Hi, I'm Martin.
I'm an electrical engineer, entrepreneur and investor. I enjoy spotting what new technology makes possible early on – and building a business around it. That journey has taken me from my first websites through industrial automation and an internationally recognised blockchain startup to electric two-wheelers.
What do I bring to a collaboration? Technical understanding, experience in fundraising and international trade, and a willingness to get deeply involved myself. I know the work that goes into a product as well as the conversations with investors, suppliers and customers.
It started when I was twelve
I built and sold my first HTML websites at twelve. At fifteen, I founded my first graphic and web design business, which later helped fund my electrical engineering degree. Even then, I loved creating something myself and finding customers for it.
After training as an electronics technician, I studied electrical engineering with a focus on automation. As an engineer, I worked on safety software, safety systems and industrial automation. My projects included work in the environments of Lufthansa, the German Armed Forces and Mercedes-Benz.
I wanted to understand the commercial side just as well. So I complemented my technical education with an MBA focused on International Strategy, Sales Management and International Entrepreneurship, which I completed in 2018. I also took part in the Oxford Blockchain Programme.
Taking Block Stocks onto the international stage
With Block Stocks Swiss AG, I wanted to open up new ways for businesses to raise capital through blockchain technology. We did pioneering work in a young market, attracted investors and secured a seven-figure investment for the startup.
The venture received several awards, including a prize in Malta. We were also nominated for a young entrepreneur award in Switzerland. I gave talks internationally, including in Ukraine, Sweden and Singapore, and exchanged ideas with founders, investors and entrepreneurs.
That period gave me experience far beyond the technology itself: explaining a new idea clearly, building trust in an emerging business model and bringing people together across borders.
When the crypto market fell and investors withdrew, the financial foundation for continuing the venture was no longer there. I therefore brought it to a close. The experience of building, funding and positioning a business internationally continues to inform my work today.
Trittbrett Helden: from sourcing to the workshop
At Trittbrett Helden, I combine my technical background with international trade. We sell electric kick scooters, electric mopeds and electric motorcycles to consumers and also operate in wholesale. The business involves regular visits to China, buying stock in Europe and holding exclusive distribution rights.
I laid the foundations in earlier projects: software for processing wholesale inventories automatically, and Ninjatech, my business importing and trading electrical products from China.
At Trittbrett Helden, I also built a franchise network with eleven locations in Germany and one in Austria. We ended the franchise because we could not consistently maintain our service and workshop standards across the partner network. For me, sales, spare parts and repairs have to work together. That is also the standard against which I measure growth.
What drives me today
Artificial intelligence is a particular focus for me right now. I use it extensively for automation and explore how knowledge, software and business processes can work together effectively. As an engineer and entrepreneur, I'm especially interested in what we can put into practice and how it can make everyday work easier.
Investing is another passion – in businesses, in people and in projects of my own. In the past, I have also advised wealthy individuals on investment matters. My own investments include property and cryptocurrencies. The connection between technological development, business models and capital is therefore something I approach from several perspectives.
More than 60 countries. And plenty still to discover.
My curiosity extends beyond work. I have travelled to more than sixty countries, dived at the Great Barrier Reef, trained with the Shaolin in China and climbed a volcano in Hawaii. Discovering other ways of life and getting to know people is a big part of the experience for me. And there are many more countries I want to explore.
On this website, I share what I have learned in technology, trade and entrepreneurship. If you want to develop a product, build a business or improve processes with AI and automation, let's talk. I'm interested in people with an idea and the determination to make it happen.
