This engaging DLD26 conversation brings together two of the most experienced – and successful – corporate executives from Germany and Silicon Valley to share insights from both sides of the Atlantic.
Margit Wennmachers, partner at investment firm Andreessen Horowitz, and Paul Achleitner, former chairman of Deutsche Bank’s Global Advisory Board, discuss the intersection of technology, innovation, and Europe’s potential in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Achleitner, author of the recent book Accelerate Your Experience: Principles for Success in a Fluid World, warns against the “illusion of satisfactory underperformance”, noting that many European institutions settle for incremental gains while ignoring their true potential.
Wennmachers highlights the unprecedented pace of technological change. “It took Instagram two years to get to 100 million users”, she notes. “It took ChatGPT two months. That speed is just insane.”
The conversation also explores the cultural factors shaping innovation ecosystems. Wennmachers praises Silicon Valley’s optimism and tolerance for failure, contrasting it with Europe’ regulatory constraints and risk aversion.
“California is kind of like a shitty boyfriend”, Wennmachers quips. “Really, really hot and therefore gets away with a lot.”
