Bornschein & keine Töchter

# Bornschein & keine Töchter

High-Level Overview

Bornschein & keine Töchter is a German investment firm focused on supporting early-stage technology startups[1]. Operating from Berlin, the fund invests in promising tech ventures during their formative stages, providing capital and strategic guidance to founders navigating the competitive startup landscape[1]. The firm represents a blend of institutional investment discipline and hands-on operational mentorship, reflecting the investment philosophy of its founder who brings deep expertise in digital transformation and business strategy.

The investment vehicle operates within Germany's vibrant startup ecosystem, targeting founders who are building innovative solutions across various technology sectors. By combining financial resources with strategic advisory support, the firm aims to accelerate the growth trajectory of its portfolio companies and contribute meaningfully to Germany's position as a technology hub.

Origin Story

Bornschein & keine Töchter was established by Christoph Bornschein, a prominent figure in Germany's digital economy[3]. Bornschein is best known as the CEO and co-founder of TLGG (formerly Torben, Lucie und die gelbe Gefahr), Germany's leading digital consulting agency, which he established in 2008 alongside co-founders Fränzi Kühne and Boontham Temaismithi[3].

Before launching TLGG, Bornschein gained professional experience at Frogster Interactive Pictures, where he developed expertise in technology and business strategy[3]. He holds a law degree from the Free University of Berlin and has built a career advising some of Germany's most influential organizations, including the ZF Group, Lufthansa, and the German Federal Association of Employers[3]. His background in both legal training and digital strategy positioned him uniquely to identify promising startup opportunities and provide meaningful guidance to founders.

The creation of Bornschein & keine Töchter emerged naturally from his extensive network and deep understanding of the startup ecosystem. With his consulting firm TLGG serving as a platform for observing emerging technologies and business models, Bornschein identified opportunities to invest directly in promising ventures while leveraging his operational expertise to support their growth.

Core Differentiators

Founder-Led Investment Approach: Unlike many institutional funds, Bornschein & keine Töchter is led by an active operator rather than a passive investor. Christoph Bornschein remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of TLGG while simultaneously investing in startups, creating a unique dynamic where portfolio companies benefit from direct access to a seasoned digital strategist[3].

Strategic Advisory Network: The firm provides more than capital—it offers access to Bornschein's extensive network of corporate executives, government officials, and industry leaders. Portfolio companies can leverage these relationships for partnerships, customer acquisition, and strategic guidance[3].

Digital Transformation Expertise: With TLGG serving as a testing ground for digital innovation, the fund has insider knowledge of emerging technologies, market trends, and digital business models. This positions the firm to identify startups solving real problems that enterprises are actively seeking to address.

Government and Enterprise Credibility: Bornschein's advisory role with the German government on digitalization matters and his position as a supervisory board member of Deutsche Bank's private and corporate banking division (DB Privat- und Firmenkundenbank AG) lend significant credibility and institutional weight to the fund[5].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Bornschein & keine Töchter operates at an important intersection in Germany's startup ecosystem. The fund bridges the gap between early-stage founders and established enterprises seeking digital transformation solutions. As German corporations increasingly recognize the need to modernize their operations and adopt new technologies, startups backed by investors with deep enterprise relationships gain significant competitive advantages.

The firm also reflects a broader trend in venture capital where operational expertise and strategic networks have become as valuable as capital itself. Rather than competing purely on fund size, emerging investment vehicles like Bornschein & keine Töchter differentiate themselves through founder-led investment models and hands-on support. This approach resonates particularly well in Germany's Mittelstand-dominated economy, where medium-sized enterprises represent both potential customers and strategic partners for innovative startups.

By combining investment capital with access to corporate decision-makers and government policymakers, the fund helps accelerate the adoption of digital technologies across the German economy while simultaneously building a portfolio of companies positioned to benefit from this digital transformation wave.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Bornschein & keine Töchter represents a sophisticated evolution in venture capital strategy—one where the founder's operational credibility and institutional relationships become the fund's primary competitive moat. As digital transformation continues to reshape traditional industries across Europe, the fund is well-positioned to identify and support startups addressing the specific pain points of established enterprises.

The trajectory suggests continued growth in the fund's influence within Germany's startup ecosystem. Bornschein's expanding role in corporate governance (evidenced by his Deutsche Bank supervisory board position) and his ongoing advisory relationships with major corporations create an expanding platform for identifying investment opportunities and supporting portfolio company growth[5]. As more founders recognize the value of working with an investor who has genuine relationships with potential customers and strategic partners, the fund's ability to attract high-quality deal flow should strengthen.

The future likely holds increased focus on startups solving enterprise digitalization challenges—a market segment where Bornschein's unique combination of consulting expertise, corporate relationships, and government connections creates genuine competitive advantage. In an era where startup success increasingly depends on access to customers and strategic guidance, not just capital, Bornschein & keine Töchter exemplifies the investor model that will likely define the next generation of venture capital.