Who is Daniel Giersch? Daniel Giersch is a German entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding and leading the ride-hailing company FREE NOW.
Giersch was born in 1982 in Hamburg, Germany. He studied business administration at the University of Hamburg and began his career as a management consultant. In 2010, he co-founded FREE NOW, then known as myTaxi, with Marc Berg. The company quickly became one of the leading ride-hailing services in Europe, and in 2019, it merged with Daimler's ride-hailing service, Hailo, to create FREE NOW.
Giersch is a strong advocate for the sharing economy and has been credited with helping to shape the regulatory landscape for ride-hailing in Europe. He is also a vocal critic of the gig economy and has called for better working conditions for ride-hailing drivers.
In addition to his work with FREE NOW, Giersch is also an investor and advisor to several other startups. He is a board member of the German Startups Association and a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Mobility.
Daniel Giersch
Daniel Giersch is a German entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding and leading the ride-hailing company FREE NOW. He is a strong advocate for the sharing economy and has been credited with helping to shape the regulatory landscape for ride-hailing in Europe.
- Co-founder and CEO of FREE NOW
- Investor and advisor to several startups
- Board member of the German Startups Association
- Member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Mobility
- Advocate for the sharing economy
- Critic of the gig economy
Giersch's work with FREE NOW has helped to make ride-hailing a more convenient and affordable option for people across Europe. He has also been a vocal advocate for the sharing economy, which he believes has the potential to make the world a more sustainable and equitable place. However, he has also been critical of the gig economy, which he believes often leads to poor working conditions for workers.
Daniel Giersch was born on March 3, 1978, in Hamburg, Germany. He studied business management at the University of Hamburg, and later received an MBA from INSEAD. He holds a degree in business administration and an MBA from INSEAD.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | March 3, 1978, in Hamburg, Germany |
| Education | Degree in business administration, MBA from INSEAD |
| Career | Co-founder and CEO of FREE NOW, investor and advisor to several startups |
| Interests | Sharing economy, sustainability, equitable economic growth |
Co-founder and CEO of FREE NOW
Daniel Giersch is the co-founder and CEO of FREE NOW, one of the leading ride-hailing companies in Europe. He played a key role in the company's founding and growth, and he continues to lead its strategic direction. Under Giersch's leadership, FREE NOW has expanded to over 100 cities in Europe and the Middle East, and it has become one of the most popular ride-hailing services in the region.
Giersch's role as CEO of FREE NOW is significant because it allows him to shape the company's culture, strategy, and operations. He is responsible for setting the company's vision and goals, and he oversees all aspects of the business, including product development, marketing, and customer service. Giersch's leadership has been instrumental in FREE NOW's success, and he is widely respected in the ride-hailing industry.
The connection between Giersch and his role as CEO of FREE NOW is important because it highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to execute on his vision. Giersch saw an opportunity to create a better ride-hailing experience, and he has worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. FREE NOW is now one of the most successful ride-hailing companies in Europe, and it is a testament to Giersch's leadership and dedication.
Investor and advisor to several startups
Daniel Giersch is an investor and advisor to several startups. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs to build successful businesses, and he has a track record of success in doing so. Giersch's investments and advice have helped to launch and grow a number of successful startups, including FREE NOW, Wunder Mobility, and Omio.
Giersch's role as an investor and advisor is significant because it allows him to have a positive impact on the startup ecosystem. He provides financial support to promising startups, and he also offers guidance and mentorship to help them succeed. Giersch's experience and expertise are invaluable to startups, and he is often able to help them avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.
The connection between Giersch and his role as an investor and advisor to several startups is important because it highlights his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Giersch believes that startups have the potential to change the world, and he is dedicated to helping them succeed. Giersch's investments and advice have helped to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve people's lives.
Board member of the German Startups Association
Daniel Giersch is a board member of the German Startups Association, an organization that represents the interests of startups in Germany. He is a strong advocate for startups and has been involved in the German startup ecosystem for many years. Giersch's role as a board member is significant because it allows him to have a direct impact on the policies and initiatives that affect startups in Germany.
- Policy Advocacy
Giersch is a vocal advocate for policies that support startups. He has spoken out in favor of tax breaks, simplified regulations, and increased access to funding for startups. Giersch's advocacy has helped to create a more favorable environment for startups in Germany.
- Networking and Collaboration
As a board member, Giersch has the opportunity to network with other startup founders, investors, and policymakers. This networking has helped to foster collaboration between startups and other stakeholders in the German startup ecosystem.
- Mentorship and Advice
Giersch is a mentor and advisor to many startups. He provides guidance and support to startup founders on a variety of topics, including fundraising, marketing, and product development. Giersch's mentorship has helped many startups to succeed.
- International Outreach
The German Startups Association is a member of the European Startup Network, which represents the interests of startups in Europe. Giersch's involvement in the German Startups Association has helped to strengthen ties between German startups and startups in other European countries.
Giersch's role as a board member of the German Startups Association is important because it allows him to have a positive impact on the German startup ecosystem. Giersch is a strong advocate for startups, and he is dedicated to helping them succeed. Giersch's work has helped to create a more favorable environment for startups in Germany, and he has played a key role in connecting startups with the resources they need to succeed.
Member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Mobility
Daniel Giersch is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Mobility, a group of experts from industry, academia, and government who are tasked with shaping the future of mobility. Giersch's membership on this council is significant because it allows him to have a direct impact on the policies and initiatives that will shape the future of transportation.
- Thought Leadership
As a member of the Global Future Council on Mobility, Giersch has the opportunity to share his insights on the future of mobility with other experts and policymakers. He can also help to shape the council's research and policy recommendations.
- Networking and Collaboration
The Global Future Council on Mobility is a platform for collaboration between experts from different sectors. Giersch's membership on the council allows him to network with other thought leaders and decision-makers in the field of mobility.
- Policy Advocacy
Giersch can use his position on the Global Future Council on Mobility to advocate for policies that support sustainable and equitable mobility. He can also help to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the mobility sector.
- International Outreach
The Global Future Council on Mobility is a global platform for discussing the future of mobility. Giersch's membership on the council allows him to share his insights with a global audience and to learn from experts from other countries.
Giersch's membership on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Mobility is important because it allows him to have a direct impact on the future of mobility. He can share his insights, network with other experts, advocate for policies that support sustainable and equitable mobility, and raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the mobility sector.
Advocate for the sharing economy
Daniel Giersch is a strong advocate for the sharing economy. He believes that the sharing economy has the potential to make the world a more sustainable, equitable, and connected place. Giersch has been involved in the sharing economy for many years, and he has seen firsthand the positive impact it can have on people's lives.
- Environmental sustainability
The sharing economy can help to reduce our environmental impact by encouraging people to share resources and reduce waste. For example, ride-hailing services like FREE NOW can help to reduce the number of cars on the road, which can lead to reduced emissions and traffic congestion.
- Economic equity
The sharing economy can help to create economic opportunities for people who may not have access to traditional employment. For example, people can earn extra income by renting out their homes or cars through platforms like Airbnb and Turo.
- Social connection
The sharing economy can help to build social connections between people. For example, ride-hailing services like FREE NOW can help people to meet new people and learn about different cultures.
- Innovation
The sharing economy is a breeding ground for innovation. New businesses and technologies are constantly emerging to meet the needs of the sharing economy. For example, companies like Lime and Bird have developed new types of electric scooters that are designed for sharing.
Giersch's advocacy for the sharing economy is important because it helps to raise awareness of the benefits of the sharing economy and to encourage people to use sharing economy services. Giersch's work is helping to make the world a more sustainable, equitable, and connected place.
Critic of the gig economy
Daniel Giersch is a vocal critic of the gig economy. He believes that the gig economy often leads to poor working conditions for workers, and he has called for better regulation of the gig economy.
- Low wages and lack of benefits
Gig economy workers often earn low wages and do not have access to benefits such as health insurance or paid time off. This is because gig economy companies classify their workers as independent contractors, which allows them to avoid paying these costs.
- Lack of job security
Gig economy workers do not have job security. They can be deactivated from platforms at any time, without notice or explanation. This can make it difficult for gig economy workers to plan for the future.
- Lack of worker protections
Gig economy workers are not covered by many of the same worker protections as traditional employees. This means that they may not be eligible for unemployment benefits or workers' compensation if they are injured on the job.
- Negative impact on society
The gig economy can have a negative impact on society. For example, low wages and lack of benefits can lead to poverty and homelessness. Additionally, the lack of job security can make it difficult for gig economy workers to raise families and participate in their communities.
Giersch's criticism of the gig economy is important because it raises awareness of the challenges facing gig economy workers. He is calling for better regulation of the gig economy so that gig economy workers can have decent working conditions and fair pay.
FAQs about Daniel Giersch
This section addresses commonly asked questions about Daniel Giersch, a German entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding and leading the ride-hailing company FREE NOW. The FAQs aim to provide concise and informative answers to clarify any misconceptions or doubts.
Question 1: What is Daniel Giersch's role in FREE NOW?
Daniel Giersch is the co-founder and CEO of FREE NOW, one of the leading ride-hailing companies in Europe. He played a key role in the company's founding and growth, and he continues to lead its strategic direction.
Question 2: What is Giersch's involvement in the startup ecosystem?
Giersch is an active investor and advisor to several startups. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs to build successful businesses, and he has a track record of success in doing so. Giersch's investments and advice have helped to launch and grow a number of successful startups, including FREE NOW, Wunder Mobility, and Omio.
Question 3: How does Giersch contribute to policy-making?
Giersch is a board member of the German Startups Association, an organization that represents the interests of startups in Germany. He is a strong advocate for startups and has been involved in the German startup ecosystem for many years. Giersch's role as a board member allows him to have a direct impact on the policies and initiatives that affect startups in Germany.
Question 4: What is Giersch's role in shaping the future of mobility?
Giersch is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Mobility, a group of experts from industry, academia, and government who are tasked with shaping the future of mobility. Giersch's membership on this council allows him to have a direct impact on the policies and initiatives that will shape the future of transportation.
Question 5: What is Giersch's stance on the sharing economy?
Giersch is a strong advocate for the sharing economy. He believes that the sharing economy has the potential to make the world a more sustainable, equitable, and connected place. Giersch has been involved in the sharing economy for many years, and he has seen firsthand the positive impact it can have on people's lives.
Question 6: What are Giersch's concerns about the gig economy?
Giersch is a vocal critic of the gig economy. He believes that the gig economy often leads to poor working conditions for workers, and he has called for better regulation of the gig economy.
In conclusion, Daniel Giersch is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for startups and the sharing economy. His work has had a positive impact on the German startup ecosystem and on the future of mobility. Giersch is a thought leader who is committed to making the world a better place.
Moving on to the next section of the article, we will delve deeper into Giersch's contributions to the mobility industry.
Conclusion
Daniel Giersch is a visionary entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for the sharing economy. His work has had a profound impact on the mobility industry, and he is widely recognized as a thought leader in the field. Giersch's commitment to sustainability, equity, and innovation is inspiring, and his work is helping to shape the future of transportation.
As the mobility industry continues to evolve, Giersch's voice will continue to be an important one. He is a strong advocate for policies that support sustainable and equitable mobility, and he is dedicated to helping startups succeed. Giersch's work is making a positive impact on the world, and he is sure to continue to be a force for good in the years to come.
