“The networks I’ve built and the knowledge I’ve gained have been truly impactful for my life.”
Can you introduce yourself? Tell us your name, where you’re from, and a bit about your background.
My name is Jonas, and I’m from Germany. I’m the co-founder of two startups: Byrd, a web agency, and nono, where I’m currently the CEO. At nono, we’re developing a ticketing and payment solution for small to medium-sized event hosts.
You have a Master of Science in Technology Entrepreneurship — which elements of your formal education are helping you the most here at ABC Silicon Valley?
My Master’s in Technology Entrepreneurship provided me with a wealth of theoretical knowledge, but not as much practical experience. At ABC, I get the chance to balance that out. The diverse group here allows me to share my own experiences while also gaining insights from other cultures and different startup ecosystems.
You’ve co-founded two startups. How has that experience shaped you as an entrepreneur? What insights or lessons from Silicon Valley are you taking with you?
So far, the journey has been incredible. I’ve learned the fundamentals of building a company, from administrative tasks to developing the right mindset. But what has been most impactful are the networks I’ve built and the knowledge I’ve gained.
One key lesson I’m taking from Silicon Valley is the importance of talking about your startup. Don’t hide your idea out of fear that it might be stolen. Finding the right balance between exploration and exploitation is key—continuing to pursue new ideas while also understanding the strengths and weaknesses of existing ones. Along the way, I’ve realized that talking with people is one of the most important insights I’m taking with me.
Why did you join ABC Silicon Valley?
Since founding my first company, I’ve always been curious about the myth of Silicon Valley—the startup scene, the big corporations, and the success stories that came out of this area. When I saw the ABC BootCamps, I thought, why not?
It’s a unique chance to meet people from around the world, learn from both successes and failures, and experience the true spirit of Silicon Valley firsthand.
