Alexander Kissel, CEO

Alexander is an experienced entrepreneur and management consultant with over two decades of leadership in the financial services and technology industries. 

As founder and managing director of ConZone GmbH, he developed and launched an innovatve people analytics plattorm for professional services firms. Under his leadership, ConZone secured key

clients across the finance and consulting sectors and established partnerships with leading German and international banks.

Previously, Alexander served as Managing Director and Head of Sales (DACH) at EY ifb, a leading management and IT consultancy for banks and insurers. He was responsible for the group’s sales strategy and drove the development of new business areas. 

Early on, he identified the potential of agentic AI and its disruptive influence on both, the consulting and finance industry, recognizing the strategic relevance of start-ups as essential innovation drivers. His work contributed to enabling scalable, external innovation in the financial sector—bridging institutional needs with agile, AI-powered entrepreneurial solutions. 

Earlier in his career, Alexander held senior roles at Accenture as authorized officer and senior manager, where he built and led the national markets management program focusing mainly on integration and transformation programs of major financial institutions including almost all major German banks.

Alexander holds an MBA from California State University and a Diploma in International Business Administration. 

His professional development has focused on advanced analytics, risk management, agile project management and leadership.

Claas H. Nieraad, CIO

Claas is a seasoned venture capitalist and FinTech expert with over two decades of

experience in early-stage investments, financial innovation, and banking advisory.

As a founding team member of Ariva.de in 1998, he was instrumental in shaping one of

Germany’s first digital financial information plattorms. He then gained experience on Wall

Street in Tech Investment Banking at American Heritage Management Corp., deepening his understanding of financial markets and technology-driven disruption. His diploma thesis on internet-based digital exchanges further solidified his focus on FinTech and digital transformation in banking.

Since the early 2000s, Claas has been actively investing in technology-driven start-ups. He served as GP and in two full VC cycles, played a key role in New Commercial Equity Fund, worked on European fundraising for Silicon Valley-based Halo Fund, and later managed the Next LogisEcs Fund & Accelerator (NLA), supporting early-stage companies in financial

services, logistics, and mobility.

In addition to investment activities, Claas has advised State Street Bank on due diligence for a major banking acquisition and supported direct FinTech investments, including companies such as Aquaty and Compass Inc., which was later acquired by Sage. 

His expertise extends to

advising financial institutions on start-up engagement, whether through partnerships with accelerators and angel networks or through direct investments. His institutional partners have included Deutsche Bank, Haspa, GLS Bank, NBank, Nospa, VR Bank Nord, Bethmann Bank, Grenke Bank and Sydbank.

With his deep industry knowledge, Claas is a trusted advisor for financial institutions, banks and venture investors navigating the evolving FinTech landscape. His experience in fund management, M&A due diligence, and venture capital strategy makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant at the intersection of finance and technology.