photo products,
including prints, greeting cards, and books, using digital photos. Remarkably,
ip.labs achieved rapid profitability and independence from external investors.
Within five years, it became a global leader in its market segment, boasting
over 100 million users worldwide. In 2008, ip.labs was acquired by the Fujifilm
Group, marking a successful milestone for Thelen and his team.
2011 - 2013
doo (2011): Founded in 2011, doo attracted $10 million in
funding from prominent investors such as e42, DuMont Venture, and Target
Partners. The company's flagship product, "the document app,"
garnered significant recognition, including being named "App of the
Year" by Apple. Offering one of the earliest AI-centered document
management systems, doo provided native apps with real-time cloud synchronization.
Despite its innovative features, after two years in the market, the product
failed to gain sufficient consumer traction to meet management and investor
expectations. Consequently, Thelen was compelled to pivot from a grand platform
vision to a more focused one-purpose app that could generate revenue, leading
to the creation of Scanbot.
2014 - 2015
Scanbot (2014): Launched in 2014, Scanbot swiftly emerged as
a leading document scanner app for both iOS and Android platforms. The app
received accolades from Apple, including "Best of 2014," "Best
of 2015," and "Editors' Choice" awards. The Scanbot team
developed proprietary technology, such as document detection on various
surfaces, recognition of document types, and intelligent filters to enhance
scan quality. In 2020, the team made a strategic decision to sell the consumer
apps "Scanbot" and "Unfade" to focus exclusively on their
B2B SDK business. Presently, Scanbot technology is relied upon by over 200
companies worldwide, including Fortune 500 corporations, leading insurance
providers, banks, and logistics firms, for scanning and understanding
documents.
2016
In 2016, Frank Thelen relinquished his position as CEO of
Scanbot and transferred the role to Christoph Wagner. This move allowed him to
concentrate on startup investments in his capacity as CEO of e42.
2017
In 2017, Frank Thelen, along with Marc Sieberger and Alex
Koch, established Freigeist Capital. Subsequently, Marcel Vogler, Niklas
Hebborn, and Domenico Cipolla joined Freigeist as partners. Leading the
communications efforts at Freigeist is Lena Heßbrügge.
2021
In 2021, Frank Thelen founded 10xDNA Capital Partners. The
establishment of this entity aimed to extend the successful venture capital
strategy of Freigeist to public equity markets. Through 10xDNA, private
investors were provided with the opportunity to invest in cutting-edge
technologies of the future, rooted in fundamental tech research.
Frank Thelen: A Tech Entrepreneur's Journey from Innovation to Impact / Biography of Frank Thelen
Venture into Television and Media
In 2014, Thelen expanded his influence by joining the cast
of the German adaptation of the popular TV series "Dragons' Den,"
known as "Die Höhle der Löwen" (The Lion's Den), where entrepreneurs
pitch their business ideas to potential investors. His role as an investor on
the show further elevated his profile in the startup and business community.
Additionally, he became a familiar face on German television as a regular guest
on the talk show "Hart aber fair."
Entrepreneurial Journey
Since 1994, Thelen has been actively involved in founding
and managing companies, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative
mindset. As the founder and CEO of Freigeist Capital, he plays a pivotal role
in driving early-stage investments and nurturing promising startups.
Global Reach and Impact
Thelen's visionary products have garnered widespread
success, reaching over 100 million customers across more than 60 countries. His
ventures have reshaped industries and contributed to technological advancements
on a global scale.
Investment Portfolio
Freigeist Capital, under Thelen's leadership, has been
instrumental in supporting groundbreaking startups from their inception.
Notable investments include Lilium Aviation, Wunderlist, Xentral, Endurosat,
and Kraftblock, reflecting his commitment to fostering innovation and
disruptive technologies.
Literary Contributions
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Thelen is an
accomplished author, sharing his insights and experiences through publications.
His autobiography, "Startup DNA," released in 2018 at the age of 42,
offers a candid look into his journey as an entrepreneur. Thelen followed this
with "10xDNA" in 2020, further exploring the principles of disruptive
technologies.
Disruptive Technologies
Thelen's visionary outlook extends to his role as the
initiator and Chief Executive Officer of the 10xDNA Disruptive Technologies
funds. Through this initiative, he seeks to identify and invest in
transformative technologies that have the potential to shape the future.
Frank Thelen's multifaceted career underscores his
dedication to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the advancement of disruptive
technologies. As he continues to lead and invest in groundbreaking ventures,
his impact on the tech landscape remains profound and far-reaching.
Authorship and Bestselling Autobiography
In 2018, Thelen shared his insights and experiences in the
entrepreneurial world with the release of his autobiography, titled
"Startup-DNA – Hinfallen, aufstehen, die Welt verändern" (Startup
DNA: Fall Down, Get Up, Change the World). The book quickly gained popularity
and became a bestseller, resonating with readers who were inspired by his
journey and philosophy. Thelen's autobiography offers valuable lessons and
perspectives on resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of
entrepreneurship.
Vision for the Future
Thelen's conviction about the challenges facing humanity in
the coming decade underscores his forward-thinking approach. He believes that
the next decade will present unprecedented challenges and opportunities, urging
individuals and businesses to adapt, innovate, and drive positive change.
Thelen's proactive mindset and determination to make a difference reflect his
commitment to shaping a better future for generations to come.
Recognition and Awards
In 2012, Thelen's entrepreneurial prowess was recognized
when he received the prestigious "Innovate 4 Society Award" from
Microsoft for his startup "doo." This esteemed award was personally
presented to him by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, highlighting Thelen's innovative
contributions to society through his startup ventures.
Published Works
Throughout his career, Thelen has shared his insights and
expertise through various publications, offering valuable perspectives on
entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of technology. His notable works
include:
- "Die Autobiografie: Startup-DNA – Hinfallen, aufstehen, die Welt verändern" (The Autobiography: Startup DNA: Fall Down, Get Up, Change the World) - Published by Murmann Publishers in 2018, this autobiography delves into Thelen's personal journey as an entrepreneur, emphasizing resilience and the transformative power of startups. ISBN: 3-86774-611-7.
- "Europa kann es besser: Wie unser Kontinent zu neuer Stärke findet. Ein Weckruf der Wirtschaft" (Europe Can Do Better: How Our Continent Finds New Strength. A Wake-Up Call for the Economy) - Thelen contributed to this book, offering insights on how Europe can harness its potential for greater economic vitality. Published by Thomas Sigmund & Sven Afhüppe, Herder in 2019. ISBN: 978-3-451-39360-0.
- "10xDNA: Das Mindset der Zukunft" (10x DNA: The Mindset of the Future) - Thelen explores the mindset needed to thrive in an era of rapid change and innovation. Published by Frank Thelen Media, this book provides strategies for embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future. ISBN: 978-3982176406.
- "Frank Thelen – Mein Leben, Meine Firma, Meine Strategie" (Frank Thelen - My Life, My Company, My Strategy) - Authored by Volker ter Haseborg and published by GABAL Verlag in 2022, this book offers insights into Thelen's life, his business ventures, and his strategic approach to entrepreneurship. ISBN: 978-3-96739-094-0.
Through his writings, Thelen continues to inspire and
educate entrepreneurs, innovators, and aspiring business leaders, sharing lessons
learned from his own remarkable journey in the world of startups and
technology.
