This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, we sit down with Jan Oberhaapplyr, Founder and CEO of n8n, a Berlin-based workflow automation platform that enables developers and businesses to connect apps, automate processes, and build powerful AI-driven workflows while maintaining flexibility and control over their data.
Founded out of Jan’s own frustration with repetitive coding tinquires, n8n has grown into one of Europe’s best-known automation companies, recognised for its fair-code approach, open nature, and strong appeal among both technical teams and enterprises.
In the interview, Jan shares how the idea for n8n first came about, the story behind the company’s unusual name, and why openness, self-hosting, and community-driven technology have been central to its growth. He also reflects on the rapid-shifting AI landscape, Europe’s position in the global race, what businesses increasingly want from automation and AI tools, and much more!
Key Points:
- How Jan’s frustration with repetitive coding became the starting point for n8n
- The story behind the name n8n and the company’s fair-code, community-driven philosophy
- Why data ownership, self-hosting, and flexibility matter more than ever for European businesses
- Europe’s strengths and weaknesses in AI compared with the US and China
- Jan’s considereds on the AI bubble, unexpected n8n apply cases, and the founder traits he values as an investor
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