Exclusive First Look at Angel Investing, Jens Lapinski [Video]

Jens Lapinski, an active angel investor and founder of Angel Invest, shares his insights and experiences in academia, entrepreneurship, and investing. He discusses the transition from academia to entrepreneurship and the key lessons he learned as a founder and CEO. Jens also provides an overview of Germany’s startup ecosystem and the role of government in supporting entrepreneurship. He highlights the importance of startup networks and the changing landscape of acceleration programs. Jens shares his investment approach and criteria, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and market potential. He also discusses the untold realities of venture capital and offers recommendations for founders and entrepreneurs. Throughout the conversation, Jens emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and building valuable connections in the startup world.

Takeaways
Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship and investing requires a mindset shift and a willingness to learn from mentors and experienced founders.
Germany’s startup ecosystem has grown despite limited government support, with networks like Rocket Internet and Techstars playing a significant role.
Acceleration programs can be valuable for early-stage startups, but their relevance and effectiveness have evolved with the rise of online investment and increased access to capital.
Investors should focus on team dynamics, market potential, and the ability to scale when evaluating startups, rather than relying solely on pedigree or product pitches.
Founders should carefully consider the need for venture capital funding and the potential impact on their business, as not all startups are suited for VC investment.

Chapters

00:00 Transition from Academia to Entrepreneurship and Investing
01:12 Lessons Learned from Leading a Startup
06:16 Startup Networks in Germany
08:38 The Role of Acceleration Programs
11:48 Investing and Staying Engaged
13:42 Investment Approach and Criteria
19:50 Decision-Making Process and Gut Feelings
23:17 Untold Realities of Venture Capital
26:07 Alternative Career Paths
30:03 Favorite Activities and Hobbies
34:52 Recommended Books and Podcasts