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Katharina Klausberger
Investor / Time for growth, sports and exploring new things / Co-Founder and former CEO Shpock
Katharina Klausberger is a prominent entrepreneur and investor, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Shpock, a popular mobile flea market app. She co-founded Shpock in 2013 as a side project of their initial startup, finderly GmbH, which focused on product recommendations. Shpock quickly gained traction, amassing over 8 million users and becoming a significant player in the European marketplace sector before being acquired by Schibsted Classifieds Media in 2015.13
Education and Early Career
Klausberger holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where she also completed her PhD. During her academic career, she taught at the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at WU Vienna and managed various innovation projects.15
Entrepreneurial Journey
Klausberger's entrepreneurial journey began with finderly GmbH, which struggled initially but led to the successful launch of Shpock. The app was designed to facilitate local buying and selling of second-hand goods, tapping into the growing trend of sustainability and community engagement. Under her leadership, Shpock expanded its user base significantly and became known for its user-friendly interface and community-driven approach.23
Current Role
After her tenure at Shpock, Klausberger has shifted her focus towards investing and mentoring within the startup ecosystem. She emphasizes growth, sports, and continuous learning as key areas of interest in her current endeavors.5 Her experience as a female founder in the tech industry positions her as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in technology.
Contributions and Philosophy
Klausberger is recognized for her insights on entrepreneurship, particularly regarding user feedback and resilience in the face of challenges. She advocates for the importance of adapting to market needs and maintaining a strong connection with users to foster product development.34
In summary, Katharina Klausberger's journey from academia to successful entrepreneurship exemplifies the dynamic nature of the startup landscape, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of building a tech company from the ground up.
