The interviewee Dagmar Bottenbruch is a successful investment corporation owner with over 30 years of experience in corporate and investment banking. She started her career at the investment bank First Boston in New York analyzing European automobile stocks. Dagmar later became the General Manager of Rabobank International in Germany and worked as Director of Investment Banking at Credit Suisse. Since 1999, she has been actively involved with startups and VC investments. Currently, Dagmar runs her own investment firm DC&F Capital Partners which focuses on helping German companies, especially SMEs, connect with the startup ecosystem. She also has a portfolio of 12 companies that she has personally invested in over the years including GoEuro (later Omio), Zizoo, Vaamo and others.
Looks for strong teams and big markets when investing in startups
When asked what criteria startups need to fulfill to get Dagmar’s investment, she highlights three main components – the total addressable market, the strength of the founding team, and the timing of the investment. She wants to invest either in startups that are clearly differentiated and do things better than competitors, or those that are first-movers in untapped markets with massive potential.
Leverages broad network to source high-quality deals
Dagmar has a big network from years of experience as a founder, manager and investor. Her partners also have networks across different cities. They additionally source deals from incubators and accelerators. She emphasizes that with her profile, there is no shortage of investment proposals in her inbox.
Provides hands-on support to inexperienced founder teams
Dagmar takes an customized approach when working with her portfolio companies. Serial entrepreneurs need less support while first-time founders often require more hand-holding across fundraising, pitch decks, financial modeling etc. However, she believes investors should not micromanage or restrict founders too much.
Balances portfolio of 12 companies while raising 3 kids
Remarkably, apart from her illustrious investment career, Dagmar is also a mother to three children. When asked how she managed to balance her professional and personal life, she emphasized the importance of having a supporting partner, hiring help, and not being afraid to sometimes say no to work commitments.
In summary, Dagmar Bottenbruch provides great insights into the world of investment corporation owners. With decades of experience across banking, VC and angel investing, she has built a broad network and a skillset that allows her to source promising startups, provide hands-on value-add, and balance a portfolio of 12 companies while also raising three kids.