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History in dates

Captain's timeline

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

  • 1998/99: Time spent in America.
  • 2000: Inspired by books like "Think and Grow Rich" and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" during the 11th/12th grade.
    • Commitment with friend Baik to not become employees but pursue entrepreneurship. 
    • Result: Need to learn sales.
1998-2002
2002

High School Graduation

  • 2002: Completed high school (Abitur).

Military Service

  • 2002-2006: Served in the military as an Air Force officer.
2002-2006
2006

University

  • 2006: Started studying psychology in Bochum.

AWD + Campus for Company

  • 2007: Orientation and decision to become a self-employed financial advisor at AWD.
    • Goal: Learn sales with a self-imposed two-year limit.
    • Insight: Sales is a numbers game.
    • Story: Rewarding every call with 20 x €5.
    • Outcome: Gained sales skills and overcame the fear of cold calling.
  • 2008: Joined Campus for Company.
    • Story: “Which company would you like on your resume?”
    • Insight: Sales and needs analysis.
2007-2008
2009-2010

iPhone Business + Startup Scene

  • iPhone business: Buying, unlocking, and selling iPhones on eBay.
  • Networking with the Bochum startup scene, e.g., Randolf Jorberg (3gstore.de) and Sebastian Deutsch (9elements).
    • Participated in the Pirate Summit.

Founding Sixfold

  • 2011: Founded Sixfold UG.
    • Goal: Legal framework for projects.
    • Became a lifelong entrepreneur after reading "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss.
    • Insight: Committed to being a lifelong entrepreneur.
2011
2012

Orchideen-Fluesterer and Startup Weekend

  • 2012: Created the website orchideen-fluesterer.de.
    • Built websites with brother Ali, creating a portfolio of SEO projects. 
    • Earnings from AdSense: around €500 per month.
    • Entry into portfolio thinking.
  • Participated in the 3-Day-Startup event in Aachen.
    • Idea: Abi Academy.
    • Introduction to Lean Startup principles (Eric Ries).

Startplatz Cologne + Domain Madness

2013
2014-2015

Mobile Apps and Insights

  • Founded Maple Apps.
    • First funding round by Fabian Thylmann.
    • Developed various apps: Exitus, 7things, 7meals, CSGO Skills, GOSU.
    • Key insights:
      • Rapid learning through investment situations.
      • Professionalization in data and marketing skills.
      • Preference for bootstrapping over funding.
      • Contracts must be written and notarized.

Pirate Skills

  • March 2016: First “Traction & Growth” meetup, later known as Pirate Skills.
    • Focus on nerdy marketing meetups.
2016
Master the Art and Science of Growth Marketing

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Made with AARRR 🏴‍☠️ by Pirate Skills in Cologne, Germany