In today's fast-paced digital landscape, where technology and creativity intersect, Sven Steger, founder and CEO of Life of Media 360, stands out as a visionary. What started in 2014 as a one-man operation in his apartment has grown into a global full-service media agency with offices in both Germany and the United States. Sven's ability to fuse artificial intelligence with creative media solutions has attracted high-profile clients such as Sony and Oz Pearlman, setting Life of Media 360 apart as an industry leader.
In this interview, we explore Sven's inspiring journey from freelancer to international entrepreneur, his innovative use of AI in media production, and the key challenges of scaling a company in today's competitive global market.
Interview
1. You've built Life of Media 360 into a globally operating company. What was the key to your international success?
My success stems from an unstoppable passion for technology, media, and what I call "classic nerd talk," alongside a clear vision and the ability to evolve continually. Life of Media 360 began as a small freelance project, but from the start, I sought ways to combine technology and creativity to provide our clients with unique, tailor-made solutions. The trust of my international clients has shown me that quality and innovation know no boundaries. Our expansion to Las Vegas was a pivotal step to becoming more globally present and tapping into new markets. Moreover, our U.S. clients appreciate having a local point of contact, especially for larger investments where it's essential to have a solid legal foundation.
2. How do you incorporate artificial intelligence into your production processes, and what benefits does this bring to your clients?
Artificial intelligence allows us to execute projects with even more precision and efficiency. With AI-driven workflows, we can automate complex production steps, enabling us to deliver faster results while maintaining high quality. For our clients, this means they can enjoy creative freedom combined with technological efficiency—whether it's video creation, image editing, or content optimization. AI empowers us to create solutions that are custom-made, innovative, and forward-thinking. Furthermore, AI enables the creation of things that would otherwise be impossible, such as generative video based on animation. Customizing animations without the need for raw layers is groundbreaking and signals the start of an unprecedented era of creativity and technology.
3. You often mention that the pandemic served as the ultimate boost for your business. How did the pandemic reshape your business approach, particularly regarding digitalization?
The pandemic highlighted the importance of flexibility and digital transformation. Early on, those who believed video chats and online conferences would be short-lived soon realized otherwise. The world was forced to digitalize at record speed. Traditional sales meetings that had been the norm disappeared overnight. Our focus shifted to online courses and onboarding platforms. We had to adapt quickly, both internally and for our clients. While many companies struggled to keep their projects going, we leaned heavily into remote workflows and digital processes, allowing us to remain productive even in challenging times. A nearly 700% revenue increase in 2020 confirmed we were on the right track. There's a quote I love: "It's not the strongest or the smartest who win, but those who can best adapt to change." This adaptability has strengthened us for the long term, showing just how valuable digital processes are in media production.
4. You work with global companies like Sony, IBM, Western Digital, and personalities like Oz Pearlman. What makes your agency so attractive to international clients?
I believe it's our ability to strike the perfect balance between creative vision and technical execution. We don't just offer traditional services like video production or web design; we combine these with cutting-edge technologies like AI to take projects to the next level. Another key factor is that we work alongside our clients, going the extra mile when needed. If a project is urgent, it's urgent, and we don't fall back on standard responses like "outside of office hours" or "my colleague is on vacation." We do everything possible to ensure our clients are not left stranded. In my view, nothing is impossible, and when in doubt, there's always a workaround. Our high-profile clients appreciate this approach because they, too, are individuals constantly looking for solutions. That's why they're where they are.
5. Your company is continually growing. How do you ensure that you keep driving innovation and continue to impress your clients?
Innovation and passion are the core of Life of Media 360. We invest in continuous learning and the development of new technologies to stay ahead or, at the very least, keep up with the latest trends. Our team is made up of creative and tech-savvy experts who constantly bring in new ideas and combine them with the latest technological advancements. I firmly believe that growth only happens when you refuse to rest on your laurels and always seek new ways to improve your work.
6. What role does creativity play in your tech-based approach, particularly in blending art and technology?
Creativity is the soul of our work. Technology gives us the tools, but without creative ideas, they're meaningless. We believe that combining art and technology yields the best results, whether it's video production, web design, or digital marketing. Technology doesn't replace creative processes; it supports them. This combination allows us to create things that are both aesthetically appealing and technologically advanced.
7. How does the U.S. market differ from the German one, and how do you adapt your strategies to these different cultures?
The U.S. market is very dynamic and innovation-driven, while the German market tends to be more conservative and focused on long-term partnerships. We've learned to adapt flexibly to the needs of both markets. In the U.S., clients value speed and efficiency, while in Germany, the quality and depth of collaboration are often decisive. Our strategy is to remain present in both markets by offering customized solutions that meet the specific needs of each.
8. You recently received a $6 million investment from a U.S. investor to further develop AI-powered media production. How did this come about, and what new projects or developments can we expect from you?
This investment stems from a long-standing business relationship and friendship with a partner in New York. We've known each other since the days when I was building the company on just a few square meters. His investment allows us to expand our AI-driven solutions and set new standards in media production. We're currently working on projects that will enable fully automated content creation—from concept to completion. This will be especially important in areas like social media and online marketing, where fast and efficient production is crucial. Our clients can expect even more creative freedom and speed in the future.
Outro
Sven Steger has not only written an impressive success story with Life of Media 360 but has also shown how the right balance between technology and creativity can pave the way for the future of media production. With a deep understanding of artificial intelligence and a clear focus on innovative solutions, he has attracted globally recognized companies and personalities as clients. What began as a small project in a single-room apartment has grown into a global agency that continually sets new standards.
It's fascinating to see how Sven manages to combine technological efficiency with creative freedom while always keeping his clients' needs at the forefront. The coming years promise to be exciting, especially with the advancements in generative media production and the expansion of his company into new markets.
We thank Sven Steger for his insightful thoughts and look forward to seeing what innovations he and his team will bring to the media world in the future.
