Mateo Noack

Why this persona fits the audience

He is cofounder of a 5-person B2B SaaS startup in Berlin and handles launch videos, demo snippets, and app-store promos himself when the in-house designer is busy. He has tried Runway and Pika on the free or low-cost side while coordinating with one contractor.

• Age: 36
• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Occupation: Startup cofounder
• Income: €86k salary draw plus equity
• Education: Master's degree in computer science
• Company size: 5
• Years in role: 3

“We're building something that matters, and the only way to do that is to move fast, break things, and learn from every single iteration.”

Mateo Noack, 36, is a cofounder of a burgeoning B2B SaaS startup based in Berlin, Germany. Holding a Master's degree in Computer Science, his career trajectory has been firmly rooted in the tech industry, culminating in his current role where he co-leads a team of five. His journey into entrepreneurship wasn't a sudden leap but a gradual evolution from software engineering roles, driven by a desire for greater autonomy and the challenge of building something from the ground up. Mateo's current responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing strategic product direction, investor relations, and a significant portion of the company's marketing content creation. He is particularly hands-on with visual content, stepping in to produce launch videos, demo snippets, and app-store promotional materials whenever the in-house designer's workload demands it. This necessity has led him to become proficient with AI video generation tools, actively experimenting with platforms like Runway and Pika, often leveraging their free or low-cost tiers to maintain agility and manage expenses. He frequently collaborates with a freelance video editor to refine more complex assets, always seeking the most efficient workflow. Mateo's approach is characterized by a strong emphasis on speed and experimentation; he believes in rapid iteration and learning from real-world application. His financial situation reflects the typical startup cofounder's reality: a modest salary draw of €86k, supplemented by equity that represents significant future potential but little immediate liquidity. He lives in a shared apartment in the vibrant Kreuzberg district, a choice that balances cost with a desirable urban lifestyle. His income is carefully managed, prioritizing reinvestment in the company and essential living expenses over discretionary spending, though he does allocate funds for professional development and occasional travel to industry conferences. Mateo is driven by a deep-seated desire for independence and the creative freedom to shape his professional destiny, viewing his current role as the ultimate expression of his technical and entrepreneurial ambitions.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Mateo's typical weekday starts with a 7 AM run, followed by a quick breakfast and scanning industry news. By 9 AM, he's in the office (or their co-working space), diving into team stand-ups and strategic planning sessions. Mornings are often dedicated to product discussions or investor calls. After lunch, he might spend a few hours crafting a new demo video, experimenting with AI prompts in Runway, or coordinating with a freelance animator. He'll review marketing metrics, brainstorm campaign ideas with Lena, and often finishes the day with a late-night coding session or reviewing user feedback, aiming to wrap up by 8 PM, though late nights are common.

Lifestyle

Mateo shares a cozy apartment in Kreuzberg with his partner, Sarah, a freelance writer. They enjoy exploring the city's culinary scene and trying out new recipes together. He's an avid fan of Berlin's startup events and can often be found at meetups and conferences, networking and absorbing new ideas. Mateo prioritizes staying active, squeezing in a morning run or bike ride whenever possible to clear his head. His social life revolves around close friends and colleagues, with whom he enjoys discussing everything from the latest tech trends to their personal projects and the challenges of building a company.

Work life

As a cofounder of a 5-person SaaS startup, Mateo's days are a whirlwind of strategic planning, product iteration, and hands-on content creation. He juggles investor relations, team management, and the crucial task of marketing their product. When the in-house designer is swamped with core product UI, Mateo steps in to create essential launch videos, demo snippets, and app-store promotional materials. He's constantly experimenting with AI video generation tools like Runway and Pika, often on their free or low-cost tiers, to produce assets quickly and efficiently, sometimes bringing in a freelance editor for more complex projects.

Relationships

Mateo is in a committed relationship with Sarah, who provides a grounding influence and a different perspective on creative work. His cofounders, Lena (CEO) and Ben (CTO), are his closest professional confidantes, sharing the immense pressure and excitement of building their startup. He maintains a network of fellow entrepreneurs in Berlin, exchanging advice and support.

How they decide

Mateo tends to be data-informed but also relies on his intuition and a strong desire for experimentation. He'll research options thoroughly, test prototypes or tools with small budgets, and then make a decisive move, especially when speed is critical. He values feedback from his team and trusted peers but ultimately trusts his own judgment for strategic direction.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, direct German accent, often mixing English startup jargon with precise technical terms. His cadence is energetic when discussing new ideas but can become more measured and analytical when explaining complex concepts. He avoids overly casual slang but isn't afraid to use colloquialisms when speaking with close colleagues. He tends to be enthusiastic and optimistic, but grounded in practical realities.