Feedback
from Customers
of Medici Global Ventures
Feedback
from Customers
of Medici Global Ventures
Feedback
from Customers
of Medici Global Ventures
Anil Khera
Founder & CEO from London, England
Anil is the Founder and CEO of Node, (www.node-living.com) a global asset manager and operator of next generation furnished apartment and coliving rental communities in creative capital cities around the world. Node’s mission is to create a better way to live in cities and partners with investors and developers to deliver a new way of rental living that focuses on community, convenience and affordability. Prior to Node Anil worked for 11 years at Blackstone, the world’s largest real estate investor. He is based in London with his two children and family.
“My experience with the Medici Community has found it to be open, collaborative, and insightful. I come away feeling intrigued, humbled, and motivated. It is really fantastic.”
– Anil
Charlotte Gustavsson
CEO from Stockholm, Sweden
Charlotte is a passionate CEO, Non-Executive Director and Chairman. She has 14+ years as CEO both in Europe and Africa and strongly believes in compassionate leadership for growth and accelerating businesses. Charlotte is currently managing her own company, Global Heart Leaders – Leadership and Governance for a brighter tomorrow. She is impact driven, always striving to make positive change for both people and the planet. Previously, she has worked across the Nordics, Baltics and Africa, London and Ukraine, with Corporate Finance, Corporate Governance, Management, Logistics and Business Development.
“The Medici Community has provided me with peers who I can really connect with. Being able to share things with people who understand has really empowered me. ”
– Charlotte
Dennis Penner
Entrepreneur & Business Owner from Oberhonnefeld-Gierend, Germany
Dennis is the owner and founder of Hello Ad!, a company that specializes in winning new customers and employees for medium-sized logistics and medicine industries through video marketing, social recruiting and employer branding.
“Within the Medici Community there is a real openness among its members to have quite honest conversations which is key to just letting it go and receiving some amazing solutions.”
– Dennis
Francesco De Meo
Consultant, Healthcare Business from Alaró, Spain
Francesco developed Helios, a start-up healthcare business, into the leading #1 privately owned European hospital group. At the age of 60, Francesco retired from the company. Today, he accompanies with his advisory boutique BE FASTER Consulting transformations in the healthcare sectors globally and start-ups in the healthcare business worldwide.
“The Medici Community helps you think about your future, not just in business, but in your personal life as well within an energetic and open-minded network of amazing people.”
– Francesco
Jörg Walden
Serial Entrepreneur & Founder from Reutlingen, Germany
Sustainable transformation is Jörg’s vision and passion. He passionately brings his experience as a founder and company leader in software development and in innovation management to companies he has founded and financed, to medium-sized companies and other organizations.
“As a bootstrap entrepreneur you think you never have time for self development. The Medici Community provides a safe space and a culture that allows its members to slow down and talk openly with each other about things that might need to be changed in your life.”
– Jörg
Rob Shevlin
Property Investor from Mallorca, Spain
Rob works within the luxury real estate market with real estate agents, land owners, architects, construction and finance partners to design and build property projects from €1m-€20m end sale value.
“What I love about the Medici Community is that there is a real mix of ages, nationalities, and industries, and a shared spirit of wanting to connect and grow.”
– Rob
Ville Helenius
Partner in Management Consultancy from London, England
Ville is the Managing Director of Simbalite having founded the business in 2011 in response to client demand for his advisory work. He has over 20 years of experience as a senior strategy and transformational change expert with extensive experience across banking, wealth management, asset management and hedge funds. He has a proven track record of delivering business launches and complex change programs.
“What I appreciate about the Medici Community is that it is fantastically diverse including business owners, fund managers, violinists, entrepreneurs, and even a few young entrepreneurs.”
– Ville
Paul Lenoir
Consultant in Generosity & Philanthropy from Bern, Switzerland
Paul currently serves as board member at TrustBridge Global Foundation and Fondation Générosité and is involved in Real Estate.
“The atmosphere within the Medici Community is very open. People share from their hearts about mistakes, defeats, challenges, joys, and successes. It’s like being with close friends even if I haven’t known them for very long.”
– Paul
Paolo Fantacci
Consultant from Florence, Italy
Paolo began his career in innovative marketing and international sales, in particular, importing and launching new products in the Italian and European markets. During his professional career so far, he has been responsible for launching and marketing brands such as Parker pens, Ray Ban sunglasses, Pentax cameras, Omron medical equipment, Remington razors and housewares, Honeywell air conditioning, and Filofax personal organizers.
“If you want to think differently in your life and get away from your usual circles of influence, the Medici Community can expose you to so many new ideas and stimulate you to look at your life in a different way.”
– Paolo
Paweł Bochniarz
Managing Partner at Venture Capital Firm from Józefów, Poland
Paweł is a seasoned investor and advisor who specializes in deep-tech startups in Poland and Central & Eastern Europe. He co-founded Radix Ventures, an early stage venture capital fund, as a General Partner in 2023, where he helps identify, evaluate, and support promising teams developing breakthrough technologies in energy, industry, and smart solutions.
“I recommend the Medici Community to any entrepreneur or business owner who wants to not just be in their business but to look at their business from the outside. To take a step back in order to make a deeper reflection on what they are doing with their lives and their business.”
– Paweł
Philipp Ahrenkiel
Founder & CEO from Bern, Switzerland
Philipp is founder and CEO of Swiss Climate, headquartered in Bern, Switzerland. Swiss Climate is a leading consulting company with over 10 years of experience in the development of holistic climate strategies and sustainability concepts. They provide companies with solutions on how to use resources more efficiently and reduce climate-relevant emissions at the same time.
“Being part of the Medici Community opens up your horizons, provides out-of-the-box thinking, and connects you with many new friends.”
– Philipp
Tünde Macarie
Founder, Leadership & Emotional Intelligence Coach from Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Tünde is the Founder of DigDeeper Leaders – Equipped for Impact, and through 1-to-1 coaching she helps leaders and entrepreneurs get well-equipped with the right social, relational, communication and decision-making skills so they can BE and DO their very best in life, relationships and business – and create IMPACT.
“Being part of the Medici Community is truly uplifting, authentic, and fresh. Cris’s mindset, character, and standard of excellence is truly inspiring, and interacting with so many insightful entrepreneurs from different backgrounds, businesses and countries, each with distinctive views and knowledge, has such a positive and unique effect on everyone involved. ”
– Tünde
Brook Hazelton
Art & Technology Executive from Farmington, CT USA
Brook Hazelton is an experienced art and technology executive who also provides art advisory services to a small number of individuals and institutions. He is currently Advisory Board Chairman for LiveAuctioneers, the leading online marketplace for auction houses, and ThePackengers, a provider of e-logistics and shipping for unique items. Mr. Hazelton previously served as President of Christie’s for North & South America, and prior to that acted as global CEO of Phillips auction house.
“The event was very well organized, with the perfect level of content for the audience, and a very active schedule without being over programmed with one way communication. It was the right size to form new relationships with a good number of the participants. Well done!”
– Brook
Andreas Sprengel
Real Estate Development from Frankfurt, Germany
Andreas’ career path led him from banking to studying banking, eventually transitioning to the real estate development and revitalization sector. Today, he holds approximately 60,000 square meters of office space in the Frankfurt area through various family-owned companies.
“After participating with Cris in Florence, I feel encouraged in my life’s motto not just to make a lot of money, but to invest it strategically.”
– Andreas
Thibault Montjean
IT & Cyber Security Executive from Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Thibault runs companies in IT, CyberSecurity, and also created a value oriented firm dedicated to school uniforms. He is a sports fan and never happier than in a garage fixing something.
“The cultural and high-level aspect of the discussions among the participants at the Medici event broke down the usual barriers of shyness or pride that you often find at other similar events.”
– Thibault
Jon Reynolds
Founder & CEO from Cambridge, United Kingdom
Jon Reynolds co-founded technology company SwiftKey in 2008 and was CEO until its acquisition by Microsoft in 2016. SwiftKey is best known for its smart typing technology which features on more than 1 billion devices to date. He is now working on a new start-up Re:store looking to bring human connection back into online retail.
“The Medici event facilitated trusted connections with remarkable, like-minded individuals, fostering a down-to-earth atmosphere. Cris’ Medici framework, particularly the message of getting one’s ‘house in order,’ resonated deeply. Exploring new concepts, such as patronage and the role of the arts, added a refreshing layer to the experience.”
– Jon
Sangkung Conteh
Financial Entrepreneur from Glauburg, Germany
In Sangkung’s childhood and youth, he lacked financial education. He spent more money than he should have given his circumstances. He could no longer count the part-time jobs he had during his school years and debt was normal for him when he started his adult life. Influenced by this time, Sangkung initially read a lot of financial books until he decided to work in the financial sector 10 years ago. Today, one of his biggest motivators is to give his own children a different start in their adult lives financially. It’s not about being “rich” – but about being able to start your own future without worries and free. Knowing that he can lay the foundation for this immediately after the birth of a child makes him happy.
“My aspiration is to leave a lasting legacy in this world, one that I can proudly share with my children and grandchildren. The Medici Gold Community undoubtedly helps me on this journey and truly enriches both my personal and professional life.”
– Sangkung
Ben Trantham
Entrepreneur & Business Owner from Ft. Worth, TX USA
Ben Trantham is an entrepreneur and business owner of several family-run companies ranging from real estate development, social media influencing, e-commerce and most recently a Swiss acquisition of automated vehicle parking technology.
“The Medici gathering that I attended in Florence was a great event and delivered excellent value. I look forward to attending again.” – Ben
Vince Birley
CEO from Marietta, GA USA
Vince Birley has over 30 years of experience in the personal and institutional financial services industry. Prior to his current role, serving as CEO of Vident Financial, he was the Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee for Ronald Blue and Co. While serving in that role, he was responsible for leading the efforts to develop the Principled Reasoning investment philosophy that the Vident indices utilize.
“The Medici event that I attended in Florence was a first class experience with wonderful people. Three points of impact for me were: an appreciation for the arts, the importance of personal balance, and the pursuit of humble influence.”
– Vince
Johannes Hahn
Photographer & Amazon Business from Wuppertal, Germany
“As a business owner, the Medici GOLD Community is incredibly motivating. You will gain valuable insights about the Medici family and learn how to apply this knowledge to your business growth; how you can practically use these insights to enhance your business.”
– Johannes
Chris Wintersohl
Goldsmith from Palma, Spain
Chris is a passionate and award-winning master of the art of goldsmithing. His passion lies in creating personalized jewelry and products. Chris received his training in Germany from master goldsmiths at the highest level. He deepened his knowledge of traditional goldsmithing skills during his stays in Italy, where Italian gold masters entrusted him with their ancient secrets and techniques. Traditional goldsmithing, combined with innovative 3D technology, is his credo today.
“I chose to join the Medici GOLD Community for its exclusive network of high-level business professionals and that it’s tailored for decision-makers and individuals looking to transform their businesses while making a significant impact on the world.”
– Chris
Carina Thoma
Event Specialist from Palma, Spain
Carina is a marketing and event specialist, project manager & Scrum Master with a background in business psychology.
“I believed I was doing quite well, taking the time to reflect and maintain my personal and mental well-being. However, Cris asks you exactly those questions you need to hear, which forces you to reconsider, to refocus. His questions made me realize there are still many things I need to do in order to achieve my goals. I highly recommend the Medici GOLD Community. You’ll be inspired by amazing and inspiring people.”
– Carina
Samuel Lawson Johnston
Co-Founder at Kinrise & Finlay from London, England
Samuel founded Kinrise which is an investment fund turning iconic and historic buildings into mixed-use work and cultural venues across the UK. He has worked in UK commercial real estate for 19 years, with former roles as an Investment Director and Partner at Cording Real Estate Group (now Edmond De Rothschild Real Estate). He is also a trustee of Charity:Water and Saint Church (Hackney), and co-founded eyewear brand Finlay London.
“I really appreciate that the Medici Community is just such a broad mix of people from all over the world, from different industries and with different backgrounds. I’ve met some fantastic people and have made some new friends from new countries. I’d absolutely recommend people joining this community.”
– Sam
Lucas Carstens
Founder & CEO from Oslo, Norway
Lucas holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from Imperial College, London. Before starting Modulize, he worked managing Data Analytics solutions for a variety of use cases. He is motivated by using technology to solve large, real world problems.
“As part of the Medici Community I have been able to meet some really great people who have similar ways of thinking but do very different things. I think being able to learn from different people who are like-minded but have new insights is pretty cool.”
– Lucas
Christian Reister
Owner & CEO - Violin Assets GmbH from Frankfurt, Germany
Christian Reister is an investment professional and has been active in wealth management and asset management for over 30 years. Before co-founding VIOLIN ASSETS GmbH in 2014, he worked for M&G Investments, part of the Prudential insurance group in London, and for Metzler Asset Management as an authorized signatory and director of business development in Frankfurt. His passion is about stringed instruments as an investment class and to support highly gifted musicians with the best stringed instruments available.
“I joined the Medici GOLD community to understand the Medici family dynamics, finding their thoughts and actions inspiring. The Medici family served as a role model for patrons throughout history, and the Medici GOLD community provides valuable insights into their ideas.”
– Christian
Jeff Thomas
Founder & CEO from Houston, TX USA
Jeff is the Founder and CEO of Arkos Global Advisors, based in Houston, Texas. Arkos is a non-traditional multi-family office that helps families thrive across generations. Jeff also Chairs the Board of Lee Strobel Ministries and is on many other non-profit boards.
“I enjoy studying successful people and families to learn from them. I also enjoy being in community with like-minded people. The Medici event in Florence inspired me to help build such a community.”
– Jeff
Wojciech Hanusek
Owner & CEO of Connectivum™ from Geneva, Switzerland
Wojciech nurtured a profound interest in diplomacy, events organization, and philanthropy from a very young age, and later pursuing International Relations at the University of Geneva. As owner and CEO of Connectivum,™ a Geneva-based consulting company, he focuses on the development of Swiss and European SMEs, international NGOs, and global philanthropic foundations. During his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, skiing, gardening, and horseback riding. He also values discussing politics, history, and foreign affairs with friends, cherishing meaningful conversations and moments of introspection.
“Under Cris’s guidance and aim for lasting positive change I have gained profound insights through the lens of Florence’s cultural heritage and am forging genuine connections, leading to meaningful personal and professional advancements. This community is not just a program; it’s a life-changing experience that I am immensely grateful for.”
– Wojciech
Christoph Jakob
VC & Owner - Tax Consulting Firm from Baunatal, Germany
As an expert consultant in the field of restructuring and business planning, Cristoph Jakob is now a sought-after expert on restructuring processes, business sales, and the accompaniment of start-ups. He is particularly passionate about supporting young companies, as a consultant or service provider, as an investor with stakes in over 15 startups and as the initiator of the investor club of Northern Hesse.
“I joined the Medici GOLD community to learn the Medici family’s secrets for success, both in business and private life. I value the holistic approach and aim to apply these lessons for a balanced and fulfilling life.”
– Christoph
Simon Strobel
Entrepreneur in Security Business from Plauen, Germany
Simon has served as the managing director of their family business ESRA GmbH since 2018. Through his constant drive for improvement, he leads the company into further growth steps. His passion is working with people and innovative technology. With his innovative solutions, he continually challenges those around him to think outside the box.
“What inspires me about the Medici community is its international focus and the great relationships I’ve formed. Through meaningful conversations, I have gotten to know other business people on a very deep level.”
– Simon
Oliver Borrmann
Corporate Management of Family Business Hark Orchideen in Lippstadt, Germany
Oliver grew up in their family horticultural business with more than 40,000 square meters and thus his future career was virtually predestined. After his high school diploma and civil service, he studied horticulture in Osnabrück and graduated as an engineer. He then worked in management positions in international horticultural companies in Germany and abroad. Since the beginning of 2020, Mr. Borrmann has been a partner and is jointly responsible for one of the world’s largest young plant nurseries.
“I was inspired to join the Medici community because of the very positive spirit I experienced during my conversation with Cris Auditore Zimmermann, who was burning with the topic. I am also inspired by the international aspect. I love that you meet with international people you wouldn’t normally run across. I think the relationship between international business owners and entrepreneurs is quite unique.”
– Oliver
Michael Hübl
Serial Entrepreneur & Founder of Bryter GmbH from Bensheim, Germany
Michael describes himself as a serial entrepreneur and has received multiple awards for his work. His latest company, flinc, a dynamic ridesharing service, was acquired by Daimler in September 2017. He has since co-founded and is currently the Chief Product Officer for BRYTER, the leading platform in decision automation.
“The most inspiring thing about being part of the Medici Community is being with a diverse group of people from fields like science, agriculture, security, tech, etc., who share a common goal. It is great to exchange our experiences and work together towards the shared goal of having an impact not only in our businesses but also in our personal lives and in the communities around us.”
– Michael
Peter Hopton
Tech Entrepreneur & Angel Investor from Sheffield, England
Peter is an entrepreneur with skills in market strategy, ideas, innovation and technology. He invented Iceotope, a server cooling technology and mentors and chairs deep-tech startups and University spin outs, helping them understand themselves, the market and investors.
“I love hearing about the learnings of Cosimo de’ Medici and his approach to community and the people alongside the business. I think there are some really important lessons there which I can learn from and then implement to help improve my community, my business and my city.”
– Peter
Andrew Han
Director of Family Office Research from Singapore
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Andrew has spent the last two decades living and traveling around Asia and the United States, and has gained a broad range of experiences in corporate and financial services. More recently, his focus has included technology start-ups concentrating on digital assets and healthcare. He seeks to influence and impact the marketplace with purposeful outcomes to faithfully steward the social and economic resources placed in his hands.
“Being with Cris in Florence was an eye-opening experience. I particularly enjoyed journeying with other business people together and understanding the context of the Medici history brought to life!”
– Andrew
Grant Webster
Managing Director - CEF from Knoxville, TN USA
“I chose to participate in the Medici GOLD community primarily because of Cris. He is an exceptional entrepreneur, and I admire how he not only learned Italian but also delved deeply into this subject matter. I was confident that the kind of people he would attract and bring together would be the type of individuals I want to learn with.”
– Grant
Vincent W. Piselé
Founder & CEO of FootSnap from Mugena, Switzerland
Vincent is the founder and CEO of FootSnap, a provider of innovative solutions for the shoe industry. With over 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur,Vincent has a passion for creating and delivering value to customers and retailers through cutting-edge technology and digital transformation.
“I love that there’s no competition within the Medici Community. It’s just people sharing experiences, sharing knowledge, sharing thoughts, helping and encouraging each other. It is almost like family.”
– Vincent
Timothy Blonkvist
Founding Principal of Overland Partners Architecture + Urban Design from San Antonio, TX USA
Tim is renowned for his passion and energy in creating sustainable architectural projects worldwide, from single-family homes to urban designs. He believes that architecture embodies the people it serves, emphasizing the collective impact of buildings in creating outdoor spaces. Tim’s creative force blends art, architecture, and natural light, drawing inspiration from painting in Italy and local art sessions. His early career includes working with Dr. Justus Dahinden in Zurich and I.M. Pei in New York.
“Few Gatherings have provided such a sense of global interaction and potential for building on relationships that can stand the test of time than the Medici gathering in Florence. What a powerfully rich learning experience packed with people, places and insights into the lives of the Medici family.”
– Tim
Nena Ugwuomo
Founder & CEO from Brooklyn, New York USA
Nena has worked at the intersection of technology, education, and finance for over a decade. She is the Founder and CEO of Student Dream, a financial education company closing the racial wealth gap in America by empowering ambitious black and brown students to build black wealth. Under Ugwuomo’s leadership, Student Dream has trained over 2000 youth – from 120 schools and colleges – to create their personal visions for money and life, improve their financial health, learn about investing, and start companies that have raised $1 million in business funding.
“Being part of the Medici Community has helped to clarify how to not only improve my business, but also how to get closer to what I want to build for myself holistically, especially around how I want to leave a legacy.”
– Nena
Ed Dean
Consultant from Phoenix, Arizona USA
Ed is a former senior sales and marketing executive who left the marketplace in 2004 to help various non-profit organizations and provide executive consulting to CEO’s and young entrepreneurs.
“The Medici Community provides a safe space for A-players to talk freely about ideas while at the same time encouraging and supporting each other.”
– Ed
Boris Markic
Co-Founder of Quarantini Gin from Frankfurt, Germany
Boris is a co-founder of Quarantini Gin. As a co-founder, he is responsible for the areas of Marketing & Brand, Business Development, and Product. Quarantini Gin has been standing for particularly aromatic and fruity gins since 2020 and “drink for a good cause,” because with every bottle sold, they provide a person in Zambia with clean drinking water for a year.
“What I love about the Medici Community is that it has some great diversity in it. There are different industries, backgrounds and ages. It’s a place to give and to receive. I feel like I can also contribute my knowledge.”
– Boris
Tim Dann
Entrepreneur from Baar, Switzerland
Tim’s mission in business as an entrepreneur is to profoundly impact individuals until they flourish, and as an investor, to equip and empower other entrepreneurs to do the same.
“Being part of the Medici Community as a younger person allows me to really appreciate and learn from the wisdom and experience of others in the group who are further along than I am. Not just learning about their successes, but also learning from the processes to get there, including the afflictions, pains, and problems connected to it; the actual tactical aspects of life and business.”
– Tim
Yannick le Plat
Co-Founder of Finca Service from Santa Maria, Spain
“There is more to the life of a business owner than just to make money. Talking about all areas of life is so refreshing.”
– Yannick
Michael Brüggler
Business Economist (FH) & Startups Investor from Agno, Switzerland
Michael is a business economist (FH), startups investor and CEO/CFO on demand. As a fintech and financial expert, he focuses on managing fintech applications to the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as well as advising board members and investment committees.
“Years ago I read about Pablo Picasso inviting other artists and intellectuals to have conversations at his home. This is how I experienced the Florence Experience.”
– Michael
Simon Almström
Product Leader, Advisor, Coach from Stockholm, Sweden
Simon is a seasoned product leader who helps companies build products that their customers love. His strengths are product development, team leadership and business strategy. Simon has a wide set of industry experience to fall back on, including: FinTech, AI, Sustainability and Manufacturing among others. The products he has developed touches the lives of millions of people.
“The transparency and vulnerability among the Medici Community members provides a great foundation to build continued relationships on.”
– Simon
Jonathan Ostrowski
Business Coach from Warsaw, Poland
Jonathan coaches owners, leaders and executives running established businesses worldwide. He specializes in strategic leadership. Getting leaders to work on the business not in the business. He focuses on proven priorities, people and productivity strategies associated with highly efficient and effective, high-performing, strategic leaders.
“There’s so much that’s done online nowadays, but there’s real value in coming together in a physical space. No matter how many meetings you have online, being in person with Cris and other Medici Community members really accelerates the level of trust and provides a great start for ongoing relationships.”
– Jonathan
Robert Eckstein
Director of Business Development at Fine Art Invest Group AG from Belin, Germany
Robert Eckstein combines a comprehensive expertise in finance and investment with a deep, passionate connection to art. Once a talented street dancer who showcased his skills on the streets, Mr. Eckstein has evolved over the years into one of the most influential art advisors in the German-speaking world. With over a decade of experience and an impressive range of collaborations, from Engel & Völkers to the Stateless Community, he has established himself as an expert who views art as a solid pillar of wealth diversification. However, his vision goes far beyond the traditional understanding of art investment.
“I enjoyed the time I got to spend with other entrepreneurs in Florence, exchanging ideas with them, having fun, and getting new inspiration for my next goals.”
– Robert
Fabian Weiss
Legal Scholar from Palma, Spain
Fabian is working for large international law firms in Hamburg, Germany and New York City, US. He also consulted for the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg for a couple of years.
“Gathering with Medici Community members in Florence was one of the best experiences in the last year for me and for my business. I saw the possibility to make some changes. I learned so much. ”
– Fabian
Jesse Borst
Wealth Coach, Author, Investor, and Influencer from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jesse has been working for more than decade in the financial industry. In 2023, he started his own company, Money Principles, to help people with financial education. He now has a radio program, social media channels, written a book (15 Steps From Broke to Family Wealth) and gives coaching to wealthy families around the topic of family wealth. He also helps connect entrepreneurs with providers of good capital.
“Being part of the Medici Community has caused me to reflect and ask myself the question, “Am I thinking big enough?” I do have a bigger vision, but what I like about the Medici’s is that they make it concrete and visible. ”
– Jesse
Heikki Vuorikoski
Business Advisor & Serial Entrepreneur from Finland
Heikki has a background in biology and genetics, and has wide experience running businesses at the top level (CEO, Business Development Director, president of the board, board member, etc.). He has exceptional expertise in SME strategy and growth, academic entrepreneurship, business plan creation, & start-ups within the area of drug development, health and wellbeing, and circular bioeconomy, as he has established eight companies within this area.
“It’s really invigorating to meet with other business owners who are creating various companies at the same time. I love being a serial entrepreneur and I have found my community!”
– Heikki
Dominik Risch
Shoemaker, Inventor & Business Owner from Zurich, Switzerland
Dominik Risch, the inventor of the Risch made-to-measure shoe concept and owner of Risch Shoes, was born in Liechtenstein into the third generation of a shoe dynasty. After completing business school, he began an apprenticeship as a shoemaker in 1987 and then worked at Bally Switzerland and Bally International as head of development. In 2000, he took over the family business SchuhRisch in Liechtenstein. Eight years later, he founded Dominik Risch GmbH in Zurich and advises renowned national and international companies in the shoe and fashion industry. In 2010, after a development, testing and pilot phase lasting several months, he launched the Risch made-to-measure shoe concept with the Foot DNA. This worldwide unique shoe concept enables every man to order perfectly fitting shoes online after 3D scanning his feet just one time. He caused a sensation throughout Switzerland with this unique shoe concept and has already inspired over 13,000 men.
“The Medici Community doesn’t just help provide a vision for your business, but they provide a vision beyond business, or above business. I think it is fascinating to explore your own potential outside your comfort zone. The Medici Community encourages you to take over responsibility. ”
– Dominik
Tom-Gøran Skog
Founder & CEO from Mosjøen, Norway
Tom is the founding CEO of Scistron, a company that works on fundamental science, prototyping and technology demonstration. The objective is to create useful technology to solve the relevant problems of today and tomorrow.
“The Medici Community brings diverse people together that not only add value to your business, but also become friends.”
– Tom-Gøran
Thorsten Unger
Entrepreneur from Mönchengladbach, Germany
Thorsten Unger is an expert, author and entrepreneur in the field of digital education with a strong focus on playful learning. Founding and exited two multiple-awarded companies in this field, Thorsten is working as a trusted advisor in his fields of expertise for large corporates, venture- and private equity investors and foundations. He runs the Texentium, which is an acronym for “Technology, Exchange and Training podium”, where he connects entrepreneurs to explore, communicate and learn about new technologies and its impact in business and ethics. He is also a shareholder at Vita Learning GmbH, a metaverse learning platform, among others. He is the former CEO of game – the German game industry association and among other mandates, he is currently a board member for digital transformation at the NextMG e.V. business initiative for his hometown Moenchengladbach. As a Rotarian, he takes care of youth work. He plays guitar, golf and soccer. He has been married since 2007 and is the father of a girl and a boy.
“I really love the idea of getting your house in order that the Medici Community is based on. You can apply these principles to your whole life, every small ecosystem, everything can be in order.”
– Thorsten
Tobias Essinger
Founder & CEO from Frankfurt, Germany
Tobias is a speaker, consultant and film producer. He loves storytelling and inspiration. As founder and CEO of E-Productions, he works with organizations to tell their stories in ways that will help inspire and move people to action.
“Being part of the Medici Community is very energizing. I would recommend the Medici Community to any business owner or entrepreneur who not only wants to further their business development, but also their personal development and relationship development.”
– Tobias
Mario von Kelterborn
Co-Founder & CEO from Frankfurt, Germany
Mario is passionate about creative ideas and transforming them into real business. He is in love with people with good vibes, people who take responsibility and people who DO! instead of just talking. Never waste talent!
“I’m an energy person. I want to add energy. But I also want to get energy back, and the Medici Community provides that kind of atmosphere and interaction.”
– Mario
Dominic Appleby
Founder from Knutsford, England
Dominic is the founder of H2Origin Refills, premium water, sustainably sourced. His passion is building disruptive businesses focused on reducing plastic waste and better utilizing our planet’s resources.
“The Medici Community has given me a framework to work from. It’s enabling me to understand and appreciate where I’ve been making the right calls, while underlining the blind spots that need addressing to move the business forward.”
– Dominic
Juan Soto
Social Entrepreneur & Strategic Consultant from Pamplona, Spain
Experienced social entrepreneur, consultant and executive, with a demonstrated history of working in nonprofit organizations, with a special focus on young people and social and political impact.
“Being part of the Medici Community is inspirational for me, and I am motivated when I hear the stories from other Medici Community members on how they are overcoming challenges that are similar to ones I am facing.”
– Juan
Luca Brandi
IT Executive from Zurich, Switzerland
Luca is a seasoned leader in the IoT and industrial software market with a robust technical and business background, holding an MBA and an Engineering degree. His extensive experience in Software, SaaS product management, and business development has driven significant business growth and digital transformation across various industries. Luca specializes in strategic planning, market analysis, product development, and financial management to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs. He excels in leading cross-functional teams, developing go-to-market strategies, and driving product adoption in competitive markets.
“Being part of the Medici Community is exceptionally motivating for me. I’m just starting my own business, so hearing others’ stories inspires me and helps me to see that it’s not a gigantic mountain to climb, but it is indeed possible.”
– Luca
Martin Johannes Hebsgaard Crillesen
CEO & Founder from Copenhagen, Denmark
Being at the core of blockchain development, and governance Martin is leading the operational, technology and business development goals at Penning Group. Having served as a blockchain expert at Danish Standards, creating international ISO standards for blockchain technology, while consulting and heading initiatives for the implementation of blockchain solutions with the Danish Health Data Authority and for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, his unique combination of tech, and business sets the future roadmap for Penning Group. As an avid investor and researcher of digital assets capital markets, he’s also steering the business and operational growth of Penning Capital Management.
“I’ve been looking for a community where iron sharpens iron, and I believe the Medici Community offers that kind of environment.”
– Martin
Mikko Rusama
Digital Futurist from Helsinki, Finland
Mikko is passionate and results-oriented with over 20 years of experience spearheading digital transformation initiatives across public and private sectors. Throughout his career, he has held strategic leadership positions, successfully guiding and motivating both local and international teams in fast-paced environments.
“The members whom I have interacted with within the Medici Community are all authentic, honest and respectful. I find those qualities to be essential in building trust and good relationships.”
– Mikko
Shane Sabine
Managing Partner from Palma, Spain
Punch Capital Managing Partner Shane Sabine backs exceptional immigrant founders in B2B at the earliest stages. At Punch, Shane has invested in highly innovative technologies alongside General Catalyst, Kleiner Perkins, and Khosla Ventures as well as the founders of Dropbox and HubSpot. Several portfolio companies have secured follow-on funding, including 2 Series As led by Union Square ($11.5M round) and Insight Partners ($75M post-money). He is also an Advisor to Brown University’s student fund as an alumnus alongside Bain Capital and Bessemer.
“When I engage with the Medici Community I feel like my brain is activated in unique and fresh ways.”
– Shane
