Valentin Stalf
Co-Founder & CEO
N26
About Me
Valentin Stalf is the CEO and Co-Founder of N26, Europe’s leading digital bank. Having founded the company in 2013, he leads its team of 1,500 highly skilled professionals from more than 80 nationalities. N26 operates office hubs in Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, Vienna and other European cities.
Under Valentin’s leadership, N26 launched a first-of-its-kind, seamless, customer-friendly digital banking experience in 2015. In 2016, it became the first 100% mobile bank with pan-European operations to receive and operate with a full German banking license.
Today, N26 is the market leading digital bank in Europe and offers a current account with a simple and secure platform for all financial needs, including saving, investing, and lending. Processing over 130 billion EUR in transaction volume per year, the company enables millions of customers across 24 European markets to improve their financial wellbeing, while protecting their finances using state-of-the-art technology.
Hear My Insights
Founder’s Story: “Going Global: Strategies for European Expansion
Breaking into the European market is more than just expanding your reach—it's about seizing new opportunities for growth in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Leveraging insights from local successes to understand and penetrate new markets can unlock immense potential. However, entering unfamiliar territories brings significant challenges: navigating financial requirements, overcoming legal hurdles, and adapting to cultural differences. Timing is crucial — knowing when to make the move can determine the success of your venture. How can businesses effectively establish themselves abroad? What strategies help surmount financial and legal obstacles? And how do you identify the best new market for your enterprise?