Start-ups, Serendipity, and Sauna Sessions: Meet Lukas Linn

In our new #MeetTheTeam interview, we sat down with Lukas Linn, Investment Manager & Lead Venture Capital for the DACH market at Invesdor Group, who has been part of the team in Berlin since the end of 2023.

Born and raised in southwest Germany, Lukas has lived and worked across international innovation hubs like London, Copenhagen, Vienna, and the San Francisco Bay Area before landing in Berlin, a city he now calls home.

In this interview, he shares what excites him about working with early-stage companies, how California shaped his perspective, and why wellness help him reset after long days of venture building.

What excites you most about working with early-stage companies?

The energy, actually! Early-stage companies are driven by innovation, bold ideas, and a genuine desire to reshape the world for the better. I am inspired by the visionary thinking and passion that founders usually bring to the table. It is impressing that start-ups and scale-ups are able to spot trends early and challenge the status quo. And beyond that, the entrepreneurial spirit I encounter daily motivates me personally – it is a constant reminder of why I am in this field and fuels my own ambition to build something big one day!

What’s been one of your most rewarding moments at Invesdor so far?

Over the past 1.5 years at Invesdor Group, I have experienced many exciting & memorable moments. I really enjoy working with smart colleagues from different countries, forward-thinking founding teams, and visionary investors who ask the right questions.

But one of the most fulfilling milestones has been proving – through our recently launched business section in DACH and my newly created role – that impact investment platforms in Germany (and Europe, anyways!) can invest real equity. This is just the beginning of something bigger: enabling scale-ups to access growth capital in exchange for shares through an investment platform like ours. That is something truly new for the German-speaking market – and I am happy to help shape the new direction and drive this shift!

What first got you into the world of Venture Capital?

I have always been fascinated by start-ups, investments, and innovation. That interest guided my academic path – from writing my bachelor’s thesis on start-ups to pursuing a master’s in innovation management, combined with working student roles and projects in the European start-up ecosystem.

A key moment was my exchange semester in California – the world’s innovation capital. The experience was incredibly inspiring: from top-tier university lectures and professors to guest speakers like VCs and serial entrepreneurs. Company visits to tech giants like Airbnb, DocuSign, and Uber – once small start-ups themselves – made innovation feel tangible and real change possible.

Returning to Europe, I was eager to bring that mindset and inspiration back with me. I found the perfect opportunity for my master’s thesis and later a full-time position for several years at Europe’s first PropTech accelerator and the leading innovation platform in real estate. The role as Scouting & Investment Manager combined my passion for innovation, technology, investment, and the built world.

Now at Invesdor Group in Berlin, I am heading the equity funding efforts for the DACH market – right at the intersection of start-ups, scale-ups, and investors. It is exactly where I see most potential when driving innovation forward: inside the start-up- & VC-ecosystem, helping outstanding innovators enter their next phase in their journey.

What motivated you to leave your hometown and make the move to Berlin, and how has the transition been so far?

Before moving to Berlin, I had the chance to live, study, and work in some amazing metropolises like London, Vienna, Copenhagen, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Just before COVID hit, I returned to Germany and spent most of my time between Mannheim (with my family) and Frankfurt (for work). After almost four great years, I felt it was time for a new chapter, in a place where all my interests come together: a big, international city, exciting opportunities, great people, and one of Europe’s leading start-up hubs. Berlin basically ticked all the boxes.

The transition has been going really well, and honestly, it has been a lot of fun. A few close friends were already living here, which made the early days – including the no-apartment phase (he laughs) – much easier. Since then, I have met a lot of new people, had a great start at Invesdor with awesome colleagues, and joined more business events than I can count. And thanks to my constant curiosity (or slight FOMO), I have discovered a lot of what the city has to offer – though my Berlin to-do list somehow keeps getting longer… (he smiles)

What’s your favorite way to disconnect after a long day?

Definitely sports and wellness! After a long day (or short weekend… he grins), there is nothing better than a good workout, sometimes even with friends, followed by some real relaxation in the wellness area. Ideally with strong sauna infusions or a quiet steam bath. I take my sauna sessions very seriously (he smiles) – yes, I know the exact schedule in detail and the sauna masters know me quite well. It’s the perfect way to reset and recharge!

What’s a quote that inspires Lukas?

“Work hard, play hard.” Life is about balance – don’t let the pursuit of success make you forget the joy of living.

Lukas’ think-outside-the-box mindset and passion for building bridges between innovators & investors is as clear as his curiosity for new challenges (and Berlin’s endless to-do list). With his energy and willingness to question the status quo, he is helping shape the future of equity funding at Invesdor, one venture at a time.