Alexander Fleischer

Tell us about your career journey.

I started my career in 2013 after graduating with a Bachelor’s in International Business and a Master of Science in Market-oriented Corporate Management from four different countries. My initial role was with a prominent British telecommunications company, where I held three positions focused on digital transformation that included initial leadership roles very early in my career, where I could foster significant professional and personal growth. After several years, I relocated to the United States in 2020 in pursuit of new personal and professional opportunities. Of course, the pandemic in that time presented challenges, but a serendipitous encounter led me to join the founding team of the in-house consulting hub of a German insurer. This experience provided invaluable insights into business and startup development and led me to go deeper into the topics of innovation management, digital transformation, and the opportunities of emerging technologies. Subsequently, I joined Capgemini as Innovation Ecosystem Lead and Ventures Lead for North America.

What’s Innovation Ecosystem Lead and Ventures Lead for North America?

I am working for a team called Applied Innovation Exchange (AIE), which is a global platform designed to accelerate innovation and drive tangible business outcomes. The AIE serves as a hub for collaboration, enabling businesses to explore new ideas, test concepts, and implement innovative solutions.

My role in the AIE centers on cultivating and managing our innovation ecosystem. This involves engaging with tech startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, university startup programs, and our big alliance partners with the goal to connect them with our corporate clients to solve their innovation challenges. As the Ventures lead for North America, I can also facilitate collaborations between our clients and startup partners with a globally standardized process, to help our clients using innovative solutions of these startups at the lowest risk possible.

Wow, that sounds really exciting! You’ve accomplished a lot in the past 10 years. What is your biggest accomplishment at Capgemini to date?

Since joining Capgemini post-pandemic, I have contributed to the growth of our team from three to 10 members. A key accomplishment has been the revitalization of our innovation ecosystem, which included onboarding over 400 startups into our North American network within two years.

You mentioned you moved to the US to pursue new career opportunities. Tell us more about that.

I am a German citizen and have lived in six different countries. This global perspective has cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and business environments. The decision to relocate to the United States was driven by a desire to explore new career horizons and immerse myself in the dynamic energy of New York City. This vibrant city, with its unparalleled access to innovation, talent, and global business opportunities, provides an ideal platform for my professional growth and personal fulfillment.

That is a lot of places! Why did you choose Capgemini in the US?

Capgemini is a prestigious company in Europe and has been on my radar since undergrad. When I relocated to the United States, I recognized Capgemini as an ideal platform to leverage my skills and align with my career goals. The company’s values and the positive interactions during the hiring process solidified my decision to join the team of the Applied Innovation Exchange and Ventures.

So, what’s next?

My immediate focus is on expanding our AIE and Ventures capabilities in the US to deliver even greater innovation value to our clients across industries. By strengthening our ecosystem and exploring new partnership opportunities, I aim to position Capgemini as a leading catalyst for transformative solutions. Ultimately, I envision a future where our innovation initiatives drive significant business impact and create sustainable competitive advantages for our clients.