Having planted deep roots in Berlin, thanks in part to his time with Fat Tire Bike Tours, Francis moved out of tourism into another of Berlin’s growth sectors: the tech industry. This shift in occupation has meant not only a change of scenery but also a change in focus away from city’s past towards its future.
Indeed, just as Berlin’s past has created a fascinating urban landscape for visitors to explore, the social and economic circumstances of the city’s present offer similarly exciting prospects for those looking forward. Berlin’s accommodating economic climate and progressive creative culture have attracted a number of entrepreneurs looking to push the envelope and add further facets to the city’s already multidimensional profile.
One such example is SoundCloud, the world’s leading online audio platform, which Francis joined in 2013. Based in Berlin, the company has developed an impressive online presence with over 12 hours of audio being uploaded every minute by countless music and audio creators. SoundCloud’s success and growing reputation are a big reason why the city has emerged as a centre of online innovation.
Joining SoundCloud as a member of their People team, Francis has continued to utilise his knowledge and experience of Berlin, making sure as the company develops an increasingly international composition that it maintains a solid foundation in the German capital. Much like his earlier work at Fat Tire, Francis has found that no two SoundCloud days are ever alike and that flexibility, co-operation, and a positive outlook still go a long way to ensuring shared success. Though these days Francis is no longer a daily regular at his beloved Schleusenkrug beer garden, he still finds time to enjoy the city he’s called home for over six years.
