Lukas Kaufmann (paddy)
Overview
Lukas Kaufmann is a notable figure known for his dual role as both a professional cyclist and a technology entrepreneur. Born in Austria in 1994, Kaufmann has made significant strides in the world of mountain biking, as well as in the tech industry through his involvement in the EdTech startup, DigitalErleben GmbH. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of DigitalErleben, he contributed to the development of "paddy," an innovative AI platform designed to support educators by streamlining teaching processes. This platform has notably raised €1 million in pre-seed funding aimed to revolutionize education in the DACH region.
Recent Developments
- August 2025: DigitalErleben secured €1 million in pre-seed financing led by High-Tech Gründerfonds for their AI platform, paddy. This funding is aimed at addressing the teacher workload crisis in the DACH region by providing AI-based solutions for educational tasks (EU-Startups).
- Early 2025: The AI platform paddy launched officially in January 2025, rapidly acquiring over 12,000 active users among educators within its first six months (EU-Startups).
- 2024: The founding of DigitalErleben GmbH, co-founded by Lukas Kaufmann alongside Matty Frommann and Tobias Schröder. The company aims to alleviate the workload of teachers by using AI to automate and optimize educational tasks.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lukas Kaufmann |
| Born | 1994, Austria |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Occupation | CTO at DigitalErleben, Professional Cyclist |
| Known For | Co-founding DigitalErleben, Mountain Biking |
| Education | Specialized in Mathematics [unspecified] |
Early Life and Education
Lukas Kaufmann's early life was marked by a strong affinity for mathematics and sports. Born in Austria in 1994, he displayed an exceptional talent for math during his school years, frequently participating, and excelling, in math Olympiads. This mathematical prowess earned him a spot in a specialized school where he further honed his skills.
Paralleling his academic achievements, Kaufmann was also drawn to sports, particularly mountain biking. His childhood in Austria, with its diverse terrains, provided him the perfect backdrop to nurture this passion. By the early 2000s, Kaufmann was already competing in local races, steadily building a reputation as a promising cyclist. Influenced by his parents, both educators, Kaufmann developed an intrinsic understanding of the educational system, which later fueled his entrepreneurial ventures.
Career and Notable Achievements
Mountain Biking:
- Worked towards becoming a professional cyclist, participating in various prestigious events such as the Crocodile Trophy and the Salzkammergut Trophy.
- In 2019, Kaufmann clinched first place in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race and performed commendably across other international platforms.
Tech Career:
- 2024: Joined DigitalErleben GmbH as a founding member and CTO.
- Played a pivotal role in the development of "paddy," an AI platform tailored to reduce teacher workloads and enhance educational efficiency.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Lukas Kaufmann is at the forefront of tech innovations in education as the CTO of DigitalErleben GmbH. Under his technical leadership, the company is pioneering solutions that utilize AI to transform the way educators teach and interact with students. The platform "paddy" has been particularly impactful, providing tools that encompass lesson planning, creating teaching materials, and analyzing class performance. This initiative not only aids teachers in managing large classes but also facilitates personalized student support, thus contributing to the overall elevation of education standards in the region.
Conclusion
Lukas Kaufmann is a distinguished individual with achievements spanning alpine sports and educational technology. His contributions to mountain biking maintain his status as an accomplished athlete, while his entrepreneurial efforts through "paddy" demonstrate his commitment to improving educational experiences. As DigitalErleben continues to grow, Kaufmann's role in both directing technological advancements and reshaping education within the DACH region promises a lasting legacy.