Carsten Maschmeyer

Carsten Maschmeyer is a prominent German entrepreneur and investor, widely recognized for his strategic acumen and significant contributions to the European startup ecosystem. Born in 1959, he initially rose to prominence as the founder of AWD Holding AG, a financial services company he built into a market leader before its sale to Swiss Life for over €1 billion. This successful exit marked his transition from operational leadership to full-time investment, leveraging his deep understanding of finance and market dynamics.

Today, Maschmeyer primarily invests through ALSTIN Capital, a venture capital firm he co-founded, which focuses on high-growth technology companies across various sectors, including FinTech, HealthTech, Artificial Intelligence, and SaaS. ALSTIN Capital typically targets early-stage and growth-stage companies, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network. Beyond institutional investments, Maschmeyer is also a well-known figure on "Die Höhle der Löwen," the German equivalent of "Shark Tank," where he makes direct investments in promising startups, often providing initial capital ranging from €50,000 to €1,000,000 for smaller equity stakes.

His investment philosophy emphasizes scalable business models, strong management teams, and innovative solutions addressing significant market needs. ALSTIN Capital, for instance, has successfully closed funds, including ALSTIN Capital II with a volume of €100 million, demonstrating their capacity for substantial investments. The firm typically deploys initial cheques ranging from €1 million to €10 million, with the potential for follow-on funding. Maschmeyer's diverse portfolio reflects his broad interest in disruptive technologies and his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent in Germany and beyond. He is known for his hands-on approach, often acting as a mentor to his portfolio companies.