Interview with our Managing Partner Michael Hock

Today we introduce to you one of the FinLeap Management Team members Michael Hock. Michael joined FinLeap in June 2017 as Managing Partner Finance and Operations. He is together with his team responsible for Finance and Investment Management (M&A), Corporate Law and Regulatory Affairs at FinLeap and also supports the twelve ventures of the group. Prior to joining FinLeap he was general manager and board member for Holtzbrinck Digital, involved with digital business.

FinLeap: How did you find your way to FinLeap and what is your professional background?

Michael: I came to FinLeap through one of the FinLeap investors and board members, who is part of my personal network. Furthermore I already had a connection to FinLeap because I knew FinLeap Managing Partner Dr. Carolin Gabor from my previous employment with Holtzbrinck. My professional background in a nutshell: general management and M&A in digital businesses combined with Venture Capital and CFO expertise.

FinLeap: What is your responsibility at FinLeap?

Michael: I am one of the four Managing Partners at FinLeap and my role is Chief Financial Officer. That means leading a great team covering all Finance, Controlling, Investor Reporting, Legal and Regulatory / Compliance related topics for FinLeap as well as supporting the ventures of the group in these fields.

FinLeap: What is unique on working at FinLeap?

Michael: The work atmosphere at FinLeap is much more dynamic and less hierarchical compared to my previous work environments. And that is what I really enjoy here, as well as the creative chaos which sometimes reigns. I´ve worked for different companies in the digital business in the past, but never in the Fintech sector. So Fintech and Insurtech presents a lot of new and interesting topics for me. Besides that, FinLeap is unique because we develop ideas from the very beginning, are responsible for the go-to-market-strategy and design the MVP on our own.

FinLeap: What’s the most interesting part of your job?

Michael: One of the most special things about FinLeap are the employees: working here means being surrounded by smart and passionate people. Our mission is to reshape finance – and I am more than happy to be part of this in order to help to build up a great company. The mentality at FinLeap is hands-on to cope with day to day challenges. 

FinLeap: What impact on the company do you think you’ll have as Managing Director?

Michael: My mission is to prepare FinLeap to enter the next level of business and professionalism: reducing existing complexity to allow more complexity in the future. Be ready to scale! Also corporate housekeeping is an important topic: The corporation must adhere to all government requirements and to all corporate laws and that’s where I support the company.