A successful company needs a dedicated founding team. We had the opportunity to ask Gregor Stadelmann, Co-founder and CEO of i2 group, a couple of questions.
He openly shares insights on his personal growth and emotional journey as an entrepreneur, and the valuable lessons he has learnt along the way.
Tell us more about who you are and your background.
My name is Gregor Stadelmann. I grew up in Tägerig, a small village about 40 kilometers outside of Zurich. Being the grandchildren of farmers, my aunts and my mother were fortunate enough to receive plots of land from our grandparents to build their houses. Hard work and entrepreneurial thinking were also part of our lives from early on. Consequently, I had the privilege of growing up in a close-knit and sizable extended family, which ensured that there was never a moment of boredom.
During the summer and autumn seasons, I was assigned tasks in the fields, while weekends in winter were dedicated to engage in logging activities in the forest. Since I was doing this work for the family, I didn't get paid for it. So, I then set up several side businesses to earn some money.
What motivated you to embark on your private debt journey?
Marco Müller (Co-founder and Head of Strategy and Business development of i2 group) and I were working at The Corporate Finance Group (TCFG) at the time and occasionally received bonuses for successfully executed transactions. In search of a profitable investment avenue with relatively low risk, we became intrigued by the private debt/alternative credit sector.
In order to streamline our operations and minimize administrative tasks, we initially developed the i2 software for our personal use. Surprisingly, we received interest from individuals who were intrigued by our software solution. This marked the beginning of i2's journey.
Could you please share a few quotes that have guided you throughout your journey and that you truly believe have depth and information in them?
I think, I have two favourite quotes:
Let's cross that bridge when we get there.
Never underestimate how wrong you can be.
Many people tend to over-analyse and prepare for every scenario that could happen. Consequently, they become caught up in endless calculations and planning, never actually taking action.
I am convinced that it is better to start fast and get feedback from the market quickly. After that, you can always adjust or drop your idea.
At the same time, you have to be aware that you often fall in love with your own ideas. When you have been bouncing ideas around for days, you want them to be right. This can be a trap.
I think my first favourite quote often gets me going, and the second ensures that I don't run into the wrong direction for too long.
What did you do before starting the i2 Group?
I was working for TCFG, which is the leading mergers & acquisitions specialist in the mid-market segment in Switzerland. TCFG originated as a spin-off of EY and gained independence in 2000. Their offices are located in Geneva, Bern, and Zurich, and I worked specifically at their Zurich branch.
I had the pleasure of working with many entrepreneurs and helped to sell their companies. The process of selling a company is filled with ups and downs, resembling a roller coaster ride.
In my role, I engaged in a variety of tasks, including analytical work, presentations, and participation in management meetings. For anyone who is interested in M&A, I consider TCFG to be the ideal company to work for. I still meet with my former boss for lunch at regular intervals.
What aspects of your job are most exciting to you?
Witnessing the exceptional performance of my team is an incomparable experience. Whether it is witnessing the successful completion of a crucial IT project by the IT team or achieving a long-awaited sales lead closure, these moments are truly gratifying.
Moreover, I am really happy that our founder’s team, consisting of Dominik Hertig, Marco Müller, Markus Benz, and myself, remains intact. I have known them for quite some time because we went to school together. We share similar values but we have different character traits and strengths. Moreover, Dominik's expertise as a lawyer, Markus' proficiency in IT, and Marco's and my background in Banking and Finance create a highly advantageous blend.
What is the most valuable professional advice you have ever been given?
The biggest learning effect for me was always when I got to work with a high-performing team. So my time at TCFG was certainly great. From my point of view, learning by doing is how you learn new things best.
One of my most important mentors was Chris S. Bödtker. He had built Akina and sold it successfully to Unigestion. Sadly, he passed away in 2021. Before that, we had weekly exchanges. I think I am still learning from him today. Now, I find some of the advice and input he provided to be more meaningful and relevant than when I initially received it. This is because our company, i2, has undergone significant growth and development, and it has become evident that he had foreseen and anticipated these changes.
Mike Hobmeier is also great to talk to when I have questions. He has decades of experience that is invaluable.
What do you want for your professional future and i2 group?
I highly value the time I spend at work, especially when it brings me joy. It is a fantastic combination that I believe leads to greater success and the ability to make a significant impact with the work I produce. Personally, my goal is to ensure high customer satisfaction and provide them with added value. Additionally, I strive to work with a team that not only delivers exceptional performance but also finds happiness in their work. The team spirit means a lot and you can truly feel when everyone feels like being in the same boat and working together towards one shared goal.
Looking ahead, the future of the i2 group is very important to me. We are continuously working to enhance our product to meet the evolving needs of our users. We firmly believe that quality outweighs quantity, especially in our niche market, which is why we are constantly researching and improving our solutions. As part of our efforts, we have recently introduced a specialized solution designed specifically for impact finance asset managers. This solution addresses their unique challenges and caters to their requirements in this industry.
In addition, we currently see great potential in the Swiss market. The credit market in Switzerland is changing due to the disappearance of Credit Suisse. This opens up further attractive niches for alternative lenders. Furthermore, the resilience of the Swiss market is reinforced by the defensive nature of the Swiss economy.
