A kid from a small village in Germany, no money, no connections, no roadmap, lands in America age 18 with three tennis rackets and a toothbrush. He doesn't know what he's building yet. He just knows he's not going back.
That kid was me.
If you've never read that story, this is the piece that explains it all → Read the story here
Full circle.
I grew up in Germany. I moved to America to play tennis in college. I built woom bikes USA from a shed without air conditioning into a nationally recognized brand. I planted roots in Austin. I raised double-digit millions, led an exit into a $100M+ global business, and along the way learned that success without fulfillment isn't success at all.
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.
Because I know what it feels like to be the founder in the room, the one who left home with a big vision, a modest budget, and the quiet hope that someone would truly get what they were building.
Here's what's happening:
Berlin Innovation Pitch Session, With Jury Picks
Saturday, March 14 · 5:45–6:45 PM · Speakeasy Terrace
Fifteen outstanding Berlin companies will take the stage for a fast-paced showcase. Unlike a traditional pitch competition, this format gives each company space to share who they are, what they've built, and what they're looking for in the U.S. market. The jury will be onsite to highlight standout innovations and announce our Jury Picks live.
I'll be joined on the jury by:
- Ilja Radusch — Director of Smart Mobility, Fraunhofer FOKUS & Director, Daimler Center for Automotive IT Innovations
- Jörg Arntz — Managing Director, IFA Berlin
- Niko Woischnik — Founder & CEO, Tech Open Air (TOA) Berlin
- Jenny Tromski — VP of Business Development, Impact & Partnership, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation
The event is moderated by Carl-Philipp Wackernagel and Anna Wiese from Berlin Partner, and presented by Berlin Partner for Business and Technology.
German Haus runs the full program March 13–16 at the Speakeasy on Congress Ave, covering AI, Digital Health, GreenTech, CivicTech, Creative Economy, Music Export, and more. One of the most ambitious programs at SXSW this year.
→ See the full program here
Why this matters to me personally.
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.
These fifteen Berlin founders are doing exactly that. They've crossed an ocean to make their case on one of the most competitive stages in the world. My job as a juror isn't to impress anyone. It's to listen with the ear of someone who has built, invested, and coached founders through the hardest parts of the journey.
And to be the person in the room who truly gets what they're building.
If you're in Austin, this is the room to be in.
Whether you're an investor, a founder, or someone who believes in building bridges between worlds, come find me Saturday evening at the Speakeasy Terrace. I'd love to connect.
See you there.
— Mathias
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