2025-Today
Situation
Founder-led digital product companies face questions around succession, scale, access to capabilities and AI-enabled transformation that are difficult to solve independently.
Role
Platform initiator and strategy lead (Fractional)
What I led
Platform thesis, operating model, financial logic, founder proposition, reporting architecture and investor narrative.
Outcome
Developed a defined platform strategy, economic model, governance concept and investment proposition. Formation and financing remain in progress.
2025-Today
Situation
A premium food concept needed to become a differentiated, scalable business across direct-to-consumer, retail, hospitality and B2B channels and secure the capital required for launch and growth.
Role
Strategic adviser and venture-building partner (Fractional)
What I led
Positioning, brand strategy, naming, identity, packaging, digital commerce, marketing and distribution, followed by the fundraising storyline, pitch deck and investor coaching.
Outcome
Built and launched the brand across multiple channels while helping secure €1 million in equity capital for its next stage of growth.
2026
Situation
A broad and complex offer made it difficult for customers and employees to understand what differentiated the company.
Role
Positioning and brand lead (Fractional)
What I led
Positioning clarity, strategic messaging and the development of a new brand identity.
Outcome
Delivered a sharper market position, aligned messaging foundation and coherent identity for communication across the business.
2025
Situation
Specialist capabilities and technical depth were not clearly reflected in the company’s positioning or external perception.
Role
Positioning and brand lead (Fractional)
What I led
Strategic positioning, value proposition, messaging and translation into a differentiated brand and digital direction.
Outcome
Created a clearer market narrative and a more coherent external identity reflecting the company’s technical expertise.
2025
Situation
Leadership wanted to move AI from an abstract opportunity to relevant applications for the organisation and its people.
Role
Programme designer and facilitator (Fractional)
What I led
Applied AI programmes connecting strategic context, practical tools, business workflows and use-case development.
Outcome
Established a shared foundation for evaluating applied AI opportunities and translating them into concrete use cases and next steps.
2017–2023
Situation
The firm was evolving into an integrated strategy, design and technology partner while expanding internationally.
Role
Managing Partner (Full-time)
What I led
Digital business, international expansion, business strategy, client development, organisational development and a multidisciplinary team of 40 consultants, engineers and designers.
Outcome
Helped grow annual revenue from €5m to >€10m and expand the company to 100 people across six international offices.
2012–2017
Situation
An idea for a new kind of business and innovation platform had to be turned into a scalable company, audience and annual flagship event.
Role
Co-founder and CEO (Full-time)
What I led
Company strategy, brand, business model, partnerships, sales, marketing, programming, team development and execution.
Outcome
Built the company from inception to €2m in annual revenue and established an international platform spanning events, media and learning.
2011–2014
Situation
A premium, all-inclusive yacht week for Austrian school graduates had proven early demand, but remained at a few hundred annual bookings. Scaling required a stronger brand, a more effective sales organisation and systematic digital acquisition.
Role
Co-Director, Marketing & Sales (Full-time)
What I led
Co-led the rebrand and commercial function across marketing, sales, brand partnerships, pricing and digital channels. Helped restructure the sales team and established online marketing as a repeatable acquisition channel.
Outcome
Grew annual bookings from a few hundred to more than 3,000, reaching the programme’s capacity and consistently selling out.
Based in Lisbon.
Working with founder-led companies across Europe.
I’m Thiemo Gillissen, a Fractional Chief Growth Officer with more than 15 years of experience building companies and leading growth across strategy, positioning, technology, AI and M&A. Bring me the growth question that keeps returning to the leadership table.