Amari Groß, originally from Cologne and now based in Berlin, co-founded Goldie Tech, aiming to innovate the access to and ownership of physical gold. After a successful soccer career, he launched his first startup, Amparra, in the sharing economy in 2014. With diverse entrepreneurial experiences spanning sharing economy, additive manufacturing, and FinTech, Amari leads Goldie Tech’s mission. Leveraging innovative technology and supply chain optimization, the startup ensures flexible and affordable gold ownership.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Amari shared his professional trajectory, what sets Goldie Tech apart from other market competitors, insights on the impact of AI on fintech, significant career milestone, his favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Amari, could you please share your background and areas of interest?
My background essentially spans two chapters. In the first, starting at the age of 15, I pursued a career in football with great determination, ultimately achieving success. This period was particularly formative for a young individual, teaching me values such as perseverance, hard work, teamwork, as well as addressing profound questions like how to navigate space amid rapid developments and where to find one’s essence, and how to nurture it. Fortunately, these are aspects that I had the privilege of deeply exploring.
In the second chapter, spanning the past ten years and serving as a natural progression from my path, I immersed myself in the startup universe. This journey allowed me to delve into all relevant areas for me, including business development, sales, and marketing. Across various industries, from 3D printing to e-commerce, sharing economy, tech, and now fintech. My primary areas of interest revolve around technology, innovation and the human aspect.
What was the inspiration behind establishing Goldie Tech? What sets it apart from other market competitors?
The inspiration for founding Goldie Tech arose from the recognition that technology can help solve some of the existing issues in banking and wealth preservation. Our approach differs a bit from the one of our peers as we took the time to re-think and re-design the traditional ways of doing business in our industry.
However, that is just a fragment. The other two major ingredients stem from the minds of my co-founders, Patrick Zimmermann and Marcel Schilling. Patrick draws on a long career in banking and has a lot of experience in that field. Marcel’s talent lies in understanding how the new solutions and ideas can be translated into technical requirements that can be implemented in the real world.
In your opinion, how has fintech changed the global financial industry? And what is the impact of AI on fintech?
In my opinion, Fintech has brought about significant changes in the global financial industry. It has introduced innovative solutions to enhance access to financial services, improve efficiency, and foster customer-friendliness. The advent of digital payment methods, peer-to-peer financing, and automated investment strategies are examples of transformative developments. The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Fintech is particularly noteworthy. AI facilitates advanced data analysis, risk management, personalized customer care, and automated decision making. Through machine learning, Fintech can make more accurate predictions and offer tailored financial solutions. This contributes to increased efficiency while simultaneously conducting a more precise risk assessment. In summary, the integration of AI has propelled the Fintech industry further towards innovation and effectiveness.
What are the top qualities or skills you believe entrepreneurs need in order to be successful?
I believe it is essential to know precisely what one’s strengths are and to have faith in them. This should be followed by the willingness to adapt to changing market conditions and respond flexibly to new challenges. Perseverance, self-reflection and, last but not least, a positive mindset.
If you could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous who is alive, who would it be and why?
I am passionate about science fiction and it would be an immense pleasure for me to have a conversation with the director Ridley Scott. I am keen to delve into his unique perspectives on the intricate tapestry of our world and the profound implications they hold for humanity.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
Sport and dancing for a healthy mind. Taking vacations for resilience. With the team, it’s crucial to celebrate shared successes and listen attentively. Equally important is fair compensation.
What is your favourite quote?
Oscar Wilde: “Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.”
What is one accomplishment you’re proud of?
I am proud of how far we have come with Goldie Tech in the time we’ve had so far. For many, it may seem hard to imagine, but when it comes to gold and banks, the journey is often long, at time tedious and fraught with many surprises.
What drives you? How do you measure personal success?
The prospect of coffee in the morning & night and the unwavering belief that chocolate is a legitimate stress management tool!
What do you think 2024 will have in store for you and Goldie Tech?
Well, Goldie Tech is developing well and growing. It took some time to mature the various processes, the tech underlying it and the relationships with our major partners and banks. This year we aim to build on that ecosystem and focus on accelerated growth.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out in the tech industry?
Alright, for those venturing into the exciting world of technology, I have some savvy advice. Firstly: Be ready to adapt to changes, because in the tech industry, nothing is constant except change itself. Secondly: Network like a pro – the right contacts can open doors you couldn’t even imagine. And last but not least: Keep your vision in sight, but be ready to adjust your course as new opportunities arise. In the tech industry, flexibility is the key to success.