Munich talents on the 2026 Forbes list
The “Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2026” list once again features young talents from Munich. The newcomers who are already gaining international recognition, are Batuhan Yumurtacı, Vladimir Keil, Simon Nuber, Jan Dreesen, and Paul Randlkofer, Hanna Kunzmann, Maximilian Koch, Nils Kuchenbuch and Nicolai Reiners, Johannes Lutz, Philipp Rollwage and Annabell Vogelsang, Marie-Elisabeth Makohl, Fabian Gruber, Nathan Gruber, as well as Philipp Nicolay and Noel Robinson.
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe is an annual list that recognizes the most dynamic and innovative talents under the age of 30 in Europe. This edition celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals who are making a significant contribution to shaping the future across various sectors such as art, finance, entertainment, technology, and social impact. It is particularly significant that this year, for the first time, the list consists entirely of Gen Z honorees, signaling a major shift in the representation of young innovators.
Several Munich-based individuals were selected in the AI category. Batuhan Yumurtacı is the co-founder of TYTAN Technologies, a startup that develops AI-based interception systems for air defense and has raised 30 million euros in a Series A funding round. Vladimir Keil, also from Munich and co-founder of Lio Technologies, launched the world’s first autonomous system for managing corporate acquisitions, which was funded with $32 million from investors such as Andreessen Horowitz. Simon Nuber, who founded Medverse GmbH in Munich, offers interactive training programs to improve the education of healthcare professionals and has already trained over 55,000 professionals.
In the Finance category, Munich-based Jan Dreesen and Paul Randlkofer, the founders of IBEX Wachstumspartner, were honored. Their private equity firm specializes in follow-on investments in German SMEs and has already invested $82 million. Hanna Kunzmann, also from Munich, is a Vice President at EQT and focuses on infrastructure investments in Europe that are critical for energy security and decarbonization.
In the Science & Healthcare category, Maximilian Koch, also from Munich, was selected. He conducts research at the Stanford Cancer Institute on innovative approaches to improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Social Impact category honors Munich-based Nils Kuchenbuch and Nicolai Reiners, co-founders of Feldwerke, who combine agricultural use with renewable energy through agri-PV systems.
Several Munich-based entrepreneurs are represented in the Manufacturing & Industry category: Johannes Lutz, Philipp Rollwage, and Annabell Vogelsang, who are from Munich and founded CoCrafter, a platform for managing subcontractors in the construction industry. Marie-Elisabeth Makohl, also from Munich, leads SEAL Robotics, which develops autonomous robotics for port logistics and has raised $2.1 million for expansion. Fabian Gruber, Nathan Gruber, and Philipp Nicolay, also from Munich and part of Manex AI, offer software solutions that make production processes smarter and have secured $9 million in a seed round.
Also successfully part of the list is Noel Robinson, known as “noelgoescrazy,” who was selected in the Media & Marketing category. He is also from Munich and uses his platform to connect cultures through dance. With over 75 million followers worldwide, he generates revenue through partnerships with major brands.
