How a Berlin freelancer realised his dream of founding a successful startup

Local Germany

14-02-2025

Now the CEO of FixFirst, a startup reimagining electrical repair and circular economy solutions, Sebastian's entrepreneurial journey took shape at ESCP Business School.
Through their Executive Master in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership (EMDIEL), he turned big ideas into impactful action. Here's how.
The Spark of Entrepreneurship
Sebastian's passion for entrepreneurship began in a small village in Germany, where his father ran an electrical repair business.
Watching his father navigate the complexities of running a company made Sebastian realise:
'If we're putting in all these hours, they might as well be for something meaningful.'
'Life's too short to not take a chance.'
Sebastian began his career as a freelancer across various fields, which gave him a taste of the entrepreneurial roller coaster: unpredictable market trends, endless problem-solving, and personal growth under pressure.
Still, he felt he needed something more - a winning idea and the ability to act upon it.
Develop the skills to transform business with ESCP's Executive Masters in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership. Learn more
Sebastian's idea behind FixFirst was a natural progression from his upbringing and professional experiences.
'The circular economy and repair ecosystems align with my background', he says, referring to his experiences growing up.
His vision? To create meaningful, scalable solutions to the hurdles and obstacles faced in electronics repair.
AI and other technologies could be employed to both streamline and make the lifespan of electronic devices more sustainable - an important mission in the age of 'e-waste'.
Now he just needed to bridge the gap between ambition and execution.
Why ESCP? A 'Safe Space to Learn and Fail'
Sebastian's decision to join ESCP 's EMDIEL programme was pivotal. 'I was in this wild, uncertain freelancing phase,' he recalls.
'The programme sounded promising, with its structured approach to the entrepreneurial journey.'
The EMDIEL, ranging between 12 and 24 months in length, is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills needed for success in a digital economy.
The programme is structured around modules that focus on digital transformation, leadership, and entrepreneurial strategies, offering a comprehensive curriculum.
It is offered across several locations, including ESCP's campuses in Berlin, Paris, London, Madrid, and Turin.
This enhances the learning experience by exposing students to multiple cultures and business environments.
One of the program's unique selling propositions (USPs) is its emphasis on real-world applications, providing students with access to a network of industry leaders and practical experiences that bridge theoretical knowledge with entrepreneurial practice.
For Sebastian, the EMDIEL offered more than academic knowledge. It created what he describes as a 'safe space to learn and fail.'
He elaborates: 'That's where the learning happens. The program allowed me to expose myself to networks, events, and hands-on learning around validating and scaling ideas.'
Berlin, the ideal Startup Hub
Berlin's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem also played a crucial role in Sebastian's journey.
'Berlin is very open. You can come here, be who you are, and do what you want,' he says.
The city's density of talent, networks, and resources makes it a unique playground for startups.
That said, the path isn't without hurdles. 'For internationals, the bureaucracy can be overwhelming,' Sebastian admits.
'But once you're in the ecosystem, the support is fantastic.'
FixFirst's journey, like any startup, has had its challenges. 'The entrepreneurial roller coaster is very real,' Sebastian admits.
However, he credits ESCP and the EMDIEL programme for giving him the drive, resilience, and skills to persevere.
One of the standout aspects? The connections. 'A professor became an investor and advisor,' he shares. 'The relationships I built there have been invaluable.'
The program's international nature was another game-changer. Studying across campuses in Berlin, Paris, and beyond pushed him out of his comfort zone.
'It was exhausting but worthwhile. The exposure to different cultures and markets gave me new perspectives that shaped FixFirst's mission,' he says.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sebastian's advice to budding entrepreneurs is refreshingly honest:
Stick with a problem you care about. 'Passion will keep you going through tough times,' he says.
Don't get caught up in romanticized success stories. 'The failures are much more common, but they're where you learn.'
Be fearless. 'There's no time to worry about what others think of you.'
Ready to Start Your Journey?
For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, Sebastian couldn't recommend ESCP's EMDIEL programme enough.
'It's a unique mix of structure, international exposure, and hands-on experience,' he says.
If you're ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey, the Masters in Digital Innovation at ESCP might just be the launchpad you need.