anvajo: Hello Andreas! Thank you very much for taking the time for this interview.
Andreas: Hello, I'm very happy to do so!
anvajo: First of all, we would like to congratulate you. We are all very happy to welcome you as our new CEO at anvajo. Would you like to briefly introduce yourself?
Andreas: Thank you, I am looking forward to it as well. I am originally from Hannover in northern Germany and spent my school years there. After graduating from high school, I studied in Kiel and Heidelberg, with part of my study time in the US.
Over the last 20-25 years, I have held various positions both at home and abroad, with extended stays in the US, UK, and Switzerland. Before joining anvajo, I was involved in various fields such as surgical robotics, neuronavigation, neurostimulation, and medical artificial intelligence.
Despite my many positions, I have kept my residence in Holzkirchen, Bavaria, since I moved here over 20 years ago. My family also lives here, and although my children no longer go to school, we enjoy remaining here as a family. At the same time, I am also really looking forward to coming to anvajo in Dresden, a city I have only ever experienced as a visitor. Dresden has a special charm for me
anvajo: That is a very interesting career path. How did you originally get into the MedTech sector?
Andreas: Originally, I wanted to study medicine and already had a place at university lined up. But during my compulsory national service in a hospital, I realized that I didn't want to spend my whole life in hospitals. That's why I decided to study physics because natural sciences have always fascinated me.
During my diploma and doctoral thesis at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in the field of medical physics, I specialized in imaging, especially magnetic resonance imaging. The combination of medicine and technology fascinated me. I deepened my knowledge with an additional degree in medical physics. Since then, this interface has been my passion. I am intrigued by connecting technical aspects with medical issues. The highlights of my career are moments when an idea becomes a product, and I can talk to patients about it.
One particularly impactful development was a device to treat epilepsy patients in Erlangen. Families shared how much their lives were changed by this device at patient conferences. Moments like that motivate me to work on technologies for the healthcare industry.
anvajo: We can understand that very well. We hope that we will soon be able to talk to our medical clients about similar experiences.
Andreas: That is something we will certainly do together soon. The demand in this area is enormous. It is such a fascinating field, and it is expanding all the time. Healthcare is a big topic and the opportunity to contribute to it is truly tremendous.
anvajo: Absolutely. Purpose plays a major role for us, and it's nice to hear that this is also true for you. Was there any specific reason why you decided to work here at anvajo?
Andreas: There were two aspects that convinced me. Firstly, I find it impressive that anvajo not only has an idea but has also already delivered the proof of concept. This makes it possible to enter a growth phase, which is extremely exciting and important in a company's development. This step is very crucial, and this is exactly where I have gained experience over the past 20 years with various companies.
The other important aspect was getting to know the team. I had conversations with Felix and Stefan, and they both made a huge impression on me. In every conversation, no matter with whom, I had the impression that there is a corporate culture and atmosphere at anvajo where I feel comfortable and can have fun and succeed. There is an openness and a great commitment that makes me confident that together we can achieve something great. That's what convinced me in the end.
anvajo: It is so encouraging to hear that about the team. I think that our technology and corporate culture are our strongest features as a company. It sounds like we are heading in the right direction.
Andreas: Yes, these are exactly the two aspects that make the difference. Many people have great ideas. Many can also throw things together, but as I said before: developing a marketable product from an idea is a strong achievement and a great challenge. And having a focused, competent, and motivated team makes all the difference.
anvajo: Excellent. Do you have a vision for your start in September or are there any goals you would like to achieve?
Andreas: My vision is to grow in all areas and to position anvajo as a key player - and above all to establish the application in human medicine. I would like to strengthen our market presence in order to give all people, especially in underdeveloped regions, the opportunity to benefit from decentralized, innovative medicine. That is what I want to achieve. That's where we want to get to, and I am confident that we are already very close to that goal. And I think that I can contribute something valuable to the development and implementation of ideas because I have already experienced very similar processes.
anvajo: That sounds very promising. Are there any particular tasks you are looking forward to in the coming months?
Andreas: Yes, absolutely. I am looking forward to getting to know the team better and defining goals together. I want to understand where everyone stands and how I can help achieve - and maybe even surpass - those goals. We have a lot of potential, so I think we should also consider what goals we want to set for the coming year.
I plan to take plenty of time for this process because I will have a lot to learn. I will not simply be able to come in and have a solution for everything. However, I will try to contribute my skills and experience so that together we can find the solutions we need to achieve our goals.
anvajo: So, you're looking forward to the teamwork. That's really lovely to hear because we're all looking forward to taking you with us on our journey. Is there anything you like to do when you need some peace? Do you have any special hobbies?
Andreas: I love being out in nature. I am passionate about motorcycling and the lake Tegernsee, which I discovered here, is perfect for excursions and sailing. I like to go hiking, especially in the mountains. Above all, spending time with my family, and my children means a lot to me. Two years ago, I hiked across the Alps to Italy with my daughter. We also went sailing together in different countries. These are some of the things I like to do. Being alone for hours in nature allows me to recharge my battery and find some peace for myself.
anvajo: That sounds great! Thanks again for taking the time to do this interview and we are really looking forward to you becoming part of the team.
Stefan Fraedrich (CTO) and Andreas Hartlep (CEO) in the anvajo office.
