Has the German Startup Scene Lost Its Welcome Culture? – Diana zur Löwen, Angel Investor & Creator

About this episode

Diana zur Löwen is a remarkable entrepreneur who has mastered the journey from YouTube makeup tutorials to becoming a successful angel investor and creator. As one of Germany's most successful creators and guest judge on Die Höhle der Löwen, she brings a unique perspective to the German startup scene.

From Creator to Investor

Diana's transformation from YouTube creator to angel investor wasn't accidental, but the result of strategic decisions and continuous development. Her interest in the startup and investment world developed organically from her own entrepreneurial experience. As a successful creator, she understood the mechanisms of digital entrepreneurship early on and recognized the potential to support other founders on their journey.

Particularly interesting is how she brought her existing community along on this journey. Instead of losing her followers, she managed to get them excited about her new role as an investor while creating transparency about her development.

Prejudices and Social Challenges

A central theme of the interview is whether the German startup scene has a problematic attitude toward new faces. Diana zur Löwen experiences this firsthand: as a young, blonde woman, her expertise is often questioned, despite having already proven what she's capable of.

This skepticism toward new players in the scene is symptomatic of a larger problem. The German startup world sometimes seems less open to diverse backgrounds and unconventional paths than it claims to be. Yet it's precisely people like Diana who bring fresh perspectives and new networks that would benefit the scene.

Women in Finance

Despite all progress, it's still particularly difficult to establish yourself as a woman in the financial world. Diana zur Löwen speaks openly about the additional hurdles women must overcome in this male-dominated field. From questioning their competence to subtle forms of discrimination – the challenges are real and varied.

Her experiences show that being successful isn't enough. Women often have to achieve twice as much to receive the same recognition, while facing constant headwinds.

Die Höhle der Löwen: TV vs. Reality

As a guest judge on Die Höhle der Löwen, Diana gained insights into German startup TV. Her experiences there offer fascinating perspectives on the differences between the TV format and the real investment world.

The format brings its own dynamics: time pressure, cameras, the dramatic requirements of television. All of this differs significantly from the normal angel investment process, where decisions often mature over weeks or months.

Dealing with Criticism and Hate

A particularly valuable aspect of Diana's experience is her approach to criticism and hate comments. As a public figure, she regularly faces both legitimate criticism and unwarranted attacks. Her strategies for dealing with this are also relevant for founders who increasingly find themselves in the public eye.

The ability to distinguish between constructive criticism and destructive hate is essential for anyone building a company or standing in the public eye. Diana shows how to not let negative voices deter you without becoming resistant to learning.

What the Startup Scene Can Learn

Diana's story illustrates that the German startup scene would benefit from more openness and fewer prejudices. New faces, different backgrounds, and unconventional paths enrich the ecosystem and bring fresh ideas.

For founders, her journey offers important lessons: authenticity pays off, perseverance is essential, and sometimes you have to fight for your seat at the table. At the same time, she shows that it's possible to be successful without compromising your values.

The German startup scene would do well to open its doors wider and not just tolerate people like Diana zur Löwen, but actively promote them. Because ultimately, everyone benefits from more diversity and new perspectives.