Felix Römer, born on June 28, 1994, is a German serial entrepreneur, investor, and data strategist with a remarkable track record in investing, AI, and sports analytics. Römer’s career path is characterized by his active involvement in the companies he supports, where he applies his deep analytical skills to drive growth and achieve successful business exits. Beginning his career in the realm of in-game economies, he honed his expertise in market dynamics and pricing strategies, which he later leveraged to make data-driven investment decisions. Felix Römer is also known for his role in Short Circuit Science, where he contributed to using AI and computer vision to enhance sports performance, particularly in professional soccer. This interview delves into Römer’s insights, strategies, and personal journey as a leader in various fields.
How do you balance your work in multiple industries and still maintain focus on key priorities?
I work in industries I’m genuinely curious about, that keeps me engaged. From there, it’s just structure: each sector has clear KPIs and a team I trust to own them. My job is to make sure the vision stays consistent, the metrics are moving in the right direction, and I spend my time where it creates the most long-term value. If it doesn’t excite me, it doesn’t stay on my plate.
Can you share a lesson you’ve learned from a failure or setback that shaped your approach to business?
Early on, I chased too many opportunities at once because they all looked promising. I learned the hard way that scattered focus kills execution. Now, I only scale what’s already proving traction, and I cut losses fast.
What role does innovation play in your ventures, and how do you foster it within your teams?
Innovation is the spark that keeps a business alive. I see it as a mix of curiosity and discipline, the freedom to try something new, paired with the clarity to know when it’s worth pursuing. In my teams, I push for open debate, quick experiments, and cross-industry ideas colliding. Some of our best breakthroughs came from someone asking a ‘what if?’ that had nothing to do with the day’s agenda.
How do you stay informed about trends and developments in the sectors you invest in?
I surround myself with friends who are deeply involved in the same sectors. We talk constantly — ideas, trends, problems to solve. When you’re genuinely passionate, staying ahead isn’t work, it’s just part of the conversation.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward even when projects face uncertainty?
I’ve learned that the biggest wins usually start in the messiest, most uncertain moments. That’s where you find the gaps no one else is seeing. I’ve lived through enough ‘this will never work’ moments to know some of them turn into the best stories later. These experiences have shaped the way I approach challenges today—I try to keep a positive attitude, knowing most problems are short-lived. With the right team and focus, solutions almost always find their way to the surface.
How do you measure success beyond financial results?
Money keeps the lights on, but it’s not the only scoreboard. I look at whether the work still excites me, if the people around me are growing, and if what we’re building actually matters to the people using it. For me, money has never been the main goal in any venture—I’ve always been more focused on the journey, because that’s where my passion is. I’ve found that money comes naturally when you do the right things. Real success is loving what you do. If I can look back and see that we created something lasting and had fun doing it, that’s success to me.
Are there mentors or figures who have significantly influenced your career path?
Warren Buffett’s been a big influence, not just in how he invests, but in how patient he is and how comfortable he is saying no to most things. That mindset really stuck with me. I’ve also learned a ton from friends and peers working in the same spaces. It’s that mix of timeless advice and day-to-day lessons that’s shaped how I work.
How do you handle risk in your investments, and what strategies do you use to mitigate it?
I take risks where I understand the downside. If I can’t get a clear picture of what happens if it goes wrong, I’m not interested. I spread bets across industries I know well and move fast when something works. That said, if something feels right and my gut won’t let it go, I’ll still back it as some of my best moves have started that way.
Outside of business, what personal passions or interests drive and inspire you?
I’m big on strength training and keeping healthy, it clears my head and keeps my energy up. Lately, pickleball’s been a huge one for me. I play as much as I can and even jump into tournaments when the schedule allows.
Römer’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, discipline, and strategic innovation across multiple sectors. His insights into balancing work, learning from setbacks, fostering innovation, and measuring success highlight his multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship and investment.
What are some of the most rewarding projects you have worked on, and why did they stand out?
There are quite a few, but one of the standout projects was with Short Circuit Science. It was rewarding because we took AI and computer vision technologies into an area—sports—that’s deeply human. Watching our data insights translate into real-world performance improvements for athletes was incredibly fulfilling. It was a fusion of technology and human potential, which is something I care deeply about.
How do your experiences in in-game economies influence your current investment strategies?
The Runescape economy work taught me to recognize patterns and inefficiencies in seemingly chaotic systems. Applying those lessons to real-world markets, particularly in investments, means I look for non-obvious opportunities and understand the nuances of market dynamics. It gave me a solid foundation in valuing digital assets and understanding consumer behavior at scale.
Could you share your vision for the future in terms of business innovation and technology?
I see the future of business innovation as deeply intertwined with AI and data analytics. The potential for these technologies to transform industries—from finance to sports to healthcare—is massive. My vision includes harnessing these tools not only to drive profitability but also to solve human-centric challenges. I hope to play a role in shaping how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into various sectors.
How do you integrate sustainability into your business practices, if at all?
Sustainability is crucial, and it’s increasingly a metric of success. In businesses I’m involved with, we aim to ensure our growth doesn’t come at the expense of societal or environmental well-being. This might mean investing in technologies that reduce waste, or restructuring companies to operate more efficiently without depleting resources. It’s about long-term thinking over short-term gains.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into diverse fields?
My advice would be to stay curious and be willing to pivot. Don’t shy away from fields that are vastly different from what you know—often those are where the most innovative ideas come from. Build a solid analytical foundation, and don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions, as sometimes they lead to monumental breakthroughs.
How do you evaluate the impact of your work on the people and communities involved?
Impact is a multi-layered metric for me. I look at the ripple effects of what we do: Are we creating jobs? Are we solving actual problems? Are we doing something that people will remember positively? I also gauge how our initiatives foster personal growth among team members and the wider community. That’s the true test of impact.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next decade?
For the next decade, my goals are to deepen the integration of AI within industries I’m passionate about, like sports analytics and financial technology. I want to continue nurturing cross-industry innovations and to support ventures that promise both economic returns and societal benefits. The aim is to help create systems that are more efficient yet empathetic, where technology serves people and not the other way around.
Felix Römer‘s insights reflect a strategic mix of innovation, ethical investment, and a commitment to community impact. As he continues to navigate and influence multiple industries, his focus remains on leveraging technology to address complex challenges while fostering sustainable growth.
