Guenter Kraft

Guenter Kraft is a prominent figure in the startup ecosystem, currently serving as a Start-up Partner and Mentor at HIGHEST | TU Darmstadt. He is also the Managing Partner and Founder of Xariva Ventures, where he engages in venture capital activities and supports early-stage companies through mentorship and investment.

Background and Expertise

Kraft has a robust professional background, having held senior roles at several notable companies, including Cisco Systems, Cobalt Networks, and AudioCodes. His expertise encompasses various sectors such as software, IT services, telecommunications, and consumer industries, with a strong focus on sales, marketing, and operations.2 He is recognized for his ability to build effective teams, establish profitable partnerships, and drive successful business outcomes.

Education

He studied Computer Science at Fachhochschule Darmstadt, which laid the foundation for his extensive career in technology and business.6

Role at HIGHEST

At HIGHEST | TU Darmstadt, Kraft plays a vital role in mentoring startups. His involvement includes guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges of scaling their businesses and helping them navigate the complexities of the startup landscape. He emphasizes that "innovation is not just about ideas; it's about implementation and scalability".5

Contributions to the Startup Community

In addition to his role at HIGHEST, Kraft actively participates in various startup initiatives and events, such as the Unicorn Battle, where he connects startups with potential investors.1 His commitment to fostering innovation is evident through his advisory roles in organizations like Startup.Network and Merck Innovationcenter.2

Kraft's insights into mentorship are shared through his LinkedIn posts, where he discusses the types of mentors that startups need to succeed.34 His contributions make him a valuable asset to both the academic community at TU Darmstadt and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.