Startups Then vs. Now: Is "Sustainable" the New Way of Entrepreneurship? Tim Schumacher from World Fund

About this episode

Tim Schumacher is one of the defining figures in the German startup scene. He achieved an IPO with sedo, built Adblock Plus into the world's most-used ad blocker, and invested early in Ecosia. Today, the Cologne-based entrepreneur focuses on Climate Tech and has developed an investment approach with World Fund that exclusively targets green startups.

The One Gigaton Mission

World Fund pursues a clear goal: investments in startups that help save one gigaton of CO2 annually. This metric isn't chosen arbitrarily – it forms the foundation for measurable climate impact at scale. While traditional VCs primarily focus on financial returns, World Fund puts impact at the forefront.

Founders Today vs. Yesterday: What Has Changed?

Today's generation of founders differs fundamentally from the startup wave of the 2000s. While pure exits were often the focus back then, modern founders think more in terms of purpose and long-term impact. Sustainability is no longer just a nice-to-have but increasingly becomes a decisive factor – both for founders and investors.

This development is particularly evident among VCs: sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in investment decisions. Funds like World Fund are pioneers of a movement showing that impact and returns don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Green Startups in Practice

Concrete examples of green startups range from innovative energy solutions and sustainable mobility concepts to revolutionary approaches in agriculture. World Fund invests across different phases and scales, with the potential for CO2 savings remaining the decisive criterion.

A frequently asked question: Does World Fund need to worry about VC performance? Schumacher's experience shows that sustainable investments don't automatically mean worse returns. On the contrary – many green technologies address massive markets and benefit from regulatory tailwinds.

From Entrepreneur to Impact Investor

Schumacher's path to entrepreneurship began early and was shaped by the question of "why." What drives him to keep starting new projects? It's the combination of entrepreneurial passion and the will to solve real problems.

Advice for Aspiring Founders

For people looking to start companies, Schumacher has clear recommendations:

• –Team first: The choice of co-founders is more crucial than the idea itself
• –Problem-solution fit: Solve a real problem before thinking about scaling
• –Perseverance: Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint

Particularly interesting are his thoughts on co-founder constellations: there are clear rules about who you should and shouldn't start a company with. Complementary skills, shared values, and willingness to go through difficult times are essential.

The Future of the Startup Scene

How will the startup landscape change in the future? Schumacher sees a clear trend toward impact-oriented ventures. Climate Tech and Social Impact will no longer be niche areas but mainstream.

Regulation vs. Self-Responsibility

An interesting discussion revolves around the question: How many rules and regulations do we need regarding sustainability? Schumacher argues for a balanced approach – neither pure self-responsibility nor excessive regulation leads to the goal. Companies need frameworks but also the freedom to develop innovative solutions.

Impact as a Success Factor

Impact topics are becoming increasingly important for companies of all sizes. What used to be considered a CSR side show is now becoming a strategic competitive advantage. Customers, employees, and investors increasingly expect companies to make a positive contribution to society.

The Final Food for Thought

Schumacher's message is clear: the future of entrepreneurship is sustainable. Anyone starting or investing today should ask what impact the company has on the world. Because ultimately, it's not just about building successful companies, but creating a livable future for coming generations.

The episode impressively shows: "Sustainable" isn't just a new way of entrepreneurship – it might be the only viable way forward.