FTAPI Diaries: Four people, one big impact
Who are the people behind FTAPI? What drives them, and what do they particularly enjoy about their work at FTAPI? Meet the team! We’re introducing you to the faces behind FTAPI and showcasing the individuals who contribute daily with passion and dedication to the success of our company.
They have helped shape FTAPI from the very beginning, experienced all the highs and challenges, and have become an integral part of the company: Sebastian Bolz has been part of the team for eight years and, as Team Lead Technical Sales, is now passionately driving forward new solutions. Thomas Händl has been with FTAPI for almost nine years, shaping and developing many areas from sales and customer success to product initiatives and business development. Christine Gutmann has been providing stability and structure to the finance team for around eight years with her vision and dedication. And Marco Kroos, who returned five and a half years ago after a short break, now leads the further development of our products as Tech Lead with technical expertise and team spirit. In conversation, they look back on their beginnings, talk about changes, favorite moments, and why they are still fully committed after all these years. And: Stay tuned! Part 2 is coming soon.
Do you remember your first days at FTAPI? What particularly stuck in your mind?
Marco: I joined in fall 2012 as an intern in my fourth semester of computer science. There were about seven of us, and we were all convinced that we were going to build the next big tech company. The atmosphere was generally very good. I was immediately given a lot of responsibility, and it felt like a real career boost for me.
Thomas: Typical start-up chaos 😀 We were a small core team, often partying until four in the morning and then back in the office at eight. FTAPI was supposed to be just a side job to my business studies at the Technical University in Munich, but even in my first few weeks, my studies became secondary. At that time, our pricing for contract renewals was still not very standardized. And I realized that I wasn't interested in quick deals, but rather in long-term, strategic cooperation with our customers.
Christine: I joined shortly after the move to Steinerstraße, when there were just under 20 of us at FTAPI. The new office still seemed huge and offered a lot of creative freedom. I immediately felt at home and had the feeling from day one that I was allowed to help build something.
Sebastian: FTAPI was my first job in software sales. I was extremely curious, but also worried about doing something wrong. The atmosphere was relaxed and professional at the same time. We delivered strong results and I quickly realized that I wanted to stay here.
How has FTAPI changed over the years, and what has remained the same for you?
Christine: FTAPI has grown significantly. More colleagues, clearer processes, a diverse product portfolio, everything is much more professional. What has remained, however, is the team spirit, the spontaneous willingness to help, and the desire to make a difference together.
Thomas: Some familiar faces have remained, although with slightly receding hairlines 😉 Otherwise, change is constant. FTAPI continually questions itself and reinvents itself. What has remained is the courage to change and the determination to really make things better.
Are there any moments or projects during your time here that you will never forget?
Christine: The team parties. The special atmosphere, the strong sense of community, and the pride in our shared successes are something you never forget.
Thomas: In addition to large projects, I particularly remember the evenings spent with my teams. Laughing together and having deep conversations at our favorite Greek restaurant, Taverna Melina, or at our local bar. This “work hard, party hard” attitude has strengthened our team spirit and continues to carry us through every stressful phase to this day.
What motivated you to stay at FTAPI for so many years?
Christine: Definitely the team. Both professionally and personally, I feel very much at home here; our team spirit is exceptional.
Sebastian: Constantly new tasks, real creative freedom, and colleagues who make work feel like fun. There's no such thing as routine at FTAPI.
Thomas: What drives me is setting trends, starting projects, and then ensuring their success. We shape how we work and interact with each other ourselves. This freedom makes FTAPI the best place to work for me.