Rupert Schaefer

Investment Team

I've always felt deeply committed to the heartbeat of innovation and the human side of business throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and investor. After contributing to successful investments at the German media company Hubert Burda Media, where I got to know the early pioneers of the global tech ecosystem, I played a pivotal role in the internationalization of digital business models—an experience that shaped my understanding of global collaboration.

In 2011, I co-founded the strategy consultancy The Nunatak Group in Munich, supporting global clients within Financial Services, Healthcare, Media & Publishing, FMCG, B2B, Automotive, or Green Tech, building a deeper integration of the digital economy within their businesses to positively impact human lives. I exited my company successfully in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and teamwork.

My journey with 10x Founders started as a Limited Partner. As an angel investor for over a decade, co-founding the angel syndicate buildery.vc in Munich, forming bonds with incredible ventures, including Recarga Pay, IDnow, Phantom Auto, Iconbuild, Blockbrain, Cogitanda, GigaGreen, Genki, Pemo, or Animoca Brands, our paths crossed many times. I decided to join as a venture partner to explore investing. Turns out I loved it, and I found my place within the partner team, contributing my experiences and insights to the collective growth of our founders.

In the moments between deals and strategy sessions with founders, you'll find me embracing the soft factors of life. My family and sports, from snowboarding, golf to climbing, provide a balance to my entrepreneurial fervor. Music resonates with my soul—from electronic beats to playing the piano—as ways to relax. And then there's the unexpected joy and passion for juggling, the balance of holding many balls in the air and accepting some falling down.

As a true believer in Europe, I co-founded The European Entrepreneurs Forum, a non-profit for the most accomplished entrepreneurs and leaders in Europe to create sustainable prosperity in Europe and use their entrepreneurial power for social progress.