Christian Goetz, Co-Founder of F24, speaks to SJUK to reflect on his journey and provide insights into the creation of the company.

25 years ago, when Christian Goetz left his prestigious job in the automotive industry at the age of 27 to launch a SaaS company for alerting systems—it was a bold move.

Back then, software as a service was fairly new and the world was still ruled by hardware-based, manual processes.  

Stepping away from a stable career, into the uncertainty of a tech startup might have seemed to be a brave decision, but one driven by a clear vision and a desire to innovate.   

Convincing companies to embrace these new application-based solutions was no easy task, but once they entered the market, there was no turning back. From its humble beginnings in emergency and crisis alerting, F24 has achieved remarkable growth, expanding its solutions portfolio to encompass risk management, compliance and beyond. 

As F24 approaches its 25th anniversary, SJUK Editor, James Humphreys, asked Founder, Goetz, to reflect on his journey and provide insights into the company’s history.  

What was your vision for the company 24 years ago?  

The trigger to start this business in fact came from a client of my former partner’s firm. It was a refinery, which had to do weekly drills after an accident and asked us for some technical support.   

My former partner, Ralf created the idea to provide the corresponding functionality as a Service – and the both of us founded F24 and executed it jointly. 

In the late 1990s, emergency alerting systems were largely hardware-based and often relied on manual processes. 

We recognised the need for a more efficient and accessible solution and envisioned a service-based approach.

This was the inception of FACT24. Our vision was to provide an emergency alerting solution just as-a-service – globally available without any need for specific hardware.  

What were some of the toughest challenges F24 faced? 

One of the toughest challenges was the initial need to convince potential clients of the importance of software alerting systems.

I personally spent the first year driving 60,000 kms back and forth within Germany and Austria trying to showcase our vision to potential customers.

While many prospects recognised the necessity, the concept of application-based services was met with scepticism.  

Can you share some pivotal moments or turning points in the company’s history?  

I would say there have been many – in fact, an early decision to offer our service exclusively as-a-service was a groundbreaking move at the time.

And even though clients were hesitant in the beginning, we gained their confidence and ended up being the frontrunners in Europe.   

Another pivotal point was internationalising our formerly German-only business – and to strengthen this move with an IPO in 2007. 

Though at the time, this posed a significant challenge for the company, it compelled us to think bigger, elevate our professionalism and stay committed to our goals.   

How have F24’s products or services evolved over the years? 

Since our founding, our mission has been to become the global first choice and keep catering to the growing demands of our clientele —starting with Emergency Notification System, expanding to Crisis Management, and now for comprehensive Resilience Services. 

We started to provide our first services beyond emergency notification around 2012 already.  

Our products have continuously evolved since then, not only in functionality but also in cutting-edge technology, availability and security features.   

How does F24 stand out from the other organisations?  

There is a lot worth mentioning here, but let me highlight a few.

F24 stands out from other organisations for several compelling reasons:  

Advanced resilience offerings: We pride ourselves on having one of the most comprehensive resilience portfolios in Europe, which we are continually enhancing. Our solutions are tailored to meet the specific service needs of our clients, ensuring they are fully prepared for any challenges they may face.  

Local presence: We are where our customers are. Our local teams not only understand the unique cultural and linguistic needs of our clients but also provide personalised support that fosters strong relationships.  

Cutting-edge security: In today’s world, security is paramount.

We are at the forefront of security protocols, ensuring our clients’ data and operations are protected with state-of-the-art measures.  

 What kind of culture have you tried to foster at F24? 

Culture, besides vision is probably the most important thing to establish and grow a company over a long time.

Our culture serves as a vital link connecting all employees and stakeholders, and since our foundation, it has been built around our core principles:  

Customer first: We are deeply committed to our customers, striving to provide them with our best innovations and support. Their success is our top priority.  

Accountability: We empower our employees to take ownership of their actions, encouraging them to act with the same care and responsibility they would apply to their own interests.  

Solution-oriented “just-do” mentality: We foster an environment where trying new ideas is encouraged, allowing employees to embrace innovation without the fear of failure.  

What has kept you motivated over the years, especially during tough times?  

My motivation has always been rooted in my passion for entrepreneurship, a dream I nurtured since my student days.

Being part of F24’s remarkable success story fills me with pride and I genuinely can’t imagine a better role for myself.  

What truly drives me, especially during tough times, are our customers and team.

The opportunity to serve our clients and witness the impact of our solutions on their success inspires.

To know that for 25 years, we have empowered companies to stay prepared, protecting lives and safeguarding their values, is deeply fulfilling.  

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own companies?  

For aspiring entrepreneurs, my key advice is – find a true vision you’re passionate about. 

While essentials like a clear value proposition, a strong USP, a solid financial plan and a diverse team are important, defining your values and beliefs is crucial.  

Success in entrepreneurship is ultimately about building relationships and nurturing a culture aligned with your mission.

Find the right people who share your vision, as without a dedicated team, even the best ideas can falter.   

Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for their role in F24’s journey? 

As I mentioned already, without the right people it is all in vain.

F24 is truly a team success story, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to every individual involved since our foundation.

I would also take this opportunity to acknowledge Ralf Meister, my long-term Founding Partner at F24.

It was he who convinced me to start F24 together and provided invaluable coaching and mentorship during my early years as a founder.

His support has been instrumental in shaping our success.  

This article was originally published in the January 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.