One of the best keynotes.
Innovation Manager, Deutsche Telekom
X
Finding direction when everything is changing.
How do you lead organisations when AI is rewriting the rules? Manuel Koelman shares insights from 20+ years of entrepreneurship and an AI expertise that started in 2016 — long before the hype. For leaders who choose agency over anxiety.
20+
Years of Entrepreneurship
Built. Sold. Started again.
Since 2016
AI Keynotes & Investments
On stage long before ChatGPT
5
Active Companies
PIRATE.global Portfolio
Why Manuel?
Because he stands
Because he stands
in the storm himself.
Most keynote speakers talk about transformation. Manuel transforms — every day, with real money, real teams, and real consequences. Not a consultant watching from the sidelines. An entrepreneur who acts.
The Operational Anchor
Manuel actively leads a portfolio of companies under PIRATE.global. He does not talk about "New Work" or "digitalisation" — he implements them operationally every day. Including all the mistakes and lessons learned. When Manuel talks about failure, he does not quote books. He quotes his bank statements.
The AI Pioneer
While others only started talking about AI after ChatGPT, Manuel held his first AI keynotes back in 2016. He invested early in AI startups and has been using the technology for years to transform his own business processes. He knows what works — and where the hype ends.
The Investor Perspective
As a business angel, Manuel invests in the future. He sees hundreds of business models every year, knows where the risks lurk, and which models will still be standing in three years. This perspective makes his keynotes unique: he combines operational experience with strategic foresight.
Keynote Topics
Three perspectives.
Three perspectives.
One thread: agency.
Every keynote is individually tailored to your event, your industry, and your audience. These three topic areas form the foundation.
01
Leadership in the AI Era
Leadership & Transformation
The question:
What remains for humans when machines handle everything else?
How the role of leaders is fundamentally changing. Why empathy, vision, and radical humanity are now the hardest competitive advantages. And how to lead teams through the fear of disruption rather than soothing them with empty promises.
For: C-level, HR leaders, leadership conferences
Duration: 30–60 minutes + optional Q&A
02
Strategic Entrepreneurship & AI Risks
Innovation & Strategy
The question:
Where are the real opportunities — and where do we burn our fingers?
A pragmatic look at AI. No buzzwords — an honest analysis: which processes are really worth automating? Where is the ROI an illusion? Manuel shows how to use AI to make the "unscalable scalable" — and where you should keep your distance.
For: Entrepreneurs, strategy teams, innovation events
Duration: 45–90 minutes incl. interactive deep dive
03
Transformation & Startup DNA for Established Businesses
Culture & Agility
The question:
How do we stay agile without losing our roots?
What leaders can really learn from the startup mindset — and what is dangerous nonsense. How to embed agility in the operating system of a company without destroying its DNA. Manuel has experienced both sides: the 5-person startup and working with corporations like Deutsche Telekom.
For: SMEs, family businesses, industry events
Duration: 30–60 minutes
What decision-makers say
Voices from leaders.
Eye-opening, practical and cool.
VP, ABB
Sparked discussions that lasted for days.
VP, Fraport
Thought provoking.
VP, AXA
Valuable insights!
VP, Douglas
Great insights into how startups operate and what drives them.
CEO, sto
I have hired and fired. I have acquired and sold. I have invested and lost everything. I had to accept failure, shut down products, and close companies.
Manuel Koelman
References & Stages
From Web Summit
From Web Summit
to the boardroom.
Manuel speaks in German and English. Stage formats from 30-minute keynotes to half-day workshops and fireside chats.
International Stages
Web Summit
PIRATE Summit
RIOT
Rise of AI
Moldova Developer Conference
Robotex
Hannover Messe
K5
Gamescom
Leadership keynotes for
Deutsche Telekom
AXA
Fraport
ABB
Douglas
DHL
sto
FVV
Beyond the Stage
Not just on stage.
Not just on stage.
Always at the pulse.
Own Podcast
Manuel analyses the intersection of AI, technology, and entrepreneurship weekly. No hype takes — just clear thinking for decision-makers who want to read between the lines.
Listen to the podcast →In-Demand Guest
Manuel is a regular guest on podcasts and panels wherever the conversation touches humanity and technology. From international tech conferences like Web Summit to strategy sessions at companies like Fraport or Deutsche Telekom — he brings not rehearsed theses but operational reality from the daily life of a serial entrepreneur.
Pioneer since 2016
First AI keynotes years before ChatGPT. Early investments in AI startups. Operational AI integration across all PIRATE companies. Manuel does not bring book-learned expertise — he brings lived experience. When he talks about AI strategy, it is from the perspective of an entrepreneur who has been deploying it operationally for nearly a decade.
PEOPLE / KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Honest Answers about Keynotes
How tailored is a keynote?
Very. Manuel dives deep into the specific challenges of your industry and audience before every keynote. No two talks are the same. If you are looking for a keynote on autopilot, this is not the right place.
In which languages does Manuel speak?
German and English, both at native level. Most corporate keynotes are in German; international conferences in English.
What formats are available?
30-minute keynote, 60-minute deep dive, fireside chat, panel moderation, half-day workshop, or multi-day strategy sessions. We adapt the format to your event and your goals.
What does a keynote cost?
It depends on the format, preparation effort, and context. Send us a short message with the key details of your event and we will give you a transparent quote. No negotiation theatre.
How far in advance should you book?
Ideally 2–3 months ahead; for large conferences earlier is better. For short-notice requests we almost always find a solution.
Can Manuel also host?
Yes. Manuel regularly moderates panels and discussion rounds — especially where genuine subject-matter expertise is required, not just facilitation. He hosts because he lives these topics himself.
Does Manuel only speak about AI?
No. AI is a central topic, but Manuel's core competence is leadership in times of change. Subject areas range from leadership and transformation to startup mentality for established companies and strategic entrepreneurship.
The impulse for
your next stage.
No standard talks, no empty phrases. Manuel brings genuine hands-on experience from 20+ years of entrepreneurship and AI expertise directly into your event format — no bullshit, real depth.
Keynotes in German & English · Remote or on-site · Individually tailored