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Franz-Josef Schrepf (FJS)
Strategic Partnerships @ StreamYard | Captain @ The Partner Ship 🚢
Professional Background
Franz-Josef Schrepf, known as FJS, is an accomplished professional in the field of strategic partnerships, serving as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at StreamYard and Hopin. Hopin has made headlines as one of Europe's fastest-growing startups, having been recognized by Sifted for its astonishing growth trajectory. Joining Hopin as employee number 16, Franz played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation, which included overcoming significant challenges in the live video and virtual events landscape. Under his strategic leadership, the company successfully raised $1 billion in funding, achieving a remarkable valuation of $7.75 billion. His outstanding contributions also saw the company expand its workforce to over 1,200 employees at its peak.
In addition to his foundational role in the company's rise, Franz was instrumental in initiating numerous channel, service, and technology partnerships. Through his efforts, Hopin generated over $13 million in revenue from hundreds of partnerships, illustrating his capability in establishing mutually beneficial relationships that drive growth. Notably, Franz oversaw seven successful acquisitions, including the acquisition of StreamYard for an impressive $250 million, further solidifying Hopin's position as a leader in the industry. His work has also led to strategic alliances with major tech giants such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, RingCentral, and Adobe, which has created vast opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Beyond his structured professional experiences, Franz is well-regarded for sharing his insights on partnerships. He is a frequent speaker and contributor on podcasts, blogs, and conferences. Notably, he hosts "The Partner Ship", one of the most popular podcasts centered around partnerships, showcasing expert dialogues that enrich the community of partnership professionals.
Originally hailing from Germany, Franz has taken his diligence and expertise across the ocean to San Francisco, where he lives with his wife and daughter. He is committed to fostering community within the partnerships field, organizing monthly meetups through the Partnerships Leaders community to share knowledge and network with other professionals in the industry. His dedication to sharing best practices and facilitating discussions on strategic partnerships highlights his leadership in the evolving landscape of business collaboration.
Education and Achievements
Franz holds a diverse educational background that significantly contributes to his professional prowess. He earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing Management, specializing in Data Science, from the prestigious Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. Additionally, he completed a Nano Degree in Product Management at Udacity, which enhanced his skill set in understanding product lifecycle and consumer needs, a vital area for success in partnerships.
His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)/Honours Degree in Economics and Business from the University of Amsterdam, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business with a focus on Latin American Studies from Universidad del Pacífico in Peru. Furthermore, he participated in a Summer School Program focusing on Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Nottingham in Malaysia, broadening his cultural understanding and business acumen in international markets.
Franz's multicultural educational background gives him a unique perspective that has proven beneficial in developing cross-border partnerships and understanding the nuances of working in diverse markets. His academic achievements complement his professional experiences and enable him to navigate the complexities of strategic partnerships effectively.
Notable Achievements
Franz's career is marked by several notable achievements that showcase his expertise in the field of partnerships. As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Hopin, he played a crucial role in navigating the company through its rapid growth phase, which included:
- Raising $1 billion in funding and achieving a $7.75 billion valuation.
- Expanding the workforce to over 1,200 employees, highlighting his ability to scale operations effectively.
- Facilitating seven successful acquisitions, including acquiring StreamYard for $250 million, which further expanded the company's service offerings.
- Developing hundreds of strategic partnerships resulting in more than $13 million in generated revenue, showcasing his talent for creating valuable business relationships.
Franz’s impactful work and commitment to the partnerships community have also led to him becoming a sought-after speaker on the topic. His podcast, "The Partner Ship", has gained significant popularity, offering insights and discussions that are beneficial to professionals aiming to excel in partnerships. His networking initiatives through monthly meetups in San Francisco illustrate his dedication to fostering community among partnership leaders, driving collaboration and innovation across the industry.
Through his extensive contributions to his companies and the partnerships community, Franz-Josef Schrepf exemplifies a commitment to excellence in strategic partnerships and serves as a role model for future leaders in the field.
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