Sarah Gottwald-Blockchain, AI & Digital Transformation
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Experience
Blockchain, AI & Digital Transformation
Self-employed
- Specialized in bridging Strategy, Technology, and People to deliver real-world impact in both corporate and startup ecosystems.
Co-founder
Academy 4 Disruptive Minds
- Co-founded an education and innovation platform for leadership development with focus on AI and blockchain
- Set up the corporate structure (Swiss AG) and established operational processes
- Designed and launched the first product offering, targeting executives in digital transformation
- Built strategic partnerships with corporate clients, experts, and industry partners
CEO
Blockchain Founders Group
- Defined and translated a new strategic vision into operational growth with clear market positioning
- Led the company to a net positive profitability primarily through equity-based fees for startup participation
- Built structures and partnerships to accelerate sustainable expansion (e.g., LATAM markets or partnerships)
- Turned a dispersed global team into a strong, diverse, co-located unit in Germany
- Solely responsible for budgets, teams, and business results
- Designed and implemented organizational structures tailored to scaling and innovation-driven environments
- Led company restructuring, including shareholder transition from a German GmbH to a Liechtenstein AG
- Skilled in negotiating and structuring shareholder agreements, investment contracts, and governance frameworks
- Understanding of corporate law, governance, and investor relations in venture-backed and growth companies
- Led the fundraising processes, including investor outreach, due diligence, and term sheet negotiation
- Strong grasp of financing instruments and deal structures in the VC and innovation funding landscape
Investment Manager
Vanagon Ventures
- Screened startups in the tech sector with a focus on green tech and sustainability, including due diligence
- Supported Vanagon fundraising and facilitated partnership building
BMW AG
- Led and represented BMW in strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and M&A deals in the digital ecosystem, including target identification, due diligence, negotiation, and integration
- Shaped the strategy for highly and fully automated driving, aligning technology, business models, and partnerships
- Acted as key interface between strategy, legal, finance, and R&D to ensure cross-functional alignment
- Focused on building long-term cooperation and strategic relationships in the field of autonomous driving
- Held interdisciplinary financial responsibility for highly and fully automated driving
- Led cross-functional project controlling for autonomous driving across multiple product generations
Industry experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Automotive, Information Technology, Banking and Finance, Education, and Professional Services.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Strategy, Finance, Legal, Project Management, Operations, and Product Development.
Summary
Experienced venture leader and CEO with a strong track record in scaling companies, driving strategic partnerships, and managing M&A and growth financing. Combines deep expertise in venture capital, corporate governance, and corporate innovation, shaped by leadership roles at BMW and in the startup ecosystem. Proven ability to build high-performing teams and execute complex growth strategies.
Skills
- Ai: Strategic Use Of Ai Tools In Operations And Decision-Making; Ai-Driven Process Automation
- Strategic Leadership, M&A And Venture Scaling
- Business Development & Growth Strategy, Business Model Design & Market Entry
- Team Building & Organizational (Re-)Structuring
- Public Speaking & Moderation
- Blockchain & Tokenization Strategy
Languages
Education
Munich University of Applied Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid
Master of Engineering · Business Administration and Engineering · Madrid, Spain · 1.5
Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Applied Science · Business Administration and Engineering · Pforzheim, Germany · 1.9
Certifications & licenses
DeFi Talents and NFT Talents Program, Scholarship
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
KERNEL Fellowship - top talent in tech
Plan B Summer School (blockchain, defi, web3, crypto)
Franklin University Switzerland
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Università Bocconi | Coursera
Unit Masters - blockchain literacy program
Unit Network
VC Lab: Venture Institute 3
Statistics
Experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Sarah is based in Munich, Germany.
Sarah speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate).
Sarah has at least 14 years of experience. During this time, Sarah has worked in at least 4 different roles and for 5 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 9 months. Note that Sarah may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Sarah would be well-suited for roles such as: Blockchain, AI & Digital Transformation, Co-founder, CEO.
Sarah's most recent position is Blockchain, AI & Digital Transformation at Self-employed.
In recent years, Sarah has worked for Self-employed, Academy 4 Disruptive Minds, Blockchain Founders Group, Vanagon Ventures, and BMW AG.
Sarah is most experienced in industries like Automotive, Information Technology, and Banking and Finance. Sarah also has some experience in Education and Professional Services.
Sarah is most experienced in business areas like Strategy, Finance, and Legal. Sarah also has some experience in Project Management, Operations, and Product Development.
Sarah has recently worked in industries like Automotive, Information Technology, and Banking and Finance.
Sarah has recently worked in business areas like Strategy, Finance, and Legal.
Sarah holds a Master in Business Administration and Engineering from Munich University of Applied Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid and a Bachelor in Business Administration and Engineering from Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences.
Sarah has 6 certificates. Among them, these include: DeFi Talents and NFT Talents Program, Scholarship, KERNEL Fellowship - top talent in tech, Plan B Summer School (blockchain, defi, web3, and crypto).
The availability of Sarah needs to be confirmed.
Daily rate distribution
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Average rates for similar positions
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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 6 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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