From School Days to 200-Employee Company: Christoph Bornschein's Journey to TLGG

About this episode

Started Early, Executed Consistently

While still in school, Christoph Bornschein took his first step into the business world. What began as early professional experience evolved into an impressive entrepreneurial career that today culminates in the successful digital consultancy TLGG with over 200 employees.

From Fantasy Agency to Digital Consultancy

Together with two friends, Bornschein founded what was initially called the "Fantasieagentur" TLGG. The name might sound unusual, but behind it was a clear vision from the start: to offer digital transformation and consulting at the highest level.

TLGG's development is impressive. What started as a small startup with friends became serious competition for established consulting giants. Under the name TLGG Consulting, the company now positions itself directly against the major players in the consulting industry.

The 2015 Omnicom Deal

A decisive milestone in the company's history was the sale to Omnicom in 2015. This exit demonstrates not only TLGG's economic success but also the founders' strategic foresight. With Omnicom as the parent company, TLGG gained access to international markets and resources that enabled further growth.

Insights into the Founder's Personality

In the conversation, Christoph Bornschein provides very personal insights into his career path. He reflects on his school days and wonders what his former teachers might think about his professional journey today. This self-reflective approach reveals an important trait of successful founders: the ability for honest self-assessment and learning from past experiences.

Early Founding Experiences as Foundation

Particularly interesting are Bornschein's accounts of his first founding experiences. Before TLGG emerged, he had already tried "his own things" – a classic path of many successful entrepreneurs. These early experiments, often marked by mistakes and learnings, formed the foundation for later success with TLGG.

The fact that he gained practical business experience while still in school underscores his entrepreneurial DNA. Many successful founders show similar patterns: they start early, gather diverse experiences, and learn through practical experimentation.

TLGG Today: More Than Just Consulting

With over 200 employees, TLGG today is far more than the original "Fantasieagentur." The digital consultancy has evolved into a serious player that challenges established consulting firms. This transformation from a creative agency to a strategic business consultancy demonstrates the founders' adaptability and visionary power.

Lessons Learned for Aspiring Founders

Christoph Bornschein's story offers several important insights for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• –Start Early: He gained practical experience while still in school
• –Experiment: Before TLGG emerged, he tried various "own things"
• –Found with Friends: TLGG was created together with two friends – a proven model
• –Keep Scaling in Mind: Three founders grew to over 200 employees
• –Strategic Exits: The Omnicom deal shows how to leverage growth opportunities

The story of TLGG and Christoph Bornschein shows that successful companies often emerge from a combination of early practical experience, experimental learning, and the ability for continuous development.