I'm on the jury for the German Business and Technology delegation at SXSW
I grew up on in a small village in Germany. I moved to America to play tennis, founded woom bikes USA, and planted roots in Austin. If you've never read that story, this is the piece that explains it all → Read the story here
I didn’t grow up with a roadmap to success. There was no safety net, no shortcuts, no guarantees. My American Dream wasn’t handed to me—I built it, one decision, one risk, and one leap of faith at a time - by Mathias
So when Berlin Partner for Business and Technology asked me to serve on their jury for SXSW 2026, I didn't hesitate for a second.
On March 14th from 6 to 7pm, I will be at the Berlin House at Speakeasy on Congress Ave as a juror for the Berlin Innovation Pitch Session. Fifteen outstanding Berlin companies will take the stage in a fast-paced showcase, presenting who they are, what they do, and what they are looking for in the US market. The jury will be onsite to highlight standout innovations and announce our Jury Picks.
I will be joined on the jury by an incredible group including Ilja Radusch from Fraunhofer FOKUS, Jörg Arntz Managing Director of IFA Berlin, Niko Woischnik founder of Tech Open Air Berlin, and Lucie Aslanssen-Ng Director of Software Engineering at Tesla.
From a German village to a SXSW jury seat. Full circle.
If you are in Austin and want to connect with Berlin's most promising innovators, whether you are an investor, a founder, or someone who believes in building bridges between worlds, this is the room to be in.
Learn more about Berlin Goes SXSW →
For the women building Austin
Before the badges, the panels, and the noise of SXSW take over, there is one gathering I want to make sure is on your radar.
On March 8th, International Women's Day, from 10am to 2pm, Who's Who of Women Leading and Building ATX is bringing together the women who are quietly and not so quietly shaping Austin's business and creative ecosystem. This event is organized by Fiesta Community and my dear friend Cherie Werner, someone I admire deeply for the intentional way she brings people together.
This isn't a networking event with name tags and awkward small talk. It's a curated celebration. Breakfast, real conversations, and a panel specifically on how to make the most of SXSW with or without a badge. The right people, in the right room, with intention behind every seat.
If you are a woman building something in Austin, this is your room. If you know someone who needs to be there, send this their way.
Grab your spot here →