Hansi Hansmann

Uplifting
ideas

Dr. Johann “Hansi” Hansmann has been shaping Europe’s startup landscape long before the ecosystem became mainstream. As one of Austria’s most respected business angels, he’s backed founders early, backed them big, and helped build some of the region’s most iconic startup success stories.

Hansi Hansmann has been backing founders before the European startup scene had a name for itself.

Over the past two decades, he has invested early in companies such as Runtastic, busuu, mySugr, durchblicker, and tractive - building one of the strongest track records in the region and earning a reputation as Austria’s leading “super angel.”

Founders value Hansi for his direct, hands-on approach. He joins early, often as lead investor, and works closely with teams far beyond the financing round - challenging ideas, supporting key decisions, and helping companies scale for the long term.

His philosophy is simple: strong companies are built around exceptional people. Hansi backs founders with conviction and believes innovation is one of the key drivers of sustainable economic growth and long-term competitiveness. Alongside capital, he brings decades of experience, entrepreneurial instinct, and a powerful international network across founders, corporates, co-investors, and leading VC funds.

I simply enjoy working with smart people who are passionate about building great companies.

More from Hansi

📖 The Book
Lessons from decades of backing exceptional founders.

🎙️ Frühstück bei mir
Featured on Austria's leading national radio station, Hansi joins Claudia Stöckl for a personal conversation about entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, and the people behind successful companies.

📺 Vera
On one of Austria's most-watched talk shows, Hansi shares insights from investing in more than 50 startups, discusses the sale of busuu, and explains what he looks for before backing a founding team.