Who is Frank Thelen? | B2B Influencer

Frank Thelen is a well-known European tech investor, entrepreneur, and influencer who has built a robust online presence across multiple social media platforms. With a significant following on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Frank uses his platforms to share insights on technology, startups, and entrepreneurship. This analysis explores Frank’s social media strategy, influence, and engagement metrics, providing a comprehensive overview of how he connects with his audience.

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Frank Thelen: A Pioneering Voice in Tech Innovation and Venture Capital

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Frank Thelen is a prominent figure in the European entrepreneurial landscape, widely recognized for his relentless drive to transform ideas into successful companies. As the founder and CEO of Freigeist Capital, Frank has played a pivotal role in shaping the startup ecosystem, particularly in Germany and across Europe. His investment philosophy is centered on identifying disruptive technologies and visionary founders, which has led him to back transformative companies in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to mobility, sustainability, and deep tech. Through his venture fund, he has helped launch and scale companies like Lilium, the electric air mobility pioneer, and Kraftblock, a sustainable energy storage solution, reflecting his commitment to fostering groundbreaking innovations that address real-world challenges.

In addition to his work as an investor, Frank has authored influential books, including “Startup-DNA” and “10xDNA,” where he distills his approach to entrepreneurship, technology, and long-term impact. These books provide a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and investors, detailing the mindset, skills, and strategies necessary to succeed in a fast-evolving digital landscape. His thought leadership has made him a respected voice on topics like the future of work, the impact of artificial intelligence, and sustainable solutions, resonating with audiences who are passionate about using technology to build a better world.

Frank’s influence extends into mainstream media as well; he has been a regular panelist on the popular TV show Die Höhle der Löwen (The Lion’s Den), Germany’s version of Shark Tank. On this platform, he provides expert advice to budding entrepreneurs and considers new investment opportunities, reaching millions of viewers and inspiring a new generation of startup founders. His presence on the show has cemented his role as one of Germany’s most recognized tech investors and a mentor to young entrepreneurs.

Beyond his professional achievements, Frank is known for his active engagement on social media, where he shares insights on innovation, technology, and sustainability with a wide-reaching audience. He frequently addresses current events, technological advancements, and the future of various industries, often sparking thoughtful discussions among his followers. His willingness to address challenging topics, such as the ethical implications of AI and the urgent need for sustainable practices, has garnered him a reputation as a thought leader committed to responsible innovation.

Frank’s influence is also felt in his advocacy for a progressive, tech-driven Europe. He is a vocal proponent of digital transformation and competitive innovation, calling for Europe to embrace technological advancements more rapidly to stay competitive on the global stage. His vision for a modern, forward-thinking Europe is evident in his investments and public speaking engagements, where he challenges traditional perspectives and advocates for bold, forward-looking policies.

Through his work as an entrepreneur, investor, author, and media personality, Frank Thelen continues to impact the European tech scene. His contributions are far-reaching, encompassing mentorship, investment, advocacy, and public discourse, all aimed at driving meaningful change through technology. As a serial entrepreneur and influential figure in the startup ecosystem, Frank embodies a vision for a future shaped by innovative solutions, ethical business practices, and a commitment to sustainability.

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Frank Thelen's Social Media Strategy

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Frank Thelen maintains a strong and diverse social media presence, with LinkedIn as his primary platform for professional engagement, complemented by active profiles on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

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LinkedIn: Tech Innovation and Startup Ecosystem

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Frank’s LinkedIn presence is the cornerstone of his social media strategy. With 488.9K followers, this platform serves as the primary hub for his professional content, where he shares deep insights on technology, startups, and entrepreneurship. His posts often highlight industry trends, provide strategic advice for budding entrepreneurs, and share personal milestones and achievements. Frank leverages LinkedIn’s professional network to engage with a highly targeted audience of tech enthusiasts, business leaders, and investors.

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One of his key strengths on LinkedIn is his ability to generate discussions. For example, his posts frequently address current events in the tech world, such as government regulations or emerging technologies, inviting followers to share their opinions. This engagement strategy not only boosts visibility but also positions him as a thought leader. His consistent activity, with 27 posts in the last month, reflects a deliberate effort to stay top-of-mind for his audience. However, his engagement rate of 0.06% suggests room for improvement in fostering deeper interactions with his large follower base.

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Key LinkedIn KPIs:

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• Username: @frank-thelen

• Influence Score: 88.4/100

• Followers: 488.9K

• Activity: 27 posts last month

• Engagement Rate: 0.06%

• Growth (last 30 days): +0.23% (+1.1K followers)

• Average Engagement: 308

• Posting Habits: Daily at 9 AM

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Instagram: Behind-the-Scenes of a Tech Investor’s Life

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On Instagram, Frank combines professional content with more personal glimpses, creating a well-rounded persona. His posts range from event snapshots to behind-the-scenes content, as well as Reels that capture his thoughts on tech innovations and new products. This visual platform allows Frank to reach a slightly different audience compared to LinkedIn, appealing to users who prefer more dynamic and visual storytelling. His content mix often includes promotional material for his ventures, motivational quotes, and collaborations with other entrepreneurs.

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Despite the diverse content, his engagement rate on Instagram (1.15%) is relatively modest compared to the platform’s average, suggesting that his audience may resonate more with specific types of content, such as Reels, which have performed notably better. This strategy of using Instagram for brand-building and audience engagement helps humanize his online presence, making him more relatable. The use of video content, such as Reels, highlights his adaptability to changing social media trends and showcases his willingness to experiment with new content formats.

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Key Instagram KPIs:

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• Username: @frank_thelen

• Influence Score: 72.9/100

• Followers: 182.3K

• Activity: 15 posts last month

• Engagement Rate: 1.15%

• Growth (last 30 days): -0.11% (-215 followers)

• Average Engagement: 2.1K

• Posting Habits: Daily at 2 PM

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X (formerly Twitter): Insights on Entrepreneurship and European Tech

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Frank uses X to participate in ongoing discussions and to share quick insights on tech, startups, and entrepreneurship. His content on X is more immediate and reactionary, often reflecting his thoughts on current events, industry announcements, and live events. Unlike LinkedIn, which is more polished and deliberate, X allows Frank to engage in fast-paced, real-time conversations. This platform is ideal for sharing quick takes, retweeting relevant content, and starting threads that delve into specific subjects.

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His activity is less frequent on X, averaging 1.9 tweets per week, which suggests a strategic use of the platform rather than a high-volume approach. While his engagement rate is lower (0.05%), Frank’s strategy seems to focus on creating impact through fewer but more meaningful interactions. For instance, he often engages with other thought leaders, sparking discussions that drive engagement through comments and retweets. This approach helps in maintaining relevance without the need for constant updates.

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Key X KPIs:

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• Username: @frank_thelen

• Influence Score: 73.6/100

• Followers: 62.3K

• Activity: 1.9 tweets per week

• Engagement Rate: 0.05%

• Growth (last 30 days): -0.14% (-85 followers)

• Average Engagement: 31

• Posting Habits: Twice a week at 8 PM

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TikTok: Quick Takes on Innovation and Business

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Frank’s approach to TikTok is notably different from his other platforms. Here, he uses short, engaging videos to simplify complex tech concepts, review products, and share motivational content. The informal and often playful nature of TikTok allows him to connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience that may not be as active on LinkedIn or X. His content ranges from gadget reviews to quick lessons on tech innovations, all delivered in an easy-to-understand manner.

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With an engagement rate of 3.62%, his TikTok strategy appears to be effective, suggesting that the platform’s audience resonates well with his content style. However, his follower growth has seen a slight decline recently, which could indicate the need for refreshed content strategies or experimentation with trending formats. Despite this, TikTok remains a key platform for Frank to humanize his brand and reach demographics that prefer short-form content.

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Key TikTok KPIs:

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• Username: @frank_thelen

• Influence Score: 56.6/100

• Followers: 317.6K

• Activity: 1.2 videos per week

• Engagement Rate: 3.62%

• Growth (last 30 days): -0.18% (-570 followers)

• Average Engagement: 1.6K

• Posting Habits: Once a week at 9 AM

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YouTube: Deep Dives into Technology, Startups, and Future Trends

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On YouTube, Frank shares in-depth videos that often feature interviews, product reviews, and tech talks. His content is less frequent but more detailed, appealing to viewers who are interested in a deeper dive into tech topics. His interviews with other industry experts offer insightful discussions on innovation, business, and the future of technology, allowing Frank to establish himself as a thought leader.

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The engagement rate on YouTube is one of the highest among his platforms (3.22%), despite a smaller following of 45.9K. This suggests that his viewers are highly engaged and find value in the long-form content he provides. However, given the infrequency of his uploads (about 1 video per month), there is potential for growth by increasing content output. YouTube serves as a space for more thorough exploration of topics, setting it apart from his other, more instant-focused platforms.

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Key YouTube KPIs:

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• Username: @Frank_Thelen

• Influence Score: 51.4/100

• Followers: 45.9K

• Activity: 1 video per month

• Engagement Rate: 3.22%

• Growth (last 30 days): -0.14% (-63 followers)

• Average Engagement: 273

• Posting Habits: -

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Summary of Social Media Influence

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Frank Thelen’s social media presence is marked by a strategic distribution across platforms, each serving a different purpose. His high authority score of 8,497 points positions him as a prominent figure online, with a dominant influence on LinkedIn. His content on LinkedIn is more formal and professional, resonating well with a broad range of business professionals. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, he shifts to a more visual and engaging content style, while YouTube allows him to deep-dive into topics, demonstrating versatility and adaptability. Despite varied engagement rates across platforms, his ability to maintain influence shows effective cross-channel management.

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Frank’s content strategy revolves around being a thought leader and educator. He positions himself as a voice of authority on technology and entrepreneurship, using each platform to highlight different facets of his brand. On LinkedIn, he shares well-structured posts that encourage discourse and provide industry insights. His posts are crafted to be informative yet approachable, often touching on trending topics within tech and startups.

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On Instagram and TikTok, his strategy is more dynamic, incorporating video content that grabs attention and communicates ideas quickly. This allows him to convey complex concepts in a more digestible format, making tech accessible to wider audiences. His strategy on X is designed to be immediate and relevant, capitalizing on real-time engagement, while YouTube provides a space for more in-depth explorations.

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Reachability and Partnerships

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Frank’s reachability is marked as “difficult,” which is expected given his stature and high demand for collaborations. He has a projected cost of $875 per sponsored post, reflecting the value brands see in associating with him. His past partnerships include collaborations with industry giants, tech events, and startups, leveraging his influence to extend their reach. Frank is selective with partnerships, focusing on brands that align with his values of innovation and technological advancement. This selectivity helps him maintain authenticity and credibility across his platforms.

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Frank Thelen is a multifaceted social media influencer who effectively bridges the gap between business and technology. With a strong presence across LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube, he leverages his expertise to educate, engage, and inspire audiences globally. His adaptability allows him to tailor content to each platform, ensuring he remains relevant and impactful. Through strategic content curation and thought leadership, Frank continues to solidify his position as a leading voice in tech and entrepreneurship, making him an influential figure for brands seeking meaningful engagement in these spaces.

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