This week we introduce the amazing Berlin based startup Stagelink with this interview to the CEO Nikolas Schriefer.

Stagelink, the fan-powered tour promoter, crowdsources live events for Internet stars, leveraging millions of online followers to create successful shows and tours for 21st century artists. On stagelink.com, artists and managers track fan-driven, real-time demand to plan, pre-finance, and de-risk tours, while reaching highly engaged audiences.

1. First can you tell us a bit about your job? What does your company do?

Stagelink, the fan-powered tour promoter, crowdsources live events, leveraging millions of social media followers to create successful shows and tours. On stagelink.com, artists and managers track fan-driven, real-time demand to plan and promote events, while reaching highly engaged audiences. Launched in Germany in 2014, Stagelink now serves more than 1,000 creators who have collected 500,000 fan requests and sold tickets for more than $2,500,000 onthe platform.

2. What brought you to this area?

As a performing musician I used to tour a lot myself. Over time I started to manage other artists and book tours, too. I realized how inefficient and dissatisfying that process was. So I started Stagelink to change it.

3. What time does your day start, and what does your typical work day schedule look like?

I usually start my day at 8. I enjoy the quiet mornings – it’s the time of the day when I’m most productive. The afternoons and evenings are for meetings and helping the team.

4. What kind of projects are you currently working on?

Stagelink is very good at predicting how many people will attend a live event and to explore what they are expecting or wishing for. Refining the underlying algorithms and staying ahead of the market is a challenge we’re constantly working on. Besides that we have a couple of exciting new features in the pipeline and are looking to expand our operations to more markets.

5. What do you consider the greatest achievement in your work to date?

Stagelink has enabled creators and fans to experience hundreds of unforgettable live events. Throughout the past years Stagelink actually helped quite a few creators to make their very first appearance on stage. For everybody who loves to create or attend live events, Stagelink really makes a big difference.

6. What is the one app you could not live without?

I want to believe my life doesn’t depend on an app. I do though check Mail, Messenger, Facebook and Slack first thing in the morning.

7. What’s the best thing about working at your company?

At Stagelink we’re building the future of live events. All of our team members have a background in music or just love to go to events and they are super excited to be an innovator in this rather old-fashioned market.

8. Where is the after work hangout?

In the summer, we usually go to our rooftop terrace. It has a fantastic view over the Berlin skyline including the iconic TV Tower. When it’s cold outside we like the Misfit Bar downstairs (suits us so well!).

9. Who is your professional role model?

I can’t name a particular person as a role model, but rather seek my inspiration from the great individuals who I am fortunate to be surrounded by in my professional and private life.

10. What makes Berlin a good city for technology and startups?

Berlin is not only the startup hub in Germany but also home to many important players from the entertainment industry. Here we have all the infrastructure we need and can be close to many of our partners.

11. Which tech trends are you most excited about?

In my opinion there are multiple big trends right now, most prominently maybe virtual reality, machine learning and decentralized systems like cryptocurrencies. A combination of these developments has lots of potential to disrupt the status quo which I’m quite excited about.

12. What are the top 3 qualities you look for in an employee?

All of our employees enjoy living and working by our four core values:

● Navigate adventures.

● Challenge the status quo.

● Listen and learn.

● Give first.

13. And finally, what is the one piece of advice you would give to an entrepreneur starting out?

Just do it!