© 2025 DFFRNT ERA
Hello, we are DFFRNT.
Our Team – Bold Minds, Big Impact
Creative, Innovative, Authentic, Bold,
<strong>DFFRNT!</strong>
MOE
Founder and CEO of DFFRNT ERA GROUP
Our creator economy pioneer
Moe is our passionate visionary and serial entrepreneur. Over the last 15 years, he’s built 8 companies and 5 brands across 4 countries – all fully bootstrapped and without investors. Four of these companies hit €1 million in revenue within just six months – a feat accomplished by few. His secret? Targeted marketing and sales strategies that rock. Moe loves creating new companies and driving them to success. And once they’re up and running, he’s already onto the next challenge. This man is always ready for action!
Highlights
- Built one of the largest online supplement shops with seven-figure revenues
- Developed innovative products in the field of dietary supplements
- Established the then market-leading brand in the field of flavor drops and 0% fat & sugar sauces in Europe, Nutriful
- Oversaw the development, private-labeling and manufacture of products for several major brands
- Founded two medical companies that supplied over 1,500 pharmacies
- All these companies achieved seven-figure revenues within six months
Personal Superpower
Moe has a unique sense for spotting trends and an exceptional ability to develop businesses strategically, helping them thrive in new markets.
Anecdote
Moe has been a passionate entrepreneur since childhood. One of his early ventures was selling PlayStation games in the schoolyard, which he bought cheaply in Iran – despite not owning a PlayStation himself. These early business moves were a preview of his future as a serial company founder.
Fun Fact
Moe has a special talent for spectacularly failing at extreme activities. Whether it’s flipping over in a dune buggy in the desert or tearing his bicep while jumping on a trampoline, Moe proves that even CEOs aren’t immune to minor mishaps!
Manuel
Founder and COO of DFFRNT ERA GROUP
The calm heart and secret weapon
Manuel is the co-founder and COO of DFFRNT ERA. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a rock-solid business background, he’s the one who brings Moe’s creative visions to life. Manuel is the calm heart of DFFRNT ERA – always cool and collected, and never thrown off balance. A true leader who keeps the operations ticking like a Swiss watch, turning big ideas into real, measurable success.
Highlights
- MBA degree
- Joined an international consulting company with 90 employees, becoming a board member and helping it grow to 300 employees within three years
- Founded a successful sales agency with over 30 team members
- Scaled sales for one of the largest real estate education platforms in Germany, growing revenue from €0 to the double-digit millions
Personal Superpower
Manuel is the heart of DFFRNT ERA. His calm and focused demeanor, paired with an incredible talent for leadership, makes him a cherished figure in the company. He leads the entire team and ensures that all the wild visions are turned into reality.
Anecdote
Manuel is the Marco Polo of modern office life. Without speaking any Russian, he ventured into Russia, mastered the language, and won over the locals with his ever-ready smile. His little companion, Dolce – a cat he found as an orphan – grew up under his care and became just as adventurous and beloved as Manuel himself.
Fun Fact
Manuel took the “jump-in-at-the-deep-end” concept to a whole new level when he moved to Cyprus without ever having set foot there before. No friends, no family, and not the faintest clue about the place – he arrived with a suitcase full of dreams and a bold sense of adventure. He’s living proof that sometimes the craziest decisions lead to the best stories!
Franzi
Head of Products & Trends
Where product magic meets future trends
Franzi is our trend radar – she spots what’s coming before it hits. With a sharp eye for hypes, styles and real opportunities, she cuts through the digital noise to uncover product trends with true potential – and knows exactly who they’re made for. But that’s just the beginning. As Head of Products & Trends, she transforms those insights into real products: from early ideas and ingredients to the concept, positioning and feel. She defines how a product should look, feel and connect – blending function, emotion and creativity into something that makes sense and makes impact. The result? Products that don’t just fit the moment – they create real connection between brands, creators and their communities.
Highlights
- Led an 18-person sales team at just 18 years old
- Moved to Cyprus at 21, where she founded her first e-commerce business.
- Launched children’s toy products, generating €400,000 in revenue within the first four months.
- Managed six-figure marketing budgets.
- Studied food, nutrition, home economics, and sciences, as well as health and care.
Personal Superpower
Franzi is the soul of DFFRNT ERA. She’s empathetic, calm, and always in a good mood – the kind of person everyone loves. With her unique eye for trends and her passion for social media, she brings a breath of fresh air to our projects and is an inspiration to us all.
Anecdote
At 21, Franzi moved to Cyprus to start her e-commerce business without ever having been there before. Her decision was as spontaneous as her personality – she heard it was sunny and beautiful and thought, “Why not?”
Fun Fact
Franzi is a master of the culinary arts and can turn almost any ingredients into something delicious. Her team swears her cookies have a secret ingredient that is seriously addictive – naturally, because everything we do is DFFRNT!
Maria
Head of HR
Our HR wizard with global expertise
Maria is our Head of HR, currently based in Dubai. With over 20 years of experience in international HR management, she’s a true expert in her field. As an HR Business Partner for a global food protection company, she currently manages 90 employees. She’s worked across various industries, including mining, luxury goods, oil, and food protection.
Highlights
- Head of HR for a food protection company in Dubai, managing 90 employees.
- Extensive experience in classic HR functions, such as personnel management, bonus models, and training programs.
- Previously worked in HR at Philips and in the luxury goods sector at Richemont, involved with brands like Cartier, Montblanc, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
- HR Business Partner in mining and oil companies, overseeing over 200 employees.
Personal Superpower
Maria is our HR wizard with an incredible knack for international management. With her extensive corporate experience, she brings calm, structure, and a deep understanding of employee needs to our team. She’s the glue that holds the DFFRNT family together!
Anecdote
Maria’s passport could fill a book! Born in the Soviet Union, she moved to Algeria as a child, where she mastered French at a French school – long before she realized that travel would become her middle name. Today, she lives in Dubai and has homes in four different countries. Because who needs roots when you’ve got wings?
Fun Fact
Maria is a real speed queen, and paid more in speeding fines during one weekend in Abu Dhabi than she did in 20 years of driving back home. Now that’s what we call a fast introduction to local traffic rules!
Panos
Chief Food Futurist
Our visionary in food biotechnology
Panos Kostopoulos is the man turning the future of the food industry on its head. With over a decade of experience in biotechnology and product development, he blends technical innovation with culinary creativity. As the founder of Proxy Foods, he’s revolutionizing the industry with the help of artificial intelligence – creating sustainable, ethically produced foods that not only taste great, but also make a real impact. Panos thinks big – and he's changing the world one bite at a time.
Highlights
- Secured $2.3 million in pre-seed funding for his company Proxy Foods.
- Studied at Georgetown University: Biotechnology Program with a BioBusiness track.
- Came first place in Georgetown University’s Bark Tank competition.
Personal Superpower
Panos combines vision and ethics like no one else. He develops recipes that not only hit the mark in terms of flavor, but also consider the well-being of people, animals, and the planet. His mission? To create food that’s sustainable for generations to come.
Anecdote
His dog Enzo was what sparked for Panos’ passion for animal-friendly foods. That special bond inspired him to use his expertise to develop sustainable foods – a true game-changer for him and the industry.
Fun Fact
Panos is a true competition champ. From taking first place in the “Bark Tank” competition to working with entrepreneur Ted Leonsis, Panos knows how to make a winning impression – and this guy is always in it to win it!
Sandro
Managing Director von VisionIQ
Our peace of mind
After graduating from high school, Sandro began training as an advertising executive and gained valuable agency experience. He then worked as a sales director at RTL Group, managing cross-media campaigns while also completing a degree in business management. In 2008 he founded the Wii Lounge “Play”, and in 2012 the agency VisionIQ – which quickly gained high-profile clients. In addition to his business successes, Sandro has realized projects close to his heart, such as Berlin Food Week (2013) and the Studio of Wonders (2020). In 2019, he founded the Visions Network, in which reliable partnerships like the one with Carlos (L&C) represent an important success factor.
Highlights
- Developed and introduced the Sonos brand in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- Founded and managed Berlin Food Week (2013-2018), Germany’s leading food event for food enthusiasts, professionals and brands.
führendes Food-Format für Liebhaber, Profis und Marken. - Founded and managed the Studio of Wonders, Germany’s leading interactive museum in Berlin and Munich
- His marketing agency has provided 360° marketing for numerous brands, including JBL, Sonos, Teufel, Miele, Maserati, Volkswagen and Vans
Maserati, Volkswagen und Vans.
Personal Superpower
Sandro has a boundless enthusiasm for sales, which allows him to seamlessly integrate and implement creative and effective marketing strategies. His passion ensures that both areas work in harmony to achieve optimal results.
Anecdote
One day during his training as an advertising executive, Sandro experienced the unforgettable “confetti incident.” Full of enthusiasm and ideas, he volunteered to prepare a presentation for an important client. The campaign was supposed to be lively and celebratory, so Sandro decided to incorporate a fun, festive surprise. At the presentation’s climax, Sandro activated a confetti cannon. The colored paper swirled through the room, covering everyone present. There was a moment of silence, then everyone burst out laughing. The client was so impressed by Sandro’s enthusiasm and creativity that he approved the campaign immediately!
Fun Fact
Sandro is not only the founder of the world’s first Wii Lounge – he also held the unofficial high score record for the Wii Sports bowling challenge in Berlin! He regularly defended his title by spontaneously taking on other visitors to the lounges.
Mana
Chief of Staff
Our culture architect
Mana isn’t just the Chief of Staff at DFFRNT ERA – she’s the driving force behind our company culture. She’s always tuned in to how we work as a team and how our culture directly fuels our success. With her clear vision, she ensures that our values, strategy, and vision are always perfectly aligned. Constantly evolving the company, she adapts our processes to the dynamic market and ensures that everything we do is perfectly tailored to our customers' needs. Mana lives and breathes DFFRNT – and you can feel it in every detail.
Highlights
- Chief of Staff at DFFRNT ERA.
- Expert in People and Culture Development at RheinEnergie AG.
- Senior HR Manager at Akademie für Lernpädagogik (AfL) GmbH.
- SAP HR Consultant at RED (The Global SAP Solutions Provider).
- Talent Development, HR Sales, and HR Management at REWE Group.
Personal Superpower
Mana not only has a sharp eye for the bigger picture, but she effortlessly sees how people’s different needs interconnect. This skill makes her a brilliant communicator and an unshakable mediator. With her wild ideas, her courage to experiment, and her ability to laugh at herself, she brings a breath of fresh air to every conversation.
Anecdote
Even as a child, Mana was the unofficial mediator in her family – and her advice could have impressed even the pros. This talent for understanding people and supporting them has taken her role as Chief of Staff to the next level.
Fun Fact
Mana is always on the move! She travels so much, you’d think she collects countries like others collect stamps – and the DFFRNT team is always curious to see where she’s heading next.
Farhad
Manufacturing & Industry Specialist
Our production genius
Farhad is our indispensable mastermind behind everything production. As Head of Manufacturing at DFFRNT ERA, he brings not only immense expertise but also over 30 years of industry experience. With degrees in engineering, mathematics, and computer science, he has successfully led factories around the world. Whether it’s building new production facilities or installing multi-million-dollar machinery – Farhad is the man who knows how it’s done. On top of that, he runs an ice cream factory in Germany, famous for its delicious Persian ice cream. A true all-rounder!
Highlights
- Building and consulting for major factories.
- Leading projects to install machinery worth hundreds of millions of euros.
- Producing Persian ice cream at his own factory in Germany.
- Owner of a renowned engineering firm.
Personal Superpower
Farhad is our walking encyclopedia. Whether you have a question about machines, production processes, or complex technical questions – Farhad always has the answer. His deep expertise and ability to solve seemingly unsolvable problems make him an irreplaceable member of the team.
Anecdote
Farhad’s love for precision and complexity started as a child. He was already solving math equations at six years old, and he had his own little workshop as a teenager where he tinkered away on complex machine models. This passion shaped him into the brilliant engineer he is today.
Fun Fact
Farhad loves ice cream so much that he built his own ice cream factory! His passion for Persian ice cream led him to bring this project to life in Germany. And rumor has it that even in the dead of winter, he never skips his daily scoop.
Carlos
Head of Digital Marketing
IT-Support & E-Commerce
Carlos discovered his passion for brand communication early on, founding his first fashion label ICO Mex and the online shop MyTime24 at the age of 19. He had developed several brands by the time he was 25, before deciding to attend the BTK University of Art & Design in Berlin to study visual communication with a focus on brand communication and brand design. During his studies, he founded the creative studio LITO&CARAS. He also worked as a freelance designer and later as creative director for various agencies. In 2020, he founded LITO&CARAS GmbH & Co. KG. Since 2021, LITO&CARAS has been a partner in the Visions Network, where it is responsible for the areas of brand communication and digital marketing.
Highlights
- Head of Creation and responsible for communication of the Hennessy Club Tour throughout Germany.
- Worked as a direct assistant to the renowned London-based creative director Benjamin Kempton, producing high-end content for WALLPAPER* magazine London
- Developed the brand communication and marketing for Studio of Wonders, Germany’s leading interactive museum in Berlin and Munich
- Organized the brand communication for up-and-coming supplement brand IMASTRONGER and IMASTRONGER Nutrition, created by influencer coach Seyit
Personal Superpower
Carlos is known among friends and family for his sunny disposition and positive outlook. People say that his creative energy is inexhaustible.
Anecdote
Until the age of 11, Carlos grew up in the studio of his father – Mexican artist Heliodoro Hernandez – where he developed a passion for color and shape. These experiences paved the way for his current career as Creative Director and owner of the marketing and communications agency LITO&CARAS.
Fun Fact
Carlos is passionate about tacos and, over the years, has mastered the art of the perfect taco. His enthusiasm for tacos and brand development is so great that he decided to open Berlin’s first concept taqueria TACO & GRINGO in June 2024.
Lisa, Philip und Team
Heads of Marketing & Design
Our creative branding besties
Lisa and Philip know what makes brands successful – and they’ve been implementing their strategies since 2002. With years of experience, they’re the top contacts for everything a brand needs. Creators receive a strategy that perfectly connects personal values with their unique brand, forging identities that are the perfect fit. Through continued brand development and expert care, this duo ensures that brands are first anchored in people's minds and then in their hearts. When it comes to packaging, Lisa and Philip are there to make the brand shine.
Personal Superpower
Empathy! Lisa and Philip have an unrivaled ability to understand their clients and target audiences. This allows them create solutions that truly resonate.
Simon und Team
Heads of Retail & HoReCa
Our four musketeers of retail distribution
Marc-André Eichhorn, Steffen Eichhorn, Simon Reichau, and Patrick Hornsberger are our four musketeers when it comes to bringing DFFRNT ERA products into the retail and HoReCa markets. As DFFRNT ERA partners, these Heads of Retail & HoReCa make sure your products always get the best placement on supermarket shelves. They’re the brains behind our distribution strategy for all things food retail and HoReCa.
Highlights
- Managing Directors of Eichhorn & Grundmann
- One of the leading sales agencies in the German food retail market
- Nearly 100 full-time salespeople on board
- Awarded “TOP COMPANY 2024”
- Over 35 years in retail distribution
- Serving more than 12,000 markets and retail headquarters in Germany’s food retail sector
- Sustainable brand placement in the retail landscape
Personal Superpower
This four-person team have an uncanny sense for trends and know the retail landscape like the back of their hands. With their knowledge and network, they ensure your products always land in the right place.
Anecdote
These four musketeers always have a quick joke up their sleeves, and their charm never fails to win over retailers and customers alike. When they’re on the road together, they’re like a perfectly synchronized quartet – all for one, and one for all!
Fun Fact
Marc-André, the gourmet businessman, is always on the hunt for the next big culinary trend. Whether at home or abroad, he can’t resist diving into new flavors and sharing his latest discoveries back at the office.
Steffen, the coffee enthusiast, is forever in pursuit of the perfect bean. He spends his breaks with a freshly brewed cup in hand, sampling the latest roasts for the team.
Simon, the quiet powerhouse, is an avid yogi and calisthenics fan who loves taking his mats and weights outdoors. His philosophy: “A healthy mind in a healthy body makes for healthy business relationships.”
Patrick, the football-obsessed sales guru, never misses a game of his favorite team. His passion for the sport is reflected in his work style: strategic, team-oriented, and always goal-driven.
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