Francis Heckman (37) used to be a banker for over 17 years before he decided to become an entrepreneur and founded proACT Solutions – a consulting and investment company for established enterprises as well as startup firms. His credo: Ideas are worthless – until you execute them.

Tilo Halaszovich is a Professor of Global Markets & Firms at Jacobs University Bremen since 2017. He earned a PhD in Marketing and has written several textbooks on Brand Management. He is the coordinator of Jacobs University’s student startup program and is always looking for new ways to support students on their path to their own company.

Alexander Kiltz is part of the investment team at Unternehmertum Venture Capital Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm. Alex thrives on the opportunity to be immersed in innovative technologies, market trends, and scalable startups. He has an educational background in Management & Technology and gained work experience in various startups. Alex enjoys engaging with founders and partnering with fast-growing tech startups that tackle meaningful problems, have a big vision, and a thorough execution plan.

Christian Ziach is a management and systems engineering professional with over 12 years of experience in management of complex civilian and military aerospace projects. He has gained extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary teams gained through work in the military, two civilian space organizations and a technical-scientific Non-Profit-Organization.Christian is used to working in a dynamic international environment and is especially passionate for cutting edge technology and NewSpace.

Jan Christiansen has successfully finished an apprenticeship as a banker before earning his Masters degree in Business in Kiel, Germany. He has worked in strategic management consulting for seven years and was the Head of Corporate Strategy at DekaBank, Frankfurt. Since 2011, he is the CEO of Diersch & Schröder Group in Bremen, leading 440 employees and making revenues of 1.7 billion € in the oil and renewables industry.