AI investor · Entrepreneur · Author · Keynote speaker · Berlin
Europe's view on the AI power race.
I have invested in artificial intelligence since 2014, host Rise of AI, one of Europe's longest-running AI conferences, wrote „Die KI-Nation" and gave evidence to the German Bundestag. On stage I connect investment experience, technological development and geopolitics for people who have to make decisions.
01 — Trust
Booked where AI decisions are made.
Selected clients
BayerMercedes-BenzT-SystemsMicrosoft EYUnion InvestmentBankhaus MetzlerBerliner Sparkasse
Selected stages and institutions
German BundestagEuropean CommissionESA Berlin House of RepresentativesAspen InstituteKonrad Adenauer Foundation TEDxSuperReturn InternationalBits & Pretzelshub.berlin
02 — Who is speaking
I am part of this ecosystem.
When I started investing in artificial intelligence in 2014, it was considered a hopeless category in Germany. My intention has stayed the same ever since: that Europe builds its own AI ecosystem, with its own research, its own capital, its own companies and its own infrastructure.
That has turned into a cycle. I know many people in this market, so I get asked. Because I get asked, I see more than reports show. Because I see it, I can put it into context. What I say on stage comes from conversations with the people who are building it right now.
„One of the most networked minds in the tech and AI scene." (translated) Sascha Lobo, podcast „Tech, KI & Schmetterlinge", 28 January 2026
03 — Three theses
What I want to be measured against.
Thesis 1
Whoever does not finance their own possibilities will end up paying for the possibilities of others.
Capital is stored possibility → Technology Power
Thesis 2
Technological power arises where leaving becomes expensive for others.
Exit costs as a measure of power → Technology Power
Thesis 3
Europe does not have a knowledge problem. Europe has an execution problem.
Why there is no third technology power → Technology Power
04 — Keynotes
A brain download: twelve years of AI in under 60 minutes.
For boards, industry associations, the financial sector, foundations, family offices and international conferences. Compressed insight instead of months of reading.
- The AI power race: US, China and EuropeHow technological power is created, how long it lasts and what role European companies and investors can play.
- AI, capital and value creationFor investors, family offices and business leaders. Which markets are emerging and where value is heading.
- Agentic AI: what is real and what is marketingWhat autonomous systems can do today, what is realistic in five years, and how to tell substance from hype.
- Infrastructure and digital sovereigntyChips, data centres, cloud, energy and regulation — why infrastructure has become a strategic question.
- What happens when AI worksThe second-order effects on employment, healthcare and social cohesion once artificial intelligence actually delivers.
05 — Track record
Timestamps, not self-description.
06 — Voices
What others say.
„One of the most networked minds in the tech and AI scene." (translated)
Sascha Lobo, author and commentator„Inspiring, authentic and convincing — even as a virtual keynote." (translated)
Dr. Jens Roettig„A dinner speech that held the attention of 120 senior guests." (translated)
Peter Lennartz, EY„Explains complex relationships clearly and understandably." (translated)
Elvira Giebel-Felten, Konrad Adenauer Foundation07 — On stage
See me speak.
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08 — Rise of AI
One of Europe's most influential AI conferences.
Strictly curated, by AI people for AI people. Our guests come because we invite them, and so do our speakers. I have hosted Rise of AI with Veronika Westerheide since 2017.
09 — Frequently asked questions
Short answers.
Who is Fabian Westerheide?
Fabian Westerheide is one of the most influential voices on artificial intelligence in Germany and Europe. He is an AI investor, entrepreneur and author based in Berlin, has invested in AI companies through Asgard Capital since 2014, is a founding partner of AI.FUND, has hosted the Rise of AI Conference in Berlin since 2017 and wrote the book „Die KI-Nation" (2024). In 2017 he gave evidence as an expert witness before the German Bundestag's Digital Agenda Committee.
What does Fabian Westerheide speak about?
The AI power race between the US, China and Europe, AI and capital, agentic AI and AGI, AI infrastructure and digital sovereignty, and the consequences of AI for work, health and democracy.
Does Fabian Westerheide speak in English?
Yes, fluently. He gives keynotes, panels and executive briefings in English and German, in Europe, the US and Asia. His keynotes at the Rise of AI Conference are held in English.
How much does a keynote cost?
Keynotes in Germany start at €7,500, outside Germany at €9,000, plus travel in each case.
How do I book Fabian Westerheide?
Send the occasion, date, location, audience and group size to fabian@asgard.vc. You will receive an answer within two working days. Press enquiries: Petra Rulsch PR, pr@petra-rulsch.com.
Contact
Time is the scarcest resource. Mine can be booked.
For keynotes and executive briefings I am happy to make time. The rest of it goes into thinking and writing, often in my cabin in the woods, and into my family.