With our knowledge, passion,
experience
and network,
we support founders on
their start-up journey.

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Team 11 24

About XPRENEURS

XPRENEURS by UnternehmerTUM is Europe’s leading deep-tech B2B accelerator - where tomorrow’s game-changers are built. We don’t just support start-ups. We scale the future.

Since 2017, we've fast-tracked over 300 high-tech teams across Europe - helping them secure more than €2,2 billion in funding and land their first paying customers. From AI and climate tech to space and fusion, our alumni like Isar Aerospace, Proxima Fusion, DeepDrive, Studysmarter, and air up are redefining entire industries.

We work hands-on with visionary founders to sharpen business models, accelerate go-to-market strategies, and connect them with leading investors - backed by UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s #1 innovation and start-up hub, recognized by Financial Times and Statista.

Behind XPRENEURS is a diverse, multicultural team of professionals with deep expertise in entrepreneurship, venture building, and business development. We bring a wealth of perspectives and real-world experience, united by one mission: to turn bold ideas into thriving companies.

At XPRENEURS, we are more than an accelerator. We are your dedicated partners on the path from idea to impact.

About UnternehmerTUM

UnternehmerTUM is Europe’s leading center for innovation and business creation. Our advanced ecosystem, including highly experienced mentors, VCs, industry experts and corporates, enables us to incubate the strongest teams.

UnternehmerTUM offers start-ups a comprehensive service from first idea to IPO. A team of over 500 employees supports the establishment of companies, market entry and financing - also with venture capital. For established companies, a team of experienced consultants offers optimal access to the UnternehmerTUM ecosystem. UnternehmerTUM has many years of experience in developing innovation strategies and implementing and spinning off technology-driven business ideas. Founded in 2002 by the entrepreneur Susanne Klatten, the non-profit UnternehmerTUM GmbH is, with more than 100 fast-growing technology startups each year - including Celonis, Konux and Isar Aerospace - the leading center for entrepreneurship and innovation in Europe.

1300+ experts

Tap into a powerful alumni network with founders and industry experts.

250+ VCs

Exclusive access to VCs, including pre-seed & seed investors and active business angels.

300+ partners

Access to global corporate partners and family offices.

Meet the XPRENEURS team

Barbara Neu

Dr. Barbara Mehner

Managing Partner

Before I joined the team, I have been working with organizations from various industries on the commercialization of new technologies and spin-off projects. Now I support founders on their journey, connecting them to investors and helping them to understand their customers. As a psychologist, I also support start-ups in building strong teams.

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Timo

Timo Dohmen

Senior Venture Consultant

Besides having gained professional experience in various companies, ranging from agile start-ups to international banks and tech-companies, I also grew my professional network as a former founder. With my broad expertise and number driven mind I therefore support start-ups on their way to successful investments or operational excellence.

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Nikola

Nikola Baumschlager

Venture Consultant

My journey began in the vibrant start-up scene of San Francisco, following that I started working in a start up consultancy helping founders improve their business models. However, my fascination with food systems and the potential of meat alternatives led me down a compelling path. After working with a pioneering meat alternative scale-up, I'm now back in consultancy, armed with a deep passion for reshaping the food system.

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Emin

Emin Tufanoglu

Junior Venture Consultant

My journey in entrepreneurship began when I fell in love with the vast start-up ecosystem in Lisbon. In various roles, I supported ventures from different stages and industries - ranging from student-led to corporate. At XPRENEURS, I am helping impactful tech start-ups realize their potential using an analytical and human-centered approach.

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Björn Stoffers

Björn Stoffers

Senior Venture Consultant Aerospace Focus

Being an economist by trade, I found my passion in developing commercial strategies and transfering new technologies into real business. I jumped into the fact-paced Berlin start-up world a decade ago and co-founded OroraTech in Munich prior to joining UnternehmerTUM. At XPRENEURS, I mainly support scale-ups in our new ESA Business Accelerator, but always keep an eye open for other deeptech ventures.

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Priyanka

Priyanka Ravikumar

Venture Consultant

At XPRENEURS, I support founders as they shape, test, and launch their ventures. I bring a background in life sciences (PhD) along with experience in consulting and venture capital focused on biotech and pharma. This helps me add value especially when coaching deeptech and health-focused start-ups. Whether it's refining business models, prepping for investor conversations, or connecting them with the right experts, I love being a sounding board and strategic sparring partner!

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Thomas

Thomas Hüpper

Network Manager

In the past I’ve worked for a drone delivery start-up as well as for a Management and IT Consultancy. At XPRENEURS I take care of the systematization and strategic development of the UnternehmerTUM network - consisting of start-ups, alumni, mentors, investors and corporates.

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Vivian

Vivian Wiljanen

Program and Event Manager

I discovered my passion for the startup ecosystem through my previous experience in different roles in various startups. At XPRENEURS I work on creating the best program curriculum possible so that founders gain the knowledge they need to be successful on their startup journeys. Additionally, I support the startups by organizing events that give the entrepreneurs meaningful connections and the spotlight they deserve.

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Charlotte Karsch

Charlotte Karsch

Senior Marketing Manager

I have already worked in different start-ups developing social media campaigns and marketing strategies and therefore know what the start-up spirit feels like. At XPRENEURS I support the teams with my expertise in social media marketing but also in the fields of branding and content marketing.

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Michelle Kempa

Intern

As a student of Digital Real Estate Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship & Digital Business Models, as well as Sustainable Value Chains & Digital Economy, I am passionate about exploring innovative solutions and driving meaningful change. Before joining XPRENEURS, I gained hands-on experience in the start-up world, where I was responsible for marketing. At XPRENEURS, I am excited to support the team in event and program management, as well as marketing operations, while further immersing myself in the dynamic start-up ecosystem.

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Website Smilla XPRENEURS

Smilla Gockner

Working Student

Through my current Master's program in Management & Digital Technologies at LMU, along with hands-on experience in entrepreneurial environments, I have developed a strong interest in the dynamic start-up ecosystem. At XPRENEURS, I contribute by supporting the team in various disciplines like program scouting, event management, and other key initiatives.

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