3-min read

Jag Singh is one of Europe's most active angel investors, and is also the Managing Director of the Techstars Berlin Accelerator. He's founded several companies (including two exits and a spectacular failure), and invested in over 90 startups over the last seven years, including three that went through Techstars accelerators. Jag is fluent in six languages, and is an ad-man at heart, having spent over a decade as a political strategist advising high-profile politicians, campaigns, and corporations across the US and Europe.

01. What are the key elements you look for when sourcing startups for the Techstars Berlin Accelerator?

I aim to back founders and companies that are making a difference to the world around them. Many of these are often doing ‘unusual things’—before other investors recognize them as part of a trend. In order to do this effectively for Techstars, I tend to look for founder-market fit, which means I like founders who have spent years, if not decades, working and learning about the industries/markets they’re tackling.

02. What are some of the biggest learnings from your career and entrepreneurial journey that you bring to being a Techstars MD?

I have an appreciation for thinking outside the box. My entrepreneurial background blended the now increasingly-interconnected world of marketing and politics, which means I’ve seen (and done) a lot of crazy things! If I had to pick just one learning to share, it’s that there is always more than one way to do something.

03. Describe a situation with a startup founder or team where you felt like you made a difference.

I love being able to combine my experiences as a founder, operator, and investor to give a different perspective to startups. I’ve lived through many of the same problems startup founders face these days, and I feel terrific making a difference by helping them save money, energy, and time, by not repeating my mistakes.

04. What is your favorite thing about the Berlin startup scene?

The Berlin startup scene isn’t like any other ecosystem I’ve experienced, especially in that people take their quality of life very seriously. It’s an environment that allows motivated entrepreneurs who surround themselves with high-calibre people to really thrive.

05. If you could have coffee with any entrepreneur, who would it be?

Bill Gates.

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