Women in Tech: At the forefront of innovation - Key takeaways from Dr. Sabine Wiesmüller, Start2Group

We are delighted to launch our new Women in Tech series, where we will hear interesting stories from inspirational people leading the charge at the forefront of innovation.

In episode 6, we hear from Dr. Sabine Wiesmüller, Director AI (Europe) at Start2Group.

Interviewed by Corporate Counsel Andrea Schlote in Germany, Dr. Sabine outlines the hot topics and current challenges within the AI and innovation field, particularly for founders. She also considers business ethics in AI governance and the AI4good movement, and provides advice for others looking to establish AI start-ups.

Listen to the podcast here and read the key takeaways below. These points highlight both the opportunities and challenges in the AI startup landscape, as well as the importance of community support and regulatory awareness.

• Challenges for AI startups: AI startups face significant challenges, including access to risk capital, particularly in later funding stages. The complexity of complying with regulatory frameworks, such as the EU AI Act, also adds to the burden of developing and scaling AI products.
• AI's potential and opportunities: AI has the potential to revolutionise various industries, from agriculture to fashion. Entrepreneurs should view AI as a catalyst for innovation in any sector. Europe, particularly Germany, has a strong ecosystem of support for AI startups, with government funding and incubator programs playing a crucial role.
• Cultural differences in innovation: There’s a distinct difference in the entrepreneurial mindset across regions. In the U.S. and Asia, founding a startup is seen as a clear career path, whereas in Germany, the focus is more on research and caution around commercialisation. Encouraging entrepreneurship in Europe is vital to competing globally.
• Non-linear career paths: Sabine Wiesmüller emphasised that careers, especially in innovative fields like AI, often don’t follow a linear trajectory. She shared her journey, from consulting and PhD research to leading AI-focused initiatives, showcasing the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Sabine advises young founders to immerse themselves in the startup ecosystem by attending conferences and hackathons, which provide valuable networking and problem-solving opportunities. Hackathons, in particular, often lead to new team formations and potential startup ideas.