The First 100 Days: Building Berlin’s House of Finance and Tech
Public-Private Partnerships Driving Innovation
In just 100 days, Sebastian Schäfer, the CEO of the brand-new House of Finance and Tech (HoFT), has laid the groundwork for its establishment in Berlin. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, HoFT is already positioning itself as a key platform in Europe’s prominent fintech hub. Drawing on his extensive experience in fintech ecosystem building, Sebastian is leading the charge to make Berlin a global leader in financial innovation. This interview explores his journey, the challenges of starting a new initiative, and his vision for HoFT’s impact on the industry.
why.berlin: Sebastian, you’ve been the Managing Director of the House of Finance and Tech in Berlin for over 100 days now. How do you feel about these first months?
Sebastian Schäfer: I feel proud, really. In the past 100 days, we’ve achieved a lot. Building something from the ground up is always challenging, even though I’ve done it before as the Managing Director of TechQuartier in Frankfurt, where I built a global fintech hub with over 650 startups and 30 corporate partners. But Berlin is a new city for me, with a new ecosystem and new dynamics. There’s always the question of whether the ideas and visions you bring will resonate and take shape. Now, after more than three months, I can confidently say that much has worked very well.
why.berlin: What excites you the most about Berlin’s fintech ecosystem?
Sebastian Schäfer: The support here has been fantastic, and Berlin’s fintech ecosystem is already mature and vibrant. There are exciting success stories every week – new funding rounds, innovative presentations, and strong international investor interest. HoFT is here to amplify these strengths, not reinvent the wheel. We aim to catalyze and channel the ecosystem’s potential while addressing gaps and hurdles. For example, at our kick-off event on September 16, where Mark Branson, President of Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), joined us, we communicated our strategic direction. It was a bit risky, as I was still new to the role, but I’m thrilled to see the program gaining traction.
Who is Sebastian Schäfer?
Dr. Sebastian Schäfer is a behavioral economist and entrepreneur with deep expertise in building innovation ecosystems within the financial sector. As the Managing Director of the House of Finance and Tech in Berlin, Schäfer draws on eight years of experience leading TechQuartier in Frankfurt, where he fostered a global network of over 650 startups and 30 corporate partners. Renowned for his expertise in ecosystem strategy and innovation management, he is committed to positioning Berlin as a leading hub for fintech innovation.
Sebastian Schäfer on Linkedin
why.berlin: What sets Berlin’s fintech ecosystem apart, and why was this an attractive challenge for you after your time in Frankfurt?
Sebastian Schäfer: If it had been exactly the same as Frankfurt, I wouldn’t have made the move. After eight years, I was ready for a new challenge. Berlin’s ecosystem is different – it’s more organically grown, entrepreneurial, and driven by venture capital and talent. It complements Frankfurt’s strengths. My aim is to bridge these two hubs, fostering collaboration and leveraging their complementary qualities.
why.berlin: You mentioned that HoFT addresses gaps in Berlin’s ecosystem. Please elaborate on what those gaps are and how HoFT plans to fill them.
Sebastian Schäfer: One key area is providing a central point of contact for the global fintech community. Until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated hub for international delegations or companies seeking to connect with Berlin’s ecosystem. HoFT fills that role, acting as a gateway for startups and institutions worldwide.
Another focus is improving access to regulators and policymakers. For instance, within our Financial Wellbeing initiative, we’ve facilitated meaningful dialogues, such as recent discussions with Christian Lindner, who was Germany's Federal Minister of Finance at the time. This kind of neutral platform fosters collaboration and innovation.
Lastly, through programs like the Scale-Up Academy, we aim to support later-stage fintechs in areas like compliance, leadership development, and fundraising.
This focus is driven by the significant funding gap for later-stage startups across Germany and Europe. For instance, in 2024, late-stage funding in Europe saw a 57% year-over-year decline, totaling only $4.2 billion across more than 70 rounds. This lack of capital is particularly acute in Germany, where many startups struggle to secure the resources needed to scale globally. Addressing this challenge is essential to strengthening the ecosystem and ensuring the competitiveness of German fintechs on the international stage.
What is the House of Finance and Tech?
The House of Finance and Tech (HoFT) is Berlin’s premier hub for financial innovation, connecting startups, corporates, and institutions. Founded as a public-private partnership, HoFT focuses on three pillars: financial wellbeing, scaling fintech startups, and fostering ecosystem collaboration. With initiatives like the Scale-Up Academy and strategic dialogues with policymakers, HoFT is shaping Berlin into a global fintech leader.
why.berlin: Speaking of the Scale-Up Academy, how can international fintech founders get involved with HoFT?
Sebastian Schäfer: We operate on multiple levels. First, anyone can stay informed through our newsletter and public events. Second, companies can join our support association as members, contributing to and benefiting from the network. Finally, our curated programs, like the Scale-Up Academy, are more selective but open to international fintechs looking to establish themselves in Berlin.
We’re also planning cross-border initiatives, such as a program connecting Berlin and Paris to help fintechs enter new markets. This aligns with our broader goal of fostering European champions.
why.berlin: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for HoFT’s long-term role in Berlin’s ecosystem?
Sebastian Schäfer: HoFT was conceived as a public-private partnership, and while it’s currently supported by public funding, the goal is to become self-sustaining through private contributions. We’re already making progress, with 24 new members joining our support association. The demand for a platform like HoFT is clear, and I’m confident it will continue to thrive and provide value to the fintech community in Berlin and beyond.
This interview was conducted by Clas Beese for why.berlin, Freelance Journalist and Content Creator for FinTech, linkedin.com/in/clasbeese
Header image: © Caroline Pitzke
