Keynotes & executive briefings
Twelve years of artificial intelligence, compressed into under 60 minutes.
A brain download for decision-makers: overview, context and the insights you won't find in any report. A European perspective from someone who invests, organises and advises in this market.
01 — Trust
Booked where 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 & Pretzels hub.berlinAI ExpoRise of AI
02 — Topics
The questions that belong on the table now.
- 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. Based on my essay on technology powers and on my own travels in both systems. My forecast: the United States remains the leading technology power until 2035; China does not replace it but becomes a lasting second pole.
- AI, capital and value creationFor investors, family offices, private equity and business leaders. Which markets are emerging, which companies have substance and where valuations are running ahead of reality. Who owns models, compute and distribution decides who owns progress.
- Agentic AI: what is real and what is marketingWhat autonomous systems can actually do today, what is realistic in five years and how to tell substance from hype. With the consequences for organisation, processes and people. My position: AGI is not coming any time soon.
- Infrastructure and digital sovereigntyChips, data centres, cloud, energy and regulation. Why infrastructure has become a strategic question for companies and states, and what Europe can still build.
- What happens when AI worksThe second-order effects on employment, healthcare and social cohesion once artificial intelligence actually delivers. The topic missing from most agendas.
03 — Why me
Twelve years of access to the AI ecosystem.
I have worked in this market for more than twelve years. I have invested my own capital in AI companies since 2014, have hosted the Rise of AI Conference since 2017 and was called as an expert witness before the German Bundestag's Digital Agenda Committee in 2017.
For the international picture I rely on market and technology data, on my own regular trips to North America and Asia, including China since 2018, and on conversations with founders, investors and institutions on the ground.
Every keynote is tailored to sector, audience and occasion. I build in the questions that are actually being asked in your organisation.
„One of the most networked minds in the tech and AI scene." (translated) Sascha Lobo, podcast „Tech, KI & Schmetterlinge", 28 January 2026
04 — Who I speak to
People who need strategy.
Boards and executive teams, industry associations, the financial sector and family offices, political groups and foundations, and international conferences where the expert community meets. They share one question: what does artificial intelligence mean for us in concrete terms, and what follows from it in the next three years? I give an answer you can work with.
05 — Formats
Five formats, one subject.
| Format | Length | For |
|---|---|---|
| Keynote | 30–60 min | Conferences, client events, annual meetings |
| Executive briefing | Half day | Boards, advisory boards, leadership teams, 8–30 people |
| Dinner speech | 20–30 min | Evening events, business circles |
| Panel and moderation | By arrangement | Conferences, industry events |
| Advisory | By arrangement | Individual companies, over a period of time |
Languages and reach
Fluent English and German. More than 100 stage appearances since 2016 in Europe, the US and Asia.
Fee
Keynotes in Germany from €7,500, outside Germany from €9,000, plus travel and, where applicable, additional preparation. Foundations, political events and formats in the public interest: please get in touch.
Focus
My topics are strategy and context: the economic, political and social consequences of AI. For tool training and prompt workshops I am happy to recommend colleagues from my network.
06 — Voices
What organisers 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
Recordings to judge for yourself.
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08 — FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Which topics does Fabian Westerheide cover in keynotes?
The AI power race between the US, China and Europe; AI and capital; agentic AI; infrastructure and digital sovereignty; and the second-order effects of AI on work, health and democracy.
Can the keynote be held in English?
Yes. Fabian Westerheide speaks English fluently; all formats are available in English and German.
How much does a keynote cost?
In Germany from €7,500, outside Germany from €9,000, plus travel in each case.
Does Fabian Westerheide speak at international events?
Yes. He has spoken in Europe, the US and Asia, including at SuperReturn International, the European Commission and the European Space Agency.
Is a virtual keynote possible?
Yes, virtual keynotes and executive briefings are available on request.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible — dates in spring and autumn fill up first.
Enquiry
What I need for a proposal.
Occasion, date, location, audience and group size are enough. I will reply within two working days.