N26

FinTechFounded 2013

Market Data Current As Of: September 12, 2026

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N26

FinTechFounded 2013

Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya

Last reviewed: September 12, 2026

Market Data Current As Of: September 12, 2026

Founders

Who Founded N26?

Valentin Stalf, Maximilian Tayenthal · Founded 2013 · Berlin, Germany

Quick Answer

N26 was founded by Valentin Stalf, Maximilian Tayenthal in 2013 in Berlin, Germany.

Founding Story

In 2012, Valentin Stalf and Maximilian Tayenthal were living in Vienna and Berlin. Stalf had gained experience in payment systems at Rocket Internet, while Tayenthal had worked in corporate consulting and law. They initially conceived 'Papayer,' a financial management app and prepaid MasterCard for teenagers managed by their parents. However, as they tested the prototype, they observed that the parents were far more excited about the app than their teenagers: adult consumers were desperate for a modern, simple mobile bank account with real-time push notifications and zero hidden foreign exchange fees. In 2013, they pivoted the company, rebranding it as Number26 (inspired by the 26 sides of a Rubik's Cube, symbolizing simplicity out of complexity). Partnering initially with Wirecard Bank for regulatory infrastructure, Number26 launched in Germany and Austria in early 2015. The app became an immediate viral sensation, registering 100,000 customers in months. In 2016, the founders made the decisive strategic move to secure their own full German banking license from BaFin and the ECB, rebranding simply as N26 and embarking on an unprecedented pan-European expansion.

Valentin Stalf

Role at N26

Valentin Stalf is an Austrian entrepreneur and technology executive who co-founded N26 in 2013, serving as its Chief Executive Officer. Born in Vienna, Stalf studied business administration at the Vienna University of Economics and Business and the University of St. Gallen, earning a master's degree in accounting and finance. Prior to founding N26, he worked in strategy consulting and gained crucial payment industry experience at Rocket Internet's incubator in Berlin. At N26, Stalf has led product vision, global brand strategy, venture capital fundraising, and the bank's evolution into a licensed European credit institution serving over 8 million customers.

Maximilian Tayenthal

Role at N26

Maximilian Tayenthal is an Austrian entrepreneur, business lawyer, and banking executive who co-founded N26 in 2013, serving as Co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer. Tayenthal holds a master's degree in economics and business administration from the University of St. Gallen, a law degree from the University of Vienna, and is a CFA Charterholder. Prior to N26, he worked in corporate consulting at Booz & Company and in mergers and acquisitions law. At N26, Tayenthal oversees regulatory affairs, corporate governance, banking operations, and financial crime compliance, spearheading the bank's successful engagement with BaFin and the ECB.

Who Founded N26? FAQ

Who founded N26 and in what year was it established?

N26 was founded in 2013 by Valentin Stalf, Maximilian Tayenthal in Berlin, Germany.

What was the original founding vision for N26?

The founders established N26 with the objective of solving core inefficiencies in FinTech, Digital Challenger Banking, Mobile Neobank, Pan-European Retail Banking, Cryptocurrency & Wealth Management, laying the foundation for its current global scale.