The Formula for Exceptional Founders: Founder DNA - with Investor & Founder Daniel Dippold

What sets exceptional founders apart from the rest? In the first
episode of the brand-new Founder DNA series, Petter Made sits
down with Daniel Dippold to explore the key traits that define
outstanding entrepreneurs. As a serial founder and investor,
Daniel shares his insights from backing early-stage startups that
later became unicorns.


The conversation delves into what makes a founder truly stand
out—ranging from resilience and self-reflection to the ability to
attract top talent. Daniel introduces the "EVAL 4" framework, a
methodology for identifying high-potential founders, and explains
why self-improvement and adaptability are crucial for long-term
success.


The episode also uncovers common red flags in founders, the
importance of clear communication, and why investors should focus
on the founder rather than the startup itself. Daniel further
discusses how mathematical models reveal that the probability of
success significantly increases with each new venture.
 


About Daniel Dippold


Daniel has a strong background in mathematics, computer science,
and entrepreneurship, with studies at Cambridge, ETH Zurich, and
St. Gallen. He sold his first venture in his early twenties and
has since built companies valued at over €200 million. As
co-founder of New Now Group GmbH, he enables clients like
Deutsche Bank, Postbank, Eon, Philips, and Wella to fine-tune
algorithms post-deployment through their software. He also
founded and scaled Sigma Squared Society e.V., now the world’s
largest community of U26 entrepreneurs, spanning over 30
countries with 200 global directors. Many Sigma members have gone
on to become unicorn founders. Additionally, Daniel has been an
early investor in several unicorns and has invested in over 50
companies to date.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldippold/


 


About EWOR


EWOR gives rebels, nerds, and visionaries an unfair advantage in
building companies that matter on a global scale.


We offer:


- Up to €150,000 in immediate funding


- Access to the top 0.1% of founders, peers and investors


- Support in securing a multi-million euro funding round within
12 months


EWOR was built by founders for founders. We’ve founded and exited
companies such as SumUp, Adjust, ProGlove, Felyx, United Domains,
New Now Group (collectively worth over €12bn), initiated the
largest global entrepreneurship society for those under 26 (Sigma
Squared Society), and made more than 100 private angel
investments. 


Website: https://www.ewor.com/


 


About Petter Made 


Petter Made is a fintech pioneer with over 25 years of
experience. He co-founded SumUp, a global company valued at
€8.5B, serving over 4 million SMBs across 36 countries. Then, as
CPTO at Drooms, he led the development of the world’s fastest
virtual data room, scaling the business to nine figures. Petter’s
earlier career saw him in leadership roles at Inatec Payment AG,
Ongame Networks, and Chinsay AB.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pettermade/


 


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