Michael Aigner
Entrepreneur | Interim & Fractional CEO/COO/CIO | angel investor
About
I am an experienced entrepreneur and technical CEO with over a decade of leadership in high-growth startups spanning renewable energy, climate tech, and e-commerce. I’ve founded two companies, securing over €100 million in equity and debt, while building and leading teams of more than 450 people. I know what it takes to scale a company from the ground up, professionalizing core processes like HR, finance, operations, supply chain, and tech and transform it into a professional, high-performing organization. As a technical CEO, my leadership is driven by a deep understanding of customer needs, combined with the ability to develop solutions that directly address and resolve their most pressing challenges.Throughout my journey, I’ve developed a strong grasp of founder dynamics and leadership, particularly by scaling my last venture from 0 to 450 employees in six years. I know how to foster a culture rooted in purpose, collaboration, and continuous learning, creating shared values and behaviors that define a thriving organization.Since the birth of my daughter, I’ve committed to supporting businesses that focus on sustainability and making the world a better place for future generations, a mission that now drives my professional future.
services
Sustainable Digitalization
Sustainable digitalization relies on process optimization, leading to greater effectiveness and efficiency for both employees and the organization. A modern, scalable, and customizable digital infrastructure is essential for your business. I help build and enhance your company operating system to ensure it is modular and scalable. Together, we can create a digital landscape that not only meets today’s demands but also prepares for future challenges, enhancing job satisfaction and driving economic success.
Organizational Transformation
Navigating change is never easy, especially for companies that have seen limited growth for years. With over 10 years of experience in startups and scale-ups, I specialize in guiding mid-sized businesses through transformation processes. I work as an interim CEO to develop a tailored reorganization strategy that involves all levels of the organization. My approach includes thorough analysis of current and desired processes, fostering a culture that embraces change, and ensuring clear communication throughout the transformation journey.
Corporate Ventures Development
Many corporations struggle to operate like professional investors, often lacking the capacity to explore new or disruptive business models. I can assist in building or restructuring a corporate venture unit by bridging the gap between the parent company and new startups. Drawing on my six years of experience collaborating with a corporate investor in my own scale-up, I understand the unique needs of both sides. From conceptualizing the venture strategy with executives to recruiting the right talent and establishing a supportive culture, I provide comprehensive support at every stage.
my entrepreneurial journey
Let me tell you about the turning points in my life - though using turning points in the context of our current climate crisis may sound cynical, it feels fitting, as both represent irreversible changes.# The first turning point came after more than a decade of technical education and working at one of the world’s largest tech consulting firms. I realized that technology alone wasn’t fulfilling, and that I had no interest in a corporate, political environment. This led me to leave my job at CSC in New York, move to Germany, and pursue a master's in Corporate Management and Economics. This ignited my entrepreneurial spirit and resulted in the founding of my first company, Stilnest.# The second turning point came after five years of leading Stilnest and experiencing the highs and lows of my first startup. I realized I was missing a deeper sense of purpose in my professional life. Stepping away from my operational roles as MD, COO, and CTO, I took six months off to reflect. This journey led me to sustainability and ultimately to founding EIGENSONNE. For the first time, I aligned my work with a higher purpose, sparking the next phase of hyper-growth.# The third turning point was the birth of my daughter, Alma. Her arrival shifted my priorities, making me realize that time with my family was more important than endless business meetings. This led to the end of my more than 10 years in VC-powered hyper-growth startups and a one-year sabbatical dedicated to my family.# The fourth and current turning point came during my sabbatical, when I recognized that I no longer want to work for anyone else. While I’d always lived an entrepreneurial life with plenty of freedom, I still had investors above me with the final say. After building a company of over 450 people, I know now that I want to work with a small team of trusted friends, focusing on long-term, purpose-driven ventures. This vision has inspired me to build a friends & family office, starting with a Mittelstands-Holding, where I can create lasting value on my own terms.I also know that my new path will not be a straight line, but will branch out in multiple directions. For that reason I’m eager to gather more experiences and offer my skills - from short-term operational support to interim positions, and long-term strategic advice as a non-executive director, or even as your partner in crime as a business angel on your cap table.