Johannes Schaback (Stark)
Overview
Johannes Schaback is a prominent German tech-entrepreneur, known for his significant contributions to the fields of e-commerce and fintech. Born in Berlin, he has established himself as a formidable figure in the tech industry through various high-profile roles. Schaback co-founded Visual Meta, an online shopping portal, and served as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), playing a pivotal role in its growth and successful acquisition by Axel Springer. Recently, Schaback has undertaken a critical role as the co-founder of STARK, a defense technology company, where he aims to innovate in the field of AI-driven defense systems. His career is marked by his knack for blending cutting-edge technology with business acumen, making impactful contributions to companies like SumUp, where he previously served as CTO.
Recent Developments
- As of 2025, Johannes Schaback has been heavily involved in the development of innovative defense technologies through his company STARK:
- In 2025, STARK raised $62 million in a funding round led by Sequoia Capital, elevating its valuation to $500 million. The company's focus is on AI-powered loitering munitions and drones tailored for modern warfare.
- STARK has expanded its operations to the UK, establishing a new production facility in Swindon as of mid-2025, which signals its growth and strategic positioning in the defense market.
- Under Schaback's leadership, STARK has acquired the Berlin-based tech company Pleno in mid-2025, enhancing its capabilities in autonomous drone technology.
- The company has entered into strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with TDW Gesellschaft for loitering munition, highlighting its commitment to revolutionizing defense technology.
- Johannes Arlt, a former German Bundestag member, joined STARK as Senior Vice President in June 2025, reinforcing its strategic capabilities in European defense networks.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Johannes Georg Schaback |
| Born | January 1982, Berlin, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CTO |
| Known For | STARK, SumUp, Visual Meta |
| Education | B.Sc. Computer Science, MSc Software Engineering, TU Berlin, Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
Early Life and Education
Johannes Schaback was born in Berlin, Germany, in January 1982. He displayed a keen interest in technology from a young age, starting to code at the age of 16. Schaback pursued higher education in computer science, earning a Bachelor of Science from the Technical University of Berlin. His academic pursuit also took him to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he completed a Master of Science in Software Engineering. This international educational experience broadened his perspective and laid a solid foundation for his future career in technology and entrepreneurship.
Career and Notable Achievements
Schaback's professional journey began with Rocket Internet in 2007, where he honed his skills in software engineering and entrepreneurship. In 2009, he co-founded Visual Meta, a company that operated online shopping portals such as LadenZeile.de. Under his technological leadership, Visual Meta was acquired by Axel Springer in 2011, marking a significant milestone in his career.
- Visual Meta: Co-founded in 2009; acquired by Axel Springer in 2011.
- SumUp: Joined as CTO in 2021, driving significant technological advancements.
- STARK: Co-founded in 2024; focuses on AI-driven defense technologies and has rapidly grown in prominence within the defense sector.
Current Work and Impact
In his current role at STARK, Johannes Schaback is at the forefront of developing next-generation AI-powered defense systems. The company's focus on loitering munitions and drones has positioned it as a significant player in the European defense technology landscape. His work at STARK represents a shift from his previous focus on fintech with SumUp to addressing critical needs in global security and defense, underscoring his adaptability and forward-thinking vision.
Conclusion
Johannes Schaback's career reflects a trajectory marked by strategic foresight and technological innovation. His work has not only influenced the realms of e-commerce and fintech but is now extending significantly into defense technology. As he continues to drive change at STARK, Schaback's contributions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping modern defense strategies, thereby leaving a lasting legacy in the technology sector.