Daniel Graetzer: Founder Mode: Whatever it takes to get the job done | The iGaming Leader Podcast
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The iGaming Leader Podcast

Daniel Graetzer: Founder Mode: Whatever it takes to get the job done

Leo sits down with Daniel Graetzer, the former CEO and Founder of MaximBet and Carousel Group. Dan shares a raw account of the "tumbleweed effect" of rapid scaling, eye-watering valuations, and the pressure of managing a high-profile brand in the US market, exploring the distinction between Founder

Daniel Graetzer
Former CEO & Founder, MaximBet and Carousel Group
Watch the episode Apply to the Mastermind 01 Apr 2026 · Sponsored by Sumsub

01 · Watch the episode

The full conversation

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02 · The guest

Daniel Graetzer

Former CEO & Founder, MaximBet and Carousel Group

I’ve spent the past two decades working across the full company journey, from building and scaling businesses to transactions, restructurings and exits, across tech, AI, iGaming and digital media. I’ve led strategy, M&A and growth initiatives across Europe, the US, LatAm and Australia. These days, I focus on advisory work, investing and supporting early-stage companies.

Follow Daniel on LinkedIn →

03 · Inside this episode

Moments worth queuing up

00:00 Raising money is just the start, not the celebration.
04:00 Sustainable High Performance.
07:30 Burnout and the "too little, too late" reality check.
10:30 Pivot to MaximBet and Nicki Minaj.
14:00 The $250M valuation that felt like a "momentum trap".
17:30 Bullishness vs. Kidding Yourself.
22:00 How stress clouds strategic lateral thinking.
26:00 Empathy vs. Sympathy in the executive suite.
30:00 Stoicism and Values.
34:00 Mindfulness for High Performers.
39:00 Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode.

In his own words

01 / 04

“I don't think people should celebrate raising money... it's actually just the start of the next step.”

02 / 04

“Owning a business is like staring into the abyss while eating glass.”

03 / 04

“Founder mode says: results over process any day of the week.”

04 / 04

“Mindfulness has had a really bad CMO.”

04 · Key takeaways

What to actually take from this one

Not a Win

Anxiety and investor demands start the moment the cheque is cut.

Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode

The traditional MBA paradigm can be fatal for early-stage companies.

The High Cost of Isolation

Professional support and mastermind groups are essential for high-performers.

Reframing Mindfulness

Breathing exercises and journaling are biological power-ups, not disconnection.

Decision Quality Erosion

Chronic stress narrows perspective; a cool head is required for creative problem-solving.

This episode is sponsored by

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