Agense Stracquadanio
8 min read
09 November 2025
As a mechanical engineer, Katharina Kreitz spent her early career working on test benches. She then pursued a 10-month MBA in Paris to bridge her business knowledge gap before coming back to Germany, where she received initial funding from the government to launch Vectoflow with two cofounders in 2014. The Munich-based company specializes in the measurement of fluid and flows across a range of industries, from automotive, aerospace and turbo machinery to wind energy. One of its biggest challenges was developing a functional, highly detailed 3D-printed prototype for flow measurement, an achievement that ultimately earned them the trust of companies and institutions worldwide and ensured accurate and fully customizable solutions that can be installed on various devices or vehicles.
What brought you to found the company?
There was room for improvement in the measurement techniques of flows across a wide range of technologies and devices. So, we decided to 3D print some custom components. The project was highly technical and nerdy but ultimately successful.
What’s your mission?
Efficiency. Our technology is needed to improve engine performance by optimizing aerodynamics, flow dynamics and the stability of various devices from vehicles to drones.
What were the founding steps?
It all started right after university. Together with two cofounders we focused on measuring flows. Just a week after the launch of our website, Formula 1 reached out to us. We actually thought it was a friend playing a prank. We mainly focused on the automotive sector and later expanded into turbo machinery, aerospace and aeronautics, anywhere there's a flow.
How does your business reflect your values and personality?
I appreciate that we started the company with limited funds, which allowed us to hire only a small team. This led to the formation of a strong core group, like a family where everyone supports one another. Building these kinds of human connections is something I truly value.
What were some of the biggest technical hurdles or challenges?
The challenges were many: From working with a relatively new technology, such as 3D printing to more personal ones. In 2019, I had a serious accident. It looked like I might not survive or could suffer permanent injuries. That period was incredibly tough on the team.
“I would advise young entrepreneurs to do what they usually don’t do – like sales, or talk in public – If it doesn’t feel good, it’s what you have to do. It’s like jumping into cold water.”
What lessons have you learned so far?
Hiring the right people is crucial. Looking back, we could have acted faster when someone was not the right match for the company culture. Sometimes you have to be more brutal when it comes to
business.
What has been the most rewarding part of the journey so far?
My dad was a huge Formula 1 fan, so when they became our first customer and we saw our product on TV, it was amazing. But in general, everything that comes from customers is what truly counts.
What’s your favorite thing about your work routine?
I meet with the team one-on-one, usually over lunch to talk about both work-related and personal issues. That way, I always have a sense of what state the person is in. For example, if someone just ended a relationship, you probably don’t want to give them creative tasks. More structured and repetitive work usually helps both the person and the company.
What is the relationship between your company and the city?
In Germany, Berlin leans towards software startups while Munich focuses more on deeptech and hardware. Munich is one of the best places in Europe to start a company, especially now that more opportunities are available compared to a few years ago. However, the presence of large companies and corporations creates strong competition in hiring, particularly since startups typically can’t offer the same salaries as large companies. At the same time, rising rent prices make it even harder to attract and retain talent.
What's next?
We’re working toward approval for use in manned aircraft where people are on board. However, right now I also want to spend more time with my daughter. Priorities matter and can shift.
“You don’t learn how to start a company. Every day you learn something new, and this is what drives you forward in life.”
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Sometimes people hesitate, fearing others might steal their ideas, but that’s nonsense. Starting a business requires much more than just an idea. Timing and the right fit are equally important. So I would advise them to talk to as many people as possible.
What do you think of the startup landscape in Europe?
The investment strategy requires some changes. As companies grow and require larger funding rounds, US investors often step in, and as a result another promising European company shifts toward the US market. This represents a significant loss. There is untapped potential among wealthy European families, who could play a greater role in investing in the startup ecosystem.