Simon Bauer and Thomas Abentung are graduates of our Bachelor's program in Business & Management. Their inspiring story impressively demonstrates what we aim to achieve with our study programs: to awaken and foster the entrepreneurial spirit in young people.
Professor Thomas Stöckl, head of the study program, spoke with Simon and Thomas about their current project, their experiences, challenges, and future plans.
Could you briefly introduce yourselves and tell us more about your current project, the Founders Launchpad, and what role you play in it?
We are Simon Bauer and Thomas Abentung. Our story began during the Bachelor's program in Business & Management at MCI, where we not only became friends but also started testing our first entrepreneurial ideas. We founded our first startup while still studying, which became our first serious entry point into the startup scene. After graduation, we entered the working world: Thomas specialized in corporate venture building, while Simon moved into the world of venture capital.
In 2022, we seized a unique opportunity and moved to Asia to work in the local startup scene. As part of the founding team, we played a key role in building one of the largest local venture builders and supported it through the Series A funding round. Through this experience, we realized that the traditional “venture studio” model wasn't always the best approach to fully support the most talented founders in that specific market.
From this realization, we founded Founders Launchpad in 2023 together with our third co-founder Jay, whom we met in Manila. Our vision was to combine the best elements from the models we had encountered. Founders Launchpad is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in young startups – ideally as their first investor. Our unique accelerator program stands out: instead of time-consuming workshops, our team members join the startup teams during the early phase and actively support them in understaffed areas. To date, we have invested in 16 startups across nine different industries.
What excites you about working in the startup environment – and what motivates you personally in your current role?
The startup environment is incredibly dynamic; every day brings new challenges and opportunities. We work in small, agile teams directly with ambitious founders and have plenty of creative freedom. We also gain deep insights into many industries and innovative topics, which makes the work extremely exciting.
But what motivates us most is the impact. We focus on the Philippines, an emerging developing country, where we work on problems that can improve the lives of millions and contribute to a higher standard of living.
Our portfolio companies have created hundreds of jobs in a short time, generated multi-million-dollar revenues, and reached hundreds of thousands of customers. This measurable, positive change is our greatest driver.
Another big motivation boost is the validation from top investors. It makes us proud to see world-class investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital investing in our startups after us. It proves that our decisions were right and that we are backing the right founders.
How did the Bachelor's program in Business & Management at MCI prepare you for your current career? Is there anything that particularly stands out in your memory?
The MCI program prepared us perfectly for our current path. The international environment and project-oriented, dynamic working style were especially valuable. The semester abroad allowed us to immerse ourselves in other cultures and sparked our interest in an international career.
A major highlight was the flexibility that MCI offered: we were able to start our first startup while still studying and could immediately apply the theories we learned in practice. And of course, MCI was the place where we met – the beginning of our shared journey.
Are you still connected with the MCI network – for example with former fellow students, lecturers, or initiatives? How do you stay in touch with MCI?
Absolutely. Staying connected to the MCI network is very important to us. Thomas is from the Innsbruck area, and Simon grew up just an hour away. We always enjoy coming back. Former classmates are still among our closest friends today.
To strengthen this connection, we actively engage: we’re part of mentoring programs for Innsbruck student clubs and this year launched a global internship program specifically aimed at students from our home region. This is how we want to give the next generation of talent a chance and stay true to our roots.
What have been the biggest challenges in your career so far – and what have you learned from them?
The biggest challenge was dealing with different cultures and mindsets. We also had to learn how to build and develop everything from scratch in a foreign country.
Paradoxically, that’s also one of the greatest joys and motivations in our work – the freedom to create something from nothing.
What are your next steps with Founders Launchpad – and what are your long-term goals?
Our vision is to play a key role in developing young startup ecosystems in emerging countries. Since these markets are still in their infancy, we are focusing on several key levers:
What advice would you give to young founders or students who aspire to follow a similar path?
Our best advice is: just do it! Start your own project while still studying. MCI provides the perfect environment for that.
Be bold and take risks early in your career – it becomes much harder once you’re older and have a family. Even if something fails, you’ll learn far more than in a traditional corporate job. And most importantly: do it for something you truly believe in and love. Startup life is a constant rollercoaster and will consume most of your time. It’s not a 40-hour job – it’s a passion that follows you 24/7.
Thomas Abentung und Simon Bauer ©Bauer/Abentung
Erkenntnisse bei Indonesien bei der Tech in Asia 2025, ©Bauer/Abentung
Business & Management for Professionals | Bachelor
Business & Management | Bachelor
International Business & Management | Master
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