How to unlock a new level of fan engagement with a 360-degree CRM | #04
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14 mins
May I add you to the list?
High Block is my project to bring modern operations, smart tooling, and structured thinking into the world of football. It’s where I apply what I’ve learned in the tech and startup world to help clubs become more efficient in their operations and more data-driven.
After years in SalesOps, RevOps, finance, analytics, and strategy, I’ve seen how much leverage comes from getting the basics right — structure, clarity, and systems that actually serve their users. That kind of thinking isn’t just for startups. It applies just as well to football clubs looking to work smarter with what they have.
Through High Block, I work directly with clubs to design and implement solutions that fit their reality, whether it's setting up a CRM, connecting scattered data, or just making the chaos more manageable.
I try to live up to there four values in any dimension of life. They’ve been shaped by experience, stress-tested through difficult projects, and refined through honest reflection. I don’t claim to always live up to them perfectly, but I keep them close and revisit them often.
Extreme Ownership means I take full responsibility for outcomes, decisions, and mistakes. I don’t delegate blame or wait for someone else to fix things. If something breaks, I’m the one reaching for the wrench.
High Agency means I don't wait for perfect conditions. I work with what’s available, take initiative, and make things move. If the door is locked, I look for a window. High agency is about taking responsibility for momentum, navigating constraints with creativity, and not outsourcing ownership to circumstance.
Intellectual Honesty is what keeps me sane. I care more about understanding what’s true than defending what was last week. I’ve learned that asking better questions beats pretending to have better answers. And I learned to never take feedback personally which turned out to be a superpower.
Pragmatic Excellence is about getting the fundamentals right before reaching for perfection, while keeping standards high at the same imte. I try to not waste time overengineering things that don’t move the needle. If something works and looks a little rough, I’ll take it over something that looks shiny but breaks under pressure. I try to distinguish clearly between what’s core and what’s cosmetic. When things get complex, I zoom out and return to first principles. And when in doubt, I default to action as motion creates clarity.
I get a weird amount of joy from good software. Smooth UX, clean UI, and tools that just work — I’m addicted. I keep a running list of favorites and try to stay on top of what’s new and interesting.
When I find something great, it goes into the toolbox. So when a project needs a fix, there’s usually already a tool waiting for it. And when something delights me, I steal the idea and try to bake that same genius into my own work.
I started my career in venture capital at an early-stage fund in Germany with over €130M under management. But I soon realized I didn’t just want to identify great companies — I wanted to help build them.
That’s when I joined Data Virtuality, a portfolio company, where I went deep into the engine room. I started in Sales & Marketing, gaining hands-on commercial experience, and worked my way up to Head of Finance & Analytics.
Over the years, I took on responsibilities across:
In March 2024, Data Virtuality was acquired by CData Software, a global leader in data connectivity backed by Warburg Pincus and Accel Partners.
I played a central role in the cross-border transaction — leading critical parts of the due diligence, deal structuring, and later, guiding the post-merger integration, ensuring smooth transitions into the new org structure.
Once that chapter was complete, I knew it was time to start a new one — with everything I’d learned, built, and led fully integrated into my operating DNA.
For those who believe degrees still count for something — here’s the academic bit.
I earned my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Economics & Management from Leibniz University Hannover, with a semester abroad at the University of Economics in Bratislava.
My Master’s thesis explored VC investment behavior in FinTech
— and yes, I graduated with honors.
Years later, the spreadsheets gave way to tactics boards. I pursued postgraduate training in Match Analysis, Scouting, and Football Management at IST University of Applied Sciences — bringing my structured mindset to the game I’ve always loved.
Selected trainings and certifications you may find relevant or not.
“Matthias built and managed our CRM, accounting- , and business intelligence infrastructure from the ground up. He’s an absolute team player, highly analytical, reliable, and deeply committed. Matthias sees what needs to be done before anyone else, takes full ownership, and drives it through with relentless focus. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat - highly recommended.”
Karsten Beyer
Co-founder & COO, Data Virtuality
“Matthias implemented a CRM system for my business. It's robust. leightweight and the perfect fit for my current situation. Working with him feels like having a systems wizard on your team. He’s incredibly organized, always knows a tool that does exactly what you need and somehow keeps it all humble, calm, and focused on results. I can unconditionally recommend to work with him!”
Lisa Holtmeier
Owner, Wordseed
"It is always very insightful to talk with Matthias about the future of the football industry with its opportunities and threats. His ability to challenge the status quo and existing best practices in football management helped me to grow my knowledge and creativity too. I am grateful that I have found such an exciting sparring partner to challenge and help each other to grow."
Olivier Wicki
Strategic advisor for football clubs
