Riding the Dragon and Seizing Opportunities

Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Kirchgässner, Exxeta was founded in 2005. What was the original idea?

Achim Kirchgässner: We wanted to create something on our own. Even with the first IT company I helped build and sold in 2001, the entrepreneurial spirit had taken hold in me. After three years in a corporate environment, where things were done in ways I wouldn't have wanted, it became clear to me: I wanted to create something new with a team of people I already knew and valued from the past and, above all, to enjoy working together.

Wirtschaftsforum: And what exactly did you want to create?

Achim Kirchgässner: Really good software, not off-the-shelf, to simplify processes, speed up operations. We wanted to develop solutions tailored to our customers' problems. To do that, you need to be able to not only program but also understand the business models. That's our strength.

Wirtschaftsforum: Today, Exxeta has around 1,200 employees. In which industries do you operate?

Achim Kirchgässner: We originally came from the financial services sector. From there, we expanded our expertise into the energy sector, the automotive industry, and the public sector. What's special is that we sit at the digital interfaces where our customers interact with their end customers – where value is created.

Wirtschaftsforum: Can you give an example?

Achim Kirchgässner: In the automotive sector, for instance, we have developed leasing systems that communicate with the vehicle via connectivity. This means: The leasing company knows, for example, when the car needs to go for an inspection. For insurance companies, this even enables a tariff based on driving behavior.

Wirtschaftsforum: And how does Exxeta address current challenges like the shortage of skilled workers or market saturation?

Achim Kirchgässner: We never stopped collaborating with universities. Many of our current employees started as student workers or with their final thesis with us. It is more difficult to find experienced senior developers - but the market is currently changing. We are noticing that.

Wirtschaftsforum: Internationalization is also a topic - how far along are you?

Achim Kirchgässner: Exxeta is historically deeply rooted in the German market. But we are growing. We have set up nearshore locations in Bratislava, Serbia, and Georgia. This allows us to remain competitive with high quality, without compromising our corporate culture.

Wirtschaftsforum: Speaking of culture – how would you describe the spirit at Exxeta?

Achim Kirchgässner: One client once said: 'You were not the biggest, not the cheapest – but the only ones I felt really wanted the contract and did everything to execute it well.' I think that hits the nail on the head. We are passionate about our topics. And we are willing to go the extra mile.

Wirtschaftsforum: How important is sustainability for Exxeta?

Achim Kirchgässner: Extremely important – out of conviction, not because of external perception. We invest in Green Coding, which means energy-efficient software development. And: We have stipulated in our statutes that a portion of our profits goes to social and ecological projects.

Wirtschaftsforum: Looking forward: What will shape Exxeta in the coming years?

Achim Kirchgässner: Two issues drive us in particular: artificial intelligence and, in the medium term, robotics. Especially with generative AI, I see enormous potential – but also risks. We have decided to ride the dragon rather than hide from it. It is crucial that we control it.

Wirtschaftsforum: What does that mean in concrete terms?

Achim Kirchgässner: AI must be sensibly integrated into processes. Then it will not replace humans – but people who use it will replace those who do not. We see ourselves as a partner shaping this transformation – responsibly, courageously, with passion.