2 IPOs, 1 Billion-Dollar Exit to Salesforce and Counting | Every Employee Holds Equity in His Companies | Tips for a Functioning Board | Entrepreneur Education in Germany | Global Tech Player Made in Europe - Stephan Schambach, Newstore

About this episode

Stephan Schambach is a rare specimen in the German startup scene: a serial entrepreneur who has successfully taken two companies public and achieved a billion-dollar exit to Salesforce. His story begins in the 90s with the founding of Intershop, which he took public for billions – only to witness the collapse of the Neuer Markt just days later.

From Intershop to Demandware: Lessons from the Dot-Com Crash

Intershop survived the crash and exists to this day. But Schambach continued founding: With Demandware, he created another successful company, took it public, and eventually sold it to Salesforce for several billion dollars. These experiences shaped his view of entrepreneurship and the importance of perseverance in volatile markets.

Newstore: Bringing the Apple Store Experience to Other Top Brands

For about nine years now, Schambach has been working on his latest project: Newstore. The company aims to bring the Apple Store experience to other top brands' retail locations. This goes beyond just technology – it's about completely transforming the retail experience.

Team Building and Employee Equity at Newstore

A distinctive feature of Schambach's corporate leadership: every employee at his companies holds equity. This philosophy of employee participation runs throughout his entire entrepreneurial career and reflects his conviction that successful companies only emerge through engaged teams.

American vs. German Startup Ecosystem

Schambach knows both worlds and sees clear differences between the American and German ecosystems. His experience shows that founders must consciously choose global markets, particularly the US, if they want to succeed internationally.

The Challenge: Global Players Made in Europe

One of his most provocative theses: creating a globally relevant player from Europe is hardly feasible in his opinion – but not impossible. This assessment is based on years of experience in various markets and the structural differences between ecosystems.

Entrepreneurship Education in Germany: Room for Improvement

Schambach sees significant room for improvement in entrepreneurship education in Germany. His criticism is directed not only at educational institutions but also at society's perception of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Board Management: Essential Tips for First-Time Founders

As an experienced entrepreneur, Schambach provides concrete advice for setting up and managing boards. His tips are based on years of experience with various investors and board structures. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right investors and active board management.

Adaptability as the Core of Entrepreneurial Success

Over the years, Schambach has had to adapt repeatedly to new market conditions as an entrepreneur. He sees this flexibility as one of the most important qualities that successful entrepreneurs should possess. From validating new business models to questions about remote work versus office culture – the ability to continuously adapt remains crucial.

Conclusion: Three Decades of Entrepreneurship

Stephan Schambach's career demonstrates what's possible when perseverance meets strategic thinking. His experiences offer valuable insights for the next generation of founders – from the first steps with an MVP to managing complex board structures in international markets.