Partners to science-driven founders

Before founding FTTF and TT49, Matthias worked at Fraunhofer, where he specialised in technology transfer and supported the commercialization of research-based innovations. As head of the Fraunhofer Venture Lab, he launched the FDays and AHEAD incubator programs, that support the development of science- and deep-tech-based startups. He also taught entrepreneurship as a guest lecturer in the Executive MBA program at the University of St. Gallen. Matthias studied economics at the University of Regensburg and holds an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen and RWTH Aachen University. In addition, he serves as an advisor to several innovation and technology transfer initiatives.

Before founding FTTF/TT49, Tobias spent 10 years as co-founder and managing director of VC-backed Fraunhofer spinout Industrial Solar (IPO at NASDAQ First North). Prior to that, he worked 7 years at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, advising dozens of projects as startup manager (e.g. Novaled, exited to Samsung) and as consultant, key account manager and business developer.

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Tobias studied Business Administration in Stuttgart (BA) and holds an MBA from ESCP Business School Paris.

Before founding FTTF/TT49, Johann worked 10 years at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, advising dozens of projects as legal counsel, startup manager (e.g. exocad, sold to Carlyle) and head of "Venture Connect / Co-Lab", a very successful tech-transfer concept to create „spin-ins“. He was member of the advisory board of BVK and Managing Director of Fraunhofer spinout SymbOLED.

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Johann studied Law in Frankfurt, Munich and San Diego and holds an EMBA from University St. Gallen and RWTH Aachen.

Before founding FTTF/TT49, Joerg co-founded two startups from the Max-Planck Gesellschaft. The first one was VC-backed and got acquired by NASDAQ-listed company FEI (now part of Thermo Fisher). He also served as COO for WPX Faserkeramik, a VC-backed spinout from DLR.

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Prior to this, he spent one year as startup manager at Fraunhofer and 10 years at BMW Group, mainly in manufacturing and sales. Joerg studied Industrial Engineering in Munich (FH) and holds an MBA from Harvard University. In addition, he is a qualified industrial clerk (Industriekaufmann) and co-inventor of three granted patents.

Liane is our administrative backbone. Before joining FTTF/TT49, she held several positions at Siemens (most recently as head of finance for the Optical Solutions business) and as finance and management consultant.

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Liane studied Business Administration in Giessen and spent several years in Argentina, Brazil, Singpore and Hong Kong.

Ole is an investment and operations professional at TT49, focusing on science-based startups and technology spin-offs. He works closely with founders from early validation through scaling, combining venture investing with hands-on strategic support in areas such as go-to-market, technology strategy, and organizational build-up. His focus lies on turning strong scientific ideas into scalable businesses, especially in deep tech, industrial innovation, and digital platforms.

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Before moving into venture capital, Ole worked at Accenture Technology Strategy, advising C-level executives and private equity investors on technology strategy, enterprise architecture, and M&A. Earlier, he built deep-tech startups through Fraunhofer Venture and AHEAD, and worked in venture capital at FTTF. Ole holds an MSc in Digital Technology Entrepreneurship from Hochschule München with a curriculum spanning technology and entrepreneurship, combining a strong business foundation with deep exposure to technology-driven ventures.