Episode 131: Jens Wohltorf: CEO & Co-Founder of Blacklane – Scaling Luxury Mobility

Episode 131: Jens Wohltorf: CEO & Co-Founder of Blacklane – Scaling Luxury Mobility

Author: Thomas Ohr August 14, 2025 Duration: 26:59
In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Jens Wohltorf, CEO & Co-Founder of Blacklane — the premium global chauffeur service that’s transforming the way business travelers move through the world. Jens shares the journey from concept to becoming a trusted name in luxury mobility. We discuss how Blacklane scaled across continents while maintaining exceptional service, navigated complex local regulations, and adapted during the pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. You’ll hear insights on: – Building trust in the luxury service industry – The importance of anticipating customer needs before they even ask – How to scale without sacrificing quality – Why sustainability must be more than a marketing line – The skills and mindset entrepreneurs need to thrive in global markets Takeaways – Trust is your most valuable currency. – Global expansion demands local understanding — and patience. – Scaling too fast can compromise quality beyond repair. – Anticipation and empathy separate good service from great service. – Crises (like the pandemic) can be catalysts for reinvention. Chapters 00:00 The Spark of Blacklane 02:57 Scaling Luxury Mobility 06:09 Building Trust in Service 09:01 Navigating Global Expansion 11:58 Sustainability in Luxury Travel 14:51 Lessons from the Pandemic 18:11 Future of Mobility 21:02 Rapid Fire Insights Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #mobility #luxury #travel

Hosted by Thomas Ohr, the EU-Startups Podcast pulls back the curtain on the continent's most dynamic and innovative companies. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct line to the founders, investors, and operators who are actually building the future across European cities. Each conversation digs into the tangible details-the early struggles for funding, the strategic pivots, the challenges of scaling across borders, and the personal journeys behind the headlines. You'll hear candid stories about what works and what doesn't in the intersecting worlds of technology and business, offering real insights for entrepreneurs at any stage and anyone curious about the mechanics of startup culture. As the audio companion to the leading online magazine EU-Startups.com, this podcast delivers depth and context you won't find elsewhere, turning each episode into a practical case study. Tune in for an authentic, unvarnished look at the ideas and people driving Europe's entrepreneurial landscape forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

EU-Startups Podcast
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