BWL Alumnus Malte Zander: From Lecture Hall to Digital Credential Pioneer
Malte Zander, a Business Administration graduate from the University of Mannheim, has made a name for himself in the world of digital credentials with the founding of his startup Virtualbadge. In a recent interview with Authority Magazine, he shared five key lessons he wishes he had known before becoming a founder.
The Road to Founding
Zander’s entrepreneurial spirit showed early on during his studies, when he sold jewelry and organized events. The idea for Virtualbadge was born in 2020 during his participation in the EUvsVirus hackathon organized by the European Commission. To recognize participants without a budget, he created digital certificates, which were shared over 5,000 times on LinkedIn—setting the foundation for what would later become Virtualbadge.
Five Lessons From a Founder
- Celebrate small wins
Instead of only chasing big milestones, Zander found motivation in the small steps—like landing the first paying customer or increasing website traffic. - Overcoming technical hurdles
Developing digital certificates proved more complex than anticipated, especially when trying to acquire the first 50 clients. - Resilience is key
The path to success wasn’t linear. Setbacks were part of the journey, and adapting to them was crucial for growth. - The importance of team spirit
Strong teamwork and regular open conversations helped the team navigate challenges. Their motto: “Take the work seriously, but not yourself.” - Customer feedback as a growth driver
Continually listening to and acting on customer feedback played a pivotal role in shaping the product and company.
Leading the European Market
Today, Virtualbadge is one of the leading platforms in Europe for digital certificates and open badges. It collaborates with major educational institutions and certification bodies and has seen annual growth rates between 100 and 200 percent.
Zander’s story offers valuable insights for Mannheim students interested in entrepreneurship. His experience highlights the importance of persistence, collaboration, and the ability to grow through adversity.
Read the full interview with Malte Zander here: Authority Magazine.