Top Talent like Markus are on Pangea

Pangea, a YC company, connects companies with fractional talent. Fractional hiring allows companies to move faster and work with more specialized talent, while giving talent more flexibility and independence. If you are talent open to fractional work, apply here. If you’re a company looking for high-quality fractional talent, learn more here.

Markus Stolzenburg

Full-stack Engineer
Wesel, NRW, DE
Design Thinking
Supabase
UX
Product Strategy
Next.js
Stripe
TypeScript
Available for hire fromNegotiable
Founder & AI-First SaaS Builder | 0-to-1 Product & Digital Transformation (15+ Years)
Founder and product builder / 0-to-1 operator with 15+ years of shipping in banks (at scale) and solo ventures. Identifies gaps, defines the play, and moves first without waiting for others to define the box. Most recently built two AI-first SaaS products end-to-end as a solo founder (each live in under eight weeks). Previously led digital programmes across 1,200+ employees and €190bn AuM, and acquired 20+ banks for an Open Banking platform after securing €600k board investment without a strategic mandate. Master’s in Cognitive Sciences & Media Studies (GPA 1.2). Relocating from Germany to Portugal in October 2026.

Projects

Careertopia

B2B2C Career Intelligence SaaS for DACH tech recruiting: empty repo to live product with paying pilot partner in 7 weeks. Multi-tenant, GDPR-compliant, EU-hosted AI (Azure OpenAI Sweden Central). Stack: Next.js 14, TypeScript, Supabase, tRPC, Stripe.See More

MethodStrength

Adaptive AI strength-training app for adults 40+: 8 weeks to live product with freemium, 220+ SEO-indexed pages, bilingual DE/EN, offline-first PWA. 77% AI token reduction via prompt architecture. Stack: Next.js, Claude API, Dexie.js, Supabase, Stripe.See More

Quizubi

Co-Founder (2018 – 2019). Platform matching high-school students with apprenticeship opportunities. Selected for startport incubator (Duisburg Port).See More

kobos

Co-Founder (2014 – 2015). University of Duisburg-Essen spin-off; novel survey methodology; multiple startup competition finals.

Work History

S

Founder & Managing Director

Stolzenburg Ventures UGSolo-built two AI-first SaaS products, end-to-end (strategy, UX, full-stack, AI architecture, go-to-market). Portfolio of consulting and advisory engagements for owner-led companies on digital transformation and AI-driven product development. • Careertopia — B2B2C Career Intelligence SaaS for DACH tech recruiting: empty repo to live product with paying pilot partner in 7 weeks. Multi-tenant, GDPR-compliant, EU-hosted AI (Azure OpenAI Sweden Central). Stack: Next.js 14, TypeScript, Supabase, tRPC, Stripe. • MethodStrength — Adaptive AI strength-training app for adults 40+: 8 weeks to live product with freemium, 220+ SEO-indexed pages, bilingual DE/EN, offline-first PWA. 77% AI token reduction via prompt architecture. Stack: Next.js, Claude API, Dexie.js, Supabase, Stripe.
F

Head of Digital Solutions & Projects

FOM University of Applied Sciences (BCW Group)Jul 2022 - Jul 2025 • 3 yrs 1 moLed the Digital Solutions business unit (software engineering, product & project management, data solutions) for Germany’s largest private university. • Scaled division 15 → 45 IT professionals in 18 months — secured board approval for 30 additional roles that others had declared “organisationally impossible.” • Initiated and led the AI & process automation program across the group. • Introduced user-centred product and innovation processes across digital platforms for students, faculty and partner organisations.
H

Head of Digital Client Experience & Digital Transformation

Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe Privatbank AGJan 2022 - Jun 2022 • 6 mosLed digital roadmap across Asset Management, Asset Servicing, Investment Banking, and Private & Corporate Banking at the merged entity (Hauck & Aufhäuser + Bankhaus Lampe). • Digital transformation programme for an organisation of 1,200+ employees; six direct reports. • Client experience optimisation across 15,000+ clients and €190 bn AuM.
B

Lead Digital Office

Bankhaus Lampe KGSep 2019 - Dec 2021 • 2 yrs 4 mosBuilt and led the bank’s Digital Office from scratch; direct reporting line to the executive board; coach and sparring partner to C-suite and senior management on digital strategy. • Shrunk client onboarding process from 3 weeks to 2 days. • Launched a digital marketplace for exclusive real assets — idea to go-live in 90 days; placed €400 m in assets within 12 months. • Ran 18+ rolling projects (3–10 people each) with full budget responsibility. • Developed a scalable product strategy for a client segment with €650 m AuM; validated via continuous client feedback loops. • Introduced agile, user-centred practices (Design Thinking, Scrum, Kanban) across the organisation.
B

Product Manager eBanking / Innovation

Bank-Verlag GmbHDec 2015 - Aug 2019 • 3 yrs 9 mosProduct management at the largest IT service provider of the German Banking Association (Bundesverband deutscher Banken). • Without strategic mandate, secured €600k board-level investment for an Open Banking platform (PSD2/XS2A) — after my manager and two department heads had declined. Platform went live, broke even in 12 months, acquired 20+ banks and 3 million online customers. • Led redesign of a core online banking platform for 30 banks / 1.5 m customers; customer interactions +50%. • Led corporate startup initiative (mobility platform) — first customers, team build-out, and P&L from zero.
V

Multiple roles: Team Lead Electronic Banking; Head of Campaign Management; Freelance Web & Mobile Developer; Research Assistant

Verbands-Sparkasse Wesel (Freelance / University roles listed separately in the resume timeframe)Jan 2005 - Dec 2015 • 11 yrs• Head of Campaign Management, Verbands-Sparkasse Wesel (2008–2009): built campaign management function for 225 sales reps; set up outbound call centre. • Freelance Web & Mobile Developer (2014–2015): native iOS (Objective-C, Swift) and web projects for agencies and startups. • Team Lead Electronic Banking, Verbands-Sparkasse Wesel (2005–2008): 4 direct reports; merchant acquiring and corporate banking products. • Research Assistant, University of Duisburg-Essen (2012–2014): HCI research on multi-screen interaction concepts (Smartphone / Tablet / SmartTV).

Education

U

University of Duisburg-Essen

M.Sc., Applied Cognitive Sciences & Media Studies2012 - 2014
U

University of Duisburg-Essen

B.Sc., Applied Cognitive Sciences & Media Studies2009 - 2012

Similar Pangeans

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Backend Engineering • Full-Stack Development • AI & Machine Learning • 20 years of exp. • Bucharest, Bucharest, RO

How Pangea Works

Effortlessly discover top talent

We've distilled the candidate search from endless hours down to just a few minutes. Using Pangea's AI-powered search tools, you can find top fractional talent able to take on your next project. Our system looks at your company's niche and your needs to find the perfect match faster than any traditional hiring platform.

Start working with talent today

The top talent on Pangea is ready to get started with you right now. You can message or hire a candidate right from their profile page and start assigning work as soon as they respond. And the best part? Pangea's fractional contract structure lets you start small and ramp up as your needs change, keeping your costs manageable and your team's capabliities flexible.

Track work and invoices in one place

Assign tasks, track progress, and complete invoices all on Pangea. We've combined every part of the hiring process into one platform to eliminate the miscommunication that's unavoidable on other freelance platforms. We even send out 1099s to your contractors at the end of the year!

Talk with a Talent Expert

Members of our team are available to help you speed through the hiring process.
Available Now
Book a Call
Founder & AI-First SaaS Builder | 0-to-1 Product & Digital Transformation (15+ Years)
Founder and product builder / 0-to-1 operator with 15+ years of shipping in banks (at scale) and solo ventures. Identifies gaps, defines the play, and moves first without waiting for others to define the box. Most recently built two AI-first SaaS products end-to-end as a solo founder (each live in under eight weeks). Previously led digital programmes across 1,200+ employees and €190bn AuM, and acquired 20+ banks for an Open Banking platform after securing €600k board investment without a strategic mandate. Master’s in Cognitive Sciences & Media Studies (GPA 1.2). Relocating from Germany to Portugal in October 2026.

Talk with a Talent Expert

Members of our team are available to help you speed through the hiring process.
Available Now
Book a Call

Similar Pangeans

Alison Grippo

AI-Native Product Leader & Venture Builder | Founding Product Lead | 15+ Years Shipping
Product Management • 15 years of exp. • Los Angeles, CA, US

Duff Archie

Product Manager & UX Designer with a passion for designing and launching products through User-Centric Design and Iterative Development
Product Management • Growth Product Management • UX Design • 6 years of exp. • Washington, DC, US

Michał Gaździk

Fractional AI consultant & automation builder | 10+ yrs product, ex-COO | n8n, RAG, agents | I help SMBs adopt AI without breaking what works.
Operations Management • Product Management • AI & Machine Learning • 15 years of exp. • Wrocław, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, PL

Sebastian Petrescu

Fractional CTO & Architect · End-to-end builder · 30 years across telecom, hardware, SaaS, AI
Backend Engineering • Full-Stack Development • AI & Machine Learning • 20 years of exp. • Bucharest, Bucharest, RO

Top Talent like Markus are on Pangea

Pangea, a YC company, connects companies with fractional talent. Fractional hiring allows companies to move faster and work with more specialized talent, while giving talent more flexibility and independence. If you are talent open to fractional work, apply here. If you’re a company looking for high-quality fractional talent, learn more here.

Markus Stolzenburg

Full-stack Engineer
Wesel, NRW, DE
Design Thinking
Supabase
UX
Product Strategy
Next.js
Stripe
TypeScript
Available for hire fromNegotiable

Projects

Careertopia

B2B2C Career Intelligence SaaS for DACH tech recruiting: empty repo to live product with paying pilot partner in 7 weeks. Multi-tenant, GDPR-compliant, EU-hosted AI (Azure OpenAI Sweden Central). Stack: Next.js 14, TypeScript, Supabase, tRPC, Stripe.

MethodStrength

Adaptive AI strength-training app for adults 40+: 8 weeks to live product with freemium, 220+ SEO-indexed pages, bilingual DE/EN, offline-first PWA. 77% AI token reduction via prompt architecture. Stack: Next.js, Claude API, Dexie.js, Supabase, Stripe.

Quizubi

Co-Founder (2018 – 2019). Platform matching high-school students with apprenticeship opportunities. Selected for startport incubator (Duisburg Port).

kobos

Co-Founder (2014 – 2015). University of Duisburg-Essen spin-off; novel survey methodology; multiple startup competition finals.

Work History

S

Founder & Managing Director

Stolzenburg Ventures UGSolo-built two AI-first SaaS products, end-to-end (strategy, UX, full-stack, AI architecture, go-to-market). Portfolio of consulting and advisory engagements for owner-led companies on digital transformation and AI-driven product development. • Careertopia — B2B2C Career Intelligence SaaS for DACH tech recruiting: empty repo to live product with paying pilot partner in 7 weeks. Multi-tenant, GDPR-compliant, EU-hosted AI (Azure OpenAI Sweden Central). Stack: Next.js 14, TypeScript, Supabase, tRPC, Stripe. • MethodStrength — Adaptive AI strength-training app for adults 40+: 8 weeks to live product with freemium, 220+ SEO-indexed pages, bilingual DE/EN, offline-first PWA. 77% AI token reduction via prompt architecture. Stack: Next.js, Claude API, Dexie.js, Supabase, Stripe.
F

Head of Digital Solutions & Projects

FOM University of Applied Sciences (BCW Group)Jul 2022 - Jul 2025 • 3 yrs 1 moLed the Digital Solutions business unit (software engineering, product & project management, data solutions) for Germany’s largest private university. • Scaled division 15 → 45 IT professionals in 18 months — secured board approval for 30 additional roles that others had declared “organisationally impossible.” • Initiated and led the AI & process automation program across the group. • Introduced user-centred product and innovation processes across digital platforms for students, faculty and partner organisations.
H

Head of Digital Client Experience & Digital Transformation

Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe Privatbank AGJan 2022 - Jun 2022 • 6 mosLed digital roadmap across Asset Management, Asset Servicing, Investment Banking, and Private & Corporate Banking at the merged entity (Hauck & Aufhäuser + Bankhaus Lampe). • Digital transformation programme for an organisation of 1,200+ employees; six direct reports. • Client experience optimisation across 15,000+ clients and €190 bn AuM.
B

Lead Digital Office

Bankhaus Lampe KGSep 2019 - Dec 2021 • 2 yrs 4 mosBuilt and led the bank’s Digital Office from scratch; direct reporting line to the executive board; coach and sparring partner to C-suite and senior management on digital strategy. • Shrunk client onboarding process from 3 weeks to 2 days. • Launched a digital marketplace for exclusive real assets — idea to go-live in 90 days; placed €400 m in assets within 12 months. • Ran 18+ rolling projects (3–10 people each) with full budget responsibility. • Developed a scalable product strategy for a client segment with €650 m AuM; validated via continuous client feedback loops. • Introduced agile, user-centred practices (Design Thinking, Scrum, Kanban) across the organisation.
B

Product Manager eBanking / Innovation

Bank-Verlag GmbHDec 2015 - Aug 2019 • 3 yrs 9 mosProduct management at the largest IT service provider of the German Banking Association (Bundesverband deutscher Banken). • Without strategic mandate, secured €600k board-level investment for an Open Banking platform (PSD2/XS2A) — after my manager and two department heads had declined. Platform went live, broke even in 12 months, acquired 20+ banks and 3 million online customers. • Led redesign of a core online banking platform for 30 banks / 1.5 m customers; customer interactions +50%. • Led corporate startup initiative (mobility platform) — first customers, team build-out, and P&L from zero.
V

Multiple roles: Team Lead Electronic Banking; Head of Campaign Management; Freelance Web & Mobile Developer; Research Assistant

Verbands-Sparkasse Wesel (Freelance / University roles listed separately in the resume timeframe)Jan 2005 - Dec 2015 • 11 yrs• Head of Campaign Management, Verbands-Sparkasse Wesel (2008–2009): built campaign management function for 225 sales reps; set up outbound call centre. • Freelance Web & Mobile Developer (2014–2015): native iOS (Objective-C, Swift) and web projects for agencies and startups. • Team Lead Electronic Banking, Verbands-Sparkasse Wesel (2005–2008): 4 direct reports; merchant acquiring and corporate banking products. • Research Assistant, University of Duisburg-Essen (2012–2014): HCI research on multi-screen interaction concepts (Smartphone / Tablet / SmartTV).

Education

U

University of Duisburg-Essen

M.Sc., Applied Cognitive Sciences & Media Studies2012 - 2014
U

University of Duisburg-Essen

B.Sc., Applied Cognitive Sciences & Media Studies2009 - 2012

How Pangea Works

Effortlessly discover top talent

We've distilled the candidate search from endless hours down to just a few minutes. Using Pangea's AI-powered search tools, you can find top fractional talent able to take on your next project. Our system looks at your company's niche and your needs to find the perfect match faster than any traditional hiring platform.

Start working with talent today

The top talent on Pangea is ready to get started with you right now. You can message or hire a candidate right from their profile page and start assigning work as soon as they respond. And the best part? Pangea's fractional contract structure lets you start small and ramp up as your needs change, keeping your costs manageable and your team's capabliities flexible.

Track work and invoices in one place

Assign tasks, track progress, and complete invoices all on Pangea. We've combined every part of the hiring process into one platform to eliminate the miscommunication that's unavoidable on other freelance platforms. We even send out 1099s to your contractors at the end of the year!

Talk with a Talent Expert

Members of our team are available to help you speed through the hiring process.
Available Now
Book a Call
Pangea empowers fractional work across the world for marketing and design roles.