Name: Christoph Bitzner
Current Position: Founder and CEO of TheVentury
Focused on: Growth Marketing, Data- & Software Engineering
Recipe for Success: The Team is Everything
„Progress through Entrepreneurship“– plain and simple. This is what we believe in and the purpose why we started TheVentury – entrepreneurial thinking and acting upon it is the best way for our society to improve and move forward.”
Christoph Bitzner, the founder and CEO of TheVentury, started his entrepreneurial journey at a very young age – he has been self-employed since he was 13. After he founded and hibernated his first growth oriented startup, together with his colleagues he started supporting other startups with his know-how and experience, which was very well received and eventually led to the foundation of TheVentury.
Entrepreneurship Means Constant Learning
When asked about the best thing that entrepreneurship has to offer him, Christoph emphasized constant learning, “As an entrepreneur you have no other chance than to learn – while the protective layer of a safe job sometimes delays feedback and buries it below policy or false kindness.” According to Christoph, there is no better feedback than the company’s bank account. As for the most difficult aspect of his profession, Christoph deems that is dealing with uncertainty, which, ironically, also provides the biggest potential for learning and constant improvement.
No Crisis for Entrepreneurs
The core belief that was most useful to Christoph during his journey was the focus on the team: “The Team is Everything.” Particularly, in the light of COVID-19, which posed some various challenges but also an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, “While this is a special situation, as entrepreneurs we are better prepared for it, as we are used to uncertain scenarios”.
Other skills and habits he found to be useful on his entrepreneurial journey were to develop a personal daily routine (e.g. physical activity in the morning) to keep a good balance, being vulnerable in front of others, validating and selling before building something, as well as being kind to yourself – everybody fails sometimes.
Beware of Advice
We also asked Christoph if he ever received bad advice. “Any advice is bad if you follow it blindly”, he shares, “I can only recommend approaching any advice with curiosity. Reflect on where the advice comes from, what experience or data led to the given advice, what viewpoint the person has of what you are doing.” In Christoph’s opinion, this always leads to an improvement of strategy, even if it’s just increased confidence about being on the right path.
Progress Through Entrepreneurship
When we asked Christoph what text he would put on a large billboard on Stephansdom, he answered: „Progress through Entrepreneurship“– plain and simple. This is what we believe in and the purpose why we started TheVentury – entrepreneurial thinking and acting upon it is the best way for our society to improve and move forward.” And doesn’t everyone want progress?
Picture taken by Alexander Längauer
Next week: Tiago Liko, Founder of Liko Films
In our weekly interview series, we will be featuring various inspirational entrepreneurs of the Austrian startup scene. Each Monday, you can expect useful insights into their lives and practical tips that you can follow in order to walk your entrepreneurial path. Like, share, comment – and feel free to reach out to us. Suggestions, ideas, remarks are all welcome – let’s shape the ecosystem together!
