Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna – and Tillmitsch: Recently, Patrick Ratheiser returned home after a speaking tour across Central Europe. Together with a globally operating IT company, Ratheiser— in his role as the founder of the high-tech company Leftshift One—presented the latest technologies and concepts from the world of artificial intelligence to professional audiences. The native Carinthian, who has lived in Tillmitsch with his family for years, is already considered an acknowledged expert in the industry. This profile is now officially recognized by the Austrian edition of the renowned US business magazine Forbes, which names Ratheiser as one of the 22 most influential entrepreneurs and top managers of the year. The high-ranking jury—including decision-makers from business, science, and media—stated in their reasoning that Ratheiser (along with Technical CEO and co-founder Christian Weber) “recognized the spirit of the times early on with technologies and concepts related to artificial intelligence.” The jurors even believe that Leftshift One (40 employees) is “certainly one of the future companies in the country.”

“We are very pleased with this award, which is a credit to our entire young team. It shows that with a lot of determination, a healthy dose of courage, and new, innovation-oriented technologies, one can leave a footprint,” Ratheiser expresses with delight. Before founding Leftshift One, he worked as an IT project manager and “Agile Coach” for an internationally operating software and telecommunications provider, particularly in the field of large software solutions, after starting his career as a software developer. This experience has proven valuable, as this is not the first time the 38-year-old has received an award from the US business magazine: in 2020, he was already recognized with Leftshift One as one of the most promising AI companies in Europe.