𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐌𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 N26’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 Today, we announced that I will be taking on a new role on the N26 Supervisory Board, and stepping away from my operational role as N26’s CEO. As I step into this new role, I am excited to continue driving our mission to rethink banking for the digital age. What began as an ambitious idea has since grown into one of Europe’s leading digital banks — built on curiosity, relentless spirit of innovation, and the belief that fintech can make a real difference in people’s lives. We are turning vision into impact, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. My switch to the Supervisory Board will be further strengthened by the appointments of additional members in the coming months, together with the further expansion of N26 leadership. I also look forward to continuing my collaboration with my co-founder, Maximilian Tayenthal, who will remain in his current leadership role. Twelve years since we founded the company, N26 is today a leading player in digital banking in Europe, with a 1500-strong team helping millions of customers save, spend, invest and manage their money and mobile plans digitally. The company broke even in summer 2024, delivering 40% revenue growth in its last financial year. With annual revenues now exceeding €500 million, we expect to conclude 2025 profitably, driven by high customer activity and a constantly expanding product offering. I remain committed to actively leveraging my experience and knowledge to further shape N26's long-term strategic direction and organizational development. This new, evolved role offers an opportunity to build on our successes and tackle new challenges, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital banking. I am looking forward to shaping the next chapter of N26’s development from a new perspective and continue building the bank the world loves to use.
Valentin, Congratulations on the monumental entrepreneurial achievement so far! I’m sure this wasn’t an easy decision, but I always appreciated how you focused on what’s best for the company and its customers - no matter what. You haven’t just built one of Europe’s most iconic fintechs; you triggered an entire transformation of the European banking system and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs along the way. It was a privilege to be part of that journey - and I’m excited to see what you’ll tackle next, both at N26 and beyond.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭. But what really matters is: does clarity deepen? Because without clarity, even the strongest numbers or biggest titles collapse into noise. I’m curious, Valentin Stalf — stepping into this new chapter, what is becoming clearer for you?
Congratulations on your new role on N26’s Supervisory Board! It’s inspiring to see how your leadership has driven growth. How do you plan to help N26 balance innovation with regulatory challenges going forward.
I think stepping back from day-to-day operations often allows founders to shape the company’s long-term vision more clearly. With N26 profitable and growing, it will be interesting to see how you continue to influence strategy. Good luck for sure!
Sometimes the greatest change is stepping away from daily operations and taking the seat of an observer. When a founder reaches the point where they no longer just run a company but help shape the future of an entire industry — that is the true mark of maturity. N26’s success is not only measured in numbers, but in the inspiration it has given to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
You and Max should be proud of what you achieved - not only building the leading European digital bank, but also training and inspiring the next generation of European founders.
Glückwunsch Valentin Stalf diesem nächsten Schritt! Deine Vision und Energie haben N26 an die Spitze des digitalen Bankings gebracht – spannend zu sehen, wie du aus dem Aufsichtsrat das nächste Kapitel prägen wirst. Als auch sehr beeindruckend , wie du aus Ideen Realitäten erschaffst. N26 ist ein Maßstab für Innovation – ich freue mich darauf, zu sehen, wie du aus dieser neuen Perspektive die Zukunft weitergestaltest.
When a national budget goes on-chain it’s not just a tech upgrade, it’s a political statement. Transparency stops being a buzzword once every peso is traceable in real time. The real question is—are other governments ready to give up the comfort of opacity?
Congrats Valentin! Working with you and following your journey has been a strong inspiration for me and many other founders. I am curious to see what other big problems you are about to tackle in the future after pioneering mobile banking. All the best!
Co-Founder & CEO of brutkasten
2moCongrats, Valentin! Was für ein beeindruckender Weg. Der Move in den Aufsichtsrat ist ja ein wichtiger Meilensteim im Founder‘s Lifecycle, den sich viele ersehnen. All the best in der neuen Rolle, die hoffentlich auch neue Startup Investments / Involvements zulässt.