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Looking back
Continuity, perseverance, and discipline were core principles that shaped my formative years. I gravitated towards subjects like mathematics and the natural sciences in school, finding precision and formulas particularly rewarding. I also had an early affinity for skiing—being the youngest in a group of older people pushed me to challenge myself to keep up constantly! And at 18, I earned my black belt in judo.
After high school, I pursued a technical education abroad. I studied electrical engineering in South Africa and then joined a Master’s in Business Engineering program that took me to Berlin, the United States, and Japan. This experience broadened my engineering perspective and potential, as the program included students from both business and medical backgrounds.
I spent the early part of my career navigating the challenges of the dot-com boom in the telecommunications industry, which provided valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability.
While applying to various consulting firms, I was particularly struck by a chance encounter at P3 (later umlaut). I still remember the passion of the P3 team during the interview, and I thought to myself, "I have to give this smaller firm a shot." Taking on the role of managing director at age 29 came with its unique challenges. However, the leadership team's mentorship supported me in succeeding despite my young age.
The great thing about working for a non-Big Four consulting firm was that we could be overconfident yet consistently deliver on our promises. We embraced an underdog mentality—"If they can do it, so can we"—which inspired confidence and perseverance. This is the growth mindset I aim to instil in our portfolio companies at Räuberleiter.
After high school, I pursued a technical education abroad. I studied electrical engineering in South Africa and then joined a Master’s in Business Engineering program that took me to Berlin, the United States, and Japan. This experience broadened my engineering perspective and potential, as the program included students from both business and medical backgrounds.
I spent the early part of my career navigating the challenges of the dot-com boom in the telecommunications industry, which provided valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability.
While applying to various consulting firms, I was particularly struck by a chance encounter at P3 (later umlaut). I still remember the passion of the P3 team during the interview, and I thought to myself, "I have to give this smaller firm a shot." Taking on the role of managing director at age 29 came with its unique challenges. However, the leadership team's mentorship supported me in succeeding despite my young age.
The great thing about working for a non-Big Four consulting firm was that we could be overconfident yet consistently deliver on our promises. We embraced an underdog mentality—"If they can do it, so can we"—which inspired confidence and perseverance. This is the growth mindset I aim to instil in our portfolio companies at Räuberleiter.
Looking forward
Through many conversations, I’ve realized that after more than 20 years of professional experience, you have accumulated a wealth of knowledge. Sometimes, you can help someone in a crisis or offer a missing insight—perhaps just with a sentence, a suggestion, or an idea to solve a problem. Then, months later, that person might come back and say, "Sebastian, that thing you mentioned in passing? I tried it, and it really helped."
These moments of positive feedback reinforce what you’ve shared and learned, strengthening and motivating you. It’s a great feeling, one I hope to keep sharing at Räuberleiter.
Over the years, I’ve learned that continuity preserves energy and emotions. The key is perseverance. If you want to start or grow a business, you must accept that there will always be challenges. Whether a company is struggling or thriving, there is always some form of pain—either growing or contraction pains. As a CEO or business owner, those pains feel the same at the moment, and people often overlook that. That’s why perseverance is essential.
At its core, I believe every industry is exciting. Anyone who says construction or mechanical engineering is boring probably hasn’t looked closely. I would find it fascinating if given the chance or the need to engage with any industry deeply.
These moments of positive feedback reinforce what you’ve shared and learned, strengthening and motivating you. It’s a great feeling, one I hope to keep sharing at Räuberleiter.
Over the years, I’ve learned that continuity preserves energy and emotions. The key is perseverance. If you want to start or grow a business, you must accept that there will always be challenges. Whether a company is struggling or thriving, there is always some form of pain—either growing or contraction pains. As a CEO or business owner, those pains feel the same at the moment, and people often overlook that. That’s why perseverance is essential.
At its core, I believe every industry is exciting. Anyone who says construction or mechanical engineering is boring probably hasn’t looked closely. I would find it fascinating if given the chance or the need to engage with any industry deeply.
Personal side
Father of four / Watch collector / Car enthusiast / Hosting parties / Travel / Home improvements / Running with friends
