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Lena Späth

Head of Platform @First Momentum Ventures // Supporting tech startups to create the future // Ex-Author & Founder

Professional Background

Lena Späth is a dynamic professional with a rich and varied background, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the tech and startup ecosystems. After earning a Master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies, with a specific focus on politics and psychology, Lena's ambitions initially led her towards espionage or war journalism. However, her career took a fascinating turn as she entered the vibrant world of startups. Currently, Lena is making significant strides as the Head of Platform at First Momentum Ventures, a prestigious pre-seed investment firm focused on nurturing (deep) tech startups in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).

In her role, she wears many hats, balancing her time across several critical functions including fostering the Venture Scout community, providing support to portfolio companies, driving brand and marketing initiatives, and engaging in investment activities. Her experience in tech recruiting at French delivery startup Stuart laid a solid foundation for her transition into the startup scene, enabling her to connect the dots between talent and opportunity effectively.

Lena also co-founded novel entrepreneurial ventures such as Superstack and The Story Market. These experiences gave her invaluable insights into the startup lifecycle, from inception to exit. Moreover, as a creative force behind a self-published photo book on Interior Design in Iran, which achieved sell-outs and remarkably high ratings, Lena showcased her skills in marketing, product development, and aesthetic sensitivity – all critical components in today’s competitive startup landscape. This book has become a sought-after item, now listed at $1,599, reflecting not only its quality but also her marketing prowess.

Lena's previous roles further highlight her remarkable adaptability, as she has contributed significantly to diverse projects in various capacities, including as a special projects manager at Mucbook Magazin and a research analyst at Content5 AG. Her background has also spanned across non-profits, with a notable internship at Rebirth Society, where she focused on drug demand reduction. Each role she undertook has enriched her skill set, making her a well-rounded and effective professional in the startup ecosystem.

Education and Achievements

Lena’s academic journey began with a focus on Middle Eastern Studies at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, where she honed her knowledge in key sociopolitical themes and developed a nuanced understanding of the dynamics that govern regional affairs. This educational backdrop provided her with the analytical skills necessary for assessing markets and understanding the implications of cultural nuances in business. Her enriching experience during an ERASMUS exchange semester at Cukurova University in Adana, Turkey, further broadened her perspective and allowed her to immerse herself in a different educational culture.

Throughout her career, Lena has demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth, skills honed through rigorous academic training and further developed through hands-on experience in the tech and startup industry. Her roles in various organizations showcase her entrepreneurial spirit, from leading teams to driving significant projects with measurable impact.

Achievements

Lena’s most notable achievements include:

  • Head of Platform at First Momentum Ventures: Spearheading initiatives that support (deep) tech startups while successfully managing diversified community engagement and investment strategies.
  • Successful Entrepreneur: Co-founding and running Superstack and The Story Market, which not only demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen but also helped sharpen her leadership skills in startup environments.
  • Self-Published Author: Her photo book on interior design in Iran became highly sought after, achieving sold-out status and high ratings, indicating both the quality of her work and effective marketing strategies employed.
  • Extensive Experience in Talent Recruitment: As a Talent Research Analyst at Stuart, Lena played a vital role in connecting potential candidates with tech opportunities, a skill she leverages to invest in promising startups today.
  • Diverse Professional Background: With a range of roles in research, consulting, and project management, Lena’s experience positions her uniquely to understand various aspects of business operations, especially in new ventures.

Lena Späth’s career trajectory serves not only as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in the tech space but also highlights the value of interdisciplinary skills in navigating complex business environments. Her journey from an academic background in Middle Eastern Studies to becoming a pivotal player in the tech investment sector reflects her passion for innovation, community building, and strategic growth. We look forward to seeing where her insights and leadership will take her and the organizations she supports in the future.

Related Questions

How did Lena Späth transition from her studies in Middle Eastern Studies to the tech startup world?
What inspired Lena Späth to create a photo book on Interior Design in Iran, and what impact has it had on her career?
How does Lena Späth manage her diverse responsibilities as Head of Platform at First Momentum Ventures?
What strategies have been most effective for Lena Späth in supporting her portfolio companies?
In what ways has Lena Späth's background in Middle Eastern Studies informed her approach to investing in tech startups?
Lena Späth
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Location

Munich, Bavaria, Germany