Philipp Depiereux is Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Author and...

About Me

Founder, entrepreneur, motivator, and convinced: Germany needs more pioneering spirit.

My learning curve began in 2004: as a young CEO at alesco, a mid-market packaging manufacturer with 200 employees. Six years in which I made at least 450 out of 300 possible mistakes.

In 2010 I founded etventure and sold it to EY in 2017. Four more years as CEO, right through the pandemic. 250+ employees, one of the leading digital consultancies in the German-speaking world.
In parallel, I founded the non-profit format ChangeRider: 200+ conversations in a Tesla, a TV slot, 10+ million views.

Today I live with my family in California, give keynotes on national and international stages, and serve as a digital board advisor to companies like Knauf and Tchibo. I write and speak about AI, analog childhood and societal change.

Following ‘Werdet Weltmutführer’, my new book ‘Mut zur KI’ was published in 2026.

250+

Employees at etventure exit

22+

Years of entrepreneurship

50+

Startups founded & accompanied

200+

Employees at alesco

Through the years.

Summer 2028

Back to Germany.

In the summer of 2028, we move back to Munich. With plenty of U.S. experience under our belts and an even stronger entrepreneurial mindset for Germany and Europe.

2026

"Mut zur KI" & media presence

Second book "Mut zur KI". Public engagement on AI, analog childhood, societal change, courage and mindset. Including features in GEO, Spiegel, FAZ and Handelsblatt.

2025

Handelsblatt column.

Launch of my biweekly column in the Handelsblatt about our life in the U.S. and my perspective on the country.

2024

New companies in the U.S.

Founding of several companies in the U.S., including Scaled Innovation Group Inc.

2022

California, here we come.

In early 2022, I launch a Ukraine aid initiative that helps over 10,000 refugees find a safe place in Germany. That same year, we move to California with our four children. Family first, everything else second.

2021

Exit from the exit.

After 11 years, I step down from my role as CEO at etventure and take on various digital advisory board positions as well as diverse startup activities.

2020

COVID-19, a fresh start, my second book.

Instead of taking 200 flights, I’m sitting at home every day. I realize: family life is actually “mega.” The decision to completely change course begins to take shape. That same year, my second book is published: “Werdet Weltmutführer”

2018 - 2019

ChangeRider and my first book.

I launch the nonprofit initiative ChangeRider and interview trailblazers—from Wladimir Klitschko to DAX executives—from the backseat of a Tesla. Over 200 rides, over 200 guests. In 2019, the book accompanying the initiative is published: “Pioneering Spirits Instead of Doubters. How Courageous Trailblazers from Politics, Business, and Society Are Shaping Our Future.”

2017

etventure exit to EY

etventure becomes part of the Ernst & Young Group. I become a partner and fly 200 times a year. “The Messiah of Digitalization in German SMEs” (Handelsblatt).

2010

Founding etventure. 250+ employees.

Together with two co-founders, I launched the innovation consulting firm etventure. We help German SMEs go digital. The startup grows into a company with 250+ employees. Notable startups from the etventure ecosystem: mobileJob, POSpulse, and Socialwave.

2002 - 2010

Apprenticeship years. 450 mistakes out of 300 possibilities.

Consultant at a management consulting firm. Founder of a marketing consultancy. Very young CEO of a plastic film company. Out of 300 possible mistakes, I probably made 450. That was exactly the best preparation for everything that came after.

2002

Graduation. Dortmund, Paris, Colorado Springs.

Studied at the International School of Management in Dortmund. Spent semesters abroad in Paris and Colorado Springs. Gained my first international perspective on business, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

My DNA

What drives me.

Courage

World Courage Leaders: why courage is the most important attitude of our time.

Weltmutführer Courage for AI ChangeRider

Entrepreneurship

Found, scale, exit — and start again. As a board advisor and sparring partner for founders, startups and established companies that want to grow boldly.

etventure alesco Startups Advisory