AI or Burnout: The High-Stakes Sprint of Berlin’s Tech Founders
Berlin’s startup scene is running on caffeine and code. At Peec AI, a Berlin-based AI startup, cofounder Daniel Drabo often works until midnight—sometimes even on weekends.
The company’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) is displayed on a screen visible from the street, a symbol of the new era where transparency and speed define success. “When the company started in December 2024, we had no competitors.
Now we have 200-300,” Drabo told Sifted. The pressure is relentless, and the boundaries between work and life have blurred. “On Saturday and Sunday, I think of work first,” he admits.
The AI revolution has reshaped expectations. Investors now demand more than just ideas; they want rapid growth and tangible results. Christoph Klink, a partner at early-stage VC firm Antler, notes that “€1m ARR used to be good enough to get you a Series A—not anymore.”
Founders are getting younger, moving faster, and experimenting with new tools daily. Yet, experience still matters. Fredrik Hjelm, CEO of scooter rental company Voi, argues that seasoned founders bring critical advantages, like understanding regulations and building sustainable business models.
AI tools have made teams more efficient, but the saved time rarely means more rest. Ted Chalouhi, CEO of London-based Duku AI, says his nine-person team now does the work of 25. “We’re AI maximalists,” he explains.
Personal lives are often sidelined. Chalouhi hasn’t been on a date since December, though he makes time for exercise and meditation. “For me, stress and burnout is when you’re doing something and you see no progress,” he says. “There’s never been a more exciting time to be alive.”
Yet, the human cost is real. Jasmine Sayyari, a doctor and cofounder of Lean Health, admits to constant burnout. “I feel that if I stop searching for the tools I need, I will fall behind,” she says. The pace is exhausting, and the fear of being left behind is ever-present.
Not everyone is surrendering to the grind. Kate Hofman, CEO of Pesto, prioritizes balance. A second-time founder, she’s experienced burnout before and refuses to repeat it. “I’ve tried 996 culture,” she says, referring to the grueling 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six-day workweek. “It doesn’t lead anywhere good.”
Hofman makes time for her nine-year-old son and believes that healthy habits lead to better performance. “Our customers want us to fix specific problems, not chase the hype,” she insists.
The AI gold rush is both a blessing and a curse. It’s easier than ever to build and scale, but competition is fierce. “It’s one of the most interesting times to be alive,” says Klink. “The speed is mind-boggling.” For Berlin’s startups, the race is on—but the question remains: at what cost?