In this founder-to-founder conversation, Martijn Rozemuller, CEO of VanEck Europe, joins Steffen Scheuble (Founder & CEO of Solactive) in our Frankfurt studio to talk about the realities of building and scaling a business: navigating market crises, trading versus investing, and the growing importance of financial education.

Martijn reflects on his journey from high-frequency trading to founding an ETF business in the middle of a financial crisis. He shares insights on long-term partnerships, discussing what helps a business relationship endure, what creates friction, and how trust is built through challenging phases. Along the way, he unpacks lessons on leadership and business character, explaining why kindness should never be confused with weakness. Adding a personal touch, his co-founder Gijs Koning joins via surprise video messages, sharing insights from their years of collaboration.

Above all, this conversation is about discipline, long-term thinking, and the personal and professional decisions required to build something that lasts.

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CEO Talk is our monthly chat hosted by Steffen Scheuble, Founder & CEO of Solactive, an international index provider.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solactiveag
Want to learn more about Solactive: https://www.solactive.com

Follow Steffen Scheuble on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffen-scheuble-63849813/

Follow Solactive on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solactive/